Set Google Home With Google Voice Number
You can set your Google Voice number as the caller ID for your Google Home or Nest speaker, but only for outgoing calls made through the Google Home app’s calling feature. This setup works by linking your Google Voice account to your Google Assistant, and it does not change the number used for incoming calls or for calls made from other apps.
What Google Home Calling Actually Does
Google Home and Nest speakers let you make hands-free calls using the Google Assistant. When you say “Hey Google, call Mom,” the speaker places the call through your linked phone number. By default, the speaker uses the phone number associated with your Google account—usually the one you used to set up the device. If you have a Google Voice number, you can choose to use that instead, so the person you call sees your Voice number on their caller ID rather than your mobile number.
This feature is separate from the Google Voice app on your phone. The speaker itself does not run Google Voice; it simply tells the Assistant which number to present as the caller ID. Incoming calls to your Google Voice number will still ring your mobile phone or the Google Voice app, not the speaker, unless you have enabled call forwarding to the speaker’s linked number.
Before You Start: Requirements
- A Google Home or Nest speaker or display (any model that supports calling).
- A Google account with a linked phone number (your mobile or landline).
- A Google Voice number that is active and linked to the same Google account.
- The Google Home app installed on your phone or tablet (iOS or Android).
- The Google Voice app installed and signed in with the same account (recommended for verification).
Step-by-Step: Link Google Voice to Google Home
- Open the Google Home app on your phone.
- Tap your profile icon (top right) and select Assistant settings.
- Scroll down to Communications and tap Calls.
- Under “Caller ID,” you will see a list of phone numbers. Tap Add or the pencil icon.
- Choose Google Voice from the list. If you don’t see it, tap the three-dot menu and select “Add Google Voice.”
- Sign in with your Google account if prompted, and allow the app to access your Google Voice number.
- Select your Google Voice number as the default for outgoing calls.
After linking, test it by saying “Hey Google, call [a friend].” The recipient should see your Google Voice number on their caller ID. If they see your mobile number instead, repeat the steps and make sure you selected the Voice number as the default, not just added it.
Why You Might Not See the Google Voice Option
If the Google Voice option doesn’t appear in the Calls settings, the most common reason is that your Google Voice number is not verified or is not on the same account. Another possibility is that you haven’t installed the Google Voice app, or you haven’t accepted the terms of service for Google Voice. Some users also report that the option only shows up after they make a test call from the Google Voice app itself.
If you still don’t see it, try these fixes:
- Uninstall and reinstall the Google Voice app, then sign in again.
- Check that your Google Voice number is active (not suspended or ported out).
- Make sure you are using the same Google account on both the Google Home app and the Google Voice app.
- Update both apps to the latest version.
What About Incoming Calls and Voicemail?
Setting your Google Voice number as the caller ID for outgoing calls does not affect incoming calls. Calls to your Google Voice number will still ring the devices you have set in the Google Voice app’s call forwarding settings. You can add your Google Home speaker as a forwarding destination, but the speaker will ring like a regular phone, and you can answer by saying “Hey Google, answer.” This is separate from the outgoing caller ID setting.
Voicemail from Google Voice will still go to your Google Voice voicemail box, not to the speaker. You can check voicemail through the Google Voice app or by saying “Hey Google, check voicemail” if you have linked your Google Voice number to the Assistant.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
- Recipient sees the wrong number: Go back to Assistant settings > Calls and confirm your Google Voice number is the default. If you have multiple numbers, remove the others.
- Call fails or drops: Ensure your Google Voice number is active and has a valid forwarding number. Sometimes the speaker needs to be on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone during setup.
- Google Voice option missing: Try clearing the cache of the Google Home app (on Android) or reinstalling it. On iOS, delete and reinstall the app.
- Assistant says “I can’t call that number”: Google Voice may not support calls to certain premium numbers or international destinations. Check Google Voice’s calling rates and restrictions.
Privacy and Caller ID Considerations
Using your Google Voice number on your speaker means your real mobile number stays hidden from the person you call. This is useful if you don’t want to share your personal number with clients or acquaintances. However, note that if you call emergency services, the speaker will use the address associated with your Google account, not your Voice number, and the operator may see your mobile number as the callback number. Also, if you have enabled “Anonymous caller ID” in Google Voice settings, that setting will override the number shown, and the recipient will see “Unknown” or “Blocked.”
Alternatives to Google Voice on Google Home
If you don’t have a Google Voice number, or if you want to use a different number for outgoing calls, you have a few options:
- Use your mobile number as the caller ID: This is the default and requires no extra setup.
- Use a landline number: You can link a landline as the caller ID, but the speaker will still place the call over Wi-Fi, and the landline will only be used for caller ID display, not for the actual connection.
- Use a third-party VoIP service: Some services like Skype or Zoom allow you to make calls, but they do not integrate directly with Google Home. You would need to use their apps on your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set Google Home to answer calls to my Google Voice number?
Yes, you can forward your Google Voice calls to your Google Home speaker. In the Google Voice app, go to Settings > Calls > Call forwarding, and add your speaker’s number (the number linked to the speaker, not the speaker itself). Then when someone calls your Voice number, the speaker will ring, and you can answer by saying “Hey Google, answer.”
Will my Google Voice number show on the caller ID for all outgoing calls?
Only for calls made through the Google Assistant on your speaker or display. If you make calls from the Google Voice app on your phone, the Voice number is already used. If you make calls from the default phone dialer, your mobile number will show.
Why does my Google Home say “I can’t make calls” after linking Google Voice?
This usually means the speaker cannot reach the Google Voice service. Check your Wi-Fi connection, ensure the Google Home app is signed in with the same account, and verify that your Google Voice number is not suspended. Restarting the speaker often helps.
Can I use a Google Voice number on Google Home without the Google Voice app?
No, you need the Google Voice app installed and signed in at least once to verify your number and accept the terms. After that, you can uninstall the app, but the linking may break if you change your Google Voice settings.
Does using Google Voice on Google Home cost extra?
No, making calls through Google Home using your Google Voice number uses the same rates as Google Voice calls. Calls to US and Canadian numbers are free, and international calls are billed at Google Voice’s standard rates. Your mobile carrier’s plan is not used for the call itself, but data usage (Wi-Fi or cellular) applies.
How do I remove my Google Voice number from Google Home?
Open the Google Home app, go to Assistant settings > Calls, and tap the pencil icon next to your Google Voice number. Choose “Remove” or “Delete.” The speaker will then use your default phone number for outgoing calls.
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