{"id":3979,"date":"2025-04-03T06:01:26","date_gmt":"2025-04-03T10:01:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/?p=3979"},"modified":"2025-04-03T06:10:26","modified_gmt":"2025-04-03T10:10:26","slug":"google-voice-call-forwarding-apps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/google-voice-call-forwarding-apps","title":{"rendered":"Google Voice call forwarding: How it works &amp; its limits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Thinking about using <a href=\"https:\/\/workspace.google.com\/products\/voice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Voice call forwarding<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Call forwarding can be crucial for staying connected, ensuring you never miss an important call &#8211; whether you&#8217;re on the go or managing multiple phone numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you get to it, let\u2019s take a closer look at what you\u2019re actually signing up for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, we\u2019ll walk you through setting up call forwarding with Google Voice, explore it\u2019s key limitations, and introduce an alternative call forwarding service like Google Voice, so you can decide what\u2019s best for your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-does-google-voice-call-forwarding-work\"><strong>How does Google Voice call forwarding work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Google Voice\u2019s call forwarding lets you redirect your incoming calls to other phone numbers, whether you&#8217;re using Wi-Fi or mobile data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It also offers a few extra features, like voicemail greetings for specific contacts and call screening so you can decide whether to pick up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But while it sounds convenient, Google Voice call forwarding app comes with quite a few limitations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ITC-listitems\">\n<li>You can only forward calls to <strong>6<\/strong> linked phone numbers. (And none of them can be another Google Voice number)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forwarding to toll-free numbers is tricky and often doesn\u2019t work.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It doesn\u2019t allow simultaneous ringing, so teammates can\u2019t share the workload in real-time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Oh, and also here\u2019s something to watch out for &#8211; Google Voice warns that forwarding calls may trigger external carrier charges. So, if you\u2019re forwarding calls frequently, those costs could add up fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need a more flexible, business-friendly call forwarding solution, you might want to explore other options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-set-up-call-forwarding-in-google-voice\"><strong>How to set up call forwarding in Google Voice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re still looking to move forward with Google Voice call forwarding, you\u2019ll first need to link your phone numbers. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 1: Link Your Numbers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list ITC-listitems\">\n<li>Go to <a href=\"https:\/\/voice.google.com\/u\/0\/about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">voice.google.com<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click on <strong>Settings <\/strong>and select <strong>Account<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Under Linked Numbers, click <strong>+ New linked number<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enter the phone number(s) you want to link, then click <strong>Send <\/strong>code.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enter the verification code you receive and click <strong>Verify<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Note: <\/em><\/strong><em>On their free version, you can only link to US phone numbers and must have a US mobile number to sign up.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>Step 2: Set Up Custom Call Forwarding Rules<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Once you\u2019ve linked your numbers, you can create custom call forwarding rules:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list ITC-listitems\">\n<li><em>Go to voice.google.com on a computer.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Open <strong>Settings <\/strong>and click <strong>Calls<\/strong>.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Under <strong>Custom Call Forwarding<\/strong>, click <strong>Create a Rule<\/strong>.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Enter or search for the contacts you want to apply this rule to.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Choose how you want to handle these calls: Forward to one or more linked numbers, Send to voicemail, Screen caller IDs, etc.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Click <strong>Save <\/strong>to store your call forwarding rule.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"google-phone-system-limitations\"><strong>Google phone system limitations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Google Voice\u2019s call forwarding features might seem helpful at first, but there&#8217;s more to it. From confusing call management to hidden costs, here are some major limitations to keep in mind before you commit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Three-way calling isn\u2019t exactly \u2018great\u2019<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Need to hop on a quick 3-way call?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With Google Voice, that can get weird fast. If you try to add a third person to your call, your actual mobile number &#8211; not your Google Voice number, gets shown to the second person you invite. So much for keeping your personal number private.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;<em>Okay so what can I do?<\/em>&#8220;, you may ask. Using <a href=\"https:\/\/meet.google.com\/landing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Meet<\/a> instead of making a direct call. Not exactly convenient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Your calls, texts, and voicemails are all in diff. places<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ever had to piece together a conversation across multiple inboxes? That\u2019s <em>kind-a<\/em> what happens with Google Voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a customer calls, texts and leaves a voicemail, each of these &nbsp;end up in a different folder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s not exactly convenient is it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of seeing everything in one thread, you\u2019ll have to dig through separate tabs trying to make sense of what\u2019s going on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And if you\u2019re working with a team? Keeping everyone on the same page gets even trickier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. No integrations outside of Google apps<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re already using Google Workspace, Google Voice will play nice with apps like Gmail, Google Calendar and Google Meet. But, let&#8217;s say you integrate with 3rd party CRMs, helpdesks or automation tools? You\u2019re out of luck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/best-voip-cell-phone-service-provider\">VoIP systems<\/a> that connect seamlessly with HubSpot, Salesforce, Slack and Zapier, Google Voice keeps you tied inside the Google ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Very limited call forwarding options<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Google Voice does let you forward calls, but don\u2019t expect anything too advanced now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For starters, you can\u2019t forward voicemails. You also can\u2019t automatically forward text messages. Want to forward texts to multiple emails? Nope, no can do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Google Voice is not available worldwide<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/voice\/thread\/211554354\/can-i-use-the-free-google-voice-in-canada-at-all-are-there-any-other-sites-i-could-use-alternativel?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">free version<\/a> is only available in the US, and even the paid version has a limited list of supported countries. Plus, <strong>ONLY <\/strong>US customers can send text messages through Google Voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And if you\u2019re traveling or working remotely overseas? You\u2019ll need to use your phone\u2019s minutes for international calls, which defeats the purpose of having a VoIP system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. No extensions or call flows<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your business has more than 2 people, Google Voice might feel a bit limiting. There are no extensions or call flows, meaning you can\u2019t easily direct calls to different departments or teammates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll basically be stuck manually forwarding calls, leading to missed connections and a frustrating call process. If you&#8217;re planning to scale, that\u2019s far from ideal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. <strong>It&#8217;s only available in some countries<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Thinking about using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/google-voice-for-business\">Google Voice for your business<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure it\u2019s actually available where you operate. Google Voice is only offered in a handful of countries, including the US, Canada and parts of Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. No desktop app<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you prefer working from your computer, Google Voice forces you to rely on a web browser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no standalone desktop app, which means you\u2019re limited to using Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9. No toll free and vanity numbers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Google Voice doesn\u2019t offer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/Numbers\/Toll-Free-Phone-Numbers.aspx\">toll free numbers<\/a>, which means your customers may have to pay extra just to call you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And if you were hoping for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/Numbers\/Vanity-Phone-Numbers.aspx\">vanity number<\/a>, something catchy like <strong><em>1-800-FIX-HOME<\/em><\/strong> to make your business easier to remember, you\u2019re out of luck there too. Google Voice doesn\u2019t support them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10. Customer support? You&#8217;re mostly on your own<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Running into issues?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t expect <a>hands on<\/a> help. Google Voice doesn\u2019t offer direct customer support, just an online help forum where you can sift through posts, hoping someone else has had (and probably solved) the same problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aside from that? Your best bet is Googling your way to a solution. Not exactly the best if you need quick assistance to keep your business running smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"switch-to-i-tele-center-the-best-google-voice-alternative\"><strong>Switch to iTeleCenter, the best Google Voice alternative<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"619\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/US_virtual_number_features.png\" alt=\"iTeleCenter is the Best Google Voice call forwarding app for iPhone, Android\" class=\"wp-image-2161\" style=\"width:600px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/US_virtual_number_features.png 619w, https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/US_virtual_number_features-300x268.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 619px) 100vw, 619px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Google Voice is a pretty good choice for personal use, but Google Voice\u2019s call forwarding is pretty basic. If your business is growing, you\u2019ll feel those limits fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cue <a href=\"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/\">iTeleCenter<\/a>. A modern phone system built for entrepreneurs and businesses, offering everything from calls and texts to smart VoIP <a href=\"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/Features\/Call-Forwarding.aspx\">call forwarding<\/a>, auto-replies, auto replies, and more all in one platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thousands of businesses have already made the switch. See why for yourself with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/Pricing-and-Plans.aspx\">free fourteen-day trial<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#how-does-google-voice-call-forwarding-work\">How does Google Voice call forwarding work?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-to-set-up-call-forwarding-in-google-voice\">How to set up call forwarding in Google Voice<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#google-phone-system-limitations\">Google phone system limitations<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#switch-to-i-tele-center-the-best-google-voice-alternative\">Switch to iTeleCenter, the best Google Voice alternative<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Thinking about using Google Voice call forwarding? Call forwarding can be crucial for staying connected, ensuring you never miss an important call &#8211; whether you&#8217;re on the go or managing multiple phone numbers. Before you get to it, let\u2019s take a closer look at what you\u2019re actually signing up for. In this guide, we\u2019ll walk [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":3996,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-container-style":"default","site-container-layout":"default","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-transparent-header":"default","disable-article-header":"default","disable-site-header":"default","disable-site-footer":"default","disable-content-area-spacing":"default","footnotes":""},"categories":[105],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3979","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3979","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3979"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3979\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4008,"href":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3979\/revisions\/4008"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3996"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3979"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3979"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3979"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}