[Q] Google Voice - Droid Incredible Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Anyone else here using Google Voice? And I don't just mean for the voicemail part. I just set up a number online with them and I'm considering dropping my unlimited SMS with VZW and using the Google voice SMS instead.
I'm just curious to see if anyone else has tried this? The number I got is the same last four as my current one, but the prefix is different, so that's not too bad. I figure I could drop my bill almost $30 by no longer using VZW's SMS service.

This is one of the first reasons why Android interested me. I've never paid for txt messages & never will.
Limitations:
1. You can't send an email-to-txt to a GV number
2. You can't receive MMS
3. You can't send txts to short numbers (like "Text REDCROSS to 90999")
Unless those features are worth $360/year, I think it's an easy decision...

Been using GV as my primary number for over a year now. My most recent VZW bill shows 0 text usage even though any of my friends would tell you that we exchange tons of texts
The biggest shortcoming is the lack of MMS support. If your friends aren't in the habit of sending you picture messages though (my circle just uses email), then it's a non-issue.
It's also great that using the Local Google Voice Settings Plugin with Tasker allows me to tweak GV call forwarding on the fly. Call me while I'm at work and you'll hit my desk phone. Call me in the evenings and you'll hit my cell.

Ok everything sounds pretty good to me then, the lack of MMS support is kinda weak though, I do that pretty frequently. I was considering just straight porting my number to them, but then I decided it wouldn't be worth it with my ETF. I'll give it a shot though with email instead of MMS, with Androids and all the options to share media, I'm sure I could live without it.

Afterthought: next question about GV, anyone have a way to integrate the incredible's messaging app with the SMS of GV? Mostly because I like how I have my widgets set up and would like to continue to use them. And secondly because GV isn't the most aesthetically pleasing to me at the moment

Well, you can choose to have your GV# forward text messages to your cell#. That way you could still use your stock messaging app/widget. The problem with that approach is that people's numbers won't come through looking like their number. Instead, you'll see another number that GV is essentially using as a proxy.
Before I had an Android device, I had my contacts set-up to take this into acct. So Johnny Smith might have phone number 444-555-6767, but when he called or texted my GV#, my phone would show incoming from 999-111-2323. I would store both the regular number and the 'proxy' number into someone's contact.
Your life will be a lot easier if you just use the GV app/widget. I'll take functionality over aesthetics any day, but that's your call.

But the problem with forwarding the messages to my current carriers number is that it defeats the purpose of dropping the unlimited texting. I'll give it a shot, I future dated the change on my online account to start next billing cycle. Should give everyone enough time to take down my GV number. Thanks for the help guys! Anyone else that has something to add whether they're pros/cons please let me know.

Hypcrsy said:
But the problem with forwarding the messages to my current carriers number is that it defeats the purpose of dropping the unlimited texting.
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Indeed. But you asked how to use the stock messaging app with Google Voice. That's how.
No stock messaging system is going to integrate with Google Voice while also keeping your text usage at 0. Your phone doesn't 'think' it's receiving SMS. An SMS app isn't going to 'see' the GV text (unless you have it set to forward to your existing #)

I was actually thinking about this the other day....interesting responses, thanks guys

One thing great that has gone unmentioned is the browser accessibility of google voice....phone issues? Can text anywhere you can get internet via browser. I've used that a fair amount. The way the number can be routed to other phones is always a useful thing as well. I like not being attached to my physical phone numbers anymore.

I just got a google voice account the other day. I am still trying to figure out if I like it. So far it is pretty good. The voice to text is not that accurate yet but I hear that it improves over time. I have not given it out to people yet so not sure how it will work once I do that.
Thanks for the info...
SoBBie

I use GV as a business line. Complete with a business VM message. I love the fact u can screen the VM live then chime in if u wana talk. MMS is the only reason I will not use ot as a vzw replacement #.... Other wise I use it daily.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App

byrong said:
Indeed. But you asked how to use the stock messaging app with Google Voice. That's how.
No stock messaging system is going to integrate with Google Voice while also keeping your text usage at 0. Your phone doesn't 'think' it's receiving SMS. An SMS app isn't going to 'see' the GV text (unless you have it set to forward to your existing #)
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So if I have fowared on, will the phone company still charge for the txt message from my GV?
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App

that's correct, you will be charged if you have texts forwarded to your carrier phone #. Think of the google voice app on phone as a chat interface that is linked to a phone #. I have also thought as mentioned it's not the prettiest app...but there are some themed versions out there to be sure.

2faroffroad said:
So if I have fowared on, will the phone company still charge for the txt message from my GV?
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Click to collapse
Yes. If you have forwarding on, your phone treats it the same as receiving a regular text, since Google is forwarding a regular text to your Verizon phone #

I just use it to see how transcribing works. It is funny on many people but it usually gets the numbers right, which is awesome

I am with you 100% on the transcription - it is hilarious. It has no idea in the world what my wife is saying - 1 in 10 words right, I would guess! I only keep it on for the entertainment value.

So far I'm pretty happy with it. It does have those neat screening features for incoming calls. One weird thing I got was a voicemail recording of the phone ringing and my mom picking up and going "hello? hello?" Hopefully bugs like that don't happen too often. The one thing I will miss is the MMS ability, but hey, I have a Droid Incredible, there are many ways around that.
As for the themed versions of GV, can you point me in the right direction? I'd like like to see what I can find. Thanks again for all the responses, definitely made the decision a lot easier for me.
The best part of GV thus far is that I dropped my bill almost $30 a month. Sprint can suck it with there $69 simply everything plan....mine is Simply Unlimited Everything for $55 a month.
EDIT: Nevermind I found some solid looking themed GV inboxes. Thanks again everyone for responding!

Related

What do you like/dislike about Google Voice?

I have already switched to G-Voice as my voice mail provider, but I was wondering what else is good about it? I love the text transcript of voice mails, but I do not know much about this program.
Why would you want to create a Google number? What are the perks?
What are some things that are not commonly known about it? Tricks? I have a feeling there are a bunch of things I do not know about it because I have not had enough time to really get into it.
Basically a standard number, you can use it to make long distance calls, at a low rate, can even send texts.
teh roxxorz said:
Basically a standard number, you can use it to make long distance calls, at a low rate, can even send texts.
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If I am never anywhere near my minute allowance, there really is no benefit for me?
lehalter said:
If I am never anywhere near my minute allowance, there really is no benefit for me?
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Not so much, but you can use it to send texts, and long distance calls. If you go in the settings you can configure it. Also, if you sign out on that phone, you can use it on another phone and keep your messages, I find it to be nice.
First, a word of warning. When you use Google Voice to make outgoing calls, it is considered a call to a landline. So you are eating your Anytime minutes when using this. So the unlimited mobile to mobile on any carrier option does not apply. Keep that in mind. Someone on these forums ended up with a $5000 bill. lol Luckily they got it reversed.
#1 Block callers
#2 Ring all numbers you designate
#3 Calls can come through Google Chat/Gmail
#4 Can give your GV number to people you don't like.
#5 Voicemail screening. You can screen people leaving a voicemail and decide to answer as they are leaving the message or just have it go through to voicemail. Although almost all my friends just hang up and decide to just blow my phone up instead -.-
#6 Listen to your VM on any computer with internet access.
Couple of things:
1) Free text messaging through GV. You get texts in the GV app on your EVO, through google.com/voice, and you can get them through the GV app on other devices.
2) Cheap international calling.
3) One phone number for multiple phones. I have GV set up so it can ring my work phone, cellphone, SIP number, Gmail chat widget, and home phone simultaneously, or on a schedule.
4) Don't need cell service to text, call, or get voicemails. This is extremely useful if you have a WiFi-only tablet or device, such as the upcoming WiFi Xoom. Also, if I'm in an area of the building at work where there's crap service, I can just turn on WiFi, connect, and get my texts through there, and use SIP to make/receive calls.
5) Everything is saved online. Texts, voicemails, and call logs are all on google.com/voice so if I switch ROMs or whatever, I don't have to worry about saving my texts, voicemails, call log, contacts, emails, apps... You get the point.
Basically, Google Voice + Google Sync + Gingerbread/Froyo = 100% backed up to the cloud. I honestly only keep Titanium Backup on my phone for restoring apps that aren't in the Market, convenience (decrypting and unpacking some gzip'd tars is a LOT faster than downloading via 3G), and I have a few apps I'd rather not lose the data for (Google Authenticator, Angry Bids, Launcher Pro, etc.).
6) Customized voicemails (my mom was amazed when I had separate voicemail messages for her, my stepdad, the house number, my boss, etc.)
7) Call screening (Really nifty for those folks who block their phone number, 800 numbers, etc)
8) Free visual voicemail!
I got nailed using using one of the Google Voice callback free. Yes it eats minutes, but if you notice it is made by Xinlu and is not really google (same icon). This ap should be removed from the market and banned since it is not free. I have no idea how it can get 5 stars the rating on this is jacked. I have been tethering via usb and calling via ata ever since.
If you use GV via bowser it should be OK. I have not tried the real Google voice app. What is weird is that I posted a few threads on the google voice help and nevr really got a good answer. I am not sure if anybody realizes that there is a bastard GV out there.
conductive said:
I got nailed using using one of the Google Voice callback free. Yes it eats minutes, but if you notice it is made by Xinlu and is not really google (same icon). This ap should be removed from the market and banned since it is not free. I have no idea how it can get 5 stars the rating on this is jacked. I have been tethering via usb and calling via ata ever since.
If you use GV via bowser it should be OK. I have not tried the real Google voice app. What is weird is that I posted a few threads on the google voice help and nevr really got a good answer. I am not sure if anybody realizes that there is a bastard GV out there.
Click to expand...
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It is free under the following conditions:
1) You use it to call your SIP number that has unlimited free incoming calls (such as Sipgate).
2) You have unlimited calling to/from specified numbers (Such as Sprint's call-home or w/e, T-Mobile/Verizon/whatever's MyFaves, My Five, etc.
Also, from the app's description in the Market:
Google Voice Callback can be combined with Gizmo5/Sipdroid/Fring/Sipgate or other VOIP solutions to make free calls over wifi or 3G.
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Perhaps you should read more closely, neh?
Press 4 at any time to start recording the conversation
flying_low said:
Press 4 at any time to start recording the conversation
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Is that true?
swyped from my cyanogenized and gingerbreaded EVO
Perhaps you should read more closely, neh?
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Maybe you should not beleive everything you read there Gizmo.
And then what sip to sip to sip Haha ha
Better yet lets try it with 3G good one.
You ever try to sip anything there Gizmo
twiz0r said:
Is that true?
swyped from my cyanogenized and gingerbreaded EVO
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Have not used it but it's in the tips section
One thing is for sure is that you usually thank somebody and not flame them when they look out for somebody so they do not get burned. Senior members without a clue should also give thanks when a noob has to straighten them out and also apologize for being a flamer so we can get back on the question at hand
Thanks for all of this guys. I was already using it, but know about these other things is cool.
I love Google but had nothing but problems with voice....half the time or more it would say # disconnected and a host of other problems......shy away from voice in my opinion
Sent from my HERO200 running gingerbread....suck it sprint
I love everything about GV except for the lack of MMS
I think somebody thanked me but it is now gone. Thanks if you did.
Number porting
Vanity Numbers
Blacklisting .
Gizmo was awesome but it is now gone I hope it comes back.
I used many of these apps and there is a lot to go over here so send a thanks or other if you are interested. I just do not feel like adding any technical information since I got flamed. I can also tell you that I gave a thanks to the member that informed you guys about how it can eat minutes and I hope that you did the same. Personally I would stay away from the bogus market app that is not made by gogle. It used to be called GV free dial.

Google Voice Integration

Howdy all! New to Sprint and its Google Voice integration with Android, so I'm hoping you'll be able to give me some more info about it. I checked around a bit and didn't see my question answered.
I noticed after "integrating it" and allowing my phone to treat Google Voice SMS as normal texts, all of my GV texts received are now showing up in my messaging app. If I'm using the messaging app to respond to texts received as my Google Voice number, are these being counted as texts on my Sprint plan, or just as data like Google Voice always has been previously? Do I need to keep using only the GV dedicated app for that to be the case? I have the 450 minute unlimited data plan, so I just want to make sure i'm not doing something wrong and then ending up with 150,000 dollars in a bill for SMS messages.
Also, is there a way to differentiate between Google Voice texts and texts sent to my actual Sprint number in the messaging app?
For what it's worth, this phone is freaking perfect. Maybe it's just because the phone hardware has finally caught up to and surpassed the software experience that Touchwiz was trying to offer, but 4.0 is absolutely flawless, and this is the first phone I've ever owned that I didn't want to immediately load Cyanogen onto.
Pretty sure texts are unlimited on almost all sprints plans
I thought that might be the case, but the fine print said "on our network" which I took to mean texts from sprint customer to sprint customer. If they're unlimited anyway then it's no biggie. Thank you!

send TXT without a messaging plan(disabled)?

I have messaging completely disabled on my phone(even the vzw free text messages dont come through). I was wondering, if i use an app like Handcent SMS, will that work by itself? Will i incur messaging charges?
Also, i heard you can email a msg to a phone # by doing something like:
mailto:[email protected]?.com
if its to a verizon cust for instance, what would i put after the @? is it vtext.com, vzwpix.com, ???
I have been on google voice for a little over 2 years. And with that haven't been paying for any text plans, since then. Your best best is to incorporate that, either by using a number u can pick through what google offers in google voice as you se it up(painfully easy)
Or
Take the better but...harder route. (Which I did)
If u are out of contract...port your number and give it to google voice. Tell ur cell provider u need it for business voicemail reasons. And for you to receive a new one from them. Then for the rest of your cellular life u will never have to worry about paying for text and BONUS ever have to tell any one u got a new number...because now it will always be in google voice..and u can connect that number with anything!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I've been afraid to port over to google voice. It seems they tire of things easily and have a huge pile of abandoned projects.
I still always think of doing it though.
Another alternative is to use a app named textfree, it will provide you with a new number and unlimited texting.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
jasbur17 said:
I've been afraid to port over to google voice. It seems they tire of things easily and have a huge pile of abandoned projects.
I still always think of doing it though.
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well said, i agree on you with that. but this is too big. many people use it. it is so heavily implemented that it would be simply BAFFLING if they would. besides, there would be plenty of options in the event they did (free porting out, refunds, etc)
either way. i doubt it. smart phones have made this a number one bonus , the new york times wrote an article just last month on the death of text payment
guess who was one of the first to have the option?
=]
voxigenboy said:
I have messaging completely disabled on my phone(even the vzw free text messages dont come through). I was wondering, if i use an app like Handcent SMS, will that work by itself? Will i incur messaging charges?
Also, i heard you can email a msg to a phone # by doing something like:
mailto:[email protected]?.com
if its to a verizon cust for instance, what would i put after the @? is it vtext.com, vzwpix.com, ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You wouldn't be able to use Handcent or the like since they are just a GUI overlay to the stock texting app. You would have to use an independent messaging program like Google Voice which was mentioned above and I've heard a good number of success stories with it (not necessarily the porting your number part).
To answer your other question you can email any cell phone and it will go through as an MMS. Every carrier has their own email domain for it that a Google search will give you. For Verizon it would be [email protected].
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

[Q] Straight Talk w/ or w/o google voice?

So long story short had an Epic 4g Touch on Virgin Mobile's $25 plan but need unlimited minutes now so I switched to page plus 2 weeks ago in hopes of flashing my e4gt to page plus. But I missed the unlimited data so decided to go with a gsm gnex and straight talk. Already have the phone and sim should be here today or tomorrow and I will be porting my number over.
Question is should I just port my number to Google Voice to avoid this hassle in the future? Is GV reliable? I can still use the stock phone and messaging app right (CM10 is the OS ill be on)? Is there any way to get MMS, like MMS-to-Email on sprint? Anything else I should take into consideration?
So should I just port my number to straight talk or port it to google voice?
Thanks
I say google voice (and forward it to whatever number at the time). The tricky bit is that smses would come from your original number unless you send them with voice also.
Sent from my Nexus 7 "the most cost-effective iPad yet"
There are probably 3 threads about your topic already (and they are huge threads). I'm on mobile right now and don't have the link, but they should be in the general and q&a section, and a bit of googling will help you find them.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
hmm sounds like it would just be more convienient to port my number to straight talk..
Any other thoughts?
I recently ported my number to Straight Talk and it was active in about 20 minutes. As long as you have all the information they need to port, it's extremely painless.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I decided to just port my number and its been over 12 hours and still hasn't gone through. WTF straight talk? Not off to a good start with me.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
I use Google voice with its own number. I use the app. My Google number shows on text to them just fine. nobody had real number. I use groove ip to make calls thru voice. I set it up this way so that if gonna be late on Bill or whatever i still have"service" that people can call and text me with provided I'm in wifi. actually ran it this way for about a year without any service at all. . Just Google. Since everyone already had my Google i never worried about missing calls or text. If i left wifi zone Google stored all missed notifications so could retrieve once in wifi again. Ill promote.voice any day of the week.
*Shaolin Shadowboxing*
---------- Post added at 02:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:11 AM ----------
brooksyx said:
I decided to just port my number and its been over 12 hours and still hasn't gone through. WTF straight talk? Not off to a good start with me.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Just set up a Google seperately. Give everyone that number. Once service is up and running forward calls from the Google to your number. Then will have service until they get it going and won't have to tell people to go back to old number. Will always have a phone too
*Shaolin Shadowboxing*
Finally got my number ported to my at&t straight talk sim and all I have to say is damn this data is fast! 10x faster than my old virgin mobile trash. Even faster than my home DSL. Very happy now.
I think I'll hold off on Google voice for now though. My girl is always sending me picture messages.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
GV can be a hassle and finicky but its definitely reliable.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
martonikaj said:
GV can be a hassle and finicky but its definitely reliable.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never had a problem. Just can't integrate
*Shaolin Shadowboxing *
Sprint + Google Voice => Straight Talk, now problems.
I had my Sprint number. When Google voice came out and Sprint allowed integration, I did that. Last week I ported my Sprint/GV number over to Straight Talk (after buying an HTC One X+).
I want to get text messages in GV, not the HTC messaging app. I want to make phone calls from my normal GV number, and when I get a voicemail, i want that to come through GV as well. Basically, I want GV to do what is was doing for me on Sprint, handling my voicemail and my texts (both sending and receiving).
Currently, when my wife calls/texts me (she is still on Sprint), GV takes the voicemail/text. Perfect! But when other people call my voicemail gives a message saying that I haven't set up my voicemail box yet (Straight talk seems to not do this very well), and text messages all go into the HTC messaging app. Sending messages from GV or HTC messenger both work fine.
Does anyone have any help for me? Do I need to switch my number with Straight Talk and just have my old number stored in GV, then do the forwarding thing? Can I do that with outgoing calls, so they appear to come from my "old" phone number? Any help you can provide would me most appreciated.
Michael833 said:
I had my Sprint number. When Google voice came out and Sprint allowed integration, I did that. Last week I ported my Sprint/GV number over to Straight Talk (after buying an HTC One X+).
I want to get text messages in GV, not the HTC messaging app. I want to make phone calls from my normal GV number, and when I get a voicemail, i want that to come through GV as well. Basically, I want GV to do what is was doing for me on Sprint, handling my voicemail and my texts (both sending and receiving).
Currently, when my wife calls/texts me (she is still on Sprint), GV takes the voicemail/text. Perfect! But when other people call my voicemail gives a message saying that I haven't set up my voicemail box yet (Straight talk seems to not do this very well), and text messages all go into the HTC messaging app. Sending messages from GV or HTC messenger both work fine.
Does anyone have any help for me? Do I need to switch my number with Straight Talk and just have my old number stored in GV, then do the forwarding thing? Can I do that with outgoing calls, so they appear to come from my "old" phone number? Any help you can provide would me most appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to do call forwarding
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Zepius said:
You need to do call forwarding
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
Please forgive me for being obtuse, but can you be a little more specific? I'm struggling with this question and would like more instruction. Did you mean that I need a second, non-GV number as my cell phone number? Or something else? I'm easily confused this week.
Michael833 said:
I had my Sprint number. When Google voice came out and Sprint allowed integration, I did that. Last week I ported my Sprint/GV number over to Straight Talk (after buying an HTC One X+).
I want to get text messages in GV, not the HTC messaging app. I want to make phone calls from my normal GV number, and when I get a voicemail, i want that to come through GV as well. Basically, I want GV to do what is was doing for me on Sprint, handling my voicemail and my texts (both sending and receiving).
Currently, when my wife calls/texts me (she is still on Sprint), GV takes the voicemail/text. Perfect! But when other people call my voicemail gives a message saying that I haven't set up my voicemail box yet (Straight talk seems to not do this very well), and text messages all go into the HTC messaging app. Sending messages from GV or HTC messenger both work fine.
Does anyone have any help for me? Do I need to switch my number with Straight Talk and just have my old number stored in GV, then do the forwarding thing? Can I do that with outgoing calls, so they appear to come from my "old" phone number? Any help you can provide would me most appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a spot in the GV settings to have your texts only appear in the GV app... or just remove notifications from the GV app and you're problem is solved (only using the HTC app then.)
You need a separate number on straight talk and then just forward your GV number to that one. (I believe that step needs to be done from a PC.) Once you've done that you can still make your calls using the GV app, just select it to be used for all calls.
About to make the plung to ST as well. Currently useing GV forwarding to a verizon number. The GV number is the only number used period, the veizon number is just a recptical for GV to rout to. I really miss the lack of mms and the txting over data sometimes isnt as reliable. Also really miss the mms and sms dedicated apps.
Is is possible to port your GV number to ST but not lose the GV service ?
I would love for my GV number to be the native number on my ST phone and enjoy all the sms mms and direct calls to that phone. But NOT lose the GV feature associated with that number. Not sure i can live with out the web interface on my desktop for checking voice mails and txt.
I know i can just forward to a new ST number but would love to only have one number for all communication as i would like to have mms back.
MattRussNC said:
About to make the plung to ST as well. Currently useing GV forwarding to a verizon number. The GV number is the only number used period, the veizon number is just a recptical for GV to rout to. I really miss the lack of mms and the txting over data sometimes isnt as reliable. Also really miss the mms and sms dedicated apps.
Is is possible to port your GV number to ST but not lose the GV service ?
I would love for my GV number to be the native number on my ST phone and enjoy all the sms mms and direct calls to that phone. But NOT lose the GV feature associated with that number. Not sure i can live with out the web interface on my desktop for checking voice mails and txt.
I know i can just forward to a new ST number but would love to only have one number for all communication as i would like to have mms back.
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Matt, hopefully this reply won't be too late for it to help you. I've been recovering from surgery.
I actually have done this both ways now, so I think I can speak to various issues.
On My Phone:
I kept my main number with Google Voice and got a StraightTalk SIM with some other number. All of my calls, both incoming and outgoing, I route through GV (a simple setting in GV), and all my texts come through the GV app by default. I'm probably missing my MMS's, but that doesn't bother me as I only used to get 2-3 per year.
On My Wife's Phone:
She was much more concerned with GV's lack of text message threading, so we opted to port her Spring/GV number over to StraightTalk. Her voicemails go though ST, and cannot be transcribed. Her texts through her messenger app, and all her calls though ST. Basically she left GV. There is an option to still have GV try to grab your voicemails and transcribe them instead of going through ST, but ST does not support that feature, so it cannot be done.
Where you say "But NOT lose the GV feature associated with that number." I'm a bit confused. When I think of GV features, I think of text over data/from computer & voicemail recording, but you seem to imply there is some other I'm missing.
I hope this helps with your decision. Again, sorry about the delay in responding.
Michael833 said:
Matt, hopefully this reply won't be too late for it to help you. I've been recovering from surgery.
I actually have done this both ways now, so I think I can speak to various issues.
On My Phone:
I kept my main number with Google Voice and got a StraightTalk SIM with some other number. All of my calls, both incoming and outgoing, I route through GV (a simple setting in GV), and all my texts come through the GV app by default. I'm probably missing my MMS's, but that doesn't bother me as I only used to get 2-3 per year.
On My Wife's Phone:
She was much more concerned with GV's lack of text message threading, so we opted to port her Spring/GV number over to StraightTalk. Her voicemails go though ST, and cannot be transcribed. Her texts through her messenger app, and all her calls though ST. Basically she left GV. There is an option to still have GV try to grab your voicemails and transcribe them instead of going through ST, but ST does not support that feature, so it cannot be done.
Where you say "But NOT lose the GV feature associated with that number." I'm a bit confused. When I think of GV features, I think of text over data/from computer & voicemail recording, but you seem to imply there is some other I'm missing.
I hope this helps with your decision. Again, sorry about the delay in responding.
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Click to collapse
Thank you, actually about to activate tonight with a ST number and route through GV. As far as the GV features i was referring mainly to the web integration. Love being able to check my txt and VMs from a browser. I know there are some apps that allow such but i like the way GV does it. I knew what i wanted wasnt possible but i had hoped. I wanted to think that i could port my GV number to ST so that it would be the native and only number to the phone and still have GV work as it does now without sacrificing anything. I knew it wasn't a reasonable wish. Should things ever change i can always port my GV number out another day.
Thank you for the response
MattRussNC said:
Thank you, actually about to activate tonight with a ST number and route through GV. . . . . .
Thank you for the response
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Matt, a quick update:
So there is a setting on the GV website that allows you to get your text messages through your phone's text message app, and a setting in the GV app that allows you to turn off GV notifications on your phone. Thus, you could conceivably use your phone as it was meant to be used (for SMS), and just keep the VM options enabled. I hadn't really known what that option did before, but it seems it may be helpful for you.
Also, if you found my posts helpful, please "thank" me. I'm pretty junior and I guess it would help me gain credibility in the forums.

[Guide] Switch Verizon VVM to Google Voice and save

A few months ago I found several incomplete resources on the web to set up Google Voice as your voice mail service instead of using your carrier. In the case of Verizon, I was even more disgusted to pay $2.99 per line per month for a service that should be included with every smartphone. This guide is intended to be a more complete solution to using Google Voice as your voice mail service on Verizon.
Why Google Voice?
- Integrated FREE visual voice mail on your Galaxy Nexus (don’t pay Big Red more than you have to). Access from your call log or the Google Voice app.
- Transcripts of the message e-mailed to you (the translation is not very accurate, but you can get the main point of the message in most cases before you listen to it).
- Access your voicemail on your phone, tablet, or web browser.
Setup:
1. If you haven’t already, request a Google Voice number from http://bit.ly/obMhcy (Don't port your number, just get a new one from Google - porting your number from Verizon to Google Voice will cancel your Verizon service).
2. Once you have your Google Voice number, install the Google Voice app on your phone http://bit.ly/QDySzs
3. Once all signed in to the Google Voice app, you are ready to set up FREE visual voicemail on your Galaxy Nexus.
4. Go to your Phone app settings (not Google Voice, but the actual Phone app that makes your phone a phone). Under “Other Call Settings” is a “voicemail” option, open that. Under “Service” select Google Voice. You will get a pop up warning that your carrier cannot be autoconfigured, but just acknowledge the warning and continue on. To make this function on Verizon, you need to setup a “Number Busy/No Answer Call”, also known as conditional call forwarding by following this simple step:
Dial *71 [Your GV #] then hit Send — (*71-###-###-#### then Send)
You’ll hear a few beeps and then you’ll automatically be disconnected. This is a free Verizon calling feature that reroutes an unanswered call to the 10-digit number provided after the *71, which is your Google Voice number in this case. Make a test call to your cell phone number from another phone to make sure all is working – you can set up your personal message later.
Now, anybody that calls your cell phone (GV or regular cell number) will be redirected to your Google Voice voicemail. This way you can keep your Verizon phone number and still manage voicemail online (replay/save messages to your computer) and get transcriptions.
There are options on the Google Voice web interface to record a personal message, which can be different depending on who is calling. For example, a message for friends, one for work, etc. The Google Voice settings page is also where you set up your account to receive e-mail notifications of voicemails with transcripts, etc.
Don't forget to cancel your Verizon VVM subscription once this is complete and working, and uninstall yet another Verizon app from your Nexus device. :good:
Thanks OP! As someone who has used Google Voice for a few years I fully support this thread.
I ran this since Google Voice was in beta on VZW. No other way to have it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Thanks, works great!! I Love how I can play VM right from the phone app!! And read them in the voice app. So sick. Thanks a lot
And if your plan supports it, add your GV # to your Friends & Family list to make voicemail airtime free (won't use minutes)
jpinsl said:
And if your plan supports it, add your GV # to your Friends & Family list to make voicemail airtime free (won't use minutes)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The VMs are downloaded and stored in the app via data, you wont ever have to call VM again.
I believe you are thinking of the old trick, change the GV settings to show your GV# instead of the callers #.
Thanks for posting this. I'm going to give it a go.
WiredPirate said:
The VMs are downloaded and stored in the app via data, you wont ever have to call VM again.
I believe you are thinking of the old trick, change the GV settings to show your GV# instead of the callers #.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I'm thinking that rather than burn data-bytes, I just reprogram the phone to call my GV# when I press and hold 1. By listing it in F&F, it's a free call, doesn't use data and works exactly like my carrier's VM.
Google voice has been working great for me for a couple months and is a huge step up from regular voicemail.... Highly recommended! Thanks for the guide.
jpinsl said:
Actually, I'm thinking that rather than burn data-bytes, I just reprogram the phone to call my GV# when I press and hold 1. By listing it in F&F, it's a free call, doesn't use data and works exactly like my carrier's VM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but doesn't that defeat the purpose? If you're going to do that why not use the carriers VM? And I cant imagine that downloading a voice mail message uses much data. Oh well, to each his own.
So, is there anything I need to watch out for when flashing other ROMs
sent from the bathroom
geomonroe said:
So, is there anything I need to watch out for when flashing other ROMs
sent from the bathroom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Set up phone as per instructions, don't have to do the *71 part. I've been doing this for a couple years now, and I tend to flash a different rom a few times a week, no problems.
Really want to screw the man? Just get a free sip line hooked to your gv number. All you need is a data plan. Saves big $$$$$
Phazmos said:
Set up phone as per instructions, don't have to do the *71 part. I've been doing this for a couple years now, and I tend to flash a different rom a few times a week, no problems.
Really want to screw the man? Just get a free sip line hooked to your gv number. All you need is a data plan. Saves big $$$$$
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did the *71 thing. Now I can't send messages
sent from the bathroom
geomonroe said:
I did the *71 thing. Now I can't send messages
sent from the bathroom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[SOLVED] disabled through app now I can send through either. The two different numbers are messing with my peeps, I have had the same number for years. Plus when you look below the surface there can be charges
sent from the bathroom
geomonroe said:
[SOLVED] disabled through app now I can send through either. The two different numbers are messing with my peeps, I have had the same number for years. Plus when you look below the surface there can be charges
sent from the bathroom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have gv ring all numbers when a call comes in. No matter which is dialed, no matter which is in use, you'll get the call. Been working that way for me for a couple years. Texting the vz number will incur a charge, but that's about it. Only extra charges I see are from those texts. No cost if texts go to gv number.
Phazmos said:
Have gv ring all numbers when a call comes in. No matter which is dialed, no matter which is in use, you'll get the call. Been working that way for me for a couple years. Texting the vz number will incur a charge, but that's about it. Only extra charges I see are from those texts. No cost if texts go to gv number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Texting through Google voice is a nightmare. This thread's purpose was to show folks how stop paying Verizon for the ability to have visual voice mail on your smartphone.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Thanks for this! Had no idea I could even change the voicemail to something else. I got so tired of the voicemail icon constantly making my notification light blink since I never check it. Hell, I had no idea verizon even offered a visual voicemail service. +1Google
Youmail.. The best free visual voicemail ..use on all my phones and tabs.. And best of all works perfect and simple to setup
Sent from my QMV7A using Xparent Purple Tapatalk 2

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