Google Voice

Google Voice Not Working: 7 Common Problems And Solutions

The last thing your sales and customer service teams need is interruptions due to the phone system.

But then that’s what you can get with Google Voice, which sometimes stops working and requires troubleshooting. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of these common issues and clearly understand how to fix them.

What is Google Voice?

Google Voice is a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone service that allows businesses to make and receive calls. It uses the internet to transmit your calls and messages. You can use it as an alternative to the traditional landline, or integrate it with other communication tools.

Note that Google Voice for Google Workspace is different than Google Voice personal. The former is suited for businesses and comes with several enterprise-grade features.

7 Common Google Voice Problems

google voice not working:problems and solutions

Source: Google Voice

While Google Voice doesn’t necessarily have a steep learning curve, the lack of customer support does pose challenges when any issue occurs. This is one of the biggest reasons why businesses usually opt for other Google Voice alternatives like JustCall for their sales and customer support campaigns.

If you use Google Voice, here are seven common problems you may encounter and how to resolve them:

Problem 1: Incoming calls don’t ring

Inactivity might be why you find Google Voice not working on a computer. Google Voice will mute incoming calls if you are not interacting with the platform or are inactive for a while.

Google Voice does not work very efficiently in the background. So, you need to jump back to your Google Voice tab every so often to ensure it stays active.

Moreover, coming to mobile devices, there are two possible reasons why you find Google Voice not working on iPhone/ Android:

  • Your incoming calls won’t ring if you have toggled on the “do not disturb” mode. Open your app setting and turn it off.
  • You might have turned off the call answering option on the web, Android, and iPhone. Click on the “calls” section in your settings and turn it on.

Problem 2: Sound quality issues

The sound quality of VoIP calls is usually much better in comparison to that of traditional phones. However, that doesn’t exactly hold true with Google Voice.

Many users have complained about poor voice quality when talking to their prospects and customers. And this has been a key pain point that has pushed them away from Google Voice and towards other VoIP phone systems.

You can only check your internet connection if you find Google Voice not working on Android, iPhone, or desktop devices. If it is a connectivity issue, you need to fix it to get sound call quality.

You might also encounter Google Voice not working on Wi-Fi. Note that you can make Wi-Fi calls only through the Voice App. And sound quality issues are common when the mobile network is poor. 

But if connectivity/ Wi-Fi is not the culprit, it is assumingly a problem with Google Voice, and it is very little you can do about it.

Problem 3: Unable to port phone numbers

While Google Voice claims it can port existing phone numbers, the experience of many users has been contrary. Many complain about the complex process or inability to do so.

For instance, you’ll have to pay a porting fee of $20/number. You won’t be able to port your Canadian or toll-free numbers. There are several other limitations.

And in case you’re ever stuck in the process, which is more prevalent if you’re porting multiple phone numbers, you can be in real trouble.

Again, due to the lack of support and clarity on the issue by Google Voice’s team itself, there’s no definite solution to it.

Problem 4: Can’t access the Google Voice account

This is the most common problem. Fortunately, there are a few quick fixes that can help you. Here are some of the solutions you can try:

  • If you find Google Voice not working on a computer or mobile device, it could be due to connectivity issues. Due to poor connectivity, you may be unable to access your Google Voice account.
  • If you find Google Voice not working on Android/ iPhone, ensure the Google Voice app you’re using is up to date. Go to the App Store/ Play Store and look for the latest app version.
  • An outdated Voice app might also be why Google Voice is not working on a new phone. 
  • Ensure your admin has assigned you a Google Voice license and a phone number. This can be done from their end under the “users” section.
  • On rare occasions, Google Voice server issues could be the culprit. Server issues make the site and app inaccessible, leading to Google Voice not working on a computer and mobile devices. You’ll have to wait it out.

Problem 5:Unable to make international calls

Voice for Google Workspace comes with several limitations. One of them is problems in making international calls.

You may want to ensure that you have enough credits and that the user plan is activated if you cannot make international calls on Google Voice. Check if Google Voice is available in the destination country (the country you are calling).

If you find Google Voice not working on a new phone, it may be because of an app on your new phone that conflicts with the Google Voice service. If this is the case, you will have to identify the app causing this problem and disable it. Sometimes, restarting the device can help as well.

Problem 6: Loading very slow on the browser

Google Voice mobile app is good. Or at least is sufficient to get the basic calling needs met. However, there are times when accessing it on the browser can be a pain.

Many users complain that the website [voice(dot)google(dot)com] loads very slowly on the browser. On rare occasions, the server could be down, which might be why Google Voice is not working on a computer. But if that is not the case, here are a few things you can try to fix this problem:

  • If there is a connectivity issue, you need to fix that first.
  • Are you using an incompatible browser? Using Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari is usually recommended.
  • An outdated browser might be why Google Voice is not working on computers.
  • Clear your browser’s cookies and caches – and re-login to your Google Voice account. Sometimes the browser can fail to make connections with specific sites.
  • Clearing cookies and caches can easily fix it.

Problem 7: Can’t find your phone number

Some users have had this issue. In many cases, this can easily be fixed. However, if you find Google Voice not working today after months of inactivity, Google might have revoked your access to the phone number. In that case, you lose your business number, which can be quite a big deal.

Google requires you to use your number in any capacity (make a call, send a text, listen to a voicemail or open your Voice mobile app) at least once in six months. If not, your account could be deactivated. And after that, you have 45 days to reclaim your number before it’s gone permanently.

In another case, if you ported your number to Google Voice but did not pay the required fee, Google may revoke its VoIP services. So, if you do not see your phone number in the dashboard, ensure these two are not the reasons behind it.

Limitations of Google Voice for Workspace

There are many limitations to Google Voice that put off business owners who need a reliable phone system for sales and customer support. For instance, this service is available in only a few select countries. It doesn’t offer toll-free numbers. There are no third-party integration options. It isn’t adept for collaborative campaigns.

This is why if you’re looking for a powerful business phone system, you’re better off choosing a Google Voice alternative. Hundreds of teams have switched from Google Voice to JustCall and there are infinite reasons why.

Having Difficulty Using Google Voice? Sign Up for JustCall

Is your Google Voice not working today, and are you tired of Google Voice troubleshooting? If so, you may want to switch to JustCall.

JustCall is one of the leading business phone systems, trusted by 6,000+ businesses worldwide. It is built robustly, keeping in mind the distinct needs and requirements of sales and customer support teams.

JustCall has a better background and call-quality performance than Google Voice. Unlike Google Voice, JustCall allows you to port numbers seamlessly with every plan. The best part is that you will have access to a dedicated knowledge base and 24 x 7 dedicated support.

With JustCall, get local and toll-free numbers in 70+ countries. Enjoy features like multi-level IVR, Sales Dialer, conversation intelligence, call monitoring, SMS bot, and other automation and AI-driven capabilities.

You can also natively integrate JustCall with 100+ CRMs and business tools, thereby creating a centralized ecosystem to effectively manage your sales and customer service campaigns.

Schedule a free demo today and find out why business owners have migrated from Google Voice to JustCall – and why they love JustCall. Or simply sign up and enjoy a 14-day free trial. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us.

Conclusion

With its stellar VoIP features, Google Voice will solve multiple problems requiring constant troubleshooting. You’ll often miss a ring or poor-quality business calls and face multiple hurdles while porting numbers, even though you paid for it.

You might not be able to make international calls, or the desktop app might load slowly. And the worst nightmare of losing your Google Voice number might come true anytime soon. But don’t worry, as JustCall has got your back.

FAQs

What causes Google Voice to stop working?

Google Voice might stop working due to inactivity, network issues, servers being down, unsupported browsers, operating systems, or browsers plagued with caches.

What is better than Google Voice?

Trusted by businesses worldwide, JustCall is a better alternative to Google Voice. With JustCall, you can access VoIP features such as toll-free numbers, call routing, call forwarding, call recording, bulk SMS, etc.

Does Google Voice work without a phone number?

No. You must have a US-based phone number to get started with Google Voice.

How do I fix Google Voice on my Android?

If you find Google Voice not working on Android, there might be connectivity issues or issues with the Voice App. You can try restarting the device or updating the Voice App.

How long can a Google Voice last?

Google Voice number has no expiry, but your account can be discontinued if inactive for six months or more. Essential VoIP features will stop working at plan expiry.

Saya Augustin serves as the Associate Director of Marketing at SaaS Labs, bringing over a decade of expertise in diverse marketing disciplines. Her career encompasses successful Go-to-Market launches, Customer Engagement strategies, Account-Based Marketing, Demand Generation, and streamlined Marketing Operations. Shaped by the fast-paced and innovative environment of start-ups, Saya has honed her skills through practical experience with cutting-edge marketing technologies and platforms.

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