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I was helping someone get started with Google Voice in a thread, and thought a little tutorial might help people out, so I wrote one. I'd like input if you guys think I got something wrong, or left something out. I hope this can help someone.
The pdf has been updated as of 2/16/2010 with more info:
http://i0v.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Google-Voice-for-Noobs.pdf
But I figured some people might like plain text, so I'll paste it too.
I probably won't update the plain text here because it will just be getting longer and longer
(that is, unless someone requests it)
Google Voice for Noobs
Transitioning to Google Voice, on a Sprint HTC Hero
First Revision 2/14/10
What Is Google Voice?
First off, I think it helps to think of Google Voice like a switch box of some sort. You can feed telephone calls in and feed them back out, in whatever direction you’d like. The original intended functionality of GV was to allow you give people one number (your GV number) and then it would ring all of your phones when someone calls that number.
Now this might be helpful for some people, but I know the majority of people here probably don’t have more than one phone. But this setup can still be useful for people who want to use their Google Voice number as the number they give out to people. This setup is really the easiest, because once you’ve entered your cell phone in Google Voice under Settings > Phones, you’re pretty much done. The other advantage to this route is that you can have GV ask callers for their name before it rings your phone (call screening), and some other cool features. If you still want to use your Sprint phone number and just use GV for voicemail, see the next section.
Note: Now when you now first set up Google Voice, it asks if you want to set it up as strictly voicemail and then steps you through steps similar to the following section. It then gives you a more limited feature set for just the options that apply to when you’re using it as voicemail. If that’s all you want to do, then that might be the route to go. If at some point, you want to use a scenario similar to the one above Go to Settings >’Phones’ tab > Get a Google number (thanks to Jon at Hebb Networks for clarifying this)
Google Voice as Voicemail
(This is basically an explanation of what Google walks you through when you go to Settings > “Activate Google voicemail for this phone” on the GV website)
Note that sometime around November 2009, Sprint decided to make CONDITIONAL call forwarding free, so we’re going to configure it like this:
In this situation what you’ll do is dial *285555555555 (replace the 5’s with your GV number) and then press talk. You should hear some beeps to let you know everything is working alright. Then you can hang up. (To undo this feature dial *38)
Next, you want to let GV know that these calls that are being forwarded should go to voicemail. You can do this by going into your settings page in Google Voice on your computer, and clicking “Activate Google voicemail for this phone”
Another thing to note, is that there is a big difference between CONDITIONAL and UNCONDITIONAL call forwarding. CONDITIONAL forwards a call after some (you guessed it) conditions are met - i.e. Busy, or no answer. You can read more about CONDITIONAL call forwarding here: http://bit.ly/9KvT2L
On the other hand, UNCONDITIONAL call forwarding takes all calls to your sprint number, and forwards them ALL to a different number without ever ringing your cell phone. This is not typically an option that anyone would want to use, and Sprint still charges 20 cents/minute for every call that uses this. Read more here: http://bit.ly/apyfAs
Accessing Google Voice from your Hero
Now on your CDMA Hero, you’re definitely going to want to download the Google Voice app from the Market. This will currently do two functions.
1. Allow you to see and play all of your voicemail.
2. Route your outgoing calls back through Google Voice, if you want to. (This makes more sense, I think, if you’re giving out your Google Voice number to people, because then your calls will be all forwarded through GV, both incoming and outgoing. I don’t give out my GV number, so I have mine set to only make outgoing calls through GV for international calls.)
Another option is to call Google Voice from your cell phone, just like the old days with Sprint Voicemail. Be sure to go Settings > Call Settings > Voicemail and then type in your GV number. Then when you hold 1 from the dial pad, you’ll call GV and be able to access it that way too.
Yet another option is to just visit the Google Voice Mobile Page in the browser.
Notification Options
With a fresh setup of Google Voice Voicemail, you’ll probably quickly notice that you’ll bombarded with email and SMS notifications about a new message. You can turn these off, and if you’re using the Android app, you’ll probably want to. On the Google Voice site, visit Settings > Voicemail & SMS > Voicemail Notifications to turn these on or off.
I have one question about using GV. I have free mobile to mobile calling. When someone calls my GV number, which is then forwarded to my cell phone, is this still a mobile to mobile call, or will I be charged?
wjtrawick said:
I have one question about using GV. I have free mobile to mobile calling. When someone calls my GV number, which is then forwarded to my cell phone, is this still a mobile to mobile call, or will I be charged?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just did a reverse telephone lookup, and it lists my google voice number type as a landline. So, no, I don't believe it counts as a mobile number.
Edit: Just checked my Sprint bill. I've got Any Mobile, Anytime. It is charged as a land line.
(On a side note, we just switched to the free mobile to mobile a few months ago, damn I love it: "Your account used 9,346 minutes of Any Mobile, Anytime(sm) calling last month.")
According to GV surport forum. If somebody(cellphone) calls ur GV number and transfer to ur sprint number. It should be counted as Mobile to Mobile. However, if you called somebody else through ur GV number, it will be conted as you call a landline.
link is here.
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/voice/thread?tid=75630cc990ea5c98&hl=en
laufine said:
According to GV surport forum. If somebody(cellphone) calls ur GV number and transfer to ur sprint number. It should be counted as Mobile to Mobile. However, if you called somebody else through ur GV number, it will be conted as you call a landline.
link is here.
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/voice/thread?tid=75630cc990ea5c98&hl=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yupp, thats how it is, I have the bills to prove it. Also, for the person calling you it counts as a landline call for them, so if they are on Sprint it is not using mobile2mobile.
If there was a way to convince google to have gvoice lines as mobile lines it would be set....to bad...
Interestingly, the Voice app for Android doesn't do push notifications of new VMs. I get my email notifications long before the Voice app picks the VMs up. (I think it's set to check every 5 minutes?)
Any ideas on that one?
Is_907 said:
Interestingly, the Voice app for Android doesn't do push notifications of new VMs. I get my email notifications long before the Voice app picks the VMs up. (I think it's set to check every 5 minutes?)
Any ideas on that one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I go to settings > refresh and notification > refresh inbox,, and there are options there for refresh rate. 5 minutes is the lowest setting. I heard somewhere that there is a 3rd party app that checks more frequently, but I haven't tried it. I wouldn't want to drain my battery with an interval shorter than 5 minutes. Maybe you'd be better off making a gmail label to sort the notifications if the delay is a problem.
I've just been setting GV to send me SMS notifications, and then when I have a VM, I just hit refresh, and look at it. I don't want it constantly refreshing because I hardly get VM's.
Is_907 said:
Interestingly, the Voice app for Android doesn't do push notifications of new VMs. I get my email notifications long before the Voice app picks the VMs up. (I think it's set to check every 5 minutes?)
Any ideas on that one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the one thing that keeps me from becoming a heavy Google Voice user. I read on the Google support forums that they're working on push notifications but they said it was difficult and didn't have an ETA.
I don't know how it would be more difficult than Gmail.
Hey, thanks a lot for this guide! I've had "setting up google voicemail" on my to-do list for a while now, and your easy to understand guide motivated me to get it set up. Thanks a lot!
Just wanted to add a little something (feel free to put it in your guide if you want, to avoid questions in the forum later) for people who are on Cricket Wireless...
If you try to set this up for Cricket, the code you dial to activate Google Voicemail is slightly different.
For Cricket, dial *74xxxxxxx.
If you get an error after dialing it, something like "Cricket does not currently offer this service", then the problem isn't that Cricket doesn't offer it, but that your account does not have Call Forwarding enabled.
So, if you use Cricket and you get an error after dialing the code, go to your My Account on the Cricket Website and double check/add the Call Forwarding feature to your account. Once you do this, the code will work and GVoicemail can be activated.
Thanks again!
raynda said:
Hey, thanks a lot for this guide! I've had "setting up google voicemail" on my to-do list for a while now, and your easy to understand guide motivated me to get it set up. Thanks a lot!
Just wanted to add a little something (feel free to put it in your guide if you want, to avoid questions in the forum later) for people who are on Cricket Wireless...
If you try to set this up for Cricket, the code you dial to activate Google Voicemail is slightly different.
For Cricket, dial *74xxxxxxx.
If you get an error after dialing it, something like "Cricket does not currently offer this service", then the problem isn't that Cricket doesn't offer it, but that your account does not have Call Forwarding enabled.
So, if you use Cricket and you get an error after dialing the code, go to your My Account on the Cricket Website and double check/add the Call Forwarding feature to your account. Once you do this, the code will work and GVoicemail can be activated.
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent, and thanks; I'm glad this is being helpful to some people. I will definitely add that to at least the PDF guide today after I finish some school work. I look at this guide as a work in progress, and I'd like to eventually make it a fairly comprehensive users-guide to GV.
My one comment is:
*28 on Sprint forwards BOTH busy line, and no answer. From reading the cricket site, it seems that you'd both need to do *73 and *74 codes, so that when you're busy, it also sends calls to GV. On sprint you can do this too, as it would be the same as doing *28. Actually when I first activated mine, I had to do it that way because the exchange I was using was having some problems with the *28. Basically *28 is just a shortcut (on sprint, not cricket) for forwarding both.
So I'll add this explanation to the guide too. (along with undo codes) I totally forgot I had that problem. But I'm pretty sure you want to also do *73.
--------------------
To the people with billing comments:
So basicially everyone is saying:
1) All GV calls out are charged as calls to a land line. (which I have experienced too)
2) All GV incoming calls are charged as if you were receiving the call directly. (i.e. [Mobile call -> GV -> your phone] is charged as mobile... OR ... [landline call -> GV -> your phone] is charged as landline]
Am I right here? If so, I'll add this in today, too.
what am i missing?
* I have google voice setup correctly
* I have the application from the market installed
* I am receiving notifications in the form of text, and through the notification bar in android.
What I cannot figure out is how to opened the darn program when i want to get back into google voice to look at the messages in the inbox. i can get in when a message icon is in the tray (i just click on it and google voice comes up), but later on when i think "what was that message again?" and I go to go back to the program I cannot find a way to get in.
* There is no program in the "all programs" page (accessed by the arrow)
* There is no widget (other than the one to change how i want google voice to make calls for me)
What am I missing? I cannot figure out how to get into the program.
I could go to the mobile site, but that just seems silly when i know that the program is on my phone. I just can't find an icon to access it.
Please tell me I'm blind, and missing something obvious.
-AndyS-
realmrealm said:
* I have google voice setup correctly
* I have the application from the market installed
* I am receiving notifications in the form of text, and through the notification bar in android.
What I cannot figure out is how to opened the darn program when i want to get back into google voice to look at the messages in the inbox. i can get in when a message icon is in the tray (i just click on it and google voice comes up), but later on when i think "what was that message again?" and I go to go back to the program I cannot find a way to get in.
* There is no program in the "all programs" page (accessed by the arrow)
* There is no widget (other than the one to change how i want google voice to make calls for me)
What am I missing? I cannot figure out how to get into the program.
I could go to the mobile site, but that just seems silly when i know that the program is on my phone. I just can't find an icon to access it.
Please tell me I'm blind, and missing something obvious.
-AndyS-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can only guess that you're looking for an icon that says "Google Voice" when actually the icon just says "Voice"
yikes!
@thematrixkid17 - see, I asked for something obvious and you gave it to me
I'm really pretty embarrassed considering the time that I was trying to figure this out, and that it was in front of me the whole time.
Thanks for the quick reply.
-AndyS-
laufine said:
According to GV surport forum. If somebody(cellphone) calls ur GV number and transfer to ur sprint number. It should be counted as Mobile to Mobile. However, if you called somebody else through ur GV number, it will be conted as you call a landline.
link is here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint has a feature called "Sprint to Home" for $5 /month. If you add that to your plan ALL calls going to and from google voice are free. I use my phone ALL the time and only manage to rack up a 20-30 minutes a month .
realmrealm said:
@thematrixkid17 - see, I asked for something obvious and you gave it to me
I'm really pretty embarrassed considering the time that I was trying to figure this out, and that it was in front of me the whole time.
Thanks for the quick reply.
-AndyS-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. I knew that was probably your problem, because I had to do a double-take the first time I installed it too. Voice sounds really generic and has a pretty generic looking icon, so its not hard to overlook. I should add a picture of the icon to my guide
biggoan said:
Sprint has a feature called "Sprint to Home" for $5 /month. If you add that to your plan ALL calls going to and from google voice are free. I use my phone ALL the time and only manage to rack up a 20-30 minutes a month .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard about that. So you use google voice to dial to everybody? Cause I have 300 mins/month(Family plan,1500mins, 5ppl), if next month I use more than 300 mins, I'll call sprint to add this service.
anyone happen to happen an invite
[email protected]
so could i use this as my primary voicemail with my sprint number or would i have use the gv one? which i would see no point in if you don't use the gv number? thanks to whoever can clear this up for me
ko0pa11 said:
anyone happen to happen an invite
[email protected]
so could i use this as my primary voicemail with my sprint number or would i have use the gv one? which i would see no point in if you don't use the gv number? thanks to whoever can clear this up for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can use it as primary voicemail, while still using your Sprint number. That's how I primarily use mine, since I'm on a 1500 minute 5 line family plan with free mobile to mobile any network, and we barely use 200 anytime minutes COMBINED. So it doesn't make sense for me to use GV for calls, when everyone already has my Sprint number. just follow the section in the guide "google voice as voicemail" or the setup instructions on GV.
What is nice about GV for voicemail is that you get visual voicemail via the GV android app, access to voicemail on your pc, its easy to archive messages, custom greetings for different groups of callers, and a bunch of other stuff. Voicemail transcription isn't great yet, but makes it nice to get an idea of what callers are saying if you can't listen (class, meeting, etc)
Invites are pretty sparse. I only ever got three, which I've used for my close friends, or i'd hand them out.
Again, i'll be updating the guide semi-daily based on questions in this thread
laufine said:
I've heard about that. So you use google voice to dial to everybody? Cause I have 300 mins/month(Family plan,1500mins, 5ppl), if next month I use more than 300 mins, I'll call sprint to add this service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lot of the family plans now have the free mobile to mobile any network, so if you mainly make mobile calls, you might take a look at that as an option too. (sorry if I keep bringing this up, but it did really do a killing on my plan; my sister used almost 9000 free minutes last month because of this)
Switching yesterday to android was a shock when I found out there was no visual voicemail for android on AT&T. Dialing in for voicemail seems archaic now. But google voice can easily take over your AT&T voicemail and much much more. You don't even have to use your google voice phone number to use the voicemail feature.
Check out HulloMail as well. HulloMail is available for Android, iPhone and Blackberry in the US and UK. The app is free and offers everything you want from VVM and more.
lebe0024 said:
Switching yesterday to android was a shock when I found out there was no visual voicemail for android on AT&T. Dialing in for voicemail seems archaic now. But google voice can easily take over your AT&T voicemail and much much more. You don't even have to use your google voice phone number to use the voicemail feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, I didnt even think about that. I dont even know how to dial in for voicemail on AT&T. The entire time on AT&T I had an iphone that did all that stuff automatically.
Google voicemail transcribes which is even more awesome
Google Voice is great if you don't use Google Apps, if you use a Google Apps account it won't work with it, which is really a pain. I don't want to maintain two separate Google accounts
hullos said:
Check out HulloMail as well. HulloMail is available for Android, iPhone and Blackberry in the US and UK. The app is free and offers everything you want from VVM and more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mixed reviews on that app...
How do you set up google voice to be your voicemail application, even if someone calls your regular phone number, not your google voice number?
Basics: Adding Google voicemail to your current mobile forwarding phoneShare Comment Print
If you're using a Google number, you can still set up Google voicemail with any mobile forwarding phone.
To do this, click Settings at the top right of the page. On the Phones tab, click the Add Google voicemail to this phone link to get started. The mobile carrier for your forwarding phone will need to be one of our current supported carriers.
http://www.google.com/support/voice/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=164652
I found youmail (sorry due to the rule about new account I can't post the link, but I'm sure you will be able to find it) witch work perfectly with Android. It's free and has a lot of great options
personally my last smartphone was a blackberry 8100 and then 8110 without internet so i think im going to be fine
Has anyone successfully downloaded the Google Voice App? I have tried several times and continue to get a 'download successful' message.
Thanks,
InnerGeek said:
Has anyone successfully downloaded the Google Voice App? I have tried several times and continue to get a 'download successful' message.
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem here, works perfectly, works great.
I used appbrain to download it, maybe you can try there?
So during the wizard to set up google voice I choose GV for my voicemail, and all it does is says no changes made and kicks me back to the GV wizard. I am unable to get this to work.
anyone have some ideas?
Main Target said:
So during the wizard to set up google voice I choose GV for my voicemail, and all it does is says no changes made and kicks me back to the GV wizard. I am unable to get this to work.
anyone have some ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did this earlier in the week. Here's what I did.
Install Google voice as you normally would but don't do any of the app's set up for voicemail use..it wont work. Go to settings>call settings>voice calls>call forwarding.
Leave the first option...think its Always Forward...as disabled but the final three options where the calls get forwarded to your AT&T voicemail...edit those so the number is your GV number. That should take care of it.
Be sure to write down your AT&T voicemail number just in case you want to change it back.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
This worked. Am I charged minutes for calls getting forwarded to this number?'
Additionally, when I make google voice calls, can I add my GV number to alist for free calls?
Main Target said:
This worked. Am I charged minutes for calls getting forwarded to this number?'
Additionally, when I make google voice calls, can I add my GV number to alist for free calls?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe you get charged per minute for call forwarding.
As far as the A List goes...I have no idea.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Actually, you do use your minutes when you forward a call to your google voice voicemail. I know this from looking at my bill. I don't know about the a-list feature though, I've never used it.
ruppert said:
Actually, you do use your minutes when you forward a call to your google voice voicemail. I know this from looking at my bill. I don't know about the a-list feature though, I've never used it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Wow. That's unnecessary. Oh well. Not like I don't answer my phone anyway so oh well.
I wonder if adding the google voice number to the a-list will allow free call forwarding....
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
A-List essentially is a list of numbers that you have unlimited calls to and from. When I was on my iphone you initiated GV calls by getting a call sent to you with your caller ID, so I would add that number to my a-list and voila, free calls.
not sure how it works with the app though.
Edit: looks like every time you dial out of GV it uses a different 10 digit number so you cant abuse a-list...shameful! Wonder i theres a way to force it to use a specific number
Good news you can roll back your version of GV and have it use the same number everytime when you try to connect a call.
http://phandroid.com/2010/07/22/goo...eedier-dialing-eliminates-free-calling-trick/
So, my dad uses a Droid X2. However, he's been considering ditching his phone for a 7" 3g/4g tablet, and using it as his "phone" with a bluetooth headset.
While this isn't something I'd do, i think its a pretty cool idea. Only thing is, if he were to do this, he'd need to be able to call (skype or similar, no prob) and text.
I thought you could do it with skype, but apparently not...
https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA...e-number-when-sending-SMS-messages-from-Skype
I also know there are third party texting services, but i have no experiences wiht them, i have no idea what's good or not.
So, my real question is - is there any way to be able to call and text from an android tablet using the same phone number?
mtmerrick said:
So, my dad uses a Droid X2. However, he's been considering ditching his phone for a 7" 3g/4g tablet, and using it as his "phone" with a bluetooth headset.
While this isn't something I'd do, i think its a pretty cool idea. Only thing is, if he were to do this, he'd need to be able to call (skype or similar, no prob) and text.
I thought you could do it with skype, but apparently not...
https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA...e-number-when-sending-SMS-messages-from-Skype
I also know there are third party texting services, but i have no experiences wiht them, i have no idea what's good or not.
So, my real question is - is there any way to be able to call and text from an android tablet using the same phone number?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know you can call from Skype as well as send texts. I'm not certain about texting from Skype on the mobile device, though. He could use a combination of What's App for texting and Google Voice for calls.
huh. can you tie the two phone numbers together?
mtmerrick said:
huh. can you tie the two phone numbers together?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean? Can one device have two phone numbers? No, not from a carrier. You can have one number from a wireless carrier, a Google Voice number, and a Skype number all going to the same device, though.
The only way a single device can get two cellular numbers is if it has two SIM slots.
No, no, i was saying, can you make your skype number and your watsapp-assigned number into the same phone number?
so someone can call or text you using the same number.
There is an app called viber that will assign you the same number for calls and texts. It is the best quality as far as the voip calling goes, and it was just updated so you can send picture messages as well.
mtmerrick said:
No, no, i was saying, can you make your skype number and your watsapp-assigned number into the same phone number?
so someone can call or text you using the same number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, no. You can't do that. You could just use Google Voice. It does voice and text messages as well as voicemail.
@ lowandbehold - perfect! except for the fact that you (apparently) can't contact anyone who doesn't have viber? That makes it a no-no.
@ cajunflavoredbob - I've heard people say that, but well, look at the attachment, this is voice on my vortex, where is it?
mtmerrick said:
@ lowandbehold - perfect! except for the fact that you (apparently) can't contact anyone who doesn't have viber? That makes it a no-no.
@ cajunflavoredbob - I've heard people say that, but well, look at the attachment, this is voice on my vortex, where is it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have a dedicated GV number that people can send texts to. I don't personally use GV, but The Google Voice home page specifically lists text messages as being free with the GV app.
*googles*
i see that.... but i can't access it.....
and i'm sure you understand that i can't tell someone to buy something to replace their (crucial for day to day life) cell phone with something that i can't prove will work - in fact i have evidence to the contrary.
So, could someone here with a 3g/4g tab or a wifi only android device confirm that you can, if fact, use the google voice app to send/receive calls and texts using your google voice phone number? that'll make/break the deal right there.
mtmerrick said:
*googles*
i see that.... but i can't access it.....
and i'm sure you understand that i can't tell someone to buy something to replace their (crucial for day to day life) cell phone with something that i can't prove will work - in fact i have evidence to the contrary.
So, could someone here with a 3g/4g tab or a wifi only android device confirm that you can, if fact, use the google voice app to send/receive calls and texts using your google voice phone number? that'll make/break the deal right there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you log in to your Google Voice account online and choose a number? Can't send a text if you don't pick a phone number first. Once you choose a number from the settings panel in the website, simply log in to your GV app on your device, hit menu, then compose. It literally took me three minutes to send a text from the GV app to myself after getting a number set up.
I think this number will be handy for giving to women that I'd rather not talk to again after a hard night drinking...
I have a Google voice number, that's different from my cell number.
There is no "compose" anywhere on the app. pressing menu brings up Refresh, Search, Labels, Balance, Settings, and More. More brings up Help and Send feedback.
mtmerrick said:
I have a Google voice number, that's different from my cell number.
There is no "compose" anywhere on the app. pressing menu brings up Refresh, Search, Labels, Balance, Settings, and More. More brings up Help and Send feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to Labels > Text. Then hit Menu > Compose.
This might be redundant, but I'm covering all the bases. Keep in mind that when you download the app, Google only gives you a voicemail number. The app alone does not provide a GV number. You don't get the calling/texting number until you log into the website on a PC browser. You then go to the settings icon in the top right side of the page and choose a number for Google Voice. Once that is done, the app will update itself next time you launch it. You might need to go to Menu > Labels > Text (SMS) in order to send a message. Send a message by hitting the menu button while in the inbox and then tapping Compose. Fill in the contact name and message text and hit send.
ah, that's it. i can't used the number that google provided me with, i have to choose a new google voice number. the one google provided me with is no good, apparently. its working now, many thanks.
mtmerrick said:
ah, that's it. i can't used the number that google provided me with, i have to choose a new google voice number. the one google provided me with is no good, apparently. its working now, many thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heh. I figured that was it. Almost everyone seems to have trouble with that part. It would be nice if Google explained that part a little bit better, eh? Anyway, that should be everything you're looking for in a replacement app. I know that texting is free, but I'm not sure if or how much calls cost. I only know for sure that international calls cost a bit. It's cheaper than Skype either way.
US to US calls are free with google voice, i know that much
you've been a huge help, any chance you could help with the other half of the crossover?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1302560
interesting thread
I'm traveling to Costa Rica next month with our high school youth group on a mission trip. I currently have a Google Voice number for voicemail and things. Can I accept calls on that GV number when connected to WiFi? I've Googled but I can't find anything recent, or anything that answers my question simply. If GV can't do it, is there another one that can?
jessicahll said:
I'm traveling to Costa Rica next month with our high school youth group on a mission trip. I currently have a Google Voice number for voicemail and things. Can I accept calls on that GV number when connected to WiFi? I've Googled but I can't find anything recent, or anything that answers my question simply. If GV can't do it, is there another one that can?
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Yes, you can use your google voice number to make and receive calls over wifi. You will need an app to actually make and receive the calls, I recommend GrooveIP, although there are a few others. Install GrooveIP, it will use your Google Voice number to make and receive calls. Receiving calls can be a little touch and go. Also, I find that I get better voice quality by calling from google Talk inside Gmail on my laptop, but Google Voice with GrooveIP is workable.
I would recommend setting it up and testing it out before you leave the States.
Pura Vida
Hi everyone. I am planning on getting the Nexus 5 and I am planning to get the $30 a month plan from T-Mobile which allows for 100 minutes of talk, unlimited texts, and 5 GB of 4G Data. I was planning on using the Google Talk app with Groove IP or talkatone to call because I already have my Google Voice number and I just want to use my data to call people (In other words, I want to use VOIP so I can call with Google Voice over my data). With the integration of Google voice and hangouts will I still be able to do that? Please someone reply because I am ordering the Nexus 5 in a few days (I am waiting for reviews first).
maxell505 said:
Hi everyone. I am planning on getting the Nexus 5 and I am planning to get the $30 a month plan from T-Mobile which allows for 100 minutes of talk, unlimited texts, and 5 GB of 4G Data. I was planning on using the Google Talk app with Groove IP or talkatone to call because I already have my Google Voice number and I just want to use my data to call people (In other words, I want to use VOIP so I can call with Google Voice over my data). With the integration of Google voice and hangouts will I still be able to do that? Please someone reply because I am ordering the Nexus 5 in a few days (I am waiting for reviews first).
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On the same boat, I'm sure you will for now, keep in mind Google has announced they are killing 3rd party access to GV next year so u will have that VoIP capability for so long. I'm on ST now but do plan on porting over to TMO next month and do plan on milking VoIP Talkatone for as long as I can till they completely kill it. Google I believe may fully offer a full VoIP solution which would in fact be great to have.
I don't know about Groove but Talkatone has announced they r working on a new product that mirrors it's current capabilities (sans GV), looking forward to what they r cooking up.
miamidesigner said:
On the same boat, I'm sure you will for now, keep in mind Google has announced they are killing 3rd party access to GV next year so u will have that VoIP capability for so long. I'm on ST now but do plan on porting over to TMO next month and do plan on milking VoIP Talkatone for as long as I can till they completely kill it. Google I believe may fully offer a full VoIP solution which would in fact be great to have.
I don't know about Groove but Talkatone has announced they r working on a new product that mirrors it's current capabilities (sans GV), looking forward to what they r cooking up.
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So if Google offers full VOIP, then there is no need for third party apps right? And you are saying that Talkatone is working on something just like Google Voice?? But the only thing is, with talkatone, you will most likely get another number, and then you have to go through the process of switching numbers like telling everybody about your new number and making sure htye change it and........its just a big hassle. I hope Google extends the deadline or I might have to switch to the $45 plan from straight talk. How is the HSPA+ on their network? Is it close to 4G. I am fine if it is not as fast as 4G but I want it more faster than 3G for sure and I know it is that. I am still debating on using Google Voice still or just switching to Straight Talk.
The Walmart plan does not allow for call forwarding or conditional forwarding so you will never be able to setup Google voice to be your voice mail system... Just a heads up..
Sent from another Nexus..
7 LTE...
maxell505 said:
So if Google offers full VOIP, then there is no need for third party apps right? And you are saying that Talkatone is working on something just like Google Voice?? But the only thing is, with talkatone, you will most likely get another number, and then you have to go through the process of switching numbers like telling everybody about your new number and making sure htye change it and........its just a big hassle. I hope Google extends the deadline or I might have to switch to the $45 plan from straight talk. How is the HSPA+ on their network? Is it close to 4G. I am fine if it is not as fast as 4G but I want it more faster than 3G for sure and I know it is that. I am still debating on using Google Voice still or just switching to Straight Talk.
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Correct, no more 3rd party apps needed. No idea on how/what Talkatone would offer but my guess is yes a new # would be needed. Gotta wait and see.
On ST I actually have LTE, pre LTE days my internet was horrible, since they launched LTE everything has been really smooth, haven't experienced any throttling yet *knock on wood*. Honestly I'm happy with ST but wouldn't mind saving the extra 15 bucks a month and getting 2x the limit. My only worry is service, here in Miami I have heard a lot of dead spots for TMO, whereas ATT I was with them for like 15 yrs and never have a problem. I'm still gonna try TMO, benefits of having my main number on GV I could cancel and just get any new carrier # whenever I want.
miamidesigner said:
Correct, no more 3rd party apps needed. No idea on how/what Talkatone would offer but my guess is yes a new # would be needed. Gotta wait and see.
On ST I actually have LTE, pre LTE days my internet was horrible, since they launched LTE everything has been really smooth, haven't experienced any throttling yet *knock on wood*. Honestly I'm happy with ST but wouldn't mind saving the extra 15 bucks a month and getting 2x the limit. My only worry is service, here in Miami I have heard a lot of dead spots for TMO, whereas ATT I was with them for like 15 yrs and never have a problem. I'm still gonna try TMO, benefits of having my main number on GV I could cancel and just get any new carrier # whenever I want.
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Oh ok I didn't know ST ever switched. I heard that ST throttles after 2.5 GB of data which really, isn't all that bad. I think I am going to stick with TMO for right now or atleast until Google stops their third-party app service.
maconsultant said:
The Walmart plan does not allow for call forwarding or conditional forwarding so you will never be able to setup Google voice to be your voice mail system... Just a heads up..
Sent from another Nexus..
7 LTE...
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Google Voice has its own voicemail service that will notifiy you of a voicemail via the Google Voice app or through the GV web interface. When I was on Straight Talk I checked all my voicemails through the Google Voice app.
Sent from my SGH-I747
stelv said:
Google Voice has its own voicemail service that will notifiy you of a voicemail via the Google Voice app or through the GV web interface. When I was on Straight Talk I checked all my voicemails through the Google Voice app.
Sent from my SGH-I747
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But when you setup the google voice app it tries to set that option (conditional call forwarding to google voice's voicemail).. Which it cant as the Walmart plan does not support this feature, But yes you can do it through the app thats correct, but i rather full integration.. But if you don't have the finances or the credit to get a post paid account (THE ONLY PLANS THAT SUPPORTS THE FORWARDING FEATURE) and you need to opt for the Walmart plan i guess you have to do what you have to do.
Either way gets it done...
Yea it's all good to me either way. You will still get a GV Voicemail notification. There are some downsides to pre paid. I had straight talk for a year and then went to att. But kind of regret having a contract now. I am going to try aio wireless before too long here.
Sent from my SGH-I747
I am planning on using a tablet sim card and using it in addition to a Verizon dumb phone. T-Mobile has terrible coverage in my area, and I need to make calls.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk 4
stelv said:
Yea it's all good to me either way. You will still get a GV Voicemail notification. There are some downsides to pre paid. I had straight talk for a year and then went to att. But kind of regret having a contract now. I am going to try aio wireless before too long here.
Sent from my SGH-I747
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So if i just go to the ST website and get a sim card from there, can i transfer my google number to a straight talk number? Like is that possible to do?
maxell505 said:
So if i just go to the ST website and get a sim card from there, can i transfer my google number to a straight talk number? Like is that possible to do?
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You don't transfer your Google Voice number to Straight Talk. Straight Talk will give you a Straight Talk number. Then you download the Google Voice app. When you first open the Google Voice app on your android device it will take you through configuration. I set mine to " use Google voice to make all calls" and I don't even use my carriers number at all.
So you will have 2 phone numbers. You give out which ever one you want to. The GV number will work only if you have the Google Voice app installed. You can also send/receive text only texts and receive voicemail via the Google Voice app. Google Voice also works on a desktop computer through its web interface. You can also block numbers via Google Voice.
stelv said:
You don't transfer your Google Voice number to Straight Talk. Straight Talk will give you a Straight Talk number. Then you download the Google Voice app. When you first open the Google Voice app on your android device it will take you through configuration. I set mine to " use Google voice to make all calls" and I don't even use my carriers number at all.
So you will have 2 phone numbers. You give out which ever one you want to. The GV number will work only if you have the Google Voice app installed. You can also send/receive text only texts and receive voicemail via the Google Voice app. Google Voice also works on a desktop computer through its web interface. You can also block numbers via Google Voice.
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Ok, so after I do that, I can just install an app likek Groove IP or Talkatone and then just make and recieve calls too right? I am just going to give out my Google Voice number to everyone so when they call me, I will receive the call through Google voice on the native dialer app on Android or am I going to receive the call through an app like Groove IP or Talkatone
maxell505 said:
Ok, so after I do that, I can just install an app likek Groove IP or Talkatone and then just make and recieve calls too right? I am just going to give out my Google Voice number to everyone so when they call me, I will receive the call through Google voice on the native dialer app on Android or am I going to receive the call through an app like Groove IP or Talkatone
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It gets kind of tricky when you want to use a VoIP like GrooveIP to make and receive calls over data/wifi instead of your carriers phone service. You can set your phone to natively use your Google Voice number to make/receive all calls, but it will use your plans minutes instead of data if you do not have GrooveIp or Talkatone setup correctly (it will come through your native android dialer and use your tmobile minutes by default).
I have attached a link for a guide that was originally written in the Galaxy Nexus forum. It has a guide to Google Voice + VoIP calling. I have used GrooveIP on my wifi only tablet to make calls over wifi, but have never tried bypassing carrier phone service on my cellphone using GrooveIP. It can be done though.
*Also be aware Google has said they will eventually disable access to Google Voice from third party apps so this may mess things up in the future. Have a backup plan ready just incase they do this. We may be only abel to ue the Hangouts app in the future. Also you cannot send or receive pic and vid messages via Google Voice, just text only messages.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1646755
stelv said:
It gets kind of tricky when you want to use a VoIP like GrooveIP to make and receive calls over data/wifi instead of your carriers phone service. You can set your phone to natively use your Google Voice number to make/receive all calls, but it will use your plans minutes instead of data if you do not have GrooveIp or Talkatone setup correctly (it will come through your native android dialer and use your tmobile minutes by default).
I have attached a link for a guide that was originally written in the Galaxy Nexus forum. It has a guide to Google Voice + VoIP calling. I have used GrooveIP on my wifi only tablet to make calls over wifi, but have never tried bypassing carrier phone service on my cellphone using GrooveIP. It can be done though.
*Also be aware Google has said they will eventually disable access to Google Voice from third party apps so this may mess things up in the future. Have a backup plan ready just incase they do this. Also you cannot send or receive pic and vid messages via Google Voice, just text only messages.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1646755
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ok so I cannot send and recieve pic or vid messages but I can just use another app like GoSMS or some other apps that use your regular phone number(in my case, my google voice number) to send and recieve text messages right? I am thinking that i should not get a plan first when I get my nexus. Like set it up and everything by using wifi to send and receive calls and texts and then later on I will get a plan and just forward my number that i get once i get my plan to my google voice number.
maxell505 said:
ok so I cannot send and recieve pic or vid messages but I can just use another app like GoSMS or some other apps that use your regular phone number(in my case, my google voice number) to send and recieve text messages right? I am thinking that i should not get a plan first when I get my nexus. Like set it up and everything by using wifi to send and receive calls and texts and then later on I will get a plan and just forward my number that i get once i get my plan to my google voice number.
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You will have to use a carriers phone number to send pic and vid messages. Google Voice's servers cannot handle that type of data, so you cannot send/receive pic/vid messages with your GV number at all. A Google Voice number is only good for makings calls and TXT, not SMS or MMS.
If you are going to use your Nexus on wifi only with no plan, you can use GrooveIP to make/receive calls over wifi. You will need a strong data connection though. Its best to stand near the router. You will need a Google Voice number to use with GrooveIP over wifi. In summary you will need: Google Voice number + Google Voice app + GrooveIP or Talkatone + strong wifi signal
You can also use the Hangouts App to text and video call people over wifi. The people you are contacting will need a gmail account and have the hangouts app open and running on their phone or computer.
stelv said:
You will have to use a carriers phone number to send pic and vid messages. Google Voice's servers cannot handle that type of data, so you cannot send/receive pic/vid messages with your GV number at all. A Google Voice number is only good for makings calls and TXT, not SMS or MMS.
If you are going to use your Nexus on wifi only with no plan, you can use GrooveIP to make/receive calls over wifi. You will need a strong data connection though. Its best to stand near the router. You will need a Google Voice number to use with GrooveIP over wifi. In summary you will need: Google Voice number + Google Voice app + GrooveIP or Talkatone + strong wifi signal
You can also use the Hangouts App to text and video call people over wifi. The people you are contacting will need a gmail account and have the hangouts app open and running on their phone or computer.
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Ok thank you, that really helped. I will probably end up using talkatone just because it has good call quality even on 3G. At least that was was it said on that article you linked. Now on the talkatone website( http://www.talkatone.com/ ), It shows an iPhone that has talkatone and he sent a picture message to someone else and he also received a video message from someone else. Does this mean that you can send mms through talkatone only.
maxell505 said:
Ok thank you, that really helped. I will probably end up using talkatone just because it has good call quality even on 3G. At least that was was it said on that article you linked. Now on the talkatone website( http://www.talkatone.com/ ), It shows an iPhone that has talkatone and he sent a picture message to someone else and he also received a video message from someone else. Does this mean that you can send mms through talkatone only.
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I don't know much about talkatone I have never used it. As far as I know the only carrier or data provider that has had success with pic messages via a Google Voice number is Sprint. Doesn't work anywhere else.
Other people using the talkatone app may be able to receive pic/vid messages through talkatone but not if you send via a GV number. Possibly if you are sending via some other type of method or account. Not totally sure.
edit deleted fb link it was an old link
stelv said:
I don't know much about talkatone I have never used it. As far as I know the only carrier or data provider that has had success with pic messages via a Google Voice number is Sprint. Doesn't work anywhere else.
Other people using the talkatone app may be able to receive pic/vid messages through talkatone but not if you send via a GV number. Possibly if you are sending via some other type of method or account. Not totally sure.
edit deleted fb link it was an old link
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Ok thank you. Can you please close this thread because I do not know how to do it.
Glad to help. I think a moderator has to close a thread. But it's OK if it stays open. Someone else may need this info in the future.
Sent from my Nexus 7