8/3/2018 Still can't send/receive videos but other than that it's a great app. 10/2/2025 Can receive very small video files but still can't send/receive audio files such as mp3 which is frankly pathetic in this day and age. Still has lots of catching up to do but I guess I can't complain much since the voice calling works well and is a great feature.
Great app, but with one major flaw. Be aware that on the free plan you can not set a seperate ringtone or notification sound for this app as seperate from any other app. A missing basic app feature i expect of any app on my phone. Google does suggest some work around to be able to know if a call is coming through the app vs the phones native line, but it does not work as intended. In some cases I can tell visually when looking at the phone, but in some cases I can not.
I love this app! It is one of the easiest and most stable secondary number apps I have found to date. As long as you've got a strong wi-fi signal, mobile data is NOT required to receive and make phone calls. Also great to give out if you don't want someone having your actual number. You have the ability to forward all calls to your real number, or someone else's number. And it can show up as your Google voice number, or the number that is calling you. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
The app is really a 5-star option for replacing Skype. I'm facing issues with Google Voice on my Windows 10 desktop, as it can't make calls. This highlights how Skype had a superior desktop experience, which is crucial for communication apps. I’ve followed all recommended troubleshooting steps, such as removing extensions, checking the firewall, and clearing cache and cookies, but nothing has worked. I need both the app and desktop to function properly, which will determine continued use.
Edit: Although I have a regular number, I use Google Voice on a very regular basis - a number that I can give that I will likely have for a long time. .Unlike other free numbers, it accepts verification texts from businesses and other accounts. Disregard: The issue with Voice I have is for beginning users, the tie with hangouts and the confusion with that. Now it's supposed to be untied to Hangouts which is great and I'll change my review to 5 when I see that the usability is much improved.
I have used this app for about 10 years and have no complaints. I wondered if you could include a feature to limit the number of rings on incoming calls, especially from callers not listed in my contacts. It's VERY frustrating that we receive so many unsolicited and spam calls. Since the calls can't be stopped, limiting the number of rings will make it a little less annoying. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
I have used this app for my business line for the past almost 6 years. Never had a problem. literally the day before yesterday, all of a sudden, I can't text. I keep getting a fail message "acceptable use." Literally nothing has changed in what I do. So even if the number texts me first. I can't even reply to clients I have been text for years! Dont get this app if you actually plan on texting. And there's no customer service to even request a review. It's just useless.
I have been using Google Voice for years! I love being able to have the same number I've had for decades, despite having gone through numerous phones, without porting my number each time! I also live that I can make and receive calls, and read and send messages, from my laptop, my phone, and my tablet! The spam blocking works pretty well -- some manage to get past any system! -- and messages get sent to me as a text so I don't often have to listen to them.
The install process for this app is fairly easy, such as granting the required permissions, approving contacts access, etc. Then, in the app settings, selecting which options to use for the various functions is not difficult. But it does involve some thought and testing (sending and receiving calls and messages, etc.) to make sure the app performs per the user's preferences. Haven't run into any issues, it works as described, so 5 stars.
I love the Google number and the fact that it never expires, you can use it for phone calls and messages on any device with a speaker and a microphone. It's a great backup phone number to use for account recovery purposes. It has saved me so many times when I've broken or lost my phone or phone number changed. my only complaint is that I can't use two Google voice numbers on the same device. You can have dual accounts for many other apps on one device. Come on Google, let's make that happen!
