Can You Use Google Voice Without a Phone Number?
Do you want to make free calls, write text messages, and use voicemail without restrictions? Then use Google Voice, a service that provides instant and accessible communication.
Google Voice is one of the most convenient and popular services that helps maintain anonymity, avoid unnecessary registrations, and completely abandon the SIM card.
However, can you use Google Voice without a phone number? Find out a detailed answer in this article.
What is Google Voice and How Does It Work?
Google Voice is a free service from Google that makes it possible to receive and use a virtual number for various purposes: calls, SMS, voicemail, etc. At the same time, the service is fully online, so it is easy to synchronize with any device.
The main functions of the service include:
- Call forwarding.
- SMS receiving.
- Transcription of voicemail into text.
- Spam blocking.
- Integration with Gmail.
Google Voice is usually used for personal and work needs, especially by those who want to separate the main number from the secondary number or often communicate with the United States from abroad through US virtual phone number services.
Why Would You Want to Use Google Voice Without a Phone Number?
In today’s world, users are looking for an alternative to traditional telephone service for several reasons:
- Anonymity β users do not want to link their personal numbers to online services.
- The lack of a SIM card β many people want to communicate not only on their phone but also on their tablet or computer.
- Additional number β some people want an additional number for work or socializing.
- Traveling β buying a virtual number that works over the Internet is more profitable than roaming.
Thus, Google Voice can be an ideal solution β if you can do it without linking to a real number.
Can I Use Google Voice Without a Phone Number?
Unfortunately, at the stage of registration in the service, Google Voice requires user verification using an existing mobile number. However, after confirmation, you can use Google Voice on your computer or tablet without a SIM card, receiving and sending calls and messages over the Internet.
*Discover: How to Make an Anonymous Call? Working & Effective Ways.
How to Use Google Voice Without a Phone Number
Despite the strict rules of Google Voice, there are still several ways to use the service without a phone number. Below you will find two of the most popular ones.
Method 1 β Using a Virtual Phone Number
The most popular way to bypass Google Voice registration using a private number is to use a virtual number for verification code. Today, there are a large number of services that provide virtual numbers all over the world. Among the most high-quality and trusted services are eSIM Plus, Hushed, Burner, and Text Now. They provide temporary or permanent numbers, often with US and Canadian codes, which are suitable for Google Voice verification.
First, you need to get a virtual number by following the instructions:
- Create an account in the chosen online service.
- Enter a virtual number during your registration in Google Voice.
- Receive a confirmation code in the app.
- Confirm it in the Google Voice app.
Thatβs it!
*Note: Not all virtual numbers are stable, and Google may reject some of them, especially if they have been used before.
Method 2 β Using a Friendβs Number Temporarily
The second most popular method is to temporarily use a friend’s or family member’s phone number for a one-time verification of a Google Voice account.
However, this method has some risks of data leakage, and privacy issues, as well as the expediency of this action when there is a more convenient way in the form of using a virtual number.
*Discover: Which Carries Support eSIM in USA? Start to Use Online Telephony for Stable Connection.
What Happens If You Skip Phone Verification?
Unfortunately, it is impossible to use Google Voice without confirming a third-party phone number, which means that using the service will be difficult and the user will face several restrictions:
- It is impossible to get a Google Voice number.
- It is impossible to make calls and text messages.
- Call forwarding is not working.
- Limited access to settings.
Thus, Google Voice does not work without phone number verification.
Can You Receive Calls and Texts Without Linking a Phone Number?
It is not possible to use calls and messages in Google Voice without linking a phone number. To get full access to the functionality of the service, you need to verify the phone number.
App vs. Web: Which Version Works Better Without a Number?
If you talk about which version of Google Voice works better without verifying a mobile number, then this is the web version that allows you to:
- Get access to settings and the interface.
- Manage your account and features.
- Use a service without an Installation on a PC.
At the same time, the service’s mobile app has a number of limits:
- Restricts actions without a number.
- The main functions are unavailable.
- It periodically requires login with confirmation of the number.
That is, if you do not want to enter your personal number to register in Google Voice, then it is better to choose the web version.
Using Google Voice for Gmail or Google Account Only
Google Voice can only be used with a previously registered Google account. In this case:
- Calls and SMS messages via the Internet will become available.
- You will only need an active Google account to log in.
- You do not need to link a number, as Google Voice is already active.
However, confirmation of a third-party number is required at the first registration. Without this, the service will not issue a number and will not activate.
Can You Use a Google Voice Without a SIM Card?
You can use Google Voice without a SIM card, however, if you have previously purchased a Voice number. In this case, the following points will be available on devices with Wi-Fi support:
- Calls and SMS via the Internet.
- It works in an app or browser.
- You only need a Google account with an active Voice number.
*Note: For the first activation, you need a SIM card or another verification number.
Pros and Cons of Using Google Voice Without a Phone Number
Let’s compare the use of Google Voice with and without a phone number:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| βοΈ Anonymity β your personal number is not disclosed, βοΈ Free access to the interface and settings, βοΈ Without a SIM card, it works via Wi-Fi on any device. | β If the number is not activated, you cannot call or write, β Limited functionality β the service is almost unavailable, β It is mandatory to verify the number for full use. |
That is, using Google Voice without a number is possible but useless as a means of communication.
Googleβs Official Policy on Phone Number Requirements
Google officially requires you to provide a phone number when registering for Google Voice. This is a mandatory step to verify the user’s identity and prevent fraud. Without a verified number, you will not be able to get a Google Voice number and use the service for calls or messages.
Alternative to Google Voice Without Needing a Number
If you want an alternative application without specifying your personal number during registration, then here are some services that may be useful to you:
- TextNow β provides a free virtual number, works via Wi-Fi, and often does not require an initial number.
- Dingtone β provides a virtual number and VoIP calls, there is a free tariff, and the number can be obtained inside the application.
- TextFree β allows you to send SMS and make calls for free, registration is possible without linking a SIM.
Thus, there should be no particular difficulties in finding and choosing an alternative service to Google Voice.
Final Verdict: Can You Use Google Voice Without a Phone Number?
Google Voice can be used without specifying a phone number but all its functions will be limited. To get full access to the functionality of the service, it is recommended to enter a phone number (a virtual phone call) for quick registration and subsequent use.
