> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.messagedesk.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Move a Google Voice Number to MessageDesk

> Port a Google Voice number to MessageDesk for business texting. Unlock steps, porting PIN requirements, call forwarding, and the VoIP alternative.

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.

|                | Route 1: Port to MessageDesk    | Route 2: Port to a VoIP provider                |
| -------------- | ------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- |
| **Texting**    | MessageDesk                     | MessageDesk                                     |
| **Calling**    | Forwards to a number you choose | Your VoIP provider                              |
| **Best for**   | Texting-first teams             | Teams that need extensions, IVR, or call queues |
| **Added cost** | None beyond MessageDesk         | VoIP provider subscription                      |

<Note>
  **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.
</Note>

***

## 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.

<Warning>
  **MessageDesk doesn't offer full voice service.** After the port, set up [call forwarding](/settings/workspace-settings/phone-management) 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.
</Warning>

### 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](#step-1-unlock-the-number-in-google-voice).

***

## 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.

<Note>
  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.
</Note>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Unlock the number in Google Voice" stepNumber={1} titleSize="h3">
    Google has to release the number regardless of where it lands. Follow [Step 1](#step-1-unlock-the-number-in-google-voice) below.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Port the number to your VoIP provider" stepNumber={2} titleSize="h3">
    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](#step-2-confirm-your-voicemail-pin).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Host the number with MessageDesk for texting" stepNumber={3} titleSize="h3">
    Once the number is live with your VoIP provider, [connect it to MessageDesk](/get-started/phone-numbers/landline-voip) for SMS. Your voice configuration stays untouched.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## 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.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Google Voice on desktop" stepNumber={1} titleSize="h3">
    Go to [voice.google.com](https://voice.google.com) and sign in. Use desktop. The mobile app doesn't expose the unlock option.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to your number" stepNumber={2} titleSize="h3">
    Click **Settings → Account →** your Google Voice number.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Unlock" stepNumber={3} titleSize="h3">
    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.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  **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.
</Warning>

***

## 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.

| Porting field      | What Google Voice uses              |
| ------------------ | ----------------------------------- |
| **Account number** | Your 10-digit Google Voice number   |
| **Porting PIN**    | Your Google Voice **voicemail PIN** |

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.

***

## Step 3: Sign your Letter of Authorization

<Note>
  This step applies to Route 1. If you're porting to a VoIP provider first, that provider handles its own authorization paperwork.
</Note>

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

<Info>
  We submit Google Voice numbers as **landline/VoIP ports**, not wireless ports. Our team handles this, so you don't need to specify it.
</Info>

<Warning>
  **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](/contact-us) so we can plan the schedule.
</Warning>

***

## 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.

***

## 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.

<Card title="Invite and manage teammates" icon="users" iconType="solid" color="#683cb5" href="/settings/workspace-settings/team-management">
  Add your team and set roles and permissions before the number goes live.
</Card>

<Card title="Import your contacts" icon="address-book" iconType="solid" color="#683cb5" href="/settings/workspace-settings/data-center">
  Bring your existing contact list into MessageDesk.
</Card>

<Card title="Install the mobile apps" icon="mobile" iconType="solid" color="#683cb5" href="/get-started/install-apps">
  Get MessageDesk on iOS and Android so your team can text on the go.
</Card>

<Card title="Complete carrier registration" icon="shield-check" iconType="solid" color="#683cb5" href="/carrier-registration/overview">
  Required before you can send outbound texts on your number.
</Card>

***

## 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.

<Note>
  Outbound texting requires approved [carrier registration](/carrier-registration/overview). Inbound texts arrive as soon as the number is connected.
</Note>

***

## Frequently asked Google Voice porting questions

### 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.

### 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.

### 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.

### 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.

### 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.

### 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.

### Who do I contact for help?

Email [support@messagedesk.com](mailto:support@messagedesk.com) or visit [Support](/resources/support).