Teen texting plan

[Slinkwyde]

I use Google Voice on an Android phone without cellular data, and all calls and texts show as my GV number. I also had no trouble porting my Verizon number (not Page Plus) to Google Voice.

[Boz1]

Oh. I didn't know that it was possible to use the GV app to make calls or send texts without data. When did you first start using the GV app, Macskeeball?

I did a search, and it seems like the information I found indicated that the GV app does require data to place calls and send texts that show as coming from your GV #.

Is your ability to do so without data a new development?

[Slinkwyde]

I signed up for Google Voice on June 7, the same day that I switched from VZW to Page Plus. Yes I'm new, but based the research I did before signing up, it's my understanding that none of the things I'm about to mention are new developments.

I wasn't referring to the GV app, though I do use it (and Groove IP) when on WiFi. For offline texting, I use the "receive text messages on this phone" feature you described. While I do get charged by Page Plus for those non-WiFi texts to/from GV, at least there's still the benefit of sending free texts when on WiFi, texting from other devices (in my case: Mac, iPod touch, browser), and searchable texts. So, nothing new to you in regards to texting.

For voice calls: In the GV app, press the menu button, then choose "More" -> Settings -> Making calls. Set it to "Use Google Voice to make all calls."

For voicemail: Under the phone tab, check the box that says, "Notify me of new voicemails via text." You'll get imperfect machine transcriptions sent to your phone as regular text messages. That can give you the gist of what the person said, and you can then choose to listen to your GV voicemail the old-fashioned non-visual way. Go into the main Android settings, choose "Call" -> "Voicemail service," and set it to use "Google Voice" instead of "My carrier."

Remember, GV even works with plain old landlines. That means that even if all else fails, you can always call your GV number, press *, enter your GV PIN, and dial or listen to your voicemail. That's how the features in the previous two paragraphs are able to work offline, but using GV on Android makes it much easier.

[Boz1]

Thanks a lot for the explanation. It sounds like the GV app must do something to make texts sent directly from the phone look like they are coming from your GV #.

BTW, there are lots of threads like this one stating that data is required to use the GV app. Hopefully your report means that GV has been updated and that is a thing of the past! I guess I just haven't kept up with newer developments. Thanks again!

[Slinkwyde]

No, you misunderstood my post again. Again, I was not talking about the Google Voice app. The Google Voice app does require an Internet connection (WiFi or cellular data), and I said so in my previous post. I was talking about ways to use the Google Voice service with regular text messages and voice calls instead of with the app (for when you're offline).

For texting, I was only saying the same thing you said here:

One way around what Relztrah described is to text from the GV interface using a computer or your phone while connected to WiFi, and then when you get a reply text, a unique GV reply # will show on your phone for the sender. If you then text TO that unique GV reply # from your phone, it will appear to the recipient as if it came from your GV #.

Now that you've read this, try reading my previous post again, but this time more slowly and carefully. You completely misread it.