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For Voice for Google Workspace accounts managed by your work or school, text messaging is available only in the US.
With your Google Voice number, you can send text messages at no charge to US and Canadian numbers (excluding the US territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands). Texts sent using Google Voice use Wi-Fi or mobile data from your phone's service plan if you're not connected to Wi-Fi. If you're outside of the US and aren't using Wi-Fi, your mobile phone company might charge you extra roaming fees to send a text.
Use Google Voice for interactive messaging only
Due to operator limitations and to protect against spam, Google Voice messaging is only intended for interactive conversations. It's not intended for bulk messaging, which can result in messages being reported as spam and blocked. If your messages are blocked, refer to the 'Why can't I send text messages?' section below.
If you haven't done so yet, download the Google Voice app on your iPhone or iPad.
Send a text message
You can use the Google Voice app to send text messages to one or more phone numbers.
If you send a text of more than 160 characters to a non-Google Voice number, it'll be sent as multiple messages.
Tip: You can't send texts to five- or six-digit 'short code' numbers.
- Open the Voice app .
- Open the tab for Messages , and then tap Compose .
- From your list of contacts, tap the person you want to send a text message.
- At the bottom, enter your message, and then tap Send .
- Enter a contact’s name or phone number.
- To create a group text message, add up to 7 names or phone numbers. Group messages can have up to 8 participants, including the person who sends the message.
To include an image with your message, tap select image . If your image is larger than 2 MB, it'll be sent as a smaller file. But GIFs larger than 2 MB won't be sent.
If you send numerous text messages in a short period of time, or recipients mark your messages as spam, Voice may temporarily restrict you from sending more messages. If you exceed your quota, your messages are blocked. You'll get an error message: 'Message not delivered. You've sent too many messages'.
Text messages that may be blocked
Due to operator limitations and to protect against spam, Google Voice messaging is intended only for 1:1, personal conversations. It's not intended for bulk messaging, which can result in messages being flagged as spam and blocked. Text messaging behaviours that may be blocked include but aren't limited to:
- Sending the same text message to multiple recipients, especially when those messages don't receive replies
- Sending URL links
- Sending large numbers of text messages in a short period of time
If your message is blocked due to spam or abuse, you'll get an error message: 'Message not delivered. See Acceptable Use Policy'.
To learn more, see the Voice Acceptable Use Policy.
What happens when messages are blocked
There are two stages:
- Your Google Voice account may be temporarily blocked from calling or sending messages. If this happens, please wait 24 hours and try again.
- If you repeat the same behaviour or if the initial behaviour requires immediate intervention, your account will be suspended. If you've received a suspension notice via email or your Google Voice web page, then your access to Google Voice is now suspended. Click Contact us in the suspension notice to appeal.
Cost of text messages
Can't text without a Google Voice number
Can't text from recently ported numbers
Receive a text message
You can receive text messages from anywhere in the world. Some websites, such as banks or subscription services, won't send text messages to Google Voice numbers. In those instances, you may need to use your mobile operator number.
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Voice app .
- Open the tab for messages . Messages that you haven't read yet are in bold.
If you don't receive a text that you're expecting, check if it got marked as spam. In the top left, tap menu Spam.
Tips
- To get text messages from websites, like a bank or subscription service, you need to use your mobile operator number.
- Google Voice is not compatible with iMessage. To receive text messages sent by iPhone users to Google Voice users on iOS, deregister your phone number from iMessage.
Receive notifications for new texts
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the settings app.
- Tap Notifications Google Voice.
- Next to Allow notifications, turn on the setting.
Google Voice will automatically stop delivering texts to your default text messaging app, so that you don't receive two notifications.
Reply to a text message
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Voice app .
- Open the tab for messages .
- Tap the text message that you want to reply to.
- At the bottom, enter your message and then tap send .
Tip: You can also reply to a text message from a notification.
Allow Google Voice notifications when iOS Focus mode is enabled
Focus mode may block notifications for:
- Messages (SMS)
- Missed calls
- Voicemail
- On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings Focus.
- Select your Focus.
- Under Allowed notifications, select Apps or Add app Google Voice app Done.
Tip: When in Focus mode, make sure that the Google Voice app is in your 'Allowed notifications'.