Google Voice: Everything You Need to Know

Okay, I get it—talking about some app is lame. But trust me, if you’re heading to Israel and trying to figure out Google Voice, this is the guide you didn’t know you needed. Let’s cut through the nonsense many people are talking and get this straight.


Google Voice is a service that allows you to create a U.S.-based phone number that is not tied to any carrier. It works over a data connection, enabling free communication with U.S. residents. Essentially, it functions as a second phone app, independent of your SIM card.

Below are key points about the service:


Availability

According to Google, Google Voice is available only in the U.S. and Canada. Some users in 11 other countries have reported partial access to certain features, but Israel is not one of them—at least, not yet.


Requirements

To get a Google Voice number, you need a standard phone number that has not been previously used with Google Voice. You’ll need to verify this number via an SMS code.
Google actively blocks disposable or virtual numbers, such as single-use numbers, so those aren’t a viable solution.


Using a VPN

Many people assume they can simply use a U.S.-based VPN to bypass restrictions. Unfortunately, that won’t work. At some point during the setup, the process will fail, and the number may even get flagged for reuse. Google has robust systems that can detect if you’re not physically in the U.S.

The best way to set up Google Voice from outside the U.S. is to have a friend in the U.S. log into your Google account and complete the setup. They’ll need to verify an SMS code with a U.S. carrier and make a test phone call. Once this is done, you can log into your Google account and use Google Voice from your location.

  • Text messaging will work immediately.
  • Calling may take some time (a week or even a month) before it becomes active.

Important: The device used to set up Google Voice must be physically located in the U.S. or Canada—not Germany, the UK, or anywhere else.


Features

Google Voice offers:

  • Calling
  • Text messaging
  • MMS (picture messaging)
  • Voicemail transcription

It supports receiving voice recordings and videos but cannot send them. Calls are limited to the U.S. and Canada (possibly a few other countries, but not Israel).

You cannot use a Google Voice number to register accounts on some services like WhatsApp. Telegram works, but many others do not.


Warnings

Google has strict policies in place to prevent abuse, especially for scam-related activities. Violating these can lead to permanent suspension of your account. Key triggers include:

  • Sending identical messages to multiple contacts.
  • Sending too many messages at once.
  • Being inactive for more than six months.
  • Receiving or making a high volume of messages or calls.
  • Using the service for business purposes.
  • Using flagged keywords like “bitcoin,” “password,” or inappropriate language.

Once your account is suspended, you cannot use Google Voice with that Google account again. Google’s automated detection systems are highly sophisticated—do not underestimate them.


Similar Apps

Other apps provide similar services, but none are as reliable as Google Voice. Many of them have ads and more restrictions that can be frustrating.

One good alternative is TextNow, which supports WhatsApp, video sending, voice recordings, and more. However, the downside is that if you don’t use the app for just one week, you lose your number—unless you pay to keep it. TextNow also includes ads, which can be annoying.

Despite these limitations, Google Voice remains the best option for this type of service.


I believe this covers everything you need to know. this post will be locked because i think i’m right with everything i said. (narcissistic mode)

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