Google Voice App on iOS

The Google Voice app on iOS allows you to send and receive text messages from a non-phone device, such as an iPod touch or iPad.

You can also start a phone call using your Google Voice number.  The app does not have the ability to make voice calls on its own.  Instead, it calls one of your "forwarding" phones.  When you answer, it connects you to the person you are trying to reach.  The advantages to placing a call this way are that long distance calls (in the United States) will be free and the person answering your call will see your Google Voice number on their caller ID.

1. If you haven't already, create a Google Account and activate Google Voice.
2. Install the Google Voice app on your iOS device.
3. The first time you run the app, you will see a general welcome screen.
   
   
   
   Tap Sign In.
4. You will be prompted to sign into your Google Account.
   
   
   Enter the e-mail address and password for your Google account, then tap Sign In.
5. Your Google Voice inbox will appear.
   
   
   
   To send a text message, click Text in the upper right.
6. You can now compose a text message.
   
   
   
   
   1. In the To box, enter a phone number.  Or tap the plus sign and select a recipient from your Google contacts.
   2. In the lower box, enter your message.
   3. Tap Send.
7. You will return to your inbox.
   
   
   
   To place a phone call, tap on Dialer along the bottom.
8. A dial pad will appear.
   
   
   
   Enter a phone number and tap Call.
9. A list of your "forwarding" phones will appear.
   
   
   
   Tap on a phone number that you have access to at the moment.
10. The app will say that it's calling you.
    
    
    
    When your phone rings, answer the call.  On the phone's receiver, you should hear the system ringing you person you were trying to reach.  From here out, it will be like a normal phone call.