How to Port Your Number to Google Voice - Google Voice Number Porting

Google Voice is an entirely free service from Google that enhances the existing capabilities of your phone, regardless of how many phones you have with any carrier. A few of the features include:

• One Number - Your Google Voice number rings all of your phones, not just one. It's a number tied to you, not any one carrier or phone.
• Online Voicemail - Check your voicemail anywhere you can check your email. No speakers or sound at the moment? Just read the transcription that can be delivered right to your email.
• Cheap Calls - Free and unlimited calling and texting to the U.S. and Canada. Extremely low rates everywhere else.

A major downside to using Google Voice was the requirement of getting a new number, from Google. While the number was free, and you could pick from a very large selection of numbers, it also meant that you had to update all of your family and friends with the new number.

As of January 25th 2011, Google will be allowing everyone to port their existing numbers to Google for $20. It saves you from the trouble of telling your family and friends about your new number, as the change would be completely transparent to them.

How to Port Your Number to Google Voice

Step 0. Sign up for Google Voice

If you haven't already made a Google Voice account, you should sign up before continuing. If you already have a Google Voice account, simply skip this step.

Step 1. Prepare

Before you begin porting your number, Google advises users to contact their carrier and add a new number and service plan. Read more in the Frequently Asked Questions below.

Step 2. Porting Your Number: Check

In Google Voice, click your phone number in the top right of the screen. Then click the Change / Port link. You will be taken to a screen to enter your phone number to verify that it is eligible for porting. Once you verify that it can be ported, hit Next.

Step 3. Porting Your Number: Review Conditions

Read over the conditions carefully and ensure that you fully understand them. It's extremely important to remember that you must have setup a new phone number with your carrier to continue receiving service with your phone. Google Voice is not a phone carrier.

When you're done, simply hit Next to continue.

Step 4. Porting Your Number: Account Information

You will need to provide Google with a little bit of verification information so that they can actually take your number from your carrier. This will vary from carrier to carrier, though it will typically involve entering in your account number (should be on your bill) and your billing information.

Once finished, hit Next.

Step 5. Porting Your Number: Confirm

Now you will need to review and confirm the transaction.

Step 6. Porting Your Number: Checkout

You will need to use Google Checkout to finish the transaction and make the purchase. You'll then be presented with a bright yellow confirmation that will inform you that you will receive a confirmation email as soon as the transaction has been approved.

What You Need to Know

• A one time $20 fee is required to port your number.
• Your phone service will be terminated when you port your number. Your carrier may charge an early termination fee. You may be unable to send and receive text messages for up to 3 business days after the porting process has finished.
• Once your number has been successfully ported to Google Voice, you will not be able to receive calls on your mobile phone until you complete the steps to the right.
• Your current Google Voice number will be replaced with your newly ported number. It will, however, continue functioning for the next 90 days while you ensure your contacts are using your new phone number.
  

How long will it take for my number to be ported?

Within 24 hours of the transaction being approved.

How long will my old Google Voice number last?

Your previous Google Voice number will remain on your account for 90 days. During this time, you should notify any contacts using that number of your new number.

How long before I can receive calls to my cell phone again?

You should experience little to no service interruption as long as you add a new forwarding number to your account before you begin. Remember that the new forwarding phone must be on a new service plan and number.

I think something went wrong. What should I do?

Contact Google.