Google Voice is an Internet-based service that gives your contacts a single voice number and forwards calls to multiple phones (landlines or mobile phones) that you specify. You can also use Google Voice on a computer. So if you change service providers, jobs, or homes, your phone number remains the same for people trying to reach you.

Google Voice screens calls, blocks numbers, and applies rules to each caller. When you receive a voicemail message, Google Voice transcribes it and sends you an email or text message alert.

To sign up for Google Voice, you need a Google account and a US mobile or landline number. The exception is Google Fi, which turns your Google Voice number into your regular number.

Google Voice accounts are free. The only actions Google charges for are making international calls and changing your Google Voice phone number after you create your account.