How Google Voice Voicemail Works

Google Voice takes voicemail for calls you miss, transcribes it to text, and can email or text you the message. You set the greeting in Google Voice settings.

The basics

When someone calls your Google Voice number and you do not answer, the call goes to Google Voice voicemail. You can play the message in the Voice app or website, read the transcript, and download the audio.

Set your greeting

1. Open Google Voice and go to Settings.
2. Find Voicemail › Voicemail greeting.
3. Record a new greeting and set it as active.

Get voicemail by email or text

Linked phones and carrier voicemail

If Google Voice forwards calls to your mobile, both Google Voice and your carrier may try to take the message. Answer the call or set a short ring time on the carrier side so Google Voice voicemail picks up first.

Checking voicemail by phone

Call your Google Voice number from a linked phone and press the star key to reach voicemail. You may need a PIN, which you can set in settings.

Blocking spam calls

• Turn on spam filtering in settings.
• Block numbers so they hear a not-in-service message.
• Screen calls to hear who is calling first.

Storage

Voicemails stay in your account until you delete them. Old messages can be searched by transcript.

More on Voice: changing your Google Voice number and free calls.

Voicemail for Workspace users

Google Voice for business accounts has the same voicemail features, but admins may control settings such as transcripts, recording and retention. Ask your admin if an option is missing.

Do Not Disturb

Turning on Do Not Disturb in Google Voice sends all calls straight to voicemail, which is handy outside working hours.

Transcripts are machine-made and can contain mistakes, especially with names or background noise, so play the audio for anything important.

Transcription accuracy

Google Voice turns voicemails into text automatically, but names, numbers and accents can come out wrong. Play the audio when a message matters, and use the feedback option in the app to help improve the transcripts over time.

FAQ

Does Google Voice transcribe voicemail?

Yes, you can turn transcripts on in settings.

Can Google Voice email me voicemails?

Yes, in voicemail settings.

How do I change my Google Voice greeting?

Settings › Voicemail › Voicemail greeting.

Related: change Google Voice number · Google Voice free calls · get a Google Voice number.