Can You Use a Temporary Phone Number for Google Voice?

Searching for a temporary phone number for Google Voice usually means one of two things: you want a Google Voice number without linking your own phone, or you want a free US number for verification codes. Google Voice is no longer a good route to either, and a temporary number won’t get you past its sign-up.

This guide explains what Google Voice now requires, why temporary numbers are rejected, and what to use instead if what you really need is a US number for SMS verification.

What Google Voice needs before it gives you a number

Free Google Voice is built on a phone you already have. Google says it “requires a phone number to forward calls”, and you verify that number with a code: “To verify a mobile number: click Send code. Google Voice sends the code in a text message.”

Google has now added a second step. It says: “Users who request a new Google Voice number cannot send or receive messages or calls until they complete identity verification.” That means your legal name, “a government-issued identification document” and your address, and “to prevent abuse, we only allow a limited number of verification attempts.”

Google Voice is also US-only for most people. Personal plans “are only available in the US”, and Google puts it plainly: “Google Voice can only be used in the US.”

Why temporary numbers don’t work for Google Voice

Google’s own pages don’t list which numbers you can link, but the Google Voice help community does. Its guide to why you can’t get a number says the linked number must be a US mobile number “that is not another Google Voice number”, and that “Land line or VoIP numbers, AI (automated assistant) numbers, answering service numbers, or SMS verification service numbers, are ineligible to use for this purpose.”

The same guide explains how Google keeps track: it uses your mobile number “as a one-time-use “claim ticket” to keep track of eligibility.” Once a number has been used by anyone to claim a Google Voice number, it can’t be used again for a long time. Google’s help center confirms the basic rule: “You can’t link a number that’s already been linked to a Google Voice number.”

There’s a risk in the other direction too. Google warns: “If your linked number gets claimed, that means you or someone else is using that number with another Voice account.” Link a number you don’t keep, and someone else may end up with it. Google’s policy is clear on this: “Do not forward to phone numbers that aren’t your own or under your control.”

So we don’t recommend renting a number, from us or anyone else, to sign up for Google Voice.

Keeping a Google Voice number

If you already have Google Voice, use it or lose it. Google “may reclaim your Google Voice number … if you do not appear to be making use of the service as it was intended, such as placing calls or sending text messages for a period of 3 months.” To keep it, make a call, send a text or listen to your voicemail before the reclaim date. If you miss it, “you have 45 days when you can get your Voice number back.”

Need a US number for verification? Skip Google Voice

Many people want Google Voice only to receive verification codes on a US number. That’s where it disappoints: Google Voice numbers are VoIP numbers, and plenty of websites refuse them. For other options, see our comparison of Google Voice alternatives.

• Plenty of Fish says that with “a landline or internet phone number (TextNow, Google Phone, or Text Free), you won’t be able to receive a code”.
• Match says “VOIP (Voice Over IP) carrier numbers can’t be used for SMS Verification”.
• Lyft says “Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone numbers aren’t compatible with the Lyft Platform.”

A non-VoIP number is a real mobile line from a carrier, so websites treat it like an ordinary phone.

Google Voice is a good free second line for calls and texts if you live in the US and have a US mobile to link. For verification codes, a non-VoIP number is the better tool. Read more about VoIP vs non-VoIP numbers.

How to get a US number for SMS verification

1. Create a free PVADeals account and add credits: crypto from $3, or a card through Stripe from $5.
2. Choose the website you need a code from, and the United States as the country.
3. Pick a rental: 20 minutes for a one-off code, or 3, 7, 14 or 30 days if the website will text you again.
4. Enter the number on the website and choose the text-message option.
5. Copy the code from your PVADeals dashboard as soon as it arrives.

See our US phone numbers for the websites that offer US numbers, or try our free US number for low-stakes sign-ups, bearing in mind that everyone can read its codes.

Keep your personal number private

You don’t need Google Voice to keep your personal number off websites. A non-VoIP number from PVADeals receives the code for you. Verifying Google itself? See our guide to a temporary number for Gmail verification, or read how to get a temporary phone number for verification.