Wondering how to port your Google Voice number back to Verizon, T-Mobile, or another carrier? If you transferred your mobile phone number to Google Voice when you moved abroad, chances are at some point you may want to port it back. The good thing is it’s fairly straightforward, even though it might feel downright terrifying during the process. In this post, I share how to transfer your number back from Google Voice to a new carrier in a jiff. But if you made it here trying to find how to keep your phone number while abroad, follow these porting instructions instead.
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Why Port Your Google Voice Number Back?
Honestly, Google Voice has been the best solution for living abroad. It offers USA to USA phone number calling and texting at no charge. You only need Wi-Fi or a data plan for Google Voice to work.
Transferring my mobile number to Google was the best solution for staying connected with my dad, US-based businesses with only landlines, 1-800 numbers, 2-factor authentication, and more while living in England. It’s hard to believe Google Voice costs nothing more than $20 to initially port your number from the carrier to Google. It allowed me to cancel my Verizon plan but keep my US mobile number while living abroad and save me a ton of money, too.
With all the awesomeness of Google Voice, it seems odd why anyone would want to port a phone number back. Right?
The truth is after repatriating to the USA in fall 2020, I had no intention of transferring my number back. Besides, why create an unnecessary monthly expense – especially after a big international move?
I didn’t have a valid reason to activate a US mobile carrier again after moving back to America, so I used Google Voice and reaped all the same benefits in the US as I did while living abroad.
It wasn’t until January 2021 that I started working for a global company that necessitated the need to call London and other international cities.
For that reason, country-to-country dialing, a feature that Google Voice doesn’t support, is why I had to switch. It was time to figure out how to transfer my Google Voice number to a mobile carrier.
Deciding To Port Your Number Back
The decision to port your Google Voice number back to a carrier can be a bit emotional for anyone moving back to America.
Repatriation PTSD (I don’t know if that’s a real thing but I’m calling it that) hits you in weird ways, and this was one of them – leaving Google Voice for a US mobile carrier again.
Deciding to port your Google Voice number that was so key to your communication abroad may feel like a rite of passage that expat life is over. So don’t be surprised if you actually feel attached and even emotional when you finally unlock your number.
Decide who to transfer your Google Voice number to
After a lot of research for the lowest-cost plan that would offer country-to-country dialing and international travel without additional activation fees or charges, I chose T-Mobile.
The steps outlined to transfer your Google Voice number back to a mobile carrier are based on my experience with T-Mobile. However, these steps should not vary from major US carrier to carrier (ie, Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile). Be sure to follow up with your own carrier prior to getting started.
Mint Mobile & Google Voice
As an aside, if you’re looking for an inexpensive mobile plan for yourself or your kids without adult prices, Mint Mobile is awesome. I was dreading to pay high fees again after enjoying the perks of affordable UK phone plans and free Google Voice, but Mint Mobile offers $20 per month for a 3 month plan and you can renew as you wish without the pressure of a contract.
I ordered a Mint Mobile SIM card on Amazon one evening, and within 2 days my son had an American phone number to use to call me on his way home from school. So, if you’re simply looking for a short-term inexpensive data plan with a new US number vs porting your Google Voice number back, try Mint Mobile.
Otherwise, you can port your Google Voice number to Mint Mobile. Use these Mint instructions for your Google Account and PIN number instructions for the transfer process.
Steps To Port Your Google Voice Number Back
These steps to port your Google Voice number back are based on an originally owned Verizon mobile number that transfers to a brand new T-Mobile account. The device is an unlocked iPhone 11 purchased in the UK.
1. Before you get started, be sure you have the time to complete all the steps in one sitting – at least 30 minutes.
It takes 24-48 hours to transfer the number, though most carriers and even Google inform you that the process can take up to 3 business days. For that reason, I highly suggest avoiding a Friday, weekend, or holiday to start the transfer process. This way you don’t go without phone communication for longer than you need to.
2. Insert the new SIM card from your new mobile carrier
Insert the new SIM card into your device but do not register the carrier-issued phone number with the app or other websites provided by the carrier. You’ll want your Google Voice number to be transferred to their network first.
For example, I did NOT set up the T-Mobile account or T-Mobile app with the number issued with the SIM card.
Wait until your Google Voice number has cleared before registering your account with the carrier app or website.
3. Unlock your Google Voice Number
If you originally ported your number to Google Voice, it costs nothing to unlock it. However, if you are transferring a native Google number, it costs $3.
Google offers a brief explanation of the steps to unlock your number, or you can go straight to the Google Unlock Page. You must unlock your Google Voice number for your new mobile carrier to take ownership.
So you know you’re in the right place, this is what the Google Unlock screen looks like.
Google Voice Unlock Page
If you click the unlock button by accident, Google asks you to confirm because once your phone number is unlocked, it cannot be undone.
Google Voice Unlock Confirmation Prompt
Once you click Continue to unlock your phone number, the status of your number is updated to reflect it’s been unlocked.
Google Voice Unlocked Status Screen
4 – Call your mobile carrier transfer line
As soon as you put your Google Voice number in unlock status, call your mobile carrier to start the transfer process. The T-Mobile Transfer Line is 1-877-789-3106.
You will need to provide information for the carrier to do the transfer:
- Google Voice phone number you want to port
- PIN used for your Google Voice number. The PIN is what you set up for your Google Voice mail.
For T-Mobile users
If you don’t have one already, ask T-Mobile for your T-Mobile PIN. A PIN is required for every interaction with the carrier.
5 – Wait for text messages that porting is successful
You’ll receive a number of text communications from your carrier during the transfer process.
The first text informs you that they have started transferring your Google Voice number.
First text once you start the porting process back
The second text lets you know that the mobile number assigned by your new carrier has been changed to your Google Voice number.
Text once the carrier issue number has changed to the Google Voice number
A final text lets you know that your Google Voice number has been successfully transferred.
Your Google Voice Number Transfer Was Successful Text
How Long Does It Take To Transfer Your Google Voice Number Back To A Carrier?
The entire process to transfer my Google Voice number back took 20 minutes. After completing step 3, within 5 minutes my Google Voice phone number registered to the T-Mobile network. Despite how quickly the transfer took, mobile carriers advise that it can take up to 3 business days.
Once your Google Voice number has transferred, register on the carrier network for updates, billing account info, automated payments, etc.
And you’re done!
Transferring a Google Voice number back is that easy!
What happens with your Google Voice data after transferring your number?
After you successfully transfer your Google Voice number to a carrier, you can no longer make calls or send text messages via the Google Voice app. You must select a new Google Voice number to keep using the features of Google Voice. In order to select a new number you must have an existing US-based mobile or landline number to qualify.
All of your Google Voice data remains in the app. So if you need to find an old text, photo, or similar, it’s all still in the app as long as you don’t delete it.
Final Thoughts On How To Transfer A Google Voice Number Back To A Carrier
Hopefully this post assures and gives you confidence on how to port your number back. While the process could take up to 3 business days, it may also take only 20 minutes.
Be sure to make sure your device will work on the carrier network of choice and once you’ve decided which carrier to switch to, follow these 4 steps: order a new SIM card, unlock your Google Voice number, call the carrier transfer line, and wait. As long as you follow these steps, your Google Voice number will be back to a carrier in no time.
Have you ported back? If so, who did you port to and how long did it take? Other readers want to know.
Looking for more living abroad resources? Try these.
- What To Buy In England Before Moving Back To America (& What To Not Forget)
- How To Access Blocked American Websites
- Moving to the UK? Get everything you need to do in this MOVING ABROAD CHECKLIST
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6 comments
Thanks Lori, this is very helpful!
Would it be best to unlock my Google Voice number before going to the carrier to get a new plan? Or should I get a new phone/plan from the carrier and explain to them that I have a phone number on Google Voice that I will be switching to?
Hi Andrew. Are you referring to a new UK phone carrier or a US phone carrier? You can’t forward a Google Voice number to a UK one.
No I mean a new US carrier. We are moving back to the States and want to port our numbers to our new carrier.
Thanks Andrew. I would choose your new American mobile carrier first. It might take a few days to receive the new SIM card if you order over the phone or online. Then upon receipt follow the steps above. You’ll want to do this all at once to avoid not having service coverage while you wait. Let me know if that makes sense. x
Hello again! So say you are just going back to the states for a short time (vacation or holiday). Are you fine to just use Google voice and WhatsApp using your UK SIM card? Or is it best to get a US SIM card for short trips? Also, since I have Porter my phone and no longer have Verizon, is their SIM card out of commission? Thanks for all your help!
Hi Stacey. Yes, that is what I did. It’s spotty depending upon the service you have and what part of the USA you’re visiting. But it was worth it over trying to activate and pay for another plan – which is more pricey in the USA. I used Vodafone red (offers data coverage in the US). Hope that helps! x