Popularity isn't always a sign of a smooth-operation net phone service. Take Google Voice for instance. Information technology's i of the nigh well-known options on the marketplace, and withal users often written report multiple issues per month. 😬 If yous rely on the platform to manage all your business phone calls and text messages, Google Voice non working can reverberate poorly on your make.

As a professional person or a modest business owner, you need to be aware of all the roadblocks y'all may face up (and if they tin even be solved) before you choose your phone service. While y'all may be drawn in by how Google Voice works free for individuals, the service could stop upward costing you if it creates poor client experiences and inefficiencies within your team.

And so what Google Vocalism issues practise users face? And since Google doesn't even offer customer back up, how can you address them? We'll help you troubleshoot ix common problems on the app, then explain how switching to a Google Voice culling like OpenPhone can be a one-footstep remedy for all your GV woes.

9 Common Google Voice Bug

Google Voice doesn't have a flawless rails record when it comes to VoIP calls — far from it. Just entering "Google Voice not working" on a Google search brings up a number of complaints, questions, and manufactures virtually known (and sometimes unresolved) problems. If yous're currently using Google Voice and are having issues with crucial business phone features, you're non the just one.

Google Voice not working: Screenshot of that query in Google search

We've identified nine common issues with the internet phone service below.

ane. Unable to Admission Google Voice Account

At minimum, your Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service should be one you can access. But if you lot're running into errors with Google Vocalization, this could exist an internet connection issue. Or, you may need to go into your Google Play Shop or App Store to update to the latest version of the Vocalisation app. You tin also come across issues if you lot are trying to have more than ane Google Voice number on your phone.

Otherwise, at that place is a pesky situation in which you or your team members may not be able to access Voice through your Google accounts.

If you lot're using Google Voice for Google Workspace, admins actually need to assign each user a Google Vocalization license before assigning phone numbers (and each number can only be assigned in one case). When admins forget to turn on Google Voice for each individual account or accidentally re-assign a phone number, this could crusade issues that team members can't fix on their own.

Though information technology's a adequately easy fix — licenses and phone numbers can be managed through the "Users" department of the Google Admin console — getting started with Google Vox for business concern tin can be a huge hassle.

ii. No Ringing for Incoming Calls

Google Voice not working (double): woman in a yellow television

Y'all've made it into Google Vox. So, why aren't you really getting alerted when you have incoming calls or SMS messages? A long list of missed calls or voicemails is never a good sign for customer satisfaction.

Open the app settings to run across if you've toggled on "Do non disturb" mode (and turn it dorsum off if then).

Google Voice not working: Screenshot of do not disturb mode

If non, tap on the "Calls" section of your settings to see if you've accidentally turned off call answering on the web, Android device, or iPhone.

Google Voice not working: Screenshot of turned off call answering on the web

But fifty-fifty if all your settings are perfect on the browser, Google Voice will still instantly mute audio after yous stop interacting with the platform for a while — even if you're only on the next tab over! The only gear up is to jump back on the tab and click effectually for effectually x seconds.

Google Voice won't reliably work in the background. On busy workdays, when you're completely focused on tasks outside your business phone app, you may forget to tap into the platform and end up missing a slew of calls.

iii. Tin can't Make International Calls

Got a global team or international clientele? You need an internet phone service that lets y'all seamlessly make international calls. 🌎 With Google Voice, there are a few issues you can run into.

First, free accounts cannot make any calls or texts exterior of the United states While you can purchase calling credits (not possible via the app for iPhone users), you're only allowed to have $seventy max in your account.

If y'all update to Phonation for Google Workspace, you may pay every bit much as $twenty per user per month and still only exist able to transport texts within the Usa That'due south on top of the other texting limits for Google Voice.

Google Vocalism as well states that users may have issues with international calls on their telephone if another app conflicts with the service. However, it doesn't specify what apps tin can cause these problems, so it'll take some trial and error to figure out which app is at error — if another app is even the outcome. You may also need to attempt restarting the Google Phonation app in instance it's just a glitch.

4. Major Sound Quality Problems With Google Voice

When yous're choosing your VoIP service, quality is key. Unfortunately, Google Vocalization doesn't have a reputation for slap-up sound quality. A slew of users report sounding deadened or distorted on calls — which is definitely bad for business concern. Later repeating "your audio is breaking up" for the hundredth time, your clients may actually suspension upward with your brand for proficient. 💔

Bold that you lot're non facing any Wi-Fi or mobile data issues of your ain, this is a Google Voice problem that users lonely can't fix. But with no client support for costless users, getting aid may non be as possible as you'd hope. With no one to ask, it's hard to say if what y'all're experiencing is an internet connection effect, a platform issue, or something else.

5. Google Vocalisation Loading Ho-hum on Browser

Google Voice not working (double): GIF of old Rose from Titanic

Ane perk of Google Phonation is the ability to access your telephone from any computer or mobile device. The problem is, users report issues when accessing the platform via a browser on voice.google.com.

"For the terminal month or so, the Google Voice website acts like I'one thousand on dialup. Even when I blazon text messages, the characters take ane-2 seconds to echo to the screen." ( Reddit inquiry )

"Very ho-hum to load into the browser." ( Review on GetApp )

In that location are a few potential causes that yous tin cheque:

  • Poor internet connectedness
  • Incompatible browser (must use Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, or Mozilla Firefox)
  • Browser not updated

You can also endeavour a reboot if you experience Google Voice not working on your browser, or double check Google Voice's system and browser requirements. Notwithstanding, if none of these are at fault and tedious loading is a consequent effect, there'south unfortunately not much that can be done on your part. Switching to a Google Vocalism alternative like OpenPhone may be your all-time bet.

6. Google Voice Number Disappeared

GIF of Mrs. Maisel from Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

We admit, this issue may sound a piddling weird. But it'south truthful: These days, even your Google Voice number can ghost you. 👻

There are more ways this can happen than you lot think. It makes sense for VoIP services to revoke admission if you fail to pay, simply Google will even take back your telephone number in the following instances:

  • Y'all don't make a call, send a text, mind to your voicemail, or open the Voice app on an Apple or Android phone in six months. You'll only have 45 days to reclaim the number before it'due south gone for good.
  • Y'all port in a number but don't pay a $20 fee to keep your Google-provided number every bit a secondary number within 90 days.

For business owners, the risk of losing a phone number is never ideal, fifty-fifty if it'south easily avoidable. This effect is pretty much unheard of with nearly legitimate paid internet phone services.

seven. Can't Port Phone Number

Google Vocalism states that it's able to port phone numbers, but users may actually run into a number of porting issues on the platform. For example, Voice does non support porting for Canadian or toll-free numbers. And you'll get stuck if you don't pay a $20 porting fee per number. The process doesn't make information technology easy either, as users report:

"Porting a number is super hard, in that location is zero customer back up." ( Review from G2 )

"Shifting numbers yous are already using was not very convenient for me." ( Review from GetApp )

A smooth transition of all your concern phone numbers into Google Voice isn't possible for every visitor, even when it should be.

8. Not Receiving Voicemail Transcriptions

Google Voice not working: GIF of Terrence Howard from Empire

If you're not getting voicemail transcriptions, you wouldn't be the first. Some users report problems with both commitment and transcription quality. There could be a few reasons for this:

  • You turned off "Go voicemail via email" in your settings.
  • You lot're looking for voicemail transcriptions via text (the Voice app permanently disabled this feature).
  • Your caller'south audio quality was poor, and Google couldn't decipher the bulletin.

Even if your issue is resolved, keep in mind that Google Voice is nonetheless pretty limited when it comes to options for receiving voicemail transcriptions. Google Vocalism alternatives similar OpenPhone support more integrations, allowing you to get transcripts on more convenient channels.

9. Unable to Make Voice Calls on Hangouts

Did y'all choose Google Voice every bit your business concern phone service due to its integration with Hangouts? Google has bad news for you.

Offset, Hangouts volition be going to the growing Google Graveyard this year (RIP). ⚰️ Second, some users are already unable to make Google Vox calls via Hangouts. This is a known issue that will not be stock-still.

Using Google Voice means you'll have to switch between 2 different platforms to message your squad and manage telephone calls. Or, if you want to use Google Voice for both your team and customer communications, things might get a little messy. The platform doesn't offering a bully mode to organize your inbox or contacts — largely because the Google Vox app wasn't originally built for concern use.

A Google Vocalization alternative that'south created with business needs in mind (similar OpenPhone) can help y'all achieve much smoother communication direction.

Google Vocalization Not Working for You? Switch to OpenPhone

Screenshots of the OpenPhone mobile and desktop apps

Despite its popularity, Google Voice is riddled with issues that business owners tin't afford to bargain with. Google Voice not working at a critical time — for case, during a telephone call — tin can lead to your brand losing a auction and losing trust.

Luckily, Google Vocalism isn't the simply VoIP service around. In fact, VoIP providers like OpenPhone are specifically built for business use, which means y'all won't just eliminate Google Vox issues. You'll also get a number of features that Google'south phone app can't provide.

Here's how switching to OpenPhone can help yous overcome Google Voice'south nine major issues for businesses.

1. Like shooting fish in a barrel Setup and Access

Though Google Vocalisation access issues tin can be pretty hands fixed, the VoIP service leaves your team members far also susceptible to lost or delayed admission. Plus, setting up Voice for Google Workspace isn't exactly intuitive. Having to assign licenses before phone numbers is an unnecessary pace — one that OpenPhone eliminates.

With OpenPhone, calculation a squad member is piece of cake. Just invite team members via email, assign a number, and they tin accept! Unless you purposely caput to the members section of your settings to remove team members, your employees will never become booted for something as trivial as lack of licensing when they already accept an account.

Plus, since users can share phone numbers, at that place's no risk of locking users out of their accounts when you double-assign a number. 🤩

2. Rings on Every Incoming Call (When You Desire Them)

put a ring on it GIF of Beyonce

As much as we'd honey for y'all to, nosotros know you're not going to actively employ OpenPhone (or any VoIP app) every second. If you're non on a sales or customer back up team, you may non jump on your business phone app at all unless yous get a call or text. And OpenPhone won't forcefulness you to.

OpenPhone won't stop alerting you lot near incoming calls just because you lot're not clicking around the platform, and then you'll never accept to break focus just to interact and avoid missing calls.

If yous choose OpenPhone, we actually will put a ring on it. 💍

Of course, you can e'er set business hours to avoid getting calls at the wrong times. But let us know when you lot're actually working, and we promise not to wake you in the middle of your sweet dreams.

3. Seamless International Calls

OpenPhone offers free, unlimited calls, SMS, and MMS in the United states of america and Canada with all plans, starting at just $x per user per month. ✨ It's affordable, and all users tin can make international calls at very low rates.

What'southward more, you can get a The states number (or Canadian number) even if you're living abroad and avoid paying international calling fees.

4. Crystal-Clear Audio Quality

Unlike Google Vocalisation, which lets downward users when it comes to audio quality, OpenPhone offers top-notch audio for both incoming and outgoing calls. Take it from our users:

"The call quality is terrific and the features offered are awesome as well. Too, over the last year, they have connected to brand improvements that only make the app amend." ( Review on G2 )

"The blueprint is clean and the call quality is impressive. Would recommend. 👌" ( Review on Product Hunt )

"I also experience loftier telephone call quality using OpenPhone versus the competition." ( Review on G2 )

If yous do run into bug, you can run through OpenPhone's transparent VoIP troubleshooting guide or contact the back up team direct.

v. Fast-Loading Web App

Quicksilver Speeding GIF from X-Men

If you're using Google Vocalism considering of its cross-platform compatibility, the good news is, you lot tin nonetheless get this perk when you switch to OpenPhone — only you won't take new wrinkles past the time the platform's washed loading on your browser. 👴 With a solid uptime record for the website (along with all iOS, Android, and web apps), OpenPhone is a service you can rely on, and one that offers support if you lot practice run into issues.

six. Phone Numbers You lot Won't Lose

"I lost my number. Can I have yours?" is a cheesy pickup line at best and a genuine question after a nightmarish Google Vocalisation situation at worst. Your concern phone service should never cancel your phone number only considering y'all're not using it — even with notice.

At OpenPhone, we know a consequent telephone number is crucial for a proficient customer experience, and to avoid updating all your online business pages at one time. We won't retract your business organisation number unless y'all purposely delete it from your account (or abolish your subscription). And to make sure y'all don't practice and so on blow, we've fifty-fifty labeled this role of your settings the "Danger Zone" and require you to physically type "delete" before your number goes away. ⚠

7. Uncomplicated and Free Porting Process

When Google Vocalisation (or some other internet phone service, for that matter) isn't working out, we want to brand all your worries go away. 💆 That's why we make porting your phone number to OpenPhone every bit easy as possible.

If yous want to port your number from Google Vocalization, for example, all you need to do is:

  • Create an OpenPhone business relationship.
  • Unlock your Google Voice number. (Note: Google charges a one-time $3 fee to transfer your number away from Google Vocalization.)
  • Submit this i-minute porting request form.

Switching from most other VoIP services is even simpler and merely requires two steps: creating your OpenPhone account and filling out the grade.

OpenPhone won't charge yous whatever porting fees. And to requite you something else to celebrate, OpenPhone supports Canadian and price-free numbers, too. 🥳

8. Reliable Voicemail Transcriptions

Screenshot of an OpenPhone voicemail transcription

Your team members aren't always in a place where they can take business calls. But fifty-fifty in the middle of a loud music festival, a voicemail transcription can assist them make up one's mind the urgency of a call or remind them to call back later.

Missing voicemail transcriptions tin lead to unhappy clients and missed opportunities.

Luckily, it'southward non an result with OpenPhone. One time you're on your OpenPhone Admin Dashboard, it only takes a minute to get voicemail transcripts (and the voicemail audio) via Gmail, other email providers, and even Slack. All users become voicemail transcriptions texted to them through the OpenPhone app.

Plus, since OpenPhone offers pristine sound quality, you may even get more reliable and accurate transcripts than on Google Vox.

9. Effective Team Advice Tools

Screenshot of OpenPhone team communication

With Google Voice not working on Hangouts, you lot may be seeking out a platform that allows yous to streamline your team and client communication — and do so well. Expect no further than OpenPhone.

OpenPhone is built with a dedicated section for all your team members. You can easily keep track of your internal communications and attain out to the correct person fast. Just tap their names to start conversations and collaborate! 🙌

Plus, you lot can organize your business concern contacts based on everything from company to role, so y'all can easily search for clients when it'southward time to accomplish out. Using OpenPhone is a lot less hectic than Google Phonation. While Google Voice spreads your calls, text messages, and voicemail across three different inboxes, OpenPhone uses ane unified inbox.

If y'all do want a dedicated team messaging platform, feel gratis to use Slack. OpenPhone allows you to run across voicemails, texts, and missed calls on the platform when y'all integrate your account with Slack, then you'll still go a fairly streamlined experience.

Want even more peace of mind? Instead of sending popular features to a graveyard like Google does every single yr, OpenPhone is constantly adding new features to assistance yous improve your internal and external communication — many of which are suggested by business organization owners like you!

A Foolproof Fix for Google Voice Non Working: Making a Switch

Screenshot of the call screen in the OpenPhone app

Google Voice non working tin be a costly issue if you're using it as your business phone. When seeking a VoIP service for professional use, using a platform that'south built for reliable squad and customer communication can help yous stay organized and efficient, without any reanimation.

OpenPhone fits the nib. With international call capabilities, excellent sound quality, and more than must-have features, OpenPhone tin make your squad manage calls and texts better than always. And you won't have to spend extra just to port phone numbers when yous brand the switch.

Want to test out the platform before you commit? Beginning your gratuitous trial of OpenPhone today.

FAQ

Why doesn't Google Vocalization work on Hangouts/Google Meet anymore?

A recent update to the Google Meet (formerly Hangouts) app removed support for 3rd-political party backups, which means your Google Vox messages and telephone calls won't sync up with your Hangouts app anymore.

Why is my Google Vocalism not ringing?

First, check the "Do not disturb" toggle in your Google Phonation settings. Adjacent, ostend that the "Calls" section of your settings has all phone options turned on. Tap around within the "Calls" section for 10 seconds to make sure everything is working properly. Finally, ostend you are signed into Google Vocalization make certain that the "Calls" section has all phone options turned on by toggling each option. Tap effectually within the "Calls" department for 10 seconds to make sure everything is working properly.

Why tin't I make international calls using Google Phonation?

In order to make international telephone calls, you take to have a Google Voice number with the required plan. The basic free Google Vox account can only text and call domestically. In-person calls and texts are no problem, simply international calling features require an upgraded subscription for at to the lowest degree $16/month per user. The other option is the more than expensive Google Voice for K Suite (which also ways making Android apps) which doesn't mention anything about international options without additional purchases.