Database Users

[Q] Google Voice on TMob 4G Monthly....

Hey guys this I read through a couple of existing threads on this, but either the question was not answered or it wasn't explained correctly. maybe someone can assist me.
this is what I am doing. I will be switching from Verizon, to T-Mobile's 4G monthly prepaid plan ($70 plan) and purchasing the Nexus 4 to save a lot of money, and for other obvious reasons regarding always getting the latest android software....
My concern and confusion:
I would like to keep my existing telephone number, so I have read that I can just port over my verizon number to the T-Mobile 4G prepaid plan...this is not the issue, my concern is I would like to continue using my Google Voice service which I already have..However currently use GV on Verizon as my voicemail service which is great for VM transcripts and marking calls as SPAM.
So on one hand I read threads that say "tmobile prepaid will not let you forward calls to your GV and use it as a VM service"
then I have read this is not true, that you have to call TMO support, have them disable your TMO voicemail, then you can run GV as your new VM service with no issues
Then I have heard none of this is correct and you have to PORT over your existing number to Google Voice, and then go to Tmobile and get a new number with the 4G prepaid plan, then add this number to your Google voice ported number and you will have Google Voice as your voicemail service.....
I am so confused as to what actually is true, and what steps i should take in order to make Google Voice work ONLY as my Voicemail while Im on the Tmobile 4G prepaid plan......I hope this made sense. thanks!

In your case, it sounds like you are not using a real GV number but you are using Google Voice just for the voicemail. In that case, you can't use their voicemail service if you just ported to T-mobile 4G since call forwarding is disabled. If you want to use the full version of GV which would give you GV voicemail, you can port to GV and get a new number with T-mobile. Only do this if you want to use the GV app for texting as well. The only problem with this method is you don't get MMS and you can't use the native messaging app (unless you want to use text-forwarding which is ugly). Personally, I don't think I would switch to a full GV just for voicemail because of the hassles of using the GV app for texting.

bozzykid said:
In your case, it sounds like you are not using a real GV number but you are using Google Voice just for the voicemail. In that case, you can't use their voicemail service if you just ported to T-mobile 4G since call forwarding is disabled. If you want to use the full version of GV which would give you GV voicemail, you can port to GV and get a new number with T-mobile. Only do this if you want to use the GV app for texting as well. The only problem with this method is you don't get MMS and you can't use the native messaging app (unless you want to use text-forwarding which is ugly). Personally, I don't think I would switch to a full GV just for voicemail because of the hassles of using the GV app for texting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for your response! and you are correct, I am not using a real GV number, I am just using them as a voicemail service. and I can see how losing MMS is a problem as I use that feature a lot....Well I guess thats the deal breaker, PORT over completely to GV and get voicemail transcripts and the online desktop access but lose MMS and the native SMS capabilities.....OR just use Tmobiles standard VM service and hope that TMO adds call forwarding to their prepaid plan in the near future, or GV gets MMS capabilities....either way thanks for the information looks like I will just use TMO VM service for now.

[Q] set up Google voice?

I downloaded Google voice and followed the set up y voicemail still goes through T-Mobile. I made sure in the options that it is set to Google voice buy its not working. I never used voice before am I missing something? Is it because I didn't port my number to Google voice because I would rather keep my number with the carrier. I guess I just want voice to be like the vvm app that I used from Sprint. Sorry for this noob questioni just don't know anything about it. I searched Google and YouTube but they weren't very helpful.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

I'm going to assume you're on a prepaid plan.
You can't set up google voice in place of your T-Mobile voice mail. AT&T and Straight Talk allow it I do believe, but not Monthly4G from T-Mobile.
You can start giving out your GV number to people and set it up to ring your T-Mobile number. In order to get the mail to pass to your Google Voice and not get caught up in your T-Mobile VM. You'll need to set up to prompt people to say their name and you press 1 to accept. This isn't foolproof as you will still get VM's with your T-Mobile account, and it will be of the person saying their name... BUT you will get the actual VM in GV, and it will be transcripted, saved, and awesome.
It's annoying. But it's the only way I know.

So I'm switching to straight talk att next month because my T-Mobile voice coverage isn't that great. When I'm on strait talk Google voice will work like a vvm? With my regular phone number?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

mark8503 said:
So I'm switching to straight talk att next month because my T-Mobile voice coverage isn't that great. When I'm on strait talk Google voice will work like a vvm? With my regular phone number?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. When setting up the GV app from scratch it will prompt you to change your VM. You can also do it manually. Basically instead of forwarding missed calls to st VM, it forwards to your GV number thus going to VM. If you do it manually, make sure your cell number is registered in gv.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

You could attempt to set it up yourself.
Open the Dialer App, Press Menu (bottom Left corner) and select Settings.
Than Select "Voicemail"
Change Voicemail>Setup
Or still under Phone Settings. Scroll down to Call Forwarding
and set "Forward when busy" "Forward when Unanswered" "Forward when Unreachable"
to your Google Voice number (+1GVOICENUMBER)
and make sure your actual carrier supplied number has been added to your Google Voice allowed numbers.

[Q] Questions about Google Voice and # ports

Hey guys, I have been researching this a bit but I can't seem to find a clear explanation of the process. I am currently on an AT&T post-paid plan and would like to ditch AT&T and migrate to the T-Mobile $30 pre-paid plan. I currently use Google Voice for voicemail and would like to continue to do so. I have heard that because T-Mobile's pre-paid plans do not support conditional call forwarding, Google Voice will no longer be able to intercept calls and route voicemails through its service. To get around this, I was thinking of porting my AT&T number to my Google Voice account and then adding my new T-Mobile prepaid number as one of the devices GV routes calls to. GV charges 20 dollars to port, but I would be willing to do it if it means I can continue using it's voicemail features. My question is, does anyone see any problems that may arise with going this route? Basically, my gameplan looks like this: Initiate a port of my current number to Google Voice, activate T-Mobile pre-paid plan, link T-Mobile pre-paid number to Google Voice. I would then set the Google Voice app to handle all calls and texts. Did I miss anything? I know this is not related specifically to the Nexus 4 but I'd appreciate any advice anyone has to offer.
Also, how will MMS be handled if I choose do pursue this?

dcarpenter85 said:
Hey guys, I have been researching this a bit but I can't seem to find a clear explanation of the process. I am currently on an AT&T post-paid plan and would like to ditch AT&T and migrate to the T-Mobile $30 pre-paid plan. I currently use Google Voice for voicemail and would like to continue to do so. I have heard that because T-Mobile's pre-paid plans do not support conditional call forwarding, Google Voice will no longer be able to intercept calls and route voicemails through its service. To get around this, I was thinking of porting my AT&T number to my Google Voice account and then adding my new T-Mobile prepaid number as one of the devices GV routes calls to. GV charges 20 dollars to port, but I would be willing to do it if it means I can continue using it's voicemail features. My question is, does anyone see any problems that may arise with going this route? Basically, my gameplan looks like this: Initiate a port of my current number to Google Voice, activate T-Mobile pre-paid plan, link T-Mobile pre-paid number to Google Voice. I would then set the Google Voice app to handle all calls and texts. Did I miss anything? I know this is not related specifically to the Nexus 4 but I'd appreciate any advice anyone has to offer.
Also, how will MMS be handled if I choose do pursue this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was my plan too, but MMS doesn't seem to go through using this. Doesn't get forwarded to email, and the sender doesn't get any notification. As far as voicemail, that should work if you disable tmo voicemail. But you might want to test before. Or maybe another user has advice...
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

I remember calling T-Mobile a while back and they would not disable my voicemail. Because of that, it's hit or miss as to which mailbox the message will go.
Can't help with MMS...don't use it.

If I were to go with the Straight Talk $45 prepaid plan, would I encounter similar problems with voicemail? If Straight Talk supports forwarding (allowing GV to handle voicemail) I wouldn't need to port my number to GV and could basically continue with the same set up I currently have with the GV app handling voicemails and the phone handling the rest.

I did what you are suggesting, during my 3 weeks on the T-Mobile 30 plan. (I dropped it because the voice - never mind data -coverahge is too spotty in my home area.)
The calls and Google voicemail worked well. I called T-Mobile to deactivate its voicemail without any problems.
Can't comment on MMS, since I never use it.
Text messages did not showed up on the SMS clients, though I got them forwarded to my Gmail. Not sure if this had anything to do with my GVoice settings, though I didn't see any obvious culprits.

[Q] Is anyone using GVoice + VOIP with a TMobile prepaid plan?

I'm having a bit of difficulty understanding exactly how to set everything up.
The main thing is: I want to only have to give out my current phone # to people, not a new one.
Here's what I've done so far:
- Bought a Nexus 4
- Paid for the $30 T-mobile prepaid plan
- Activated the plan
Now, when I go to port my number to Google Voice, it says that "Your mobile phone service plan will be terminated when you port your number to Google Voice."
Is this what I want to happen? What's my next step?

You can't port your phone's mobile number to gv and still use it on your phone. Should have ported the existing number to gv and gotten a new number activation for your phone for gv to forward to.
You don't really say what you are looking to do with gv so more info might help.

So does that mean I need to get a new number through Google Voice instead of porting?
Or do I need to get a new number from T-Mobile, and port the old one to GVoice?

tehkingo said:
So does that mean I need to get a new number through Google Voice instead of porting?
Or do I need to get a new number from T-Mobile, and port the old one to GVoice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want your existing mobile number to go to google, and have google forward calls to your mobile, you'll want a new Tmo number, and port the old one to Google.
How do you want this all to work. What do you want to use Google voice for?

Solutions Etcetera said:
If you want your existing mobile number to go to google, and have google forward calls to your mobile, you'll want a new Tmo number, and port the old one to Google.
How do you want this all to work. What do you want to use Google voice for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since the t-mobile plan only gives me 100 minutes, I was planning on using VOIP through Groove-IP, which seems to require a google voice number.

You can certainly do that. But the number shown in caller id when placing calls from groove ip will be different than the number shown when calling from your mobile network number. They are two separate numbers.

There is a thread for the $30 tmobile plan specifically. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2001290
Google voice does not work with tmobile prepaid plan, which is discussed in the thread. It also mentions using Vonage to make out going calls via wifi/data free..

clockcycle said:
There is a thread for the $30 tmobile plan specifically. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2001290
Google voice does not work with tmobile prepaid plan, which is discussed in the thread. It also mentions using Vonage to make out going calls via wifi/data free..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this isn't true. You cannot forward calls from your t-mobile number to GV, but you can forward calls from GV to your t-mobile number. All the other GV features work as well on the $30 a month plan. and as for voip, I still have not found a viable solution and probably won't until the low latency problem is addressed in the Galaxy Nexus and the Nexus 4.

eservant said:
this isn't true. You cannot forward calls from your t-mobile number to GV, but you can forward calls from GV to your t-mobile number. All the other GV features work as well on the $30 a month plan. and as for voip, I still have not found a viable solution and probably won't until the low latency problem is addressed in the Galaxy Nexus and the Nexus 4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True you can forward gv to phone, but doesn't that used your plan minutes? You can't use the conditional call forwarding, so no gv as voicemail, unless you call tmo to disable their voicemail. You also can not use gv to call, because it will not complete the call to your phone to connect you.
It's a shame because I really like using gv as my craigslist contact.

Groove IP works just fine for both incoming and outgoing calls using a Google voice number. If Groove IP is running, you will receive incoming calls to your Google Voice number over IP. If it is not running, and you have your GV settings to forward to your mobile number, it will forward to that number.

Just get a Google Voice number and use that. I've been strictly using Google Voice for over a year now with no issues. I don't even know my "real" phone number.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Visual Voicemail on Verizon

Does anyone know how to get visual viocemail working on the Essential Phone with Verizon? I can't to find any option for it.

fade79 said:
Does anyone know how to get visual viocemail working on the Essential Phone with Verizon? I can't to find any option for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't. Use Google Voice instead.

I asked the same question earlier. Pretty pathetic that I can't get the VVM app I'm paying for to work. Surely there must be some way? Google voice isn't necessarily straightforward

How about any voicemail notification? I am getting no voicemail notifications, visual vm or otherwise with the PH-1 on Verizon.

jtg11 said:
How about any voicemail notification? I am getting no voicemail notifications, visual vm or otherwise with the PH-1 on Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ditto that! I just get some bizarre, incoherent text message.

Cowbell_Guy said:
I asked the same question earlier. Pretty pathetic that I can't get the VVM app I'm paying for to work. Surely there must be some way? Google voice isn't necessarily straightforward
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not an Essential issue.
This issue exists when you use *ANY* phone that is not carrier issued.
The Nexus 5X and 6P did not have VVM.
This is one of the side effects of an unlocked phone.

tech_head said:
This is not an Essential issue.
This issue exists when you use *ANY* phone that is not carrier issued.
The Nexus 5X and 6P did not have VVM.
This is one of the side effects of an unlocked phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
???
Is that with just Verizon?
I am on cricket and have no problem with visual voicemail on my unlocked Zenfone3 and my Essential.

The Pixel got VVM from verizon through the native VVM option in the stock dialer for android 7.1, I Wonder why the PH-1 does not get that option.

[email protected] said:
The Pixel got VVM from verizon through the native VVM option in the stock dialer for android 7.1, I Wonder why the PH-1 does not get that option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would imagine it's because Verizon sells the Pixel.

spotmark said:
I would imagine it's because Verizon sells the Pixel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Meh, not really a big deal, I just setup Google Voice for voicemail anyway. Works pretty much the same.

spotmark said:
I would imagine it's because Verizon sells the Pixel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is exactly why.
VVM must be initiated from the carrier side.
Some carriers have a generic app and interface.
Verizon does not.

spotmark said:
I would imagine it's because Verizon sells the Pixel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This:good:
---------- Post added at 12:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:55 PM ----------
[email protected] said:
Meh, not really a big deal, I just setup Google Voice for voicemail anyway. Works pretty much the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you setup using your carrier phone number and then having it transfered to your Google voice number and voicemail.

cybertec69 said:
This:good:
---------- Post added at 12:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:55 PM ----------
How do you setup using your carrier phone number and then having it transfered to your Google voice number and voicemail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you've set up Google Voice simply dial *71 plus your Google Voice number and that's it. In the Google Voice settings make sure to select, do not use Google Voice to make calls.

spotmark said:
Once you've set up Google Voice simply dial *71 plus your Google Voice number and that's it. In the Google Voice settings make sure to select, do not use Google Voice to make calls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want to use the Google voice phone number, I want to be able to use the number that I have been using for over 20 years now, which is my carrier number. I have a Google voice number, but the settings menu in Google voice make no sense

cybertec69 said:
I don't want to use the Google voice phone number, I want to be able to use the number that I have been using for over 20 years now, which is my carrier number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why I said to select do not use Google Voice to make calls. You'll still use your number for everything and GV will handle your voicemail.

spotmark said:
That's why I said to select do not use Google Voice to make calls. You'll still use your number for everything and GV will handle your voicemail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where exactly is that option. Can I change it in Google voice settings. I hate Verizon, but love their service. There is an option to port my carrier mobile number to Google voice but that is $20, is that what you did.

cybertec69 said:
Where exactly is that option. Can I change it in Google voice settings. I hate Verizon, but love their service. There is an option to port my carrier mobile number to Google voice but that is $20, is that what you did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Geez, do I need to hold your hand through the whole thing? Just install GV and you'll see what I'm talking about.

spotmark said:
Geez, do I need to hold your hand through the whole thing? Just install GV and you'll see what I'm talking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will do that, hold my hand that is, thanks:laugh: I did install Google Voice and have a Google Voice number, under linked numbers is my cell phone number.
Under Goggle Voice settings
Phone numbers
Google Voice number "Google voice number"
Messages
Forward messages to linked numbers "my cell phone #"
Calls
Forward calls to linked numbers "my cell phone #"
Voicemail
Get voicemail via message "my cell phone #"

cybertec69 said:
You will do that, hold my hand that is, thanks:laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Give me a few minutes and i will write up a step by step for you
---------- Post added at 13:30 ---------- Previous post was at 13:20 ----------
Google Voice as VVM setup,
1. install Google voice from play store
2. Open google voice and choose to get a new phone number and link it to your real phone number( this will not change the number people call you from or what number you call out with.)
3. go here https://www.google.com/voice and on the left choose the menu button, and choose legacy google voice, it is under the settings button.
4. once in legacy. on the right, click on the gear button and choose settings
5. at the top click voicemail and text
6. in the Voicemail Pin section, set your pin for you voicemail. (optional: you can also record your Name/Greeting hear if you want. I setup my greeting by calling into my voicemail and entering my pin.)
7. Save ( you can also choose to switch back to the new google voice at the top if you want to now.
8. Back on your phone, dial *71xxxxxxxxxx (replace xxxxxxxxxx with your google voice number, this will tell verizon to frorward unanswered and ignored calls to your google voice number.)
9. test by calling your real phone from somewhere, or have someone else do it, and leave a message..
10. ???
11. Profit!

[email protected] said:
Give me a few minutes and i will write up a step by step for you
---------- Post added at 13:30 ---------- Previous post was at 13:20 ----------
Google Voice as VVM setup,
1. install Google voice from play store
2. Open google voice and choose to get a new phone number and link it to your real phone number( this will not change the number people call you from or what number you call out with.)
3. go here https://www.google.com/voice and on the left choose the menu button, and choose legacy google voice, it is under the settings button.
4. once in legacy. on the right, click on the gear button and choose settings
5. at the top click voicemail and text
6. in the Voicemail Pin section, set your pin for you voicemail. (optional: you can also record your Name/Greeting hear if you want. I setup my greeting by calling into my voicemail and entering my pin.)
7. Save ( you can also choose to switch back to the new google voice at the top if you want to now.
8. Back on your phone, dial *71xxxxxxxxxx (replace xxxxxxxxxx with your real phone number, this will tell verizon to foward to your google voice number.
9. test by calling your real phone from somewhere, or have someone else do it, and leave a message..
10. ???
11. Profit!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, all done:good: