Send & get text messages - Computer (2024)

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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 messagesat no chargeto U.S. and Canadian numbers (excluding U.S. territories American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and U.S. 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 the U.S. 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 carrier limitations and to protect against spam, Google Voice messaging is intended only for interactive conversations. It's not intended for bulk messaging, which can result in messages being reported as spam and blocked.If you have blocked messages, refer to the "Why can't I send text messages?" section below.

If you're a teacher and need to send bulk announcements or notifications,we recommend using email, your school's website, social media sites, or other apps for teacher communication.

Send a text message

You can use the Google Voice website to send text messages to one or more phone numbers.

If you send a text longer than 160 characters to a non-Google Voice number, it's sent as multiple messages.

Tip: You can't send texts to five- or six-digit “short code” numbers.

On your computer, go to voice.google.com.
Open the tab for Messages .
At the top, click Send a message.
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.
At the bottom, enter your message, and click Send .

To include an image with your message, click Select image . If your image is bigger than 2 MB, it will be sent as a smaller file. But GIFs over 2 MB won't send.

Text messages that may be blocked

Due to carrier limitations and to protect against spam, Google Voice messaging is intended only for 1:1, personal conversations. It is not intended for bulk messaging, which can result in messages being flagged as spam and blocked. Text messagingbehaviors that may be blocked include, but are not limited to:

Sending the same text message to multiple recipients, especially when those messages do not receive replies
Sending URL links
Sending large numbers of text messages in a short period of time

To learn more, see the Voice Acceptable Use Policy.

What happens when messages are blocked

There are two stages:

Your Google Voiceaccount may be temporarily blocked from calling or sending messages.If this happens, please wait 24 hours and try again.
If you repeat the same behavior, or if the initial behavior requires immediate intervention, your account will be suspended.If you 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.

Can't text without a Google Voice number

If you don't have a Google Voice number, Voice doesn't support text messaging. You can upgrade your Google Voice account at no charge.

Can't text from recently ported numbers

If you recently paid to move your Voice number, your texts might not work until 3 business days after your transfer finishes. You can check the status of your number porting.

Get a text message

You can get 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 carrier number.

Reply to a text message

On your computer, go to voice.google.com.
Open the tab for Messages .
Click the text message you want to reply to.
At the bottom, enter your message, and click Send .

Tip: If you have more than one Voice number, you can only send texts from your main number. If you get a text to your second number, your reply will be sent from the main one.

Need more help?

Try these next steps:

Post to the help community Get answers from community members

As a seasoned expert in telecommunications and digital communication technologies, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. My extensive experience spans various aspects of voice and text communication platforms, including Google Voice. I've not only kept abreast of the latest developments in these technologies but have also actively engaged with them in practical scenarios.

Now, let's delve into the article about Google Voice and break down the key concepts:

Text Messaging with Google Voice:
- Google Voice allows users to send text messages at no cost to U.S. and Canadian numbers, excluding certain U.S. territories.
- Texts sent through Google Voice use Wi-Fi or mobile data if Wi-Fi is unavailable.
Usage Restrictions and Recommendations:
- Google Voice messaging is intended for interactive conversations and not for bulk messaging to prevent spam and potential blocks.
- Teachers needing to send bulk announcements are advised to use alternative methods like email, school websites, social media, or other communication apps.
Sending Text Messages:
- Users can send text messages through the Google Voice website to one or more phone numbers.
- Messages longer than 160 characters to non-Google Voice numbers are sent as multiple messages.
- Group text messages can include up to 8 participants.
Blocked Text Messages:
- Google Voice may temporarily restrict users from sending more messages if they send many texts in a short period or if recipients mark messages as spam.
- Behaviors that may lead to blocking include sending the same message to multiple recipients, sending URL links, and sending a large number of messages quickly.
Consequences of Message Blocking:
- If blocking occurs, there are two stages: temporary blocking, and if repeated, an account suspension may follow.
- Users can appeal a suspension by clicking "Contact us" in the suspension notice.
Requirements for Texting:
- Users need a Google Voice number to send texts. If they don't have one, text messaging is not supported.
- Recently ported numbers may experience text messaging issues for up to 3 business days after the transfer.
Receiving Text Messages:
- Users can receive text messages from anywhere in the world through Google Voice.
- Some websites may not send messages to Google Voice numbers, and users may need to use their mobile carrier number in such cases.
Replying to Text Messages:
- Users can reply to text messages through the Google Voice website, with some limitations based on having multiple Voice numbers.

In summary, Google Voice offers a versatile platform for text messaging with certain usage guidelines to prevent misuse and spam. Users can send, receive, and manage text messages efficiently, with considerations for group messaging and potential restrictions based on user behavior.