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Google Voice?
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Use the old Google Voice app. Its outdated but in the set up wizard you are asked if you want to use google voice to make all calls, no calls, international calls only and ask every time.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice&hl=en
I would think the fact that Google Voice is continuing to receive updates is a positive sign.
> Lastly, the free version of Google Voice will still be available to consumers with the existing feature set, and consumer users will continue to receive updates to the app. The Android, iOS and web apps will also get a new icon along with this update.
If you download the (now discontinued) Google Voice app and simply open it at least once, it should set up all that for you.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
Here you go! You can set the number up through any Gmail account. I have different area codes for my Google Voice and normal number, but it's all free. It's fabulous.
Google Voice.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
Make an account, get a free Google phone number. Look up how to make ATT fwd your calls when you do not answer.
Edit: Got bored. Here's the ATT support for call forwarding.
Choose the "Forward when unanswered" option.
When you open the Google voice app tell it to not use the Google voice number for anything. Then turn on do not disturb. Do not forget the do not disturb, or your Google voice number will ring just as long as the ATT number meaning the callers would have like a minute of ringing.
Bam, free VVM with automatic transcription done by Google. You can listen to/read the mail on any computer/tablet that has access to Google as well.
Hi, Most of these questions are applicable to Pixel family.
1 & 2: Voicemail is tied to your number and not the phone model. You can install the Google voice app to access your voicemails (The app also provides English transcribe)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
- 4:3, 16:9 is nothing but cropped version of 4:3
5 & 6: Google photos uses searching as main feature. If you want you can group pictures into albums but it won't actually move the pics into specific folders.
If you move the pics into separate folders you can access them in Google photos -> Albums -> Device folders section.
- The app suggestions are based on your usage, don't think you can pin any app.
You're actually wrong about this. The Google Voice app allows you to route an outgoing call via Google's servers by way of dialing into a Google number, so you're using a cell network (minutes), not data. It has no capability to use data to make a call.
If you use Google Hangouts to make a call, then you will use a data connection.
You could try Google Voice app, because it uses Voip (voice over internet protocols) you are likely to get a free, second phone number that's original. It takes a bit of setting up, but when I last used it, worked really well.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
I'm assuming you want her to have her own distinct number? Because if so, logging into Google Voice with her Gmail and creating a new number would be the best way to go if you don't want to use Hangouts at all. Once she has a Google Voice number assigned, she just has to install the Google Voice app and she can text right from that over data.
Not OP but it's the "Google Voice" app.
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-voice/id318698524?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice&hl=en
Not for calling:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice&hl=en
"Keep in mind: • Google Voice is currently only available in the US • All calls made using Google Voice for Android use the standard minutes from your cell phone plan • Calls are placed through a US-based Google Voice access number, which may incur costs (e.g. when traveling internationally)"
voice.google.com is the direct link.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice&hl=en is the direct link to the play store for the voice app. There are a bunch of phonies but this is the real one. I am able to run it on my old Galaxy G2 so you should be okay with a LG G3 with the official app.
If it doesn't work on your phone, you can always just use it online through the google website.
You could try the Google Voice app, but your options are pretty limited between that and Hangouts as those are the only apps Google has made for GV texting. If the GV app doesn't work, your best bet would be to not update Hangouts.
If you're using Google Voice with Hangouts, you can install the Google Voice app if you haven't already and have it place all calls over Google Voice. This way you can make calls with your GV number using your stock dialer (and therefore making the call over cellular). Otherwise you'll have to conform to using data for calls, since Hangotus doesn't dial out over cellular, even on Fi. If you do port over to Fi, there is no need to use the Google Voice app, just dial out of the stock dialer :P
I can't help with most of this but I do recommend you get something like burner or google voice for your delivery communication.
These are IP phone numbers. it works just like a normal phone number. The major advantage is that if you get a creep, stalking you, you can just drop the number and get a new one.
An ancillary benefit is that (for google voice anyway) the transcripts of the calls are created. which means if someone is super creepy, you have tangible evidence to show your boss (or Law enforcement if it comes to that).
Burner is a paid service.
Google is initially free but has some cost for some features. Changing numbers (the intended purpose here) is a $10 fee.
Oh, so you know they're there because they came into voice.google.com, but the text forwarding is intermittent...
Is it an option for you to use the Google Voice app on the phone? I've found that to be pretty solid, and I just use that instead of the phone's messaging app...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
Now that you mention it, I don't think I knew that text forwarding was a thing for a while.. only email.. I remember trying to finagle Voice to work with a flip phone (I feel like I'd done it before successfully), but ran into issues a couple years ago trying it again...
Once your friend has Set up a Google Voice account he can install the Google Voice App
No, it isn't. "Cost and availability - Google Voice is only available in the U.S. If you're outside the U.S., you can make calls with Hangouts.": https://support.google.com/voice/answer/115061?hl=en
"Keep in mind: • Google Voice is currently only available in the US": https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
Last month! Google is actually giving release notes, it's weird. Note the June text might not be there for you depending on the staged rollout.
>WHAT'S NEW > >June 2017:
>• High-contrast messaging bubbles (Settings -> High-contrast conversation view)
>• Bug fixes
>May 2017:
>• Sign up flow - create a Google Voice account in the Android app
>• Home screen widgets - long-press on the home screen to add a widget
>• Bug fixes and performance improvements
>March 2017:
>• Conversation delete
>• Do not disturb
>• Text notification setting
>• Conversation archive shortcut (long-press on conversation list)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice&hl=en
Google Voice is free. You can use it on any device / carrier and you can check, listen, read your voicemails on any computer you can log into Google on.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
> Would that only forward all my texts and calls to the new number?
When you forward your GV number to a Verizon number, all incoming texts and calls to the GV number get forwarded to the Verizon line.
If you want your outgoing calls and texts to show your GV number, you have to use the GV app (not Hangouts or Allo, but rather the GV app).
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice&hl=en
You can also do this with Google Voice app, not sure why you need a third party, plus the hangouts dialer? android.apps.googlevoice
You just configure it to send/receive all calls through google voice number. The only thing I encountered was double notifications for visual voicemail.
Perks of having all of your services provided by Google. This is because as a Project Fi subscriber, our services are directly integrated with Google Voice, this includes the standard dialer. When you are on another carrier (ATT,TMo, VZW, SPR), your dialer is integrated to their services.
- Pixel Phone
- Project Fi Phone service
Transcript inside of Voicemail Tab
The ability for this service to function is clearly carrier controlled, I suggest you reach out to your respective carrier for the service.
If you want to view your Google Voice transcripts, I suggest you download the Google Voice App.
Not if you're trying to call from your main Fi device via Google Voice. The Google Voice app would normally be able to do that, since it can be configured to route all of your calls over cellular via your Google Voice number (and not use data). However, in order for that to work, you need to be calling from a phone you've set as a forwarding number in Google Voice-- which Fi numbers are incompatible with.
Install the ancient Google Voice app. It has an option to reroute all your calls through the dialer app with Google Voice (or give you the option every time you make a call). Launch the app and go to Settings > Making Calls.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice&hl=en
You get a second phone number from Google that you link to your phone, then you use the Google Voice app with that new number to make and receive calls. You can also forward your T-Moble number to Google Voice so when your T-Moble number is called, it rings the Google Voice app.
The people that already have your T-Moble number will call that number, same as always. They won't notice any difference. You'll just need to tell them to expect calls from you from the Google Voice number.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
The question is whether your phone supports eSIMs. Do you know the model number? Not just the generic name like "Samsung Galaxy S21+" or "Sony Xperia 1 iv", but if you have it also the model number, like SM-G991U1 or XQ-CT62?
The idea is that you would install a separate eSIM (as your 2nd line) and choose this one for data. Your Voice + SMS would still use your RedPocket (physical/primary) SIM, and you would enable WiFi calling on this so that it can make calls over data (provided by the other line, the eSIM).
Note that I haven't actually tried this; even if your phone supports WiFi calling on AT&T, I'm not certain if it's able to make use of mobile data provided by the "active" data SIM. (Sticking with a provider that supports native roaming, like AT&T, Verizon, or Google Fi, is definitely the "safer" choice).
Finally, another option would be to sign up for Google Voice. With the Voice app installed on your phone, you have the option to send/receive all calls over data, and this would definitely work with an eSIM package like the above. The downside, of course, is that you'll be calling from your Voice number and not your mobile number.
Sure! It's easy to set up, and it's free. The phone will ring and everything since it's an app. I made up a burner email and a burner number so that I'm a little harder to find for the average person.
That's the app you can use. I like it better than textree/textnow free numbers since the phone quality is a little bit better.
Seen as not many MVNOs support international calling in the first place (with the notable exception of Fi, which I don't recommend for other reasons), one option would be to use Google Voice for this purpose. With the GV app on your phone, you can also configure it such that international calls made using your native phone app will be diverted through GV, (a) always, (b) international calls only, or (c) never.
However porting your main number to GV (as some do, and I did) in order to get (a) international calling and (b) WiFi calling on otherwise non-supported devices is a mixed bag. Yes, you can call internationally (and very cheaply at that), but GV does not support international texting. So you're kinda stuck with two separate numbers: GV for international calls, USM for international texts.
I've never understood why all these apps exist and get used when Google Voice exists. What do they do that you can't do with voice?
These stories keep adding up, and along with stories about charges continuing on discontinued lines they're not painting a flattering picture of USM. Similar stories appear in other carriers' subreddits, too, but not as frequently. The exception being Google Fi; this is one of two things that they do better than other carriers, along with their seamless integration between phone and web. (Overall their service sucks though; USM is a far better deal than Fi).
Speaking of which, let me recommend a solution that has worked well for me. I previously ported all 4 numbers in our family from my previous carrier to Google Voice; the one I have from USM is essentially a dummy number used only for forwarding (inbound and outbound). With the Voice App on our phones there are no compatibility issues w.r.t. wifi calling, visual voicemail, group messaging, etc - it all just works the same way across phones. More importantly it fills in a couple of gaps from the USM plan:
- Calls to international destinations (not offered by USM itself)
- Calling from abroad (this works on the USM-provided data roaming plan if and only if your phone gets WiFi calling, and then only to US numbers).
- Make/receive calls, texts, and voicemails from your computer
- No more number porting (and carrier-specific issues around this). The data link provided by your carrier is like the WiFi connection in your home - decoupled from the "phone" functionality.
I have Google Voice for a few years and it works great. So I would install it on your Android phone and forward your phone to the Google Voice app. LInk:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
Download VoiceMac to your Mac. VoiceMac is a client for Google Voice. I’ve not used VoiceMac but it would be worth a try. Sounds like it would work. Hope this helps. 😊 Link:
You know you can port your number to USM, right? (Or for that matter, port it to Google Voice, and use the Voice App on your phone.)
I mean why pay for a separate T-Mobile plan if you only use it for voice?
Port your number from Fi to Voice. Then install the Voice app your phone, so that you can receive incoming calls to your US number.
Voice wants you to have a US mobile or landline number to forward calls to, but you can ignore this. Instead you can tell the Voice app to send/receive calls over data.
"NOTE: Google Voice only works for personal Google Accounts in the US and Google Workspace accounts in select markets. Text messaging is not supported in all markets."
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
Is this purely an American thing to expect being spoon fed everything each step of your life?
You would lose this. Instead, you would get an option to synchronize messages (only) with your phone by scanning a QR code, and the sending/receiving happens via your phone so it needs to stay connected.
What I did (I'm on US Mobile now, a Verizon MVNO) is to port your primary number to Google Voice. This has a similar web interface to Fi; you can make/receive calls and texts as well as check your voicemail there. This will implicitly cancel your current mobile plan, so for your new plan you'll want to choose the option of getting a new number. Once you install the Voice app on your phone, you have the option of making/receiving calls over WiFi/cellular data (using your Voice number) or using your mobile plan (with your new number).
Maybe - but:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice:
NOTE: Google Voice only works for personal Google Accounts in the US and Google Workspace accounts in select markets. Text messaging is not supported in all markets.
For Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
Its available on iOS as well, just search for Google Voice. It will generate a new number for you and then you can decide if you want to link it to your actual phone number and control whether it forwards calls or not through the apps notification settings.
You can always use Google Voice for WiFi calling:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
r/Googlevoice
The Play Store shows SMS right in the features?
It's here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
It just worked for me, not sure what's going on. Are you from the US?
If you are only using it for school purposes, you can use Google Voice ( [iOS link] [Android link] ) to call / receive calls from a different number other than your own.
On another note, I would try to not call parents as much as possible. Email will be your best friend (as I'm assuming that you have an email account through your school, right?). If it is a gmail account, then likely you can link your Google Voice account with your email so that they have no reason to take your phone, as they have access to your school account.
I wouldn't call it abandonware. I might call it not-updated-very-often-ware. My memory is not great but I do remember there was a update where the UI was changed in the last 9 months or so. Not a significant change but very noticeable. According to Google Play, the last update was December 20, 2019. Source.
Thanks. I followed the instructions: force-quitted Google Store, cleared the cache, then logged-in to my VPN, and made sure I'm being seen as though I'm in the US by browsing to https://whatismyipaddress.com. Then I searched Google Play for Google Voice. Nothing! I then clicked the following link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice&hl=en_US and I got the message: "This item isn't available in your country." Which brings me to my original question: how does Google Play know my nationality? It looks like it has nothing to do with my physical whereabouts.
How I stopped dealing with robo calls completely:
On Android? You'll need two apps:
Google Voice for your voicemail (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice)
Call Blocker for blocking calls (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vladlee.callblocker)
* I have no association with either
Setup your vmail in Voice, and in that app's settings make sure you disable notifications for missed calls. Then open Call Blocker and in the settings choose to block calls from anyone NOT in your contacts. This will send them straight to vmail when they call without you seeing or hearing the call.
Google Voice will give you a notification of any new vmail, and all you have to do is look at the length of the message. Messages from the robocallers will be 4 or 5 secs long, so just ignore messages that are that short and you'll notice the calls a lot less.
It isn't perfect, but it keeps your phone from ringing throughout the day (I get 8-12 of these calls a day).
How I stopped dealing with robo calls completely:
On Android? You'll need two apps:
Google Voice for your voicemail (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice)
Call Blocker for blocking calls (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vladlee.callblocker)
Setup your vmail in Voice, and in that app's settings make sure you disable notifications for missed calls. Then open Call Blocker and in the settings choose to block calls from anyone NOT in your contacts. This will send them straight to vmail when they call without you seeing or hearing the call.
Google Voice will give you a notification of any new vmail, and all you have to do is look at the length of the message. Messages from the robocallers will be 4 or 5 secs long, so just ignore messages that are that short and you'll notice the calls a lot less.
It isn't perfect, but it keeps your phone from ringing throughout the day (I get 8-12 of these calls a day).
But you can. And its free. That's been a thing since 2009.
And theres even a highly rated app just for it, by google.. It's everything VVM is and more.
What? Have you used it?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice&hl=en
"Chat in groups, with photos Send group texts and share photos instantly."
It is a messaging app. you can send messages from it. It looks much like messages and hangouts.
>you can't chat IM like with other people outside of GV
? you can send SMS to any one from the app. How do you define messaging app?
Eh? No, it works natively just fine. I enter regular phone numbers, not mangled with Google Voice extensions into whichever app, the Google Voice app sits in the background and does the work of putting everything through my Google Voice number.
I'll admit I don't get the free US calls that Hangouts gives — but I've got an unlimited-minutes plan anyway.
Yeah, I also use stock dialer.
OP, did you forget to install the Google Voice app so the stock dialer uses your Google Voice number, and setup calling to your ting number?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
Ring.To is switching to paid service soon ($18/year).
Google Voice integrates with the Android Dialer, meaning you can make a regular voice calls and your contacts will see your main number in their caller ID instead of the number assigned by RingPlus. You can also use GV to make all your calls over WiFi and all your calls will ring your Desktop, Tablet, and any device with Hangouts installed. Plus, all your MMS will be free through Hangouts ($0.04/message on RP).
The reason I say port to GV is because RP ports are done manually, meaning one of their reps have to physically process the port (1 day to 1 week). If they mess it up or something goes wrong, good luck keeping your number because you have no one to contact. Plus, if you port to GV, you can hop to another carrier instantly without having to worry about porting.
You're probably either missing the official Google Voice Android app or simply need to re-run it to get the proper phone configuration again. I believe I had to do this when I updated my OPO a while back. I stumbled here while trying to solve the same behavioral problem on my OP2 (simply downloading https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice and choosing "make all calls with GV", which is what I want, solved the problem).
It's a Google made app. Any Droid should be compatible.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice&hl=en
Let's not forget about Google voice on the play store...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
Bad bot.
I've re-read your post a few times, and I have to admit I'm confused. Let me see if I'm following:
- You are moving to Spain (for an extended period of time)
- Your currently phone number is associated with an AT&T contract that has a $250 buy-out fee.
- You don't want to pay that $250 (assume you're going to abandon that number)
- You're interested in getting a cheap pre-paid service for 1.5 months then porting that (new) number to Google Voice (GV)
- Your goal of porting to GV is to be able to send texts while in Spain.
Okay--if I got that right, here's my recommendation. First off, go out and get whatever prepaid service that'll work for you and take whatever number they give you. Also, get a Google Voice phone number for free. Once you get your new pre-paid SIM, just load the Google Voice app on your phone, allow it to handle all telephony and just give out your GV number to friends/family. If you do this, you will never have to tell anyone your new carrier assigned number. The GV app will auto-route all your calls & texts through GV so your caller ID & texts will come from your GV#. Note that these calls & texts are placed over your pre-paid carrier so they count as minutes (if you chose a pre-paid plan that has limited minutes).
When you move to Spain, just cancel your pre-paid service. You've never used that phone number for anything anyway--you've only given out your GV#, and that number will continue to work. You will be able to make & receive calls & texts via any connected device as long as it has a data connection. When you get to Europe, you'll probably have to use the Hangouts Dialer app to make phone calls (via your GV#) from your Spanish phone--your Spanish number & service will be used. You can make & receive texts via your GV# via Hangouts (both via the app and in a browser).
I use GV in this manner domestically so let me know if you have any questions.
Edited for clarity
Here is a tip don't text with SMS instead use a different provider that uses data instead for these volleyball leagues. It will still show up as a text to the other people and they will have no clue other than its a new phone number (that you set permanently moving forward) its coming from.
Pro tip: http://voice.google.com/
This way you can avoid junk texts if wanted and you can just have that google voice number forward to your regular cell in case someone does have to call you.
Plus a online ability to text when you are sending 1000 texts in a month is likely a help.
> Google Voice uses cellular
Wi-Fi calling on T-Mobile uses Wi-Fi, but still counts against your plan's cell minutes (if you're not unlimited)
Google Voice app on its own will always use cellular, even if you tell it to always use GV for dialing out. It simply uses Google's own call routing to make it look like you're calling from your GV number.
Google Voice with Hangouts and Hangouts Dialer apps is what you need to set up true VoIP calling. You will need to disable call forwarding to your carrier number on Google Voice's web site, and instead in Hangouts enable the "Incoming phone calls" option in Settings, under the Google Voice section. VoIP will only work if people dial your GV number, and you'll need to use Hangouts Dialer to initiate outbound calls for VoIP. And of course this functionality is limited to the USA.
That's not a Google Voice message. What makes you think that it's coming from Google Voice?
If you're using an Android device, delete whatever that app is, and then go to the Google Play Store and search for "Google Voice". Don't install a fake; verify that it says that the author is "Google LLC" and the app version is 2021.06.356566063 or higher.
See: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
If you're using an iPhone, delete the app, then go to the Apple App Store and download the genuine Google Voice app:
Yep. The mobile version is this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
You can also use it via the Hangouts app and Hangouts dialer (combo).
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
Hit the direct link and check whar it says . It may be not supported in your country
No, me either, so I now use Google Voice which has really great voicemail features.
I've used Google Voice since the Nexus 6p.
Nope, still called Google Voice (link to app)
For your purpose you may wish to consider Google Voice instead.
A few notes: * You need an existing US number for initial activation/forwarding. Once you have your new GV account active, you can then remove this forwarding number in settings. * Your GV number expires if you don't use it (make outgoing calls or send outgoing texts) for some time, I believe it's 90 or 180 days. However this only applies to the new number you receive when signing up for GV; if you port in a number from a mobile carrier (like Fi) it never expires. - There's normally a $20 one-time fee to port in a number. However if you transfer a number from Fi (under your Fi account settings, choose Leave Fi), you'll get an option to transfer the number to Google Voice for free. * Install the Voice app on your phone, and under its settings locate Making and receiving calls. From here, choose Prefer Wi-Fi and mobile data. This way calls are made over the Internet, not PSTN (which would not work if you're abroad).
One suggestion: Find a dirt-cheap plan just as a temporary holding place for your number. (One example: A 30-day talk & text plan from US Mobile for $8). If you have an eSIM capable phone you can port in right away, otherwise order a free trial kit from them.
Once ported, you can then port again to Google Voice. There's a $20 one-time fee to port in, but basic usage is fee. (International calls cost a tiny bit though). You can then install the Voice app on your phone, or simply forward incoming calls to your cell phone number, or both.
GV also supports basic SMS/MMS with a few caveats.
Most people either use the Phone manufacture Voicemail app (Samsung, Motorola), Google Voice, or a 3rd party app (YouMail, HulloMail, etc)
>I am wanting to port my number to GV and then use it and not the carrier assigned number
So far so good, except for u/BluesCatReddit's note about emergency service.
>So to make calls you'd use the Google Voice or Hangouts app?
Either from https://voice.google.com/, or from the Voice app on your phone/tablet. If you also have cellular service (w/forwarding) you can choose to have outgoing calls initiated from your phone dialer also be routed via voice: (a) all calls, (b) no calls, or (c) international calls only.
>using GV ~~or Hangouts..~~ Will the app show I am calling from the number I ported?
Yes. All calls routed via Voice (either directly from the app or forwarded from your phone dialer) will use your Voice number as outgoing caller ID. (I wish they, like VOIPo, had an option to use one of your other verified numbers as outgoing caller ID - but I digress).
>How much data do I need? Or does calls use Cellular and not data?
The app can be configured to use carrier minutes (calls will be made via the Google Voice proxy) or over data (WiFi or cellular data). If you have a cellular service, the former option is cheaper in most cases. If you don't have cellular service you can only make calls over WiFi (e.g. in your home or public hotspots).
You can download the Google Voice app to replace the Samsung Phone app.
Chiming in with yet another opinion, just because.
You could, but among the US carriers that allow international roaming (on their own SIM) are few and far between. You're mainly looking at the three big MNOs (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile), and their international roaming options are either quite expensive, limited duration, or both.
What might work is if you kept a low cost plan (you only need minutes and texts, not data), then enable WiFi calling on it. You'll want to disable roaming just to be sure - but in this case you'd use another data connection (a 2nd SIM with local data or a WiFi connection) to provide the connectivity. So essentially you need two SIMs in this case.
I would not recommend this approach; I think GV is more flexible.When you first sign up for GV you're assigned a new number. You're prompted for a US number to which calls will be forwarded, but you can bail out at that point. Your Voice account is already active.
Then, port in your existing mobile number GV; this will replace the one you got assigned. You don't need to link this to any additional number; just be sure to go into the GV app's settings; under "Making and receiving calls" you want to choose "Prefer Wi-Fi and mobile data". This way, you make calls over VoIP, and you are not dependent on a US number.The number that GV assigns to you will be removed 90 days after you port in another number. You have the option of keeping it forever though.
Your original number will now be in Google Voice. In my experience most if not all banks are still able to send you 2FA texts; I think based on warnings in this and other forums there may have been issues in the past.
I think you should try out GV while still in the US, a long time before you leave, so that you get some feel for it.
If you port your existing number there that will cancel your current mobile plan, so you would want a new one to replace it until you leave. (Only now, it will primarily only be used for data, since all your calls and texts take place over GV).
For this purpose I recommend US Mobile, they have a slew of different plans and price levels. Their "unlimited premium" gives you 100GB of "premium" data on Verizon. They also use T-Mobile if you prefer that. (Let me know if you want a referral code for $10 off.)No, GV only works with US number (both for the Voice account itself and as forwarding numbers).
Port your number to Google Voice, and install the Voice App on your phone. This way you can call and text regardless of what SIM is in your phone, as long as it provides a data connection and/or a US forwarding number.
Your cheapest option for data will probably be to get a local SIM, but you an also browse available data packages at esimdb.com. Perhaps the cheapest will be that provided by US Mobile (you don't have to be a USM subscriber to buy these).
Fi is not going to be your solution, for a couple of reasons.
- First, they crack down pretty aggressively on the practice you're just describing. They require you to remain connected to Fi within the US most of the time; people who have spent more than ~1 month abroad have invariably had their data use cut off. In particular I think this would happen to you if you start using it abroad right away.
- Second, is your Verizon Note8 still carrier-locked? If so you can only use it with a SIM from Verizon (or one of their MVNOs). So already you're probably looking at a new phone as your only option in this case.
Here's what I would do.
- Sign up for a Google Voice account.
- You'll get a new number, forwarded to a US number (you can use your Verizon number for this while signing up). If you prefer you can afterwards port in your Verizon number; this will cancel your current plan.
- You'll need to install and configure the GV App on your phone to make/receive calls using data (WiFi and mobile data), not carrier minutes, since GV can only forward to US/Canada numbers.
- Calls to the US are free, but calls to other countries are not. The rates are reasonable (3¢/min to a Greek landline and 7¢/min to a mobile number), but it's prepaid so you'll need to deposit money into your GV account before making those calls.
- Purchase a cheap unlocked phone, with support for LTE bands 7, 8, 28. (Or buy one you really like, in which case it should also support Verizon's LTE and NR bands).
- Purchase an international data roaming package.
- If your new phone has eSIM support you can find compatible packages at esimdb.com, or you can purchase one from US Mobile (You don't need to be a USM subscriber, as these are separate eSIM packages).
- Otherwise (e.g. if your Note8 is unlocked and you plan to use this) you have two options:
- Purchase an eSIM adapter; the accompanying app will allow you to install one of the above packages. (This adapter ships from Germany, so plan ahead).
- Or, some of the above providers also offer physical SIMs (e.g., MOGO). Obviously this too has to be shipped to you first.
- Most of these plans are data only, so you'd use the GV app on your phone to send/receive calls and texts.
- Alternatively, get a local SIM in Greece. Not sure about rules/regulations for this, in some places you'll need a local address and national ID. If this is an option it will probably be cheaper per GB than the roaming packages above; in either case you can still make call from your (US-based) GV number over your data connection.
Yes! I move a lot and now have a local area code thanks to GV https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice&hl=en_US&gl=US
Something like Google Voice?
You can always get a data-only eSIM package (Depending on your phone you'll also need an eSIM adapter). That's the easy part.
As for calling/texting with your US number: I'm not sure how and if this would work with Fi in your case; at minimum your phone would need to be dual SIM (either physical+eSIM or two physical SIMs with one being used for the eSIM adapter), and I think you would need to enable WiFi calling.
In any case, a better alternative may be to port your number over to Google Voice, and use the Voice app to make/receive calls and texts on your phone. You'll want to navigate to Settings → Making and Receiving Calls, and choose the option Prefer Wi-Fi and mobile data.
To port your number from Fi to Voice, open https://fi.google.com/account#cancelplan/start and follow the steps to "Transfer it to Google Voice." (*)
(*) I have never done this (I transferred from another carrier), so I don't know if you need to have a Voice account already active - if so you can take a slight detour by first creating your Voice account which will give you a new (temporary) number, using your current Fi number as forwarding number for calls (since it has to be US based). Then, once your Voice number is active, visit https://www.google.com/voice/b/0#phones and choose "Change/Port" in order to port in your number from Fi.
There is a one-time $20 fee to port in numbers to Voice. Also, Voice imposes a 24-hour delay before the actual number transfer takes place, presumably to give you a chance to back out.
OK I'm sure you've come across this advice before, but anyway: Port your number to Google Voice. Replace your cancelled USM line with a new one, using a new number.
Install the Voice app on your phone to send/receive calls and texts. You can also set it up to redirect calls to/from your native phone app via Voice, and you can choose whether to use data or forward to/from your new number using carrier minutes. The first option essentially means WiFi calling by default.
While this may seem like a workaround, there are a couple of other advantages of doing this as well:
- You can now send/receive calls and texts and check your voicemail using a web browser on your computer
- You get a couple of other features missing from USM:
- Calls to international numbers (you'll need to add money to your Voice account first, but it's quite cheap)
- Calling while roaming internationally. You'll need a data roaming package, USM provides 10GB free on the unlimited plan but you can also get it elsewhere; depending on your phone you may also need an eSIM adapter.
- You can set custom call filters. For instance I enable Voice's call screening for inbound calls from unknown numbers not in my contact list.
Essentially, USM+Voice gives you the extra bells and whistles of Google Fi, but cheaper and with better coverage.
Agreed, customer support is basically absent with Fi. As such you may as well port your number to Voice instead, which has essentially the same features w.r.t. making/receiving calls and texts over the web as well as on your phone, except that for the latter you'd use their Voice app over WiFi or cellular data.
Still no support of course, but at least it's free for domestic use (save for a $20 one-time fee for the initial number port).
As for cellular connectivity there are plenty of lower-cost alternatives out there. I use US Mobile, which lets you choose between Verizon and T-Mobile networks for anywhere from $10 (single line, 2GB data only) to $45/single line ($25/ea for 3 lines) of unlimited calls/text/data, or anything between. Their unlimited also comes with 10GB international data. The few times I've contacted their support (via Chat) it's been excellent.
For me, Google Fi + US Mobile is roughly equivalent to Google Fi in terms of features (incl international features), except cheaper and with better coverage/more reliable speeds.
It seems that your comment contains 1 or more links that are hard to tap for mobile users. I will extend those so they're easier for our sausage fingers to click!
Here is link number 1 - Previous text "app"
^Please ^PM ^\/u\/eganwall ^with ^issues ^or ^feedback! ^| ^Code ^| ^Delete
Port your number to Voice. Mostly the same features as Fi (make calls in a web browser or via their app using WiFi or cellular data), except the actual network. For that I use US Mobile, but there are plenty of other options.
I ported my number from Fi (via T-Mobile which turned out to be a disaster) to Google Voice, along with a new service from US Mobile.
This combination essentially give me the same features as Fi, except cheaper and with better coverage:
- Since my main number is on Voice, I use the Voice app on my phone to send/receive calls and texts, either over WiFi or cellular data. You can also direct incoming/outgoing calls to/from your native Phone app so that it uses your Voice account.
- Since I'm not using the number I received from US Mobile, I block direct incoming calls/texts to it (to reduce spam). All incoming calls are handled via the Voice app.
- US Mobile's "unlimited" plan (fast up to 75GB) comes with 10GB of free international data roaming. This is however delivered as an eSIM (not associated with the main number/SIM), so depending on your phone you may need to get an eSIM adapter to use it. You can also purchase cheap international data-only roaming packages elsewhere.
Just the Android Google Voice app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
It's a VOIP service from Google. Totally free.
- Google Voice
- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
- v2020.24.313693862
- Incoming call notifications do not work. They no longer ring/vibrate correctly. The seemed to have moved to the "Uncategorized" notification channel and default to "silent notifications," but even after configuring them to be "alerting," they still don't show full screen on the lock screen or work correctly. (more details)
iOs: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-voice/id318698524
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice&hl=en_US
Or web: voice.google.com
Google Voice | 4.4 rating | Free | 10,000,000+ downloads | Search manually
> Google Voice gives you a phone number for calling, text messaging, and voicemail. It works on smartphones and computers, and syncs across your devices so you can use the app in the office, at home, ...
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I don't know what google assistant is. This is the app I'm using: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
Sorry for the delinquent reply--I had surgery yesterday and I'm still high as a kite. You can port your existing cellphone number to Google Voice. It is pretty straight-forward--the linked page explains the process. It costs a one-time fee of $20. Note that this will CANCEL your service with whatever provider currently has that cellphone number (in your case it sounds like Ting).
You can go ahead and buy a Sim card for Total Wireless and activate service. You will accept a new number from them. You will not really be using this new number.
Instead, you will install the Google Voice app on your cellphone. It will prompt you to select some preferences. Make sure you tell it to allow Google Voice to make & receive all calls and texts.
That's pretty much it. With the GV app installed, your calls & texts are auto-routed through GV. That means that your friends who had your old cellphone number (the one you ported to GV) will continue to dial that number. When you place a call from your cell (over Total Wireless) it will appear to come from your old number. The same thing with texts (more on that in a minute). The GV app isn't just VOIP. It uses your carrier (e.g. Total Wireless) cellular service. That means, if you're on a 1000 minute talk plan, you're not skirting it like this (although there is a way to skirt it). Let me add that using GV works flawlessly. It might sound a bit confusing, but I can't express how simple it is. You merely install the app, go through the setup and pick preferences, and everything just works.
Effectively, the GV app provides you a number for life--you don't have to port anything when you jump from carrier to carrier. All you do is install the GV app and you're up and running. It also gives you a ton of great features like the ability to make & receive calls/texts on any connected device (tablets, computers, etc.) It also has a whole host of voicemail features (e.g. transcription and auto-forwarding to email). If you have an Obihai device, you can have a landline with this number as well.
The only caveat with GV is that you can't use your phone's native text application--I believe you have to use the GV app for texting. That said, you do use your phones native dialer app.
There is a Google Voice sub on reddit--it's probably /r/googlevoice
Hope this helps.
Here's the direct link
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
IF it doesn't work, you are either in a non supported region or have a non-supported device.
You can also try to download it from APKMirror (you'll have to enable "install unknown apps"):
Google Voice should solve your problems.
Yes. This is the correct link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
by using the gv app for android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice&hl=en
Sure! Below is a 15 step guide to setting it up. It's a bit tricky so put aside at least 20mins to get it up and running, but after that it's easy.
Just make sure you heave either a mic-headset or simply pair of headphones/earphones if you are using a laptop with an inbuilt mic. Here we go!
15 Steps To Phonebanking For Free For Bernie From Outside The US
Step 1 Install Firefox (the vpn browser plugin didn't like working in chrome for me) https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/
Step 2 Download DotVPN. Unfortunately you will have to make an account with them and get sent an email and all the usual annoying stuff. Sign up and activate. https://dotvpn.com/en/
Step 3 Dot VPN button will appear (circle with wave) at the top right of firefox. Login to DotVPN and make sure it's connected (blue) and set to America.
Step 4 (POSSIBLY OPTIONAL) Now this may or not be needed as it happens on my computer but not my laptop. If after installing DotVPN your firefox wont connect to the internet properly and wont display pages you will have to do this: 1-Click the options menu in the top right of firefox 2-Then click options 3-Then click advanced on the side panel 4-Then network 5-Then click settings under connection 6-Then in the popup box select Auto-detect proxy settings for this network and hit ok.
Step 5 Create a gmail accout or log into your one if you already are signed up and then install google voice https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice&hl=en
Step 6 Go to https://go.berniesanders.com/page/content/phonebank and select the state you want to call. (they have cut off times of when your allowed to call, usually by 3pm australian time it's to late to call, so check the times)
Step 7 Have a look at the calling script and then click "Get your log in credentials" Enter you info (for the zip enter 12345) and click create sign up
Step 8 Click start making calls and enter your account name from the previous window and password (these will change from day to day so don't worry about writing it down)
Step 9 Select the state you want to call and sign in (check the script for that state)
Step 10 A small window will pop up with call in instructions. Now to turn your computer into a phone by going to https://hangouts.google.com/
Step 11 Click the phone call button and change the small australian flag button to a United States one.
Step 12 Now enter the "Please call" number from the small pop up window ignoring the "() and-". just enter the numerical numbers and call.
Step 13 You will hear an automated voice, ignore it and make sure your mic and speakers are selected properly in google hangouts properly by clicking the cog button just above the numbers. (for mic level and setup follow this vid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTkECQ8R_bQ
Step 14 Enter the second number from the small window by clicking the numbers followed by the #.
Step 15 Your Now Connected! All that's left to do is change your status in the top left corner of that small window from "not ready" to "ready"!
YOU DID IT! (hopefully)
Now it can be tricky as you won't always have heaps of time to read the persons name before they say hello, so stall for a bit of time first by saying "Good evening, my name is **** from Bernie Sanders presidential campaign." and that should give time for their info to pop up so you can ask "Is ***** there?" And then follow on to the script.
If after all this it isn't working try restarting your computer and then picking up from step 6.
Hope this will help you help others to Feel The Burn!
Google Voice | 4.1 rating | Free | 10,000,000+ downloads | Search manually
> Google Voice gives you a phone number for calling, text messaging, and voicemail. It works on smartphones and computers, and syncs across your devices so you can use the app in the office, at home, ...
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