How to forward calls from Google Voice

Forwarding calls from your Google Voice number can help you stay connected, whether you’re using an answering service like Upfirst, traveling, or just want to avoid missing important calls. This guide will walk you through how to set up different types of call forwarding in Google Voice, including forwarding all calls, forwarding only missed calls, and turning forwarding off.

How to forward all calls from Google Voice

If you want every call made to your Google Voice number to ring on another phone, follow these steps:

1. Open Google Voice: Go to voice.google.com and sign in with your Google account.
2. Go to Settings: Click the gear icon (⚙️) in the top right corner.
3. Find the "Linked numbers" section: In the left sidebar, click on “Account,” then scroll to “Linked numbers.”
4. Add your forwarding number: Click “+ New linked number,” enter the phone number you want calls forwarded to, and click “Send code.”
5. Verify your forwarding number: Google will call or text you with a verification code. Enter this code to confirm.
6. Enable call forwarding: Once your number is linked and verified, all calls to your Google Voice number will ring on your forwarding number as well.

Note: Calls will ring both on the Google Voice app and the linked number by default.

How to forward only missed calls (conditional call forwarding) on Google Voice

Conditional call forwarding means calls will only be forwarded to another number if you don’t answer, your line is busy, or your phone is off.

Currently, Google Voice itself does not support traditional conditional call forwarding through its app or website settings. Forwarding options apply to all calls. However, if you use Google Voice with a mobile carrier (and your carrier supports it), you may be able to set up conditional forwarding directly with your carrier, not through Google Voice.

If you want missed calls on your main phone number to go to Google Voice, set up conditional forwarding with your mobile carrier. If you want Google Voice missed calls to forward elsewhere, consider these steps:

1. Set up voicemail forwarding in Google Voice: Instead of conditional call forwarding, Google Voice lets you customize voicemail greetings and access, but doesn’t forward missed calls to another number.
2. Alternative: Use an answering service like Upfirst by forwarding all calls (see above), so your AI receptionist catches calls you can’t answer.

If you need true conditional forwarding, check with your mobile carrier about their specific codes and options.

How to turn off call forwarding on Google Voice

To stop forwarding calls from Google Voice to another number:

1. Open Google Voice: Go to voice.google.com and sign in.
2. Go to Settings: Click the gear icon (⚙️) at the top right.
3. Find "Linked numbers": In the left sidebar, click on “Account,” then scroll to “Linked numbers.”
4. Remove your forwarding number: Click the “X” beside the number you want to unlink.
5. Confirm removal: Click “Remove” to confirm.

Now, calls will only ring on the Google Voice app and will not be forwarded to your phone.

FAQs about call forwarding on Google Voice

Does Google Voice charge for call forwarding?
No, Google Voice does not charge extra for forwarding calls to US phone numbers. However, your carrier might charge you for incoming calls, depending on your plan, and international forwarding may incur fees.

Can I forward calls internationally with Google Voice?
You can only link and forward calls to US and Canadian phone numbers. Google Voice does not support forwarding calls to international (non-US/Canada) numbers.

Will my phone still ring when call forwarding is enabled?
Yes, calls to your Google Voice number will ring both on your linked phone number and in the Google Voice app unless you disable one of them.

Can I forward text messages too?
Google Voice does not support forwarding SMS/MMS messages to another phone number. However, you can receive texts in the Google Voice app or have them forwarded to your email.

How is immediate forwarding different from conditional forwarding?
Immediate forwarding sends every call to your forwarding number right away. Conditional forwarding only forwards calls if you don’t answer, your line is busy, or your phone is off. Google Voice mainly supports immediate forwarding.

Can I forward Google Voice calls to multiple numbers?
Yes, you can link multiple phone numbers, and calls will ring on all linked devices at the same time.

Ready to make sure you never miss another important call? Try forwarding your Google Voice calls to Upfirst. Upfirst’s AI answering service can greet callers, answer their questions, and collect important information, then send you a simple summary by email or SMS. Sign up today for a 14-day free trial and see how easy it is to stay connected—no more missed calls or voicemail tag!