Google Voice is Not Working [13+ Common Problems, Solutions & Alternatives]

Google Voice can be good for personal communication …until it suddenly stops working.

Google user reviews on platforms like G2, Capterra, and Trustpilot point to a phone service riddled with missed calls, poor audio, and limited international reach, among other shortcomings. Some users even report getting locked out of their Google Voice account.

While the service has a raft of common issues, most of them have workarounds if you know where to look.

In this article, you will learn:

• Common Google Voice problems
• How to fix them
• The best alternative to Google Voice for reliable personal and business communication 

Let’s dive in. 

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Table of Contents

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1. Why is my Google Voice not working?

2. Google Voice not working?—Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

3. Google Voice won’t work?—Switch to iPlum

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Why is my Google Voice not working?

There are several reasons your Google Voice number is not working. Below is a rundown of the most probable causes.

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1. Incoming calls don’t ring

Missed calls are one of the most common issues with the Google Voice app. With this glitch, the phone doesn’t ring, and calls aren’t routed to voicemail.

Causes:

• Do Not Disturb is turned on, which silences all calls.
• Call answering is disabled. If this setting is off in the app or browser, calls won’t ring.
• The browser tab is inactive. The service runs in your browser. If you're using a desktop. You may experience missed calls if the Google Voice tab is inactive
• The tab is closed. Google Voice doesn’t have a native desktop app. Therefore, once you close the tab, you won’t receive incoming calls.

Solutions:

• Turn off Do Not Disturb in your Google Voice settings.
• Enable call answering in the mobile app or browser version.
• Keep the Google Voice tab open and active in your browser.
• Avoid closing the tab, since that will block incoming calls entirely.

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2. Poor sound quality

The last thing you want during calls is choppy audio, echo, or delays. These problems usually trace back to connection issues or, less often, a bug with the Google Voice platform.

Causes:

• Weak internet or Wi-Fi signal. Google Voice is internet-based, so a poor signal can distort audio.
• Mobile network instability. If you’re on cellular data, switching between towers or weak coverage can disrupt voice clarity, which is especially common during travel.
• Calls placed through the phone dialer. On some Android phones, using the default dialer instead of the Google Voice app can trigger audio routing issues.
• Google Voice platform issues. In rare cases, audio problems come from Google’s backend servers.

Solutions:

• Switch to a stronger cellular or internet connection. If you’re on Wi-Fi, move closer to the router or restart it. If you’re using mobile data, try switching locations.
• Use the Google Voice app directly. Placing calls through the app helps avoid audio routing problems tied to default phone dialers.
• Avoid heavy bandwidth use during calls. Streaming or file downloads can eat up bandwidth and affect call quality.
• Check Google’s status page if nothing else works. If your connection is stable but you still experience problems with phone calls, the problem may be a temporary glitch.

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3. Can’t port your phone number

It should be easy to port numbers into Google Voice. However, that’s not always the case. The system rejects certain numbers or doesn’t complete the transfer.

Causes:

• Your number isn’t eligible. Google doesn’t support toll-free numbers and Canadian local lines.  
• You haven't paid the $20 porting fee. Porting into Google Voice requires a one-time payment.
• Google Voice errors. Sometimes the porting page may freeze, or confirmation never arrives due to a system glitch.

Solutions:

• Check if your number is eligible. Use Google’s number porting tool to confirm before starting the process.
• Make sure the $20 fee goes through. If the charge fails, retry with a different card or payment method.
• Wait and retry. If the port fails, wait 24 hours, then try again. Also, avoid multiple back-to-back attempts.
• Contact support. If you’re on a paid Google Workspace plan, reach out through the admin console for help.

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4. Can’t access Google Voice account

Sometimes Google Voice won’t load, or the app refuses to connect on your computer or mobile device.

Causes:

• Bad internet connection. A weak or unstable connection can block the app or web version from loading.
• Outdated app. If you haven’t updated in a while, the app may stop working or crash on launch.
• No Google Voice license assigned. Workspace users need a Voice license. Without it, the service won’t activate.
• Unsupported browser. Some older or less common browsers don’t work well with Google Voice.
• Server outage. Google Voice occasionally goes down, especially during account-wide rollouts or maintenance.
• Multiple numbers on the same phone. This can cause account conflicts and login errors.

Solutions:

• Reset your internet. Turn Wi-Fi off and on again, or switch to mobile data.
• Update the Google Voice app. Get the latest version from the App or Google Play Store.
• Check with your Workspace admin. Ask the Google Voice service team to confirm your account has an active license to allow you to make and receive calls.
• Use a supported browser. You’re better off with Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge browsers when using Voice.
• Visit Google’s status page. If servers are down, you’ll see real-time outage updates there.
• Remove duplicates and sign in to the right account. Make sure only one Google Voice number is linked to your device.

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5. Unable to complete outbound calls

Sometimes, Google Voice won’t simply work for outbound calls. While you may receive phone calls, you can’t place any.

Causes:

• No Wi-Fi or data connection. Google Voice depends on a stable internet connection. If you’re offline, calls won’t connect.
• Outdated mobile app. An older app version may block outbound calls or crash before connecting.
• Wrong number formatting. Dialing without the correct country or area code can cause outbound calls to fail.
• Insufficient calling credits. You’ll need credits to make international calls if you're on the free plan.

Solutions:

• Use Wi-Fi or mobile data. Ensure you have a stable internet connection to make Google Voice work as it should.
• Update the app. Go to your phone’s app store and install the latest version of Google Voice.
• Re-enter the number. Include the full country code and area code, especially for international calls.
• Add credits. If you’re on a personal account and trying to call internationally, buy calling credit.

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6. Unable to receive calls

At times, your phone won’t ring. And, you won’t even see the missed calls. It all boils down to your app settings.

Causes:

• Call answering is off. If this is disabled in your settings, inbound calls won’t reach you.
• Do Not Disturb is on. This blocks all incoming calls until you manually turn it off.
• The browser tab is closed. If you’re using Google Voice on your browser, you won’t receive calls when you shut the tab.

Solutions:

• Turn call answering back on. Go to settings and re-enable it on your desktop or mobile app.
• Disable Do Not Disturb. You’ll find this in the settings menu. Turn it off to start receiving calls again.
• Keep the browser tab open. If you’re using Google Voice on desktop, leave the tab open so it can ring when VoIP calls come in.

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7. Can’t make international calls

Picture this. You try to dial a number overseas. However, nothing happens. Here’s a quick overview of the problem and how to fix Google Voice for international calling.

Causes:

• No calling credits. You must have credits to call overseas with Google Voice.
• Blocked country. Some countries, like China and India, are blocked by default.
• Conflicting apps. VPNs, dialer overlays, or call recording apps can interfere with Google Voice.
• Platform glitch. Temporary bugs can prevent international calls from connecting.
• Carrier restrictions. If you’re roaming, your carrier might block data needed for VoIP.

Solutions:

• Add credits. Go to your Voice settings and add funds for international calling.
• Check the country. Use Google’s help page to confirm whether the number’s region is supported.
• Restart the app. A full reboot can resolve temporary glitches.
• Remove conflicting apps. Uninstall or disable call-related apps that might interfere.
• Turn off your VPN. This helps avoid country-based routing issues.
• Call from a supported region. If you're outside the U.S., the service may not work reliably.

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8. Slow browser performance

There are several reasons Google Voice is not working on your computer. When this happens, sending SMS messages takes longer than it should, and outgoing calls are delayed.

Causes:

• Weak internet connection. Lag and audio dropouts usually trace back to poor Wi-Fi or low bandwidth.
• Unsupported browser. Voice doesn’t work well on lesser-known or outdated browsers.
• Outdated browser version. Even Chrome and Firefox will struggle if not updated.
• VPN interference. Your connection may route through a slow or distant VPN server.
• Corrupt cache or cookies. Browser files can become bloated or corrupt over time.
• Temporary server issues. On rare occasions, Google Voice itself slows down.

Solutions:

• Check your internet speed. Use a speed test tool and make sure your connection is stable.
• Use a supported browser. Stick to Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.
• Update your browser. Install the latest version to avoid compatibility problems.
• Turn off your VPN. Or switch to a closer server to reduce lag.
• Clear your browser cache and cookies. This helps reset Voice’s performance.
• Restart your computer. A fresh start can clear lingering memory issues.

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9. Google Voice number disappeared

Yes, your Google Voice number can disappear. You log in, and your number is gone. You may even see a message that it was reclaimed.

Causes:

• Account inactivity. Google may release a number after 3 to 6 months of no use.
• Reclaim window expired. If your number was revoked, you have 45 days to get it back.
• Unpaid porting fee. Incomplete number transfers can also cause a number to vanish.

Solutions:

• Use the number every few months. Send text messages or make a call at least once every six months.
• Log in quickly if your number is revoked. Remember, you have a limited time to recover it.
• Pay any required port fees. When you port phone numbers, make sure you complete the transfer.
• If it's too late, the number is lost. Google does not offer recovery after the reclaim window expires.

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10. Voicemail not working

Sometimes, people will try to leave messages, but nothing shows up in your voicemail. In addition, the audio may be impossible to hear.

Causes:

• Voicemail-to-email is turned off. If this setting is disabled, messages won’t appear in your inbox.
• Transcription is disabled. Without this, you won’t see text summaries of your voicemails.
• Transcripts via SMS are no longer supported. Google removed this feature, which may confuse some users.
• Poor audio quality from the caller. Bad sound can stop the system from recording a usable message.
• Voicemails marked as spam. Messages may get filtered into your spam folder.

Solutions:

• Enable voicemail-to-email. Turn this on in your settings to receive messages in your inbox.
• Turn on voicemail transcription. This allows you to read a summary of what was said.
• Check your spam folder. Some messages may have been filtered.
• Update the app. An older version of Voice can cause voicemail delivery issues.
• Ask the caller to try again. If the message was garbled, a second attempt might resolve the poor call quality.

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11. Text messages out of order or delayed

When group texts come in randomly or show up late, it’s impossible to follow the conversation.

Causes:

• Long-standing bug with group messaging. Google Voice has known issues with SMS threading.

Solutions:

• There’s no reliable fix. The problem is baked into how Google Voice handles group texts.
• Update the app. This might reduce delays or improve delivery slightly.
• Use another app for group texting. If this keeps happening, switch to a messaging tool built for groups.

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12. Images won’t attach to messages

When Google Voice doesn’t attach images, it won’t send your messages if they contain pictures. Or, the message fails with no warning.

Causes:

• The file is too large. Google Voice doesn’t allow image files larger than 2MB.
• Unsupported format. You can only send JPG, PNG, or GIF.
• Random attachment failures. The upload may fail even if the file meets all requirements.

Solutions:

• Compress the image. Shrink the file below 2MB using any image editor.
• Use a supported file type. Stick to JPG, PNG, or GIF formats.
• Update the app. Fixes for messaging bugs are rolled out frequently.
• Try again using the web version. Sometimes, the desktop browser handles attachments more reliably.

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13. Unable to send or receive text messages

One of the most common Google Voice issues is when texting suddenly stops working, or you can’t receive replies.

Causes:

• Outdated app. Older versions of the app can fail to send or sync texts.
• Poor internet connection. Google Voice needs a steady connection to send messages.
• Google flags your activity as spam. This can happen if you send identical messages in bulk, make too many short calls, or mass texts with links
• Browser extension interference. Some ad-blockers and privacy tools block Google Voice scripts.
• Temporary account suspension. Spam filters may trigger a time-based lockout.

Solutions:

• Update the app. Use the latest version to avoid broken message delivery.
• Switch to a stronger connection. Wi-Fi is usually more reliable than mobile data.
• Avoid spam-like behavior. Don’t send mass messages or repeat links.
• Turn off ad-blockers. Allow cookies and scripts on the Google Voice site.
• Wait 24 hours. If suspended, log in the next day and file an appeal if needed.

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14. Google Voice mutes audio after inactivity

Your calls go silent after a few minutes, especially if you’ve left the tab unattended.

Causes:

• The tab is inactive. Google Voice will stop alerting or playing sound after a few minutes of no interaction.
• Voice doesn’t run well in the background. The service isn’t built to operate like a desktop app.

Solutions:

• Keep the tab active. Click into it regularly to prevent automatic muting.
• Interact with the tab. Moving your mouse or switching back into the tab can prevent the timeout.
• Use the mobile app. For better reliability, use the mobile version instead of the browser.

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15. Workspace and platform limitations

Some features you’d expect with Google Voice aren’t just available even on paid plans. Some of the most important features missing on Voice include:

Causes:

• No international texting. You can’t send texts outside the U.S.
• No toll-free numbers. These can’t be ported or used with Google Voice.
• No shared numbers. On personal plans, only one user can use a number.
• Limited regional availability. Google Voice isn’t supported in many countries.
• No third-party integrations. You can’t connect it to tools like CRMs or help desks.

Solutions:

• No fixes within Google Voice. These are hard limitations of the platform.
• Switch to a business-grade phone system. Consider moving to a Google Voice alternative that offers broader coverage and integration options.

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Google Voice not working?—Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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How do I turn Google Voice back on?

Open the Google Voice app or web client. Sign in. Then go into Settings → Calls → Enable call answering (and disable Do Not Disturb). Make sure the tab stays open if you use Voice on a browser.

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Why is Google Voice not available in my country?

Google Voice provides local numbers only in a handful of countries: the U.S., the UK, Canada, and many European states. If you live elsewhere, the free personal version may not operate in your location.

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How do I know if my Google Voice account is suspended or blocked?

If Voice fails to load, calls and texts won’t go through. In addition, the login will repeatedly fail despite correct credentials. You can confirm by trying a known supported device or checking service status via Google Admin or support.

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Google Voice won’t work?—Switch to iPlum

You don’t have to keep dealing with Google Voice issues, be it missed calls, voicemail that won’t work, or missing features.

You can always switch to iPlum, a powerful Google Voice alternative with better technology and more features.

With iPlum, you get 50+ features, including encrypted texting, dual-mode calling, phone tree with unlimited extensions, call recording, voicemail transcription, 10-year data archiving, business hours, call routing, group messaging, international numbers, and true HIPAA compliance.

The service works on iOS, Android, and desktop and is available in over 200 countries in 23 languages, with the Standard plan available for $8.99 per month. 

Plus, you can port your existing Google Voice number to iPlum in a few steps.

Click the link below to port your Google Voice number to iPlum

Port your Google Voice number to iPlum

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_{Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes and may not reflect the most current features or capabilities of the products or companies mentioned. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official sources of each company.}