The best-known way to get a free US phone number is Google Voice, which gives you a number for calls, texts and voicemail, and almost all calls to the US and Canada are free from the US. The catch is eligibility: free consumer numbers are only for people in the US, you need a US mobile number to claim one, and new numbers now need identity verification.
People search for this for lots of reasons: a second number for a side business, privacy when selling online, or staying reachable after a move. Google Voice is the usual answer, but a lot of guides skip the eligibility rules, and those are why so many attempts fail.
Google Voice at a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What do you get? | A number for calls, texts and voicemail |
| Can you choose the number? | Yes, if you're in the US, by city or area code |
| Calls to the US and Canada | Almost all free when you call from the US; some cost 1 cent per minute |
| Calls abroad | At Google's listed rates |
| Who can get a free number? | US residents in the 48 contiguous states, with a US mobile number |
| How many? | One per qualifying user |
| Identity check | Required before a new number can call or text |
How to get a free US number with Google Voice
- Sign in with a personal Google account, not a work or school Workspace account.
- Open Google Voice and choose to get a number.
- Search available numbers by city or area code; if none show, try a nearby city.
- Pick a number, then link your own US mobile number to verify you.
- Complete Google's identity verification before using the number.
The catch: who's eligible
This is where most people get stuck, and the Google Voice Help community guide lays the rules out clearly. Consumer Google Voice numbers are issued only to US residents. You can't sign up while you're outside the US, and the guide says you may be blocked if you've been in the contiguous US for less than about three months. Using a VPN to get round this is explicitly warned against.
The mobile number you link matters too. It must be a valid 10-digit US mobile number in the 48 states, from a major carrier such as AT&T Wireless, T-Mobile or Verizon Wireless, or one of their reseller brands. Landlines, VoIP numbers and verification-service numbers don't count. And once any mobile number has been used to claim a Google Voice number, it can't be used again for many months, even by a new owner of that number.
New: identity verification
A Google Voice Help notice says that with effect from 30 January, 2026, anyone requesting a new Google Voice number can't send or receive calls or messages until they complete identity verification. It's a 'know your customer' step tied to US rules on preventing illegal calls. If your new number seems dead, check whether you've finished verifying.
Common reasons a free number is refused
- Your Google account is brand new; you'll see 'Try again later'.
- You've tried too many numbers or searches in a short time; wait at least 24 hours.
- The mobile number you linked was used before to claim Google Voice.
- You're signed in with a Google Workspace account instead of a personal one.
- You're outside the US or haven't been there long enough.
Google says it won't give specific reasons for individual denials, to stop people working round its protections, so if you hit a wall, go through this list.
Keeping your Google Voice number
Because each person is only offered one free consumer number, and a linked mobile number can't be reused to claim another for many months, treat your Google Voice number as something to look after. Keep using it, keep your Google account secure with two-step verification, and keep your linked mobile number current.
If you just need a number for a one-off, such as a single online sale, think about whether you'll want it later. Setting it up carefully once, with your own US mobile and full verification, saves the frustration of trying again.
Using a free number for a side business
A second number is handy for keeping customers away from your personal mobile. Google Voice lets you read voicemail transcripts in your inbox and use the number from a browser or the app. Just remember a free consumer number is still tied to your personal Google account. If the business grows, a business phone service may suit you better.
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My verdict
If you live in the US and have a US mobile, Google Voice is the simplest free number you'll find. If you're outside the US, don't fight the rules or use a VPN: look at other services instead. For alternatives, see is TextNow safe and how to automate WhatsApp business messages.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a free US phone number?
The best-known option is Google Voice. Sign in with a personal Google account, choose a number by city or area code, link your US mobile number and complete identity verification.
Can I get a free US number from outside the US?
Not with Google Voice. The Google Voice Help community guide says consumer numbers are only issued to US residents and you can't sign up while outside the US.
Can I use Google Voice with a Google Workspace account?
Not for a free consumer number. The community guide says Workspace has its own number assignment process and you can't put a consumer Google Voice number on a Workspace account.
Are Google Voice calls free?
When you call from the US, almost all Google Voice calls to the US and Canada are free. Some specific numbers cost 1 cent per minute, and calls abroad use listed rates.
Why can't I get a Google Voice number?
Common reasons are a new Google account, too many attempts, a mobile number already used to claim Voice, a Workspace account, or being outside the US.
How many free Google Voice numbers does each person get?
Qualifying consumer users are only offered one Google Voice number.
