A guide to managing contacts in Google Voice

Google Voice is a service that allows you to make phone calls over the Internet. This is known as a voice over internet protocol (VoIP), and many businesses use VoIP to handle their business calls.

One reason business teams use services such as Google Voice is because they can use their computers for all of their communication. For example, a sales rep can be at their computer with a headset on and click to dial the next person. They don’t need a landline or mobile phone, although the app allows you to reroute calls to your mobile phone if you’d like.

This also frees up sales reps from having to use their own phones, and critically, their personal phone numbers. The simplest benefit of Google Voice is that any individual who wants to work with clients without giving out their personal phone number can. Google Voice allows you to create multiple Google Voice numbers for different purposes, such as different marketing campaigns.

Google Voice is one of the simplest VoIP options on the market, and it offers excellent pricing. A single user can set up a line for free, while business users are charged $10-$30 per user. In this mini-guide, we’ll zoom in on how you can manage your Google Voice contacts and use Google Voice to your advantage in your job.

Managing contacts in Google Voice

For someone already working in Google Workspace, managing contacts in Google Voice couldn’t be easier. When you add or edit Google Contacts, those contacts are also automatically updated in your Google Voice app. 

How to add contacts directly in Google Voice

If you prefer, you can also choose to edit your contacts directly in the Google Voice app. On an Android device, your Google Voice contacts will automatically sync with your Google Contacts. This does not work on an iPhone or iPad.

On iOS

1. Tap to open the Voice app.
2. Tap the Contacts icon at the bottom.
3. Tap Add new contact at the top.
4. Put in the contact’s information. 
5. Tap Save or the checkmark.

On Android

1. Tap to open the Voice app.
2. Tap the Contacts icon at the bottom.
3. Tap Add new contact at the top.
4. Put in the contact’s information. 
5. Tap Save or the checkmark.
6. These contacts will sync to your Google Contacts.

How to edit contacts in Google Voice

If you’re using a desktop, you should edit your Google Contacts in Google Workspace, which will automatically update your Google Voice contacts. You can also edit your contacts directly in the Google Voice app on your iOS or Android device. 

But please note: Edits to contacts made in Google Voice will not sync to your iOS contacts in your phone or laptop’s Address Book.

On iOS

To edit your Google Voice contacts on iOS, the easiest way is to go into your Google Contacts app and make any changes there.

On Android

1. Open the Google Voice app.
2. Tap Contacts at the bottom. 
3. Tap on the contact you wish to edit.
4. Tap the three vertical dots.
5. Tap Edit contact.
6. Make edits to the contact’s information. You can enter more information by tapping More fields.
7. If you’d like to add or change a photo, tap Edit photo and select an option.
8. Tap Save.

How to delete contacts in Google Voice

On a desktop, you can delete Google contacts in Google Workspace, which will also delete them from your Google Voice account.

To delete contacts on both iOS and Android devices, you’ll use your Google Contacts app.

Using Google Voice

Making phone calls with Google Voice is as easy as using your phone for regular calls.

On Desktop

1. Ensure you’re using one of the following browsers:some text
   1. Safari
   2. Microsoft Edge
   3. Google Chrome
   4. Mozilla Firefox
2. Navigate to voice.google.com, or select Voice from your list of apps in Google Workspace.
3. In the Calls tab on the left-hand side, hover over your recent calls list and click Call.
4. If you don’t see your contact in the recent calls list, use the search bar to find their name.
5. If the number isn’t saved in your list, dial the number using the keypad.

On iOS

1. Open the Google Voice app.
2. At the bottom, tap on Calls.
3. If you’re calling an existing contact: Type their name in the search bar to find them.
4. If you’re calling a new contact: Tap Dial and enter the number.
5. Tap Call.

On Android

1. Open the Google Voice app.
2. At the bottom, tap on Calls.
3. If you’re calling an existing contact: Type their name in the search bar.
4. If you’re calling a new contact: Tap Dial and enter the number.
5. Tap Call.

Google Voice FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions that users have when they start using Google Voice.

Can I use a specific Google Voice number?

Yes, you can select a Google Voice number as long as you have an existing US-based mobile phone number. You’ll be able to select a Google Voice number with your preferred area code. 

Can I send text messages through Google Voice?

Yes, Google Voice allows you to send text messages. To send a text message on desktop:

1. Click Send a Message.
2. Enter the contact’s name or number and type out a message.
3. Click Send when you’re ready. 

On a mobile device, simply tap Messages and then Compose.

Can I find my call history in Google Voice?

Google Voice maintains a call history log that you can access. Simply navigate to the Calls section where you can find a detailed list of your incoming, outgoing, and missed calls.

Can I sync my Google Voice contacts to other platforms?

Google Voice contacts can be synced to other platforms, usually through Google Contacts. Many users choose to sync their contacts with a CRM, which allows for simple marketing to your contacts. With Streak, you can set up automated marketing workflows directly within Gmail’s interface.

Improve your sales communication with Streak and Google Voice

Streak’s integration with Gmail allows teams to manage their contacts with advanced flexibility and visibility. Clicking on a contact opens a dedicated page about them where you can see every interaction they’ve had with your team, including past sales calls and support tickets.

It's easy to make Google Voice your default calling and messaging tool. Once it’s set up, all you have to do in Streak is open a contact’s record and click on the Phone icon to start a call. (This helpful support article shares more about native dialing specifically if you’re curious.) 

‍Ready to try out Streak for free? It only takes 30 seconds to get started.