Google Voice 2026
 

Hi, all.
I've been using GV since it was first launched (i.e. pre Fi), and it works flawlessly for me. I also have a data only esim from:
https://nxtlsim.com/
This combo has permitted me to make/receive GV calls for close to free (i.e. most calls go over wifi and the ones at don't cost mere pennies).
My friend in China wants a US number.
I don't want to give him one of my GV numbers.

How would you play this?

Could you create a new Google account - starting with gMail and then sign up for Google Voice using same? Every time I've signed up for a new Google gmail account, I click over to Google voice and sign up for a number. Granted I'm doing this in the US. But, that's the process I follow.

Doesn’t GV require a cell number or landline number (no VOIP) for the confirmation verification when creating a GV?

This appears to be the case now:
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d4b4157bf5.png

But, I have two grandfathered GV numbers that don't have this restriction.

You know after my post above, I thought I was being too simplistic in my suggestion.

First because I thought that perhaps because of the Google Fi and related situation or b/c of China. So I thought I was really spitballing there.

Second because of the question you posed. But, what I've found is that, in some case, you can get around that by going with the voice option and not the text message option - OR - give a number for temporary purposes that ISN'T already associated with a Google Voice line, then once the account is setup, go in and change the number to your preferred number. At least in my experience, deleting the number for temporary purposes that ISN'T already associated with a Google Voice line and replacing it with one that IS associated with an existing Google Voice line doesn't seem to set off alarms at Google.

I told me Chinese friend to create a brand new google account, give me the credentials, and let me try to add voice to it. I don't really want my own (US) cell phone number to be associated with the account post setup, but that's a risk I'm willing to shoulder.

The brand new account thing could be a potential snag, but if it is, I have a ~5 year old account that I'm willing to devote to this cause.

A GV number can be used on multiple phones with all phones ringing. My wife and I share our old home line which has been ported to GV.

GV is remarkably under hyped and under appreciated. It has permitted me to keep a single (very nice) phone number for 25 years! I had it on Fi for 5 of those years, but I no longer find value in Fi.

I use it for two very nice phone numbers…and to send/receive faxes. While it costs more, I’m moving to Ooma because the product seems to be bit rotting.

While I realize the Google would probably prefer free GV users to disappear (i.e. they often press me to upgrade to a paid plan that offers almost no tangible benefits), those of us who have it are sitting pretty IMO.

As an aside that ties back to my OP, my Chinese friend is no longer interested in jumping into the ring so I'm unable to update you guys on how it would work with a brand new Google account. That having been said, I'm inclined to believe that new account + US cell phone number (that you can later remove) would work.

And I agree that should work. I'd just be nervous Google would just forget this product. Well and isn't it Alphabet now?

Sign him up with a cheapo burner phone service like tracphone; and they issue him a new us number, Then he can trade it for a GV number in China if he uses a VPN.

My Chinese friend threw in the towel on this because he is lazy.

But, since then, a different friend has reported issues using GV in several SE Asian countries, even with VPN (USA server) enabled. As such, I'm curious to hear about experiences on this front. I've never had any issues myself.

Once a GV is created there is no requirement to keep the GV linked to a US number. Install the GV app and change the settings to prefer WiFi and data which prevents GV from using the phone line for outbound calls.

I have used this setup with a local EU sim without any issues calling back to the US or receiving calls. At least in Europe no VPN is required to use GV to call and receive calls form the US.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f70d1f1c83.png

David