In the event you purchase a number 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 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. Please check with Google Voice to verify.
STOP: Do this first
Before you start to port your 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 phone number, you will not be able to port your 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 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. Once your landline 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 landline 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. Check your local Best Buy, Target, Walmart or even Amazon to get a SIM card for about $5-$10.
Google Voice charges $20 to port a number in.
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 (Our 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.
- It's important to note that when you activate service with Google Voice you don't actually own your number with them until you pay an "activation fee" of $20. This may also come into play if you with to port a number FROM Google Voice TO NumberBarn or NumberGarage.
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.
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