Google Voice call forwarding setup
Google Voice does not use dial codes. You forward calls by adding a linked number in the Google Voice settings, and Google verifies it with a code before it will ring. To get the code by phone call, click Verify by phone, then Call. The full steps are above.
The one thing to know going in: Google Voice only does full forwarding. It rings your linked number on every call and cannot do the ring-first, forward-only-if-missed setup that carrier lines can. And you can link at most six numbers.
None of that is a problem for pointing Google Voice at a receptionist. It just changes how you set it up, which is why the verification step matters.
Google VoiceNextPhone works with Google Voice
How to turn on forwarding
Google Voice- Go to voice.google.com → Settings → under Account, Linked numbers → New linked number
- Enter your NextPhone number → click Verify by phone, then Call. Don’t click Send code: a texted code can’t reach a NextPhone number
- Google calls your NextPhone number and reads a code. It shows up in your NextPhone inbox as a message, "Google verification code: 123456". Type it in Google Voice → Verify
- Settings → Calls: make sure Call forwarding is on for your NextPhone number, and turn off Screen calls
- Settings → Do not disturb: make sure it’s off
Already a NextPhone customer? Get these steps with your own number filled in and ready to dial.
Open setupThe linked-number verification step
When you add a new linked number, Google sends a code to it. Click Verify by phone, then Call, and Google places a call that reads out the code instead of texting it. You have to enter that code back into Google Voice to prove you control the number. Forwarding will not turn on until you do.
If you are forwarding Google Voice to a NextPhone number, always pick Verify by phone: a texted code can never reach a NextPhone number. The verification call lands in your NextPhone inbox as a message that reads "Google verification code" and the digits. Enter it in Google Voice. That is the piece most guides skip.
Full forwarding only, and a six-number cap
Google Voice forwards every call to your linked numbers at once. There is no option to ring your own phone first and forward only the missed calls, the way carrier no-answer forwarding works. If you want that behavior, forward at the carrier level instead.
Google Voice also caps you at six linked numbers. That is plenty for most setups, but worth knowing if you are juggling several destinations.
Forwarding set up but calls still not coming through? Our call forwarding troubleshooting guide covers the usual causes and fixes on every carrier.
After the call forwards
Google Voice is great at ringing another number. It is not built to answer, book, or take a message. That is where forwarding it to a NextPhone number changes things.
The AI receptionist answers every forwarded call, books appointments, answers questions, and captures who called and why, then texts and emails you the summary. NextPhone costs a flat 199 dollars a month for unlimited calls.
Google Voice FAQ
Before you forward
your line.
Quick answers about forwarding your Google Voice line
Still have questions? Contact our support team
Open voice.google.com, go to Settings, then under Account, Linked numbers, click New linked number and enter the number you want to forward to. Click Verify by phone, then Call, and enter the code Google reads out. Then under Settings, Calls, make sure call forwarding is on for that number. The full steps are above.
Google confirms you control the destination number before it forwards calls to it. It places a call that reads out a code, which you enter back into Google Voice. If you forward to a NextPhone number, the code is in that call's summary in your NextPhone inbox.
No. Google Voice only does full forwarding, ringing your linked numbers on every call. For ring-first, forward-if-missed behavior, set forwarding at the carrier level instead.
Up to six linked numbers. You can add and remove them any time in the Google Voice settings.
With call screening on, Google Voice asks unknown callers to say their name, then asks whoever answers to press 1 to accept. If you forward to a NextPhone number, the AI receptionist presses it and the caller is connected. Turning Screen calls off under Settings, Calls is still the better setup: callers skip the name prompt and connect sooner.
