# Google Voice — user reviews > 1,104 indexed App Store user reviews of Google Voice by Google, rated 4.30/5 from 61,921 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-voice/id318698524/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-voice/id318698524.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 43,418 · 4★ 6,351 · 3★ 3,579 · 2★ 2,416 · 1★ 6,157 ## What do users think of Google Voice? Overall sentiment: neutral **Pros** - 🚀 Excellent service for 20+ years - 📞 Free calls and texts with WiFi - 🔒 Ability to block/filter numbers - 🔍 Helpful for business/privacy needs - 🌐 Works well internationally **Cons** - 🌍 Not available in some countries - 🔍 Contacts management issues - 🐛 Unstable connection, call drops - ⏱️ Slow app performance and lag - 🔇 Poor call quality at times **Commonly reported bugs** - App crashes frequently - Inconsistent behavior when answering calls - Voicemail transcription issues - Syncing problems between app and web version **Most requested features** - Separate ringtone/notification for Google Voice calls - In-app contact management - Improved call reliability and quality - Expanded international availability ## Newest reviews (19 of 1,104) ### 3/5 — Help Fix this issue please. *2026-08-27, version 26.32* After the recent updates my google voice keep saying call can’t connect due to high call volume even after I make one all for the day it still says that why????? And before the update it wasnt like that ### 3/5 — Horrible game *2026-08-26, version 25.36* This takes so long to make a account ### 3/5 — Mid *2026-08-25, version 26.32* I cannot even text my customers today because Google sends me error messages. Apparently I have sent my limit for today? Whatever that number is. This is so rude! How do I reply to my patients now? No trust. ### 1/5 — Ahhh *2026-08-21, version 26.32* Greedy app, makes u pay for the things ud need it for , ahhh app by ahhh people ### 1/5 — ??? *2026-08-20, version 26.32* There is no easy to to add a contact. Grave inconvenience. ### 1/5 — Why does this App get sluggish? *2026-08-19, version 26.32* This is an old problem I’ve had since my iPhone 8 days and been unable to figure out so I thought I’d post it here. For some reason the GV App will become sluggish & stop responding, then slowly catch up with my scrolling or text input keystrokes. Not sure if it’s because there’s tons of old call logs, VM’s, or SMS messages that it’s loading, sifting, or sorting thru, but it not only happens after the App has been open for a few minutes but open for even days after. I’ll be scrolling and suddenly the App will freeze. No scrolling, no switching between Calls, Contacts, Messages, or Voicemail. Then after 15sec or longer it will start catching up with my scrolling or keystrokes. I can be composing a text message and suddenly it’ll freeze up. Then 15sec or longer later it will type out one character from the keyboard buffer spaced a few seconds apart, then suddenly resume responding normally for awhile. When it gets this ridiculously sluggish I terminate the App and relaunch it, then it responds fast for awhile, but eventually it’ll become sluggish again and I’ll have to relaunch yet again. –––––––––––––––––––––––– Previous Review May 2026: (Workaround: Settings/Calls/Make and Receive Calls/ Set to: Use carrier only) Having been a user since the original GrandCentral and after Google acquired it in 2009, I can attest the most recent “changes” & “updates” to GV have absolutely ruined it. Now practically everyone tells me my Call Quality is -unintelligible- and I have to resort to ending the GV call and switching to cellular directly. Forcibly switching OFF WiFi and using GV over data is slightly better (now the other party starts to breakup in my ear) but definitely nowhere near baseline utility or acceptable call quality. Whatever you (the Google Voice team) did. Please put it back to the way it was. Whatever you did has rendered the App & System unintelligible & unreliable especially for health, medical, and other important calls. –––––––––––––––––––––––– Previous Review: (Has since been fixed) Latest update 01/03/26 on iOS v18.6.2 absolutely bricked the app and it will NOT load. Splash screen appears for a sec then disappears. Can’t swipe up to terminate because it never loads. Rebooting the iPhone doesn’t help either. This is a major reason I hate Apple updates… Unlike Android OS, if an update doesn’t work or performs worse than the previous version there’s no easy option to revert to the previous version.e been ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work *2026-08-17, version 26.32* I got to the part where I had to verify my existing phone number and I got a verification code, but then it said “Something went wrong. Try again later.” I’ve been trying and trying and trying, even on other devices, and I keep getting the same error message. The app doesn’t work, it’s frustrating and a huge waste of time. ### 4/5 — I love it but something is wrong *2026-08-16, version 26.32* The thing won’t let me in because it says try again later and I don’t know why. ### 2/5 — data collectors *2026-08-16, version 26.32* have used this app for years but this past year it’s started to become obvious that all they’re interested in is collecting data and money. one of my biggest pet peeves that never used to exist is the inability to save a contact from this app. at least not to my iphone. super annoying. then they want my id and info snd claim it’s the jaw but i can go buy a burner prepaid phone anywhere and dont have to submit my id so that cant be right. just another way to spy on us. i’m looking into some other apps and phones with much more security and privacy. ### 1/5 — The black sheep of the google fam *2026-08-15, version 26.32* I’ll start by saying I appreciate very much that this is a free app accessible to anyone and I have utilized it for several years now so appreciative of that I would follow up by saying a company like Google I am actually shocked that they would release an app of this quality to the general public. I feel like every time I try to toggle between tabs in the app, it will freeze 98% of the time. Most exciting is that adding a contact from an already existing text thread you have with a number is probably the most difficult and unnecessary process. I don’t understand the difficulty in having just an “add contact” button. Finally, I hope you’re not trying to win any races or texting wars with this app, because you will have the best and longest lag time of any message exchange that you could ever find.I ### 1/5 — Ad stuck on screen blocking the app *2026-08-14, version 26.32* App is stuck with a “let Gemini take notes” ad covering the whole screen with no option to close the ad or say no, only yes or later which I do not want. So I can’t use the app unless I agree to give Gemini access to my calls either now or later. It also leaves a blank audio track playing 24/7 in my Dynamic Island unless I force quit it, which is creepy af. ### 1/5 — Ask for ID verification *2026-08-13, version 26.31* I’ve been using Google Voice for over eight years and today they asked me to submit my government ID to verify my identity so I am uninstalling the app and porting my number elsewhere. ### 3/5 — Need more user friendly/accessibility add-ons *2026-08-11, version 26.31* When I press on one of my calls with the ‘entire phone number/contact name’, another page shows up with the history/missed call date or when it was called/received. On that same page/phone number info, I would love to see ALL the history of previous calls and other information of the same number on the same page, as well as the ‘Message’ link or the ‘Copy number.’ The point is to make it more easier to see all the info/steps all at once, without having to press the extra ‘•••’ button for everyday functionality. ### 1/5 — DO NOT USE *2026-08-10, version 26.31* theyve updated their service now to require two things, a government ID and proof of residence. If you live with parents youre screwed. And it takes up to 2 weeks to verify. ### 1/5 — Can’t use app *2026-08-10, version 26.31* Wish I could say how the experience went however my perfectly valid phone number I pay for with Verizon cannot be used for some reason. No way to dispute either. Would have thought Google would have it a little more together than this. ### 2/5 — Why *2026-08-09, version 26.31* Why am I able to download it but I am not allowed to be able to use it it’s saying it’s unavailable and it’s not available in your country yet then why is the app available in my country to download but I can’t use. It doesn’t make no sense imagine there’s an app that you are allowed to download you are able to download but the app itself is like oh sorry the service here is not in your region yet then why allow me to download it in the first place ### 1/5 — Fraud *2026-08-09, version 26.31* I contacted the FCC over this. I went through the process to use this to give my cell a secondary number for my business and this company tried to transfer my original phone number from my current service provider to Google Voice without saying one thing about doing that. Completely unprofessional. Further more, there is no customer service number to contact them over literally ANY issue. ### 1/5 — No more AI please *2026-08-09, version 26.31* You need to have a setting that says “I never, ever want to use AI” that I can toggle on and leave on forever. ### 1/5 — Not Reliable Enough for a Business *2026-08-08, version 26.31* Would not recommend Google voice for a business or anything critical… calls go silent often and then you’ve got to update the app, which fixes the problem about 50% of the time. We regret it, what a PITA and we’re losing business because of this problem and there is NOBODY to call that will help you. Terrible! ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — No way to validate *2026-08-26, version 26.32* I’m not sure why you need an id but I tried several times and eventually got the picture to work, but it just freezes after it says ready to continue. This app is worthless pretty much. ### 1/5 — Unhappy *2026-08-26, version 26.32* This app does not properly load necessary verification and took up way too much of my time trying to correct. ### 1/5 — Very disappointing *2026-08-26, version 26.32* First of all a year ago I could no longer text with my niece. I couldn’t type anything in the text message box or do anything. Now today I tried texting my best friend and Google voice gives me a message that the message cannot send because I have sent too many messages. Now in both cases we are resorting to app. When your app is working, it takes very long for Messages to appear even though my iPhone gives me a notification on the top of my phone with the message. However inside the app, the message takes about half a minute before it appears. I have Wi-Fi and I get so much buffering within your messaging app. I don’t know why I even bother anymore with Google voice. ### 1/5 — Used to be amazing. *2026-08-25, version 26.32* These recent updates have been horrid. It’s a privacy nightmare! Numbers you used to get for free through only having to verify your phone number, are now requiring your whole government issued ID to obtain. There is no privacy anymore. Avoid at all costs. ### 1/5 — Wouldn’t recommend *2026-08-25, version 26.32* I apparently forgot that I had a Google voice since 2018 according to the call log. But for this app to ask for a picture of my government issued Id is the craziest thing ever! There’s no way in h e double hockey sticks in uploading my id or passport when there’s other options that don’t want you physical id exposed. How is this protecting me?!! ### 1/5 — Stupid Verification rules *2026-08-25, version 26.32* I use google voice to keep my privacy from online advertising and from scammers. This new update wants to verify with a government ID. It defeats the purpose of what it was trying to accomplish. ### 1/5 — Google Voice Has Become a Privacy Nightmare *2026-08-23, version 26.32* Google Voice has really gone downhill. I went to get a Google Voice number, and I was suddenly being asked to update or verify my driver’s license just to obtain a phone number. What made the situation even more concerning was that I didn’t even have a Google Voice number yet, But the service was already displaying information connected to my contacts including that person’s address. I showed, what I was seeing to a news outlet, and they were just as confused as I was about why this information was appearing. For something that is supposed to be a simple phone number service, this raises serious questions about privacy, data access, and how Google Voice is handling personal information. Google Voice is invading your rights, Beware what you have on your devices and this experience definitely opens privacy concerns and violations. ### 1/5 — Important note to developers (aka contractors) *2026-08-22, version 26.32* This app used to be extremely slow and now it runs fine on the same exact phone and iOS for me I used to use a very old google voice account on this app (over 10 years of history). I had tried to increase the speed by archiving most of my conversations but I still had at least a few with history going back many years. Now that I transferred my google voice number to a fresh account with neither many active conversations nor long/old conversations, the application is quite fast (when hangouts was an option years ago, it was perfectly fast on my old account). This suggests to me that the app is trying to load more than it should yielding the slow behavior even on a nearly brand new iPhone. Perhaps if it instead only tried loading a more modest bit of information (e.g., the last 50 conversations and 50 messages) and caching it locally better, this wouldn’t be an issue on older accounts? ### 1/5 — Text messages don’t send *2026-08-22, version 26.32* Im very disappointed. I paid for the subscription and I’m not able to send or receive texts. How do I get my money back? ### 1/5 — This is a scam do not download this app !!! It will hack you and try to sell your number. *2026-08-21, version 26.32* I added my number and did a verification code, I realized shortly after it was a scam. I then read articles and it told me to click a Google voice recovery link. Right away I knew it was a fake fraud article but I know others can’t figure that out. Do not DOWNLOAD! ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Great work number *2026-08-17, version 26.32* I’ve used it since 2022. It does have spotty service sometimes but overall great to use! ### 5/5 — A gem of an app *2026-07-24, version 26.28* Google Voice is a life saver for a frequent traveler or for someone who lives overseas, and it’s a money saver back in the USA because you only need internet. It’s my favorite app. ### 5/5 — Compile *2026-07-23, version 26.28* Saying I can’t use google voice on this account please allow me to use my google voice account on this device ### 5/5 — This and a MVNO is awesome *2026-07-18, version 26.28* Grab a phonenumber from googlevoice and pay visible $25 a month for unlimited cell service and you have a great one man business opportunity. I run my onsite computer business off my phone with a great number ending in 8088, if you know you know. If could port my number to googlevoice or port googlevoice number to visible but why. Definitely one of the coolest things google has provided and not killed off yet :) ### 5/5 — Verified *2026-07-14, version 26.27* Pending Google voice ### 5/5 — Best app for UK free phone numbers *2026-07-12, version 26.27* It works with nothing and nothing April Fools 1 star ### 5/5 — Mistaken *2026-07-08, version 26.25* I previously wrote a review in which I complained about having my number deleted; I was based upon mistaken information, and an error in my login. This is an update and I like the app. ### 5/5 — How to use *2026-07-02, version 26.25* Everyone complaining about that their country is not supported or the app is not working. First you need to assign a number to your business account. Go to admin.google.com. Yes you need to pay for a separate Google workspace account and separately for a Google Voice account. Once you assigned a number and set everything up, it will work. Bad reception, just go to settings and toggle use voice over mobile network instead of the phone's internet. As to the app itself, it's brilliant. Hope it helps ### 5/5 — Great Product *2026-06-29, version 26.25* Great to have for text messages. Sad part is most calls are spam’s but the good side on that is the block and spam buttons. ### 5/5 — The best for Iran *2026-06-23, version 26.24* I love it so much Its so well for use for all apps loging and registration in my country Iran Also google voice gimme calling and messaging services to any numbers from all of the world SO Google Voice is the best esim number-app and i need it daily Thanm U Google😘💕 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-28.*