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Google Voice numbers can’t be text-enabled in place the way a landline or VoIP number can. Google has to fully release the number first, which means a port, not hosting. We work with Google Voice customers all the time. You have two routes forward.
Which route? If you mainly need texting and can forward calls to a cell or desk phone, Route 1 is faster and simpler. If you need full voice functionality on the number itself, choose Route 2.

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Route 1: Port your number to MessageDesk

A full port moves both the voice and SMS associated with your number to MessageDesk. We set a port date with you, so you know exactly when your number moves over.
MessageDesk doesn’t offer full voice service. After the port, set up call forwarding in-app so inbound calls route to a number that can receive them, like a cell or a desk phone. MessageDesk also logs every forwarded call and adds a Call Forwarded event to the matching conversation in your Inbox.

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What you’ll need

  • The Google Voice number you want to move
  • Your Google Voice voicemail PIN
  • The account-holder name on the Google account
  • A billing or contact address, if the carrier requests one
  • A destination number for call forwarding
  • A signed Letter of Authorization (LOA), which we send you to complete
Start with Step 1: Unlock the number.

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Route 2: Port your number to a VoIP provider

If you need to keep full voice functionality and don’t want to rely on call forwarding, port the number to a VoIP provider like Aircall first. Once that port completes, MessageDesk hosts the number for SMS only. Voice stays with the VoIP provider. We manage your texting.
This route takes longer and adds a service. You’ll pay the VoIP provider for voice on top of MessageDesk for texting, and the two ports happen in sequence.
1

Unlock the number in Google Voice

Google has to release the number regardless of where it lands. Follow Step 1 below.
2

Port the number to your VoIP provider

Work directly with Aircall, or whichever provider you choose. They’ll ask for the same Google Voice account number and voicemail PIN described in Step 2.
3

Host the number with MessageDesk for texting

Once the number is live with your VoIP provider, connect it to MessageDesk for SMS. Your voice configuration stays untouched.

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Step 1: Unlock the number in Google Voice

Required for both routes. Google locks its numbers by default, and nothing can start until yours shows as unlocked.
1

Open Google Voice on desktop

Go to voice.google.com and sign in. Use desktop. The mobile app doesn’t expose the unlock option.
3

Click Unlock

Google charges a $3 unlock fee for numbers that originated with Google Voice. If you originally ported the number into Google Voice from another carrier, Google waives the fee.
Don’t delete the number from Google Voice. Unlocking is all we need. Deleting the number, before or during the port, can release it back to the number pool. You may lose it permanently.

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Step 2: Confirm your voicemail PIN

This is the part that trips most people up. Google uses non-obvious values for the two fields every port request needs. If your number is (775) 555-1212, your account number is 7755551212. Don’t know your voicemail PIN? Reset it in Google Voice under Settings → Voicemail → Voicemail PIN before you continue.

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Step 3: Sign your Letter of Authorization

This step applies to Route 1. If you’re porting to a VoIP provider first, that provider handles its own authorization paperwork.
We send you a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to sign. The LOA authorizes MessageDesk to request the number from Google on your behalf. Sign and complete it, then reply with:
  • The Google Voice number
  • Your voicemail PIN
  • The account-holder name on the Google account
  • The number where you want calls forwarded
We submit Google Voice numbers as landline/VoIP ports, not wireless ports. Our team handles this, so you don’t need to specify it.
You can add at most two numbers per day through hosting, porting, or purchase combined, per workspace. This is a fraud-prevention limit against number-rotation scams. If you’re moving several Google Voice numbers at once, contact support so we can plan the schedule.

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Step 4: Leave Google Voice alone while the port is pending

Once we submit the request, don’t change anything on the Google side:
  • Don’t delete the number
  • Don’t re-lock the number
  • Don’t cancel or close the Google Voice account
  • Don’t change your voicemail PIN
Any of these rejects the port and restarts the clock. If Google or MessageDesk needs something from you, we’ll reach out directly.

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Step 5: Set up your workspace while you wait

Porting takes a few business days, and the switch happens on a scheduled date. Use that time to get MessageDesk ready so your team can work from day one.

Invite and manage teammates

Add your team and set roles and permissions before the number goes live.

Import your contacts

Bring your existing contact list into MessageDesk.

Install the mobile apps

Get MessageDesk on iOS and Android so your team can text on the go.

Complete carrier registration

Required before you can send outbound texts on your number.

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What happens after the move

  • Texting: Inbound and outbound messages route through your MessageDesk Inbox.
  • Calling: On Route 1, calls forward to the destination number you set. On Route 2, your VoIP provider handles calls as it always has.
  • Google Voice: No longer controls the number. Your Google Voice message history stays in Google Voice and doesn’t transfer, so export anything you want to keep.
Outbound texting requires approved carrier registration. Inbound texts arrive as soon as the number is connected.

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Frequently asked Google Voice porting questions

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Can I keep the number in Google Voice and just add texting?

No. Google doesn’t allow third-party SMS hosting on Google Voice numbers. The number has to be fully ported out before you can use it with MessageDesk.

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Does MessageDesk replace my phone system?

No. We don’t offer full voice service. After a full port, calls to your number forward to a destination number you set in Settings → Workspace Settings → Phone Management. If you need extensions, IVR, or call queues, keep voice with a VoIP provider and let us host texting.

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Why is there a $3 charge?

That’s Google’s fee to unlock a number that originated with Google Voice. You pay it to Google, not MessageDesk. If you originally ported the number into Google Voice from another carrier, Google waives it.

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Does my Google Voice message history come with me?

No. Only the number moves. Export anything you want to keep from Google Voice before the port completes.

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Will there be downtime?

We set a port date with you in advance, so you know exactly when the number moves. If anything about your setup looks unusual, we’ll flag it when we confirm the date.

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What if the port gets rejected?

The most common causes are a locked number, a mismatched voicemail PIN, or an account-holder name that doesn’t match Google’s records. We’ll tell you exactly what Google flagged and resubmit once you’ve corrected it.

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Who do I contact for help?

Email support@messagedesk.com or visit Support.