Get started with Google Voice

Watch our Getting started with Google Voice video

Welcome to Google Voice

UIndy employees: once your UIndy phone number has successfully transferred over to Google Voice, you will receive a Welcome to Google Voice email. Please follow the directions in that email to activate your account.

Depicts Welcome to Google Voice email

Set up Google Voice

Set up Google Voice on the Web

When using the web interface on your computer, you may want to use a headset with a microphone especially if you are in an open space or need privacy. UIndyIT has a limited supply of basic headsets with microphones available.

If you decide not to use the web, you can set up app on mobile device.

  1. Click on the Web button from your email.
  2. A new tab will open, click on the Next button.
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Review service address page is next. The address that appears is not the University's mailing address, this is an emergency dispatch address for 911 calling. You may not recognize it, but the emergency dispatch address has been added. If you spend the majority of your time working away from your University office, please edit this address to correlate with where you physically work (ie home address).

  1. Click on the Edit link.
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  1. Edit the address in line 1 as needed
  2. Optional, on Add line, add in your office number or cubicle number if your emergency dispatch address is at UIndy.
  3. Click the Next button.
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You can edit this address at any time after you setup Google Voice. Navigate to Settings. Click on Account. Under Service address, find the pencil icon to make edits.

  1. Click the confirm button when asked, is this right?
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Optional, you can link your Google Voice to your mobile phone, or skip. Although this might be helpful for times you don't have internet access, it forwards all calls and voicemails right away to your mobile phone. No emails about the activity will be created.

  1. We recommend clicking the Skip button.
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Set up Google Voice App on mobile device
  1. Download the Google Voice app from App Store or Google Play to your mobile device. See Welcome to Google Voice email for details.
  2. Make sure you select your UIndy Google Account when setting this up.
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  1. Choose or confirm your current phone number - this is your mobile device phone number.
  1. Allow for "Voice" to have access to your microphone. Tap the OK button.
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  1. Decide if you would like "Voice" to send you notifications. Tap Don't Allow or Allow.
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  1. Decide if you would like "Voice" to access your contacts. Tap Don't Allow or OK.
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Google Voice Settings

To see notifications and to answer incoming calls on your computer, you will need to have your UIndy Gmail open or the Google Voice App open. To open the Google Voice App navigate to voice.google.com.

Audio settings
Check your audio settings
  1. In the blue box, click on the Check audio settings link.
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  1. Click the Allow button for Google Voice to use your microphone.
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  1. Note browser warning. Your browser might prevent call from ringing. Click Learn more link for details
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  1. Follow the steps identified.
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Change your microphone or speakers

Use your built-in microphone and speakers or connect external audio devices, such as headsets. See Google's documentation on how to change your microphone or speakers.

Record voicemail greeting
  1. Go to Settings. Click on Voicemail.
  2. Click + Record a greeting
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  1. Tap the microphone icon when you're ready to record.
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  1. Tap the microphone again when you're done.
  2. Click the play button to hear your message.
  3. Click the save button when you are happy with your recording.
  4. Name the greeting of your choice, you can have several different recording available.

Helpful Tips:

  • We do NOT recommend that you link your personal cell number to your work Google Voice number 
  • Do NOT enable Screen Calls (you won’t be able to receive any transferred calls)
  • Use Google Meet for conference or 3-way calling since they are not available in Google Voice 
  • If you have internet connection (wired or wireless) Google Voice works

To get the most out of Google Voice, see our Use Google Voice Tech Guide to learn more about Voice's features and settings.