In the event you purchase a number from NumberBarn and want to port it to Google Voice, this guide is for you.
Landline/Wireline Numbers
Our numbers are classified as landline/wireline numbers. Google Voice does not support landline/wireline numbers therefore you must port the number to a mobile provider first before porting to Google Voice.
The instructions below will walk you through how to quickly & inexpensively port your NumberBarn number to a mobile provider, then port it to Google Voice.
If you have an existing number with another wireline/landline provider that you want to port to Google Voice, these instructions might also apply, without having to port it to NumberBarn. Please check with Google Voice to verify.
STOP: Do this first
Before you start to port your NumberBarn number to Google Voice, do a "rate center check" on the number using the Google Voice Number Porting Tool. Click Here to access the tool. When you enter your phone number you will see one of the following messages.
Message: Ooops! This number appears to be from an area we don't currently support.
Google Voice does not support porting of all area codes. If you see this message when you enter your NumberBarn phone number, you will not be able to port you number to Google Voice. You can only port your number to a provider that can support it. Either find a provider that can support it or reach out to NumberBarn support to help you find a new number.
Message: Ooops! We currently don't support porting from your carrier. We apologize and are working on adding support for more carriers.
This is a good sign because this means they can support the rate center. But, as you know, your number is a landline with NumberBarn. Once your land line number is ported to a mobile provider (instructions below), it will be able to be ported to Google Voice. Continue reading and follow the steps below to convert your land line number to a mobile number. Then you can port it to Google Voice.
Steps to Port to a Mobile Provider then to Google Voice
You will need to acquire a wireless carrier SIM Card. The most cost effective wireless carrier we found is Ting Mobile. Ting Mobile GSM SIMs are available locally (Best Buy, Target, Walmart, etc.) for approximately $5 to $10. Amazon has them as well. Direct purchase from Ting Mobile online is another option but may take 3-5 business days for shipping. Google Voice charges $20 to port a number in. Additionally, you’ll need access to an unlocked GSM compatible phone to house the Ting Mobile SIM long enough to complete Google’s verification requirements. This phone may be "borrowed". It does not need to be your active cell phone.
Check Ting Rates here. We recommend the single line at $6. Google Voice will send a call and text for verification. This will count as 1 or 2 minutes falling into Ting’s 1-100 usage minutes for an additional charge of $3.
- Go to Ting.com and click Activate.
- Sign in to your Ting account by entering your email and password and clicking Sign in, or select Create one to begin creating your new Ting account if needed.
- Select your Ting SIM card.
- If you are asked, enter your SIM card number (ICCID). This can be found on the back of the card the SIM came with, or on the SIM itself and Continue.
- Click on Select under Bring a number you already have and enter the number you want to transfer. Click Continue. If the number can be ported to Ting you'll proceed to the next page; if it is not eligible, you'll get a message letting you know.
- Fill in the porting away information you have on file with NumberBarn in the number transfer form and then click Done. (You can find your NumberBarn account details here)
- Once you have successfully completed the form with the required info, Ting will let you know that your number transfer is in progress.
Insert the Ting-Mobile SIM into the phone being used. Next, follow Google's guidance here.
Google Voice Steps:
- Check number
- Review Porting Conditions
- Account Information
- Confirm Transaction
- Checkout
A few reminders about porting to Google Voice (as they alert you in the process):
- Mobile numbers typically port in 24-48 hours if there are no issues. Numbers that were originally landlines may take longer (which NumberBarn numbers are all classified as wireline)
- Once, porting is complete, you will not be able to receive calls to your mobile phone until you complete the following steps:
- Set up a new mobile service plan (with your existing carrier or a new carrier) and request a new number.
- Add this new number to your Google Voice account as a forwarding phone in order to receive calls on your mobile phone.
- If you already have a Google number on this Google Voice account, it will be replaced by the number that you are porting and will be completely removed from your account 90 days after porting is complete. During those 90 days you will still be able to receive calls to that number. You will be able to make that number permanent for a one time $20 fee.
Please note this guide is to be used as a suggested reference. Instructions can be changed at any time due to outside providers updating their website. Instructions are for Google Voice only and do not apply to Google Fi. To port to Google Fi, use our standard Port Away Information.