Table of Contents
Introduction
People enjoy using Google Voice because it is affordable, provides essential features, and is suitable for small businesses. However, while it satisfies the requirements of certain businesses, it may not be the best fit for others. As a result, while some businesses choose to stick with Google Voice, others seek out alternatives that offer superior features and support.
Whether you’re switching from Google Voice to another provider or vice versa, you would want to keep your business number with you because that’s the number your customers identify you with. When porting a Google Voice number, it’s crucial to follow the instructions and guidelines provided by the carriers involved.
In this article, we will cover all possible scenarios and try to answer all questions that you might have on porting numbers to and from Google Voice.
How To Port A Google Voice Number: The Process
- Connect with Google Voice and Unlock Your Number
- Get in touch with your service provider
- Pay the $3 fee
- Ask your service provider to initiate the porting request
- Check the porting status
- See if your number is active
- Cancel your service with Google Voice
We understand that porting your Google Voice. number can seem daunting. But you need not worry as we’ve explained this process in greater depth. Check out the detailed process below:
Step 1: Connect with Google Voice and Unlock Your Number
The very first thing that you need to do in order to port your google voice number is to unlock your number from Google Voice. Here’s how you can do that:
- Visit http://www.google.com/voice/unlock
- Enter your Login details
- Go to Settings > Account
- You’ll see your Google Voice Number. Just click on ‘Unlock’.
- Once you click on ‘Unlock’, you’ll get a prompt like this:
- Click ‘Yes’ to proceed.
Now your number is ready to be ported out. Google will then initiate a porting process. .
Step 2: Get in Touch With Your Service Provider
Once you have unlocked your number, it is time to get in touch with the service provider that you have switched to. If you’re signing up with Emitrr, then you need to provide the following details to have your number ported:
- The phone number you want to port
- Your name as it is with your old service provider
- Account number from the previous provider
- PIN of Google Voice account (You’ll find it in your account itself)
- The billing address the previous provider has on file for you
- A letter of authorization
Step 3: Pay The $3 Fee
You will have to pay Google $3 to have your number ported.
Step 4: Ask Your Current Service Provider to Take up The Porting Request.
For this, they will need to submit an LOA to the NNID (Net Number ID).
NNID, short for NetNumber ID is a six-digit number that is assigned by NetNumber. This is a unique identification number that is given to a service provider (in this case, Google Voice). This number typically defines which carrier a particular number belongs to.
A Letter of Authorization is a document that needs to be filled out and signed by the customer. This document gives permission to one carrier to port a Google Voice number. An LOA requires the following information:
- Name of the account or company registered with the current carrier
- Address fields: Street number, City, State/Province, Postal/Zip Code
- Name of the current carrier
- Billing Telephone Number on record with the carrier
- Number required to be ported
- Legible and authorized signature of the end-user
- Name of the authorized person
- The date on which the LOA was agreed to and signed on
Step 5: Check Your Porting Status
If the number porting is successful, Google will show that your number has been unlocked.
Step 6: Check if Your Number is Active
Check with your current service provider whether the ported number is active.
Step 7: Cancel Service With Google Voice
Once the number is active, cancel your service with Google Voice. Do not cancel the service before because if there are any issues with porting your number and you have cancelled the service beforehand, you’ll be stuck, and you might not get your number back.
How to Port a Number From Google Voice to Specific Providers
In addition to following the aforementioned process, here are some additional steps that you need to follow based on the provider you choose.
How to Port a Google Voice Number to Xfinity Mobile
For this, you need to follow the steps mentioned in the section ‘How to port a Google Voice number to another provider?’. Additionally, you need to contact Xfinity and ask them to submit an LOA to Google including the following details:
- The 10-digit number you want to port
- Account number
- Google Voice PIN
- Street address of Google
Porting a Google Voice Number to Verizon
For porting into Verizon, you need to follow the steps mentioned in the section ‘How to port a Google Voice number to another provider?’. Additionally, you need to contact Verizon and ask them to submit an LOA to Google with the following details:
- The 10-digit number you want to port
- Account number
- Google Voice PIN
- Street address of Google
How to Transfer Google Voice to Google Fi
You first need to sign up with Google Fi. Once you do, place a port-out request on Google Voice as you’d normally do. You can have a Google Voice and Google Fi number in the same account.
The transfer will begin when you activate your Google Fi service on your phone. It can take a few business days for the transfer to complete. For more assistance, you can head to https://support.google.com/fi/gethelp?sjid=6238015845749368686-AP.
How to Port Google Voice Number to AT&T
For porting to AT&T, you need to follow the steps mentioned in the section ‘How to port a Google Voice number to another provider?’. Additionally, you need to contact AT&T and ask them to submit an LOA to Google with the following details:
- The 10-digit number you want to port
- Account number
- Google Voice PIN
- Street address of Google
Porting a Google Voice Number to Cricket
You cannot directly port your Google Voice number to Cricket as it doesn’t support VoIP or Google Voice. You’ll first need to port the Google Voice number to a carrier and then port it to Cricket.
How to Port a Google Voice Number to Mint Mobile
Unlock your Google Voice number, and give Mint Mobile your 10-digit Google Voice number and the Google Voice PIN to access voicemail. The process to port out your Google Voice number remains the same. Refer to common process mentioned above.
Porting a Google Voice Number to RingCentral
The process to port out your Google Voice number to RingCentral remains the same as porting out to any other carrier. Refer to the aforementioned common process. For more assistance check out https://netstorage.ringcentral.com/uk/documents/number_transfer_checklist.pdf.
Porting a Google Voice Number to
T-mobile
For this, you need to follow the steps mentioned in the section ‘How to port a Google Voice number to another provider?’. Additionally, you need to contact AT&T and ask them to submit an LOA to Google with the following details:
- The 10-digit number you want to port
- Account number
- Google Voice PIN
- Street address of Google
How to Port a Google Voice Number to Visible
For porting to Visible, you need to follow the steps mentioned in the section ‘How to port a Google Voice number to another provider?’. Additionally, you need to contact Visible and ask them to submit an LOA to Google with the following details:
- The 10-digit number you want to port
- Your Google Voice account number
- Google Voice PIN
- Street address of Google
How to Port a Number to Google Voice: The Process
Now that you have learned how to port a Google Voice number out of Google Voice to another provider, it is now time to learn about porting a number into Google Voice.
Here are some easy steps that you can follow:
Step-1: Open Google Voice and enter your login details.
Step-2: Click on ‘Settings’ > ‘Account’
Step-3: Under ‘Accounts’, click on ‘Port a number to Google Voice’
Step-4: Click on Port a number > Get Started
Step-5: Enter the phone number that you want to port. Google Voice will send you a text message with a six-digit code.
Step-6: Enter the code you received.
Step-7: If your number is eligible for porting, you will be directed towards entering your carrier account information. To access this information you can check your carrier’s website.
Step-8: You will need to pay $20 to port your number to Google Voice. Make the payment. Google will send you the receipt via email after successfully completing the payment.
Step-9: Track the porting progress.
Step 1: Go to Google Voice > Settings > Account
Step 2: Under Account, click on Track your progress. You will see an estimated time for porting the number, given that your account details are verified.
If you don’t see ‘Track your progress’ as an option, then resubmit your porting request.
To check if you can port a number to Google Voice, simply go to https://www.google.com/voice/b/0/porting. You will be directed to a porting eligibility tool that looks like this
Enter the number that you want to port and click on ‘Check for available options’. If the number is eligible, you’ll be asked to enter the carrier account information. If it is ineligible, then you’ll receive a message that ‘porting your mobile number to Google Voice is unavailable’.
In some cases, this tool will tell you that your ‘area’ is not supported. If you get that message, stop trying as there’s no workaround for the same. Your number cannot be ported.
Another response that you can get is ‘Your number belongs to a carrier that we don’t support’. Well, in that case, you can simply port your number to a different carrier and then port it to Google Voice.
What we have mentioned above is a generic process that is applicable to all providers. However, when it comes to porting a number from a specific provider to Google Voice, there are some additional steps involved. Check these out to ensure a smooth porting process.
How to Port Numbers From Specific Providers To Google Voice
How to Port a Canadian Number to Google Voice
Considering the fact that Canada’s wireless prices are the highest in the world, it is natural for businesses to opt for VoIP to cut down costs. If you are a customer of Google Workspace, you can access Google Voice, but only the paid version. If you are not a Google Workspace customer, then you can become one by picking the package that best suits your needs:
Before you opt for either of these plans, keep these things in mind:
- You don’t get toll-free numbers
- Google Voice is available in just 14 countries (this is important if your operations are spread globally)
- Texting isn’t supported by Google Voice in Canada
Now let’s talk about porting.
If you want to port a Google Voice number in Canada, then you need to sign up for the business-class version of Google Voice. Though there is a free version, it is only available in the USA. The paid version, however, is available in Canada. You can access it by clicking on https://workspace.google.com/products/voice/.
If you want to send SMSs through Google Voice, then we’d suggest that you use a dedicated business messaging service like Emitrr for the same that offers advanced texting capabilities, such as mass texting, schedule-based texting, appointment scheduling, sending review requests via text, group texting, and more.
Port a Canadian Number From Google Voice
The process to port out a Google Voice number in Canada is quite simple. All you need to do is Go to Google Voice and follow the basic porting procedure as explained above. Make sure to select a good service provider that offers more features than just what Google Voice does. Pay the applicable fees, complete all the paperwork, and only cancel your account with Google Voice once the porting process is complete and your number is active with your new service provider.
Port a Number to Google Voice While Abroad
You cannot port a Google Voice number while abroad; you will have to initiate porting while in the US. If you’re thinking of using VPN, you need to drop that idea as it will not work.
Here’s what you can do abroad with Google Voice:
- Place and receive phone calls using VoIP
- Send and receive text messages over Wi-Fi or mobile data
Here’s what you cannot do with Google Voice abroad:
- Forward your Google Voice number to a non-US number
- Initiate 2FA (Google Voice numbers are considered to be landline numbers)
Port Vonage Number to Google Voice
What you need:
- A prepaid phone/SIM (Preferably AT&T Prepaid or T-Mobile Prepaid) You will need to call the prepaid carrier before activating the SIM.
- A minimum purchase of calling minutes (to place and answer a few test calls)
Steps to follow:
- Port the number into your mobile carrier
- Wait for a week for the porting process to complete
- Port the number into Google Voice (Follow the steps mentioned in the section ‘How to port a Google Voice number to Google Voice?’)
- You’ll receive a notification that your number has been successfully ported.
Things to keep in mind:
- Do not make multiple attempts to port your number, as the porting might get stuck and even fail.
- Before going through the entire process, make sure to check the porting eligibility tool to see if your number can be ported or not
- Porting the number to your mobile carrier is an important step here as Google Voice accepts port-ins from mobile carriers only
How to Port Number From Ooma to Google Voice
Just like Google Voice, Ooma numbers are also considered to be landline numbers. Hence, you will need to first port your Ooma number to a carrier, and then initiate a porting process from the carrier to Google Voice. The instructions to port a Google Voice number remains the same.
How to Port a Google Fi Number to Google Voice
To port a Google Fi number to Google Voice, you first need to transfer your Google Fi number to a new carrier. Then you can port that number from the carrier to Google Voice. The instructions to port a Google Voice number remains the same.
How to Port Centurylink Number to Google Voice
For that, you will first need to port the Centurylink number to a mobile phone carrier. Then you can port the number to Google Voice by following the basic porting instructions.
How to Port Comcast Number to Google Voice
First, you need to check the eligibility of your number getting ported by clicking on https://www.google.com/voice/b/0/porting. If your number is eligible, then you first need to port it to a prepaid carrier and then port it to Google Voice. The instructions to port a Google Voice number remains the same.
How to Port Number From AT&T to Google Voice
If you want to port a number from AT&T to Google Voice, then you first need to go to https://voice.google.com/u/0/settings. There, you’ll see your current Google Voice number. Click on ‘change’. When we say ‘current Google Voice number, we mean that you need to log in to Google Voice and get a temporary number first. You cannot port in your AT&T number to Google Voice before getting a temporary number first. Once you have your temporary number, you can click on change and initiate the porting request. Doing so will take you to GV’s legacy page to port your AT&T number. The process for porting your number will remain the same.
How to Port Number From Magicjack to Google Voice
First, you need to check the eligibility of your number getting ported by clicking on https://www.google.com/voice/b/0/porting. If your number is eligible, then you first need to port it to a prepaid carrier and then port it to Google Voice. The instructions to port a Google Voice number remains the same.
How to Port RingCentral Number to Google Voice
The process of porting a RingCentral number is similar to that of porting a number from AT&T to Google Voice. You first need to check the eligibility of your RingCentral number (which is a VoIP number), then select from a list of temporary numbers in Google Voice, then click on ‘change’ and port your RingCentral number to Google Voice. The instructions to port a Google Voice number from there remain the same.
How to port Sideline Number to Google Voice
Sideline numbers are VoIP numbers. To port your Sideline number to Google Voice, you will first need to check the eligibility of your number for porting. If your number is eligible, you will have to initiate a port-out request on your Sideline App. You will need to port your Sideline number to a mobile carrier first, only then will you be able to port that number to Google Voice. The instructions to port a Google Voice number from there remain the same.
How to Port Skype Number to Google Voice
First, you need to check the eligibility of your number getting ported by clicking on https://www.google.com/voice/b/0/porting. If your number is eligible, then you first need to port it to a prepaid carrier and then port it to Google Voice. The instructions to port a Google Voice number remains the same.
How to Port Spectrum Number to Google Voice
First, you need to check the eligibility of your number getting ported by clicking on https://www.google.com/voice/b/0/porting. If your number is eligible, then you first need to port it to a prepaid carrier and then port it to Google Voice. The instructions to port a Google Voice number remains the same.
How to Port Sprint Number to Google Voice
Here you only need to follow the basic porting process of Google Voice. Login to Google Voice, go to Settings > Account > Port a number > Get started. Enter the required details and initiate the porting request. However, you need to contact Sprint first and get the following details:
- The number you want to port
- Name of the account holder
- Spring account number
- 6-10 digit Sprint PIN
How to Port Straight Talk Number to Google Voice
Here you only need to follow the basic porting process of Google Voice. Login to Google Voice, go to Settings > Account > Port a number > Get started. Enter the required details and initiate the porting request.
How to Port a T-mobile Number to Google Voice
Login to Google Voice and get a temporary number first. Then go to MENU > LEGACY GOOGLE VOICE. From there, go to Settings > Phones Tab > Change/Port. From there, select ‘I want to use my mobile number’. Follow the instructions on the screen, pay the fee and your request will be placed. Keep these things handy before initiating the request:
- The T-mobile number you want to port
- Account holder’s name
- T-Mobile account number
How to Port Talkatone Number to Google Voice
Talkatone is a virtual service. First, you need to check the eligibility of your number getting ported by clicking on https://www.google.com/voice/b/0/porting. If your number is eligible, then you first need to port it to a prepaid carrier and then port it to Google Voice. The instructions to port a Google Voice number remains the same.
How to Port a Tracfone Number to Google Voice
Here you only need to follow the basic porting process of Google Voice. Login to Google Voice, go to Settings > Account > Port a number > Get started. Enter the required details and initiate the porting request.
How to Port Ultra Mobile to Google Voice
Here you only need to follow the basic porting process of Google Voice. Login to Google Voice, go to Settings > Account > Port a number > Get started. Enter the required details and initiate the porting request.
How to Port a Landline Number to Google Voice
You cannot port a landline number or home phone number to Google Voice directly. First, you will have to port your landline number to a mobile carrier. Once that is done, then you can port your number from the carrier to Google Voice. The instructions to port a Google Voice number remains the same.
How to Port a Toll-Free Number to Google Voice
If you’re wanting to port your business number or toll-free number to Google Voice, follow these steps:
- Login to Google Voice. Go to Number Porting > Create a port order
- Enter your port name, enter your country name and click continue
- Enter the name and phone number of the person you want to contact about this port order under ‘Identify your primary contact’
- Enter the port details as required, check the box ‘I authorize Google Voice’ and click Continue.
- You can review your port order by going to Tasks > View Details
For more information, head to https://support.google.com/a/answer/9049997?sjid=919420538881167064-AP
How to Port a US Number to Google Voice
To port your US-cellular number to google voice, you only need to follow the basic porting process of Google Voice. Login to Google Voice, go to Settings > Account > Port a number > Get started. Enter the required details and initiate the porting request.
Bonus: What Alternatives Should I Consider While Porting a Google Voice Number?
Just like you, a lot of Google Voice users are switching from the platform due to inefficiencies in spam call filtering, issues with syncing text messages, Google’s tendency to sunset products, lack of integrations, basic functionalities, and poor customer support. It’s always great to consider Google Voice alternatives that offer better capabilities and support and reduce your workload.
Once you’ve chosen your perfect alternative, then all you need to do is follow the aforementioned steps and get started! Here’s a list of the top Google Voice Alternatives and their comparison for your reference:
Frequently Asked Questions
#1: Can I keep my existing number while porting away from Google Voice?
Answer
Yes, you can keep your existing number even after porting it out of Google Voice.
#2: What to do if you have problems porting your number to Google Voice?
Answer
While placing porting requests, you can get a couple of error messages such as:
- Incomplete port request
- Invalid name or phone number
- Port request already exists
- The request cannot be completed
In such a case, you can cancel and restart a port order. For that, go to your Administrator account. Head to Menu > Apps > Google Workspace > Google Voice > Port a number > Cancel port. Then go to the Number porting page again and restart the port order.
#3: How much time does it take to port out a Google Voice number?
Answer
If your porting into Google Voice:
- It takes 48 hours to port phone numbers
- It takes 3 business days to port text messages
If you’re porting away from Google Voice, it can take up to 7 business days.
#4: Why is it taking so long to port the Google Voice number?
Answer
The backend process of porting Google Voice numbers is complex as Google Voice numbers are landline numbers. Hence, the porting can take time. You can always contact Google Voice or your carrier/provider to track the status of your number porting.
#5: How do I find my Google Voice PIN number?
Answer
Simply log in to your Google Voice account, and go to Settings > Voicemail. Turn on ‘Call To Listen’. You’ll find your PIN under that. You can even reset your PIN here.
#6: What happens if I cancel my Google Voice account before confirming the Google Voice Porting Status?
Answer
It is always advisable to not cancel your account with your previous provider until the porting request is accepted and the porting is completed. If you do cancel your account before that, your porting process might get stuck and you might not get your number back. Always keep track of your porting status and only cancel your previous account once the process is complete.
#7: Why was my LOA rejected?
Answer
There can be various reasons behind your LOA request getting rejected. Here are a few examples:
- The numbers mentioned for the port out were supposed to be a partial port, but one of those was a BTN
- Invalid PIN mentioned (which was in the user’s Google Voice Account)
- No response from Google Voice
- The porting date requested was rejected by Google Voice
- One of the numbers requested to be ported was a part of separate accounts
- Business name mismatch
- Incorrect name of the authorized user
- Account number mismatched
- Illegible or unreadable LOA
- Unspecified error condition
- Service address mismatch
- Telephone number mismatch
- Request incorrectly specified as a partial or a full port out
Conclusion
If you want to port your Google Voice number, this is the ultimate guide for you. You no longer need to have hundreds of tabs open just to figure out the process. Just follow the steps mentioned for porting your number into and out of Google Voice, while also keeping in constant touch with your provider.
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