Popularity isn't e'er a sign of a smooth-functioning net telephone service. Take Google Vox for example. It's i of the most well-known options on the market, and nevertheless users often report multiple issues per month. 😬 If you rely on the platform to manage all your business phone calls and text letters, Google Vocalization not working tin can reflect poorly on your brand.

As a professional or a pocket-sized business organization possessor, you demand to exist aware of all the roadblocks you may confront (and if they can even be solved) before you choose your telephone service. While yous may be drawn in by how Google Voice works free for individuals, the service could end up costing you if it creates poor customer experiences and inefficiencies within your team.

And then what Google Phonation problems do users face? And since Google doesn't even offer customer support, how can yous address them? We'll help you troubleshoot nine mutual problems on the app, and then explain how switching to a Google Vocalisation alternative like OpenPhone tin can exist a one-stride remedy for all your GV woes.

9 Common Google Voice Bug

Google Voice doesn't accept a flawless track record when information technology comes to VoIP calls — far from it. Just entering "Google Vocalism non working" on a Google search brings up a number of complaints, questions, and manufactures near known (and sometimes unresolved) issues. If yous're currently using Google Phonation and are having bug with crucial concern phone features, you're not the merely one.

Google Voice not working: Screenshot of a Google search

We've identified nine common problems with the internet telephone service below.

1. Unable to Access Google Voice Account

At minimum, your Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service should exist one you can access. Simply if you're running into errors with Google Vocalisation, this could be an internet connectedness issue. Or, yous may need to go into your Google Play Store or App Store to update to the latest version of the Voice app. Yous can besides come across issues if y'all are trying to accept more than one Google Voice number on your phone.

Otherwise, there is a pesky situation in which yous or your squad members may not be able to access Vox through your Google accounts.

If you're using Phonation for Google Workspace, admins actually demand to assign each user a Google Vocalisation license before assigning telephone numbers (and each number can only exist assigned one time). When admins forget to turn on Google Voice for each individual business relationship or accidentally re-assign a phone number, this could cause issues that team members can't ready on their own.

Though information technology's a fairly easy fix — licenses and telephone numbers tin be managed through the "Users" section of the Google Admin console — getting started with Google Vocalization for business can exist a huge hassle.

two. No Ringing for Incoming Calls

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

You lot've made it into Google Voice. Then, why aren't yous actually getting alerted when you accept incoming calls or SMS messages? A long listing of missed calls or voicemails is never a skillful sign for client satisfaction.

Open the app settings to encounter if you've toggled on "Practise non disturb" style (and plough it back 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 yous've accidentally turned off call answering on the spider web, Android device, or iPhone.

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

But even if all your settings are perfect on the browser, Google Voice will still instantly mute audio afterward you cease interacting with the platform for a while — even if you lot're just on the adjacent tab over! The but fix is to jump back on the tab and click around for around x seconds.

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

3. Can't Make International Calls

Got a global squad or international clientele? You need an internet phone service that lets you seamlessly make international calls. 🌎 With Google Voice, there are a few problems you can run across.

Outset, free accounts cannot brand whatsoever calls or texts outside of the U.S. While yous can purchase calling credits (not possible via the app for iPhone users), you're simply allowed to have $70 max in your account.

If yous update to Voice for Google Workspace, you may pay as much equally $20 per user per month and still only be able to send texts within the U.S.

Google Voice also states that users may have issues with international calls on their phone if another app conflicts with the service. However, it doesn't specify what apps can cause these issues, so it'll take some trial and error to figure out which app is at error — if some other app is even the issue. You may also demand to try restarting the Google Voice app in case it's merely a glitch.

4. Poor Sound Quality

When yous're choosing your VoIP service, quality is key. Unfortunately, Google Vocalization doesn't have a reputation for great sound quality. A slew of users study sounding muffled or distorted on calls — which is definitely bad for business. After repeating "your sound is breaking up" for the hundredth time, your clients may actually break upward with your brand for good. 💔

Assuming that you're not facing any Wi-Fi or mobile data issues of your ain, this is a Google Voice problem that users alone tin't gear up. Merely with no customer back up for free users, getting assistance may not exist every bit possible as you lot'd hope. With no one to enquire, information technology's difficult to say if what you're experiencing is an internet connection issue, a platform issue, or something else.

five. Google Vocalism Loading Slow on Browser

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

I perk of Google Voice is the ability to access your phone from any calculator or mobile device. The trouble is, users report issues when accessing the platform via a browser on vocalization.google.com.

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

"Very slow to load into the browser." ( Review on GetApp )

In that location are a few potential causes that y'all tin can check:

  • Poor internet connection
  • Incompatible browser (must use Chrome, Microsoft Border, Safari, or Mozilla Firefox)
  • Browser non updated

You tin can likewise effort a reboot if you experience Google Vox not working on your browser, or double check Google Vocalization's system and browser requirements. Notwithstanding, if none of these are at mistake and ho-hum loading is a consistent outcome, there's unfortunately not much that can be done on your part. Switching to a Google Phonation alternative like OpenPhone may exist your all-time bet.

six. Google Voice Number Disappeared

Google Voice not working (double): GIF of Mrs. Maisel from Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

We acknowledge, this issue may sound a little weird. Simply it's true: These days, even your Google Voice number can ghost you. 👻

In that location are more ways this tin can happen than you call up. It makes sense for VoIP services to revoke access if you fail to pay, simply Google volition even take back your phone number in the following instances:

  • You don't make a call, send a text, listen to your voicemail, or open the Voice app on an Apple or Android telephone in vi months. You'll only have 45 days to reclaim the number before it'south gone for good.
  • Yous port in a number simply don't pay a $20 fee to proceed your Google-provided number as a secondary number within 90 days.

For business owners, the take a chance of losing a phone number is never platonic, even if it'southward hands avoidable. This outcome is pretty much unheard of with almost legitimate paid internet phone services.

seven. Can't Port Phone Number

Google Phonation states that it'due south able to port telephone numbers, only users may actually run into a number of porting bug on the platform. For case, Vocalisation does not support porting for Canadian or toll-free numbers. And y'all'll get stuck if yous 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, there is zero customer support." ( Review from G2 )

"Shifting numbers you are already using was not very user-friendly for me." ( Review from GetApp )

A smooth transition of all your business phone numbers into Google Voice isn't possible for every company, even when it should exist.

eight. Not Receiving Voicemail Transcriptions

Google Voice not working (double): GIF of Terrence Howard from Empire

If you're not getting voicemail transcriptions, you lot wouldn't be the first. Some users report issues with both delivery and transcription quality. At that place could exist a few reasons for this:

  • Y'all turned off "Become voicemail via email" in your settings.
  • Yous're looking for voicemail transcriptions via text (the Vocalisation app permanently disabled this feature).
  • Your caller'southward audio quality was poor, and Google couldn't decipher the message.

Even if your issue is resolved, keep in mind that Google Voice is withal pretty limited when it comes to options for receiving voicemail transcriptions. Google Voice alternatives like OpenPhone back up more than integrations, allowing you lot to get transcripts on more convenient channels.

9. Unable to Make Voice Calls on Hangouts

Did you choose Google Vocalisation as your business phone service due to its integration with Hangouts? Google has bad news for yous.

First, Hangouts volition be going to the growing Google Graveyard this year (RIP). ⚰️ 2nd, some users are already unable to make Google Voice calls via Hangouts. This is a known effect that will not be fixed.

Using Google Vocalization means you lot'll have to switch betwixt 2 different platforms to bulletin your team 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 offer a corking manner to organize your inbox or contacts — largely because the Google Phonation app wasn't originally built for business use.

A Google Phonation alternative that's created with business needs in mind (like OpenPhone) tin can help you reach much smoother communication management.

How Switching to OpenPhone Prevents All nine Google Voice Issues

Screenshots of the OpenPhone mobile and desktop apps

Despite its popularity, Google Voice is riddled with issues that business organization owners can't beget to bargain with. Google Voice not working at a critical time — for example, during a telephone call — can atomic number 82 to your brand losing a sale and losing trust.

Luckily, Google Vox isn't the only VoIP service around. In fact, VoIP providers like OpenPhone are specifically built for business use, which means yous won't just eliminate Google Voice problems. You'll also get a number of features that Google's phone app tin can't provide.

Hither's how switching to OpenPhone tin can help you overcome Google Voice'south nine major issues for businesses.

one. Easy Setup and Access

Though Google Voice access problems tin can be pretty easily fixed, the VoIP service leaves your squad members far besides susceptible to lost or delayed admission. Plus, setting upwards Vox for Google Workspace isn't exactly intuitive. Having to assign licenses before phone numbers is an unnecessary stride — one that OpenPhone eliminates.

With OpenPhone, adding a team fellow member is easy. But invite squad members via electronic mail, assign a number, and they can accept! Unless you lot purposely head to the members section of your settings to remove team members, your employees will never get booted for something as trivial every bit lack of licensing when they already take an account.

Plus, since users tin can share phone numbers, in that location's no risk of locking users out of their accounts when yous double-assign a number. 🤩

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

put a ring on it GIF of Beyonce

As much as we'd honey for you to, we know you're non going to actively use OpenPhone (or any VoIP app) every second. If you're not on a sales or client support team, you may not jump on your business concern phone app at all unless you get a call or text. And OpenPhone won't force you lot to.

OpenPhone won't terminate alerting you about incoming calls just considering you're not clicking around the platform, so yous'll never have to break focus just to interact and avoid missing calls.

If you lot choose OpenPhone, nosotros really will put a band on it. 💍

Of course, you can always set business hours to avoid getting calls at the wrong times. Just allow us know when you're actually working, and we promise not to wake yous in the middle of your sweet dreams.

3. Seamless International Calls

OpenPhone offers gratuitous, unlimited calls, SMS, and MMS in the U.S. and Canada with all plans, starting at just $10 per user per month. ✨ It's affordable, and all users can make international calls at very low rates.

What's more than, you can get a U.Due south. number (or Canadian number) even if yous're living abroad and avoid paying international calling fees.

4. Crystal-Clear Audio Quality

Unlike Google Phonation, which lets downwards users when information technology comes to sound quality, OpenPhone offers meridian-notch audio for both incoming and outgoing calls. Have it from our users:

"The call quality is terrific and the features offered are awesome every bit well. Also, over the final year, they take continued to make improvements that just make the app better." ( Review on G2 )

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

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

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

5. Fast-Loading Web App

Quicksilver Speeding GIF from X-Men

If you're using Google Voice because of its cross-platform compatibility, the good news is, you tin still get this perk when you switch to OpenPhone — only you won't have new wrinkles past the time the platform'due south done loading on your browser. 👴 With a solid uptime tape for the website (along with all iOS, Android, and spider web apps), OpenPhone is a service y'all can rely on, and one that offers support if you exercise meet bug.

6. Phone Numbers Yous Won't Lose

"I lost my number. Tin can I have yours?" is a cheesy pickup line at best and a genuine question afterwards a nightmarish Google Vocalisation situation at worst. Your business phone service should never abolish your phone number just because you're not using it — fifty-fifty with observe.

At OpenPhone, we know a consistent telephone number is crucial for a proficient customer experience, and to avoid updating all your online business pages at once. We won't retract your business number unless you purposely delete it from your business relationship (or cancel your subscription). And to make sure you don't do so on accident, we've even labeled this part of your settings the "Danger Zone" and crave yous to physically blazon "delete" before your number goes away. ⚠

7. Simple and Free Porting Procedure

When Google Phonation (or another internet phone service, for that matter) isn't working out, we want to make all your worries go away. 💆 That'southward why we brand porting your phone number to OpenPhone as piece of cake every bit possible.

If you desire to make the switch from Google Voice, for example, all you need to practice is:

  • Create an OpenPhone account.
  • Unlock your Google Voice number. (Note: Google charges a i-time $3 fee to transfer your number abroad from Google Voice.)
  • Submit this 1-minute porting request course.

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

OpenPhone won't charge you whatever porting fees. And to give you something else to celebrate, OpenPhone supports Canadian and toll-complimentary numbers, also. 🥳

viii. Reliable Voicemail Transcriptions

Screenshot of an OpenPhone voicemail transcription

Your team members aren't always in a identify where they tin accept business calls. But even in the middle of a loud music festival, a voicemail transcription can help them determine the urgency of a call or remind them to recall subsequently.

Missing voicemail transcriptions can pb to unhappy clients and missed opportunities.

Luckily, it's not an event with OpenPhone. Once you're on your OpenPhone Admin Dashboard, it simply takes a minute to get voicemail transcripts (and the voicemail audio) via Gmail, other email providers, and fifty-fifty Slack. All users become voicemail transcriptions texted to them through the OpenPhone app.

Plus, since OpenPhone offers pristine sound quality, y'all may fifty-fifty get more reliable and authentic transcripts than on Google Voice.

9. Effective Team Communication Tools

Screenshot of OpenPhone team communication

With Google Vocalization non working on Hangouts, you may exist seeking out a platform that allows yous to streamline your team and client communication — and do then well. Look no further than OpenPhone.

OpenPhone is congenital with a dedicated section for all your team members. Y'all tin easily continue track of your internal communications and reach out to the right person fast. But tap their names to kickoff conversations and collaborate! 🙌

Plus, you tin can organize your business contacts based on everything from visitor to part, and then you lot can hands search for clients when it's time to reach out. Using OpenPhone is a lot less hectic than Google Voice. While Google Vocalism spreads your calls, text messages, and voicemail across iii unlike inboxes, OpenPhone uses one unified inbox.

If y'all exercise want a defended team messaging platform, feel free to use Slack. OpenPhone allows you to see voicemails, texts, and missed calls on the platform when yous integrate your account with Slack, then you'll still get a fairly streamlined experience.

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

A Foolproof Fix for Google Voice Not Working: Making a Switch

Screenshot of the call screen in the OpenPhone app

Google Vocalism not working can be a plush issue if you're using it as your business telephone. When seeking a VoIP service for professional utilize, using a platform that's built for reliable team and customer communication can help you stay organized and efficient, without any downtime.

OpenPhone fits the bill. With international call capabilities, excellent sound quality, and more than must-accept features, OpenPhone can make your squad manage calls and texts better than ever. And y'all won't have to spend extra only to port phone numbers when you make the switch.

Want to exam out the platform before you commit? Starting time your costless trial of OpenPhone today.

FAQ

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

A contempo update to the Google Meet (formerly Hangouts) app removed back up for third-political party backups, which means your Google Voice messages and phone calls won't sync upwardly with your Hangouts app anymore.

Why is my Google Voice not ringing?

Commencement, check the "Do not disturb" toggle in your Google Vocalization settings. Side by side, confirm that the "Calls" section of your settings has all phone options turned on. Tap around within the "Calls" section for x seconds to make sure everything is working properly. Finally, confirm you are signed into Google Vox brand sure that the "Calls" department has all phone options turned on past toggling each option. Tap effectually within the "Calls" department for 10 seconds to brand sure everything is working properly.

Why can't I make international calls using Google Voice?

In order to brand international phone calls, yous have to take a Google Voice number with the required programme. The basic costless Google Voice account can but text and phone call domestically. In-person calls and texts are no problem, but international calling features crave an upgraded subscription for at least $16/month per user. The other choice is the more than expensive Google Voice for G Suite (which as well ways making Android apps) which doesn't mention anything about international options without boosted purchases.