Yes, you can change your Google Voice number, but only once every 30 days
Google Voice lets you change the phone number attached to your account, but the system limits how often you can do it. You can request a new number once every 30 days. The process takes a few minutes and happens entirely within your Google Voice settings—you do not need to contact Google support unless something goes wrong.
When you change your number, your old one becomes available for someone else to claim after a short waiting period. Any contacts you have saved will not automatically update, so you will need to tell people your new number separately. Your voicemail, call history, and text message archive stay with your account.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Google Voice number once every 30 days through your account settings, with no fee.
- Your old number becomes available to others after Google releases it, so do not rely on it staying yours.
- Changing your number does not affect your voicemail, call history, or text archives—those stay attached to your account.
- You cannot choose a specific number; Google assigns you one from available numbers in your area code.
- If you cannot change your number because the 30-day window has not passed, you will see the exact date you can try again.
How to change your number in Google Voice settings
Open Google Voice on your computer (the mobile app does not have this feature). Sign in with the Google account that owns the Voice number. Click the Settings gear icon in the top right, then select Settings from the menu.
In the left sidebar, click Phone numbers. You will see your current Google Voice number displayed. Below it, click the button labeled Change / Port. Google will show you a list of available numbers in your area code. Browse through the options—you can see the number, the area code, and sometimes a preview of what it looks like formatted. Click the number you want to claim it.
Google will ask you to confirm the change. Once you confirm, the new number is active when ready. Your old number enters a holding period before it becomes available to the public.
What happens to your old number
When you change your Google Voice number, the old one does not stay reserved for you. Google holds it for a period of time (the exact length varies), then releases it back into the pool of available numbers. Someone else can then claim it. This means if you change your number and later regret it, you cannot straightforward change back to the old one.
Before you change your number, tell anyone who uses it regularly—family, friends, colleagues, services that call you back. Once the number is released, calls to it will go to whoever claims it next, and they will receive messages meant for you.
Why you might not be able to change your number right now
If you have changed your Google Voice number within the last 30 days, you will see a message saying you cannot change it yet. The message will show you the exact date and time when you can request a new number again. This limit applies whether you changed it intentionally or had to change it for another reason.
There is no way to bypass the 30-day waiting period. If you need a different number urgently, your only option is to wait until the window opens. Some people create a second Google Voice number on a different Google account as a workaround, though that requires managing two separate accounts.
What stays with your account when you change numbers
Your Google Voice account is separate from the phone number itself. When you change the number, everything else attached to your account remains:
- Your voicemail messages and greetings
- Your call history and logs
- Your text message archive
- Your call forwarding settings and linked devices
- Your blocked numbers list
- Your voicemail transcription settings
The only thing that changes is the phone number people use to reach you. If you have set up call forwarding to your mobile phone or other device, those settings stay active with the new number.
You cannot choose a specific number
Google assigns you a number from its available inventory in your selected area code. You cannot request a specific number, reserve a vanity number, or ask for a number with a particular pattern. You can browse the list of what is available and pick from those options, but you cannot special-order one.
If you need a number in a different area code, you can change your area code preference in your Google Voice settings before you request a new number. This might give you different options to choose from, though availability depends on what Google has in stock.
Porting a phone number from another carrier
The Change / Port button in your settings also lets you port a number from another phone company into Google Voice, rather than accepting a new Google Voice number. This is different from changing your number—you are bringing an existing number you own into the Google Voice system.
Porting requires that you own the number (it must be in your name with your current carrier), that your account with that carrier is in good standing, and that you have a PIN or password set up for the account. Google charges a one-time porting fee, which varies. The process usually takes a few business days. If you want to port instead of change, click the same button and follow the port option instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Google Voice number on my phone?
No, the change number feature only works on the Google Voice website, not in the mobile app. You need to use a computer or tablet with a web browser. Open voice.google.com, sign in, and go to Settings > Phone numbers to find the Change / Port button.
What if I change my number and then change my mind?
You cannot change back to your old number once you have released it. Your old number goes back into Google's available pool and can be claimed by someone else. You can only request a new number once every 30 days, so plan your change carefully.
Will my contacts automatically know my new number?
No, your contacts will not be notified. You need to tell them your new number separately. Google Voice does not send automatic notifications to people in your contact list when you change your number.
Can I have two Google Voice numbers at the same time?
Not on the same Google account. However, you can create a second Google account and set up a separate Google Voice number on that account. This means managing two accounts and two phone numbers, but it is possible if you need multiple numbers.
Does changing my number affect my voicemail or call history?
No, your voicemail messages, call history, text archives, and all other account data stay with your account. Only the phone number changes. All your settings and history remain exactly as they were.