How to Use Google Voice Voicemail Without Changing Your Phone Number
Google Voice allows you to use its powerful voicemail features without replacing your existing phone number. By setting up conditional call forwarding, unanswered or busy calls will go to Google Voice voicemail, while normal calls still ring your phone.
This guide walks you through activating and deactivating Google Voice voicemail, plus carrier-specific forwarding codes and landline call-forwarding instructions.
Why Use Google Voice Voicemail?
Using Google Voice voicemail gives you access to features like:
Voicemail transcription Email and SMS notifications Online voicemail storage and playback One voicemail box for multiple phones
Best of all, you keep your current number.
How to Activate Google Voice Voicemail
To activate Google Voice voicemail on your phone, dial the appropriate forwarding code.
Universal Activation Code (Most GSM Phones)*004*YOUR_GOOGLE_VOICE_NUMBER#
📌 Example
If your Google Voice number is 555-555-5555:*004*5555555555#
Press Call to activate.
How to Deactivate Google Voice Voicemail
If you want to return to your carrier’s default voicemail:
Open Google Voice Go to Settings Select Voice Settings > Phones Next to your phone number, click Deactivate Google voicemail on this phone When prompted, dial: ##004#
Press Call, and your voicemail will return to normal.
Carrier-Specific Google Voice Forwarding Codes
Use the instructions below if your carrier requires a specific activation method.
Activate Google Voice Voicemail by Carrier
Carrier
Activation Code
Alltel
*71YOUR_10_DIGIT_GOOGLE_VOICE_NUMBER
AT&T
*004*1YOUR_10_DIGIT_GOOGLE_VOICE_NUMBER#
Sprint
Call 888-211-4727 and request Call Forward Busy and Call Forward No Answer
T-Mobile
*004*1YOUR_10_DIGIT_GOOGLE_VOICE_NUMBER#
Verizon
*71YOUR_10_DIGIT_GOOGLE_VOICE_NUMBER
US Cellular
*74YOUR_10_DIGIT_GOOGLE_VOICE_NUMBER
⚠️ Sprint Users:
Do not ask for normal or immediate call forwarding, or all calls will go straight to voicemail. Only request forwarding for busy and no answer.
How to Disable Call Forwarding (Unforward Your Number)
Use the following codes to turn off forwarding and restore carrier voicemail.
Deactivation Codes by Carrier
Carrier
Deactivation Code
Alltel
*74##YOUR_10_DIGIT_CELL_NUMBER
AT&T
#002#
Sprint
Call 888-211-4727 and ask to disable forwarding
T-Mobile
#002#
Verizon
*73
US Cellular
*740
Landline Call Forwarding (Windstream Example)
If you’re forwarding calls from a landline to Google Voice, follow these steps.
Enable Call Forwarding (Landline)
Listen for dial tone Dial: 72#
(Some areas require *72)
When prompted, dial the number to forward calls to When the call is answered or you hear beeps, forwarding is active
Disable Call Forwarding (Landline)
Listen for dial tone Dial: 73#
(Some areas require *73)
Listen for confirmation beeps
📌 Note: Long-distance charges may apply when forwarding calls.
Final Notes
These instructions allow you to use Google Voice voicemail only, without routing all calls through Google Voice. Carrier support and codes may vary by region. Always test by calling your number and letting it ring unanswered.
References
Marketing.fm – Use Google Voice Without Changing Your Number Windstream Support – Call Forwarding Instructions