To choose where Google Voice calls ring, enable the Voice app or web experience and select any verified linked phone numbers for call forwarding. Text delivery has separate settings, and caller-specific rules can send selected calls to a linked number or voicemail. The controls are in Google Voice settings; you do not need new hardware.
Choose the destination that fits how you want to answer
- Computer: Use voice.google.com. For call notifications, stay signed in and keep the browser window open. Google lists Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari as supported browsers in its setup instructions.
- Google Voice app: Enable the relevant phone or tablet under My devices in incoming-call settings. Google provides separate instructions for desktop, Android, and iOS.
- Another mobile or landline phone: Add its number as a linked number, verify it, then turn on call forwarding for that number. A mobile number can be verified by text; a landline can be verified by call. See Google’s setup steps.
- Only certain callers: Create a custom forwarding rule on a computer to send a contact or group to a linked phone or directly to voicemail. See custom call forwarding.
- Texts on a linked phone: Configure message forwarding separately from call forwarding. Google’s instructions for Android explain how to forward texts to linked numbers.
Set up calls on a computer
- Open Google Voice and select Settings.
- Under Calls, open Incoming calls.
- Under My devices, switch on the devices that should ring in the Voice app or web experience.
- Under Call forwarding, switch on the linked phone numbers that should also ring. Google’s setup instructions cover adding and verifying a number if it is not listed.
These are separate controls: a device can be enabled to receive calls in Voice while forwarding to a linked phone is off, or vice versa. Turning off forwarding stops calls from being sent to that linked number but does not unlink it. Use the separate remove action if you want the number removed from the account.
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Manage linked numbers and device numbers
Google allows up to six linked numbers, according to its setup documentation. Each number must be verified, and a number already linked to a Google Voice number cannot be linked again. Google’s Android and iOS instructions also provide ways to manage linked numbers in the app; menu wording can vary by platform and app version.
A linked number and the phone’s device number are not the same setting. Google’s device instructions describe choosing the device number, no number, or a linked number under This device. A linked number may also be used to place calls through the mobile carrier if internet service is unavailable.
#1 Best Overall
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Route calls from particular people differently
Custom call forwarding lets you treat specified contacts or groups differently from other callers. On a computer, open Google Voice settings and manage Custom call forwarding to choose the contact or group and select a linked phone or voicemail. Depending on the rule, you can also choose a custom greeting or screen callers. Google says rules can be viewed on mobile, but creating, editing, or deleting them requires a computer; when multiple rules match, the first rule in the list applies. See Google’s custom forwarding guidance.
Set text delivery separately from call ringing
Changing incoming-call destinations does not configure where texts appear. Google Voice texts are available in Voice; on Android, you can also forward them to linked numbers using the controls in Google’s Android text-forwarding instructions. The documented workflow is Android-specific, so do not assume the same steps or labels apply to iOS.
Rank #2
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If Android shows duplicate notifications in both the default messaging app and Google Voice, Google says to uncheck forwarding to the device number. Voice texts use Wi-Fi or mobile data when Wi-Fi is unavailable, according to the same Android guidance.
Choose internet or carrier calling with care
Google Voice supports internet-based calls from a computer or mobile device and provides a setting to prefer Wi-Fi/mobile data or use carrier-only calling. If internet calling is unavailable, carrier use may occur and carrier charges may apply. Calls placed from the phone’s native calling app can use the mobile plan, so start the call in Google Voice when you intend to use its internet-calling setting. See Google’s calling options.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Know the limits before configuring a special setup
- Automated phone attendants: Google states, “Forwarding calls from your Google Voice number to an automated system is unsupported.” For organizational automated call handling, Google points to Google Workspace auto attendant; consult the organization’s administrator about setup and availability.
- SIP Link: Google says linked numbers are unavailable to SIP Link users. Check with your IT administrator if your account uses SIP Link. See Google’s setup documentation.
- Quiet hours: Google says the current personal-account experience does not include the legacy ring schedule. Its legacy-transition guidance suggests using your smartphone’s Do Not Disturb feature.
- Availability: Supported browsers and computer operating systems are listed in Google’s setup article, but account and regional availability can differ. Confirm eligibility for your country and account.
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