How long does Google Voice keep your number?

The Shelf Life of Your Google Voice Number: Understanding the 90-Day Grace Period

Google Voice offers a convenient way to manage your phone calls and texts, often leveraging an existing phone number. However, many users aren’t fully aware of the lifecycle of their Google Voice number, specifically what happens after they port a number into the service. This article clarifies the often-misunderstood 90-day window for retaining your original Google Voice number.

When you transfer (port) your existing phone number to Google Voice, you’re essentially giving Google temporary access to it as part of the transition process. This isn’t a permanent transfer of ownership; Google uses this number to ensure a seamless transition, preventing disruption to your communication. This is crucial for maintaining contact while you set up your new Google Voice configuration.

Crucially, this grace period lasts only 90 days. After this three-month window expires, Google Voice automatically removes your original ported number from your account. This doesn’t affect your current Google Voice number; that remains active and usable. Instead, it means your previous number is released back into the pool of available numbers.

Think of it like this: you’re borrowing your original number for a temporary period to facilitate the move. After 90 days, the loan expires, and the number is returned.

What happens if you want to keep your original number?

If you wish to retain your original number, you have an option. You can choose to keep it as a secondary line within your Google Voice account. This requires you to add the number as a new Google Voice number, incurring associated costs. This is separate from your primary Google Voice number and will require a separate subscription or payment plan, depending on your chosen Google Voice configuration. Simply letting the 90-day period lapse will result in the irreversible loss of that original number.

In short: Don’t assume your ported number remains permanently associated with your Google Voice account. Plan accordingly and, if you need to keep it, proactively add it as a secondary line before the 90-day grace period ends. Failure to do so will result in its deletion and return to the general number pool. Understanding this 90-day window is key to preventing the unexpected loss of a phone number.