Category: How To’s

Switching to a new phone service and want to get rid of your Google Voice number? It’s absolutely doable but a little complicated. However, by following a few steps you can disable your Voice number and over time the number will get passed on to someone else. So, how to delete a Google Voice number? Read on!

Why Do Users Want To Switch From Google Voice?

Google Voice was launched by Google in 2009 after acquiring GrandCentral, the original owners of the service. Voice is a telecommunications service that works alongside existing phone services as a secondary phone number. It offers additional benefits of voicemail transcription, call forwarding, call screening, and SMS capabilities. You can use this number over different devices including laptops and computers, as this service works through the internet and a web-based application. You can download the Google Voice app from Playstore for Android phones or Apple store for iPhones. To access Voice on your laptop or computer, simply log in through its website.

While Google Voice provides all these useful services, there are a few limitations causing its steady decline. These drawbacks are:

Inability to make emergency calls: Users cannot make or receive emergency calls through their Google Voice number. For example, if a user dials 911, it will appear as an invalid number.

Limited international texting:

Users can send text messages to phone numbers in the U.S. and Canada only but can receive messages from all over the world.

Call screening affecting call forwarding:

Users can set up Google Voice to forward calls from the Voice number to the desired number. However, when forwarding, if the desired number does not answer within 25 seconds, the call is rerouted to Voice’s voicemail system. This is Voice’s screening service where it provides caller information for users to decide if they want to answer or not. So, if the call is not answered in 25 seconds, it is considered unimportant and directed to a virtual voicemail, allowing little time to answer.

No phone support for customer service:

Lastly, Voice has no direct phone support for customers who have queries or concerns about the service. Users can, however, find help through the Google Voice Help Center FAQ or Google Groups’ Voice forum.

How To Delete Google Voice Number

It is important to note you cannot delete your Google Voice account but you can delete call logs, voicemail, and text messages. If you are certain you don’t want or need a Google Voice number, you can disable Voice and then delete the Google Voice number. Since Voice has many pieces that make it work, you have to disable the different pieces in order to fully disable Voice. Let’s have a further look at how to delete Google Voice Number.

Steps to Delete Your Voice Number

Step 1: On your computer or laptop, go to Google Voice’s website.
Step 2: At the top, click on the ‘Menu’ icon and select ‘Settings.’
Step 3: You will be able to see your Google Voice Number here. Turn off voicemail by clicking on ‘Voicemail’ on the left and unchecking the box to ‘Get Voicemail via Message.’
Step 4: Uncheck other services you wish to stop.
Step 5: Enable Google Voice ‘Do Not Disturb’ on the left to stop calls ringing on your personal phones.
Step 6: Then, click on ‘Account’ on the left.
Step 7: And under your Voice number, click ‘Delete.’
Step 8: Finally to confirm, click ‘Proceed’ and that is how to delete Google Voice number.

Note that after deleting your Voice number, you will have 90 days to recover it. After 90 days, the number will be assigned to someone else. Your Google account will be accessible on the computer so you can listen to past call recordings and voicemails, unless you delete them.

Steps to Delete Your Text, Call Logs, or Voicemail

Note that once you delete texts, call logs, or voicemails, you won’t have access to them again. Additionally, you can only delete text messages one at a time. To delete texts, calls, and voicemails:

Step 1: Open Voice on your computer.
Step 2: Open the tab for ‘Messages,’ ‘Calls,’ or ‘Voicemail.’
Step 3: Select the items you want to remove by pointing your mouse over it and clicking the checkmark sign.
Step 4: Then, after making your selection, click on ‘Delete.’
Step 5: Confirm by clicking ‘Delete’ again.

Looking For A New Virtual Phone Service

In the market for a new virtual phone number for personal use or for your business? Consider Global Call Forwarding for your phone number needs. We have local and toll free numbers in over 150 countries and aim to keep expanding. Give us a call today at 1-(888)-908-6171 or check out our website to see how we can help you with our cloud communications solutions.

Almost every smartphone can detect who is calling, and more recently landlines have been able to do the same as well. But what if you want to how to make a private call? Is there a way to hide or block your caller ID when making calls? The answer is yes.

“No Caller ID,” “Scam Likely”: What Are Private Calls?

One way to display caller ID is to save contacts of people you know on your device. This usually applies to family and close friends and any other important people or businesses. However, that is not the only way caller IDs work. Most phones will also be able to notify you of the caller’s ID if their business or organization is registered. This way, you almost always know who is calling you. But what of those “No Caller ID,” “Private Number,” or “Scam Likely” calls?

Most phone carriers notify you about potential spam calls by displaying “Scam Likely” when you receive a suspicious call. Android users who have their “Caller ID and Spam Protection” on can see information about callers and business numbers not in their contacts. This is enabled to warn them against potential spam callers. Global Call Forwarding has a feature called “Black and White Lists” which allows you to white list (approve) and black list (block) calls.

However, private calls are made by hiding one’s caller ID. This is when a person or business willingly hides their contact information to ensure a call goes through. In some cases, this may work even if they are on the caller’s no-call list. This is usually the route taken by telemarketers doing illegal business or angry exes or creepy stalkers trying to get in touch with you. It is safe to ignore these calls as anyone important will leave you a voicemail to get their message across. If you think it may be important, it is also possible to call-back a restricted call.

Related: How to Prevent Your Phone Numbers from Being Marked as Spam

How To Make A Private Call: Block Your Caller ID Permanently or Temporarily

There are a few different ways to hide or block your phone number from being displayed on the receiver’s screen. Let’s look at how to make a private call either on your own or through your phone number provider.

You can temporarily deactivate your number to make it appear as a private number by dialing ‘*67’ before the number you are calling. For example, if you wish to block your ID when calling 698-334-5647, dial *676983345647. Calls made this way cannot be called back. However, you must contact your phone service provider to block your ID permanently by requesting a line block. Before you do this, remember that when you block your number permanently, it cannot be reversed. It is important to remember, however, that calls made this way remain traceable by police services.

Hide Your Caller ID Through Your Phone’s Settings

The other way to mask your caller ID is by turning certain phone settings on or off. Most Android phones and iPhones provide caller ID settings. Below is the process of how to make a private call from an Android phone and iPhone. Note, however, that the process varies depending on the phone’s model and software version.

To block your number when calling from an Android phone:

• Go to the ‘Phone’ app
• Tap ‘Settings’
• Then, click on ‘Call’
• Tap ‘Additional’
• Select ‘Caller ID’
• Select ‘Hide number’ or ‘Show number’ to turn the Caller ID on or off

To hide your number when calling from an iPhone:

• Go to ‘Settings’
• Tap ‘Phone’
• Then, click on ‘Show My Caller ID’ and turn it on or off

For Business Reaching International Clientele, Local Numbers May Be A Better Option

Users generally hesitate to answer calls that display “Private Number.” If you are an international business trying to expand your clientele and are choosing to contact them by hiding your foreign number, we may have a solution for you. Global Call Forwarding has local numbers in over 140 countries which are meant for local and international businesses. Purchase a local number for the country or state you want to extend your business to. A local number will make your customers more comfortable with answering a call from your business because it is a number they recognize. Don’t get lost in all the “Private” or “Scam Likely” call your prospective client is receiving. Purchase a business number from Global Call Forwarding today and stand out among the virtual crowds!

Have you wondered how to hide your phone number when making calls and what it looks like to the receiver? When you hide your phone number, it appears as a “Private Number” or with “No Caller ID.” These are calls from individuals or organizations who have purposefully blocked or masked their number. With no caller ID, it is difficult to identify who may be calling you. But how do these callers hide their numbers and why?

Different Ways To Hide Caller IDs

There are a few different ways to keep your caller ID unknown. Let’s look at how to hide your phone number temporarily or permanently, depending on your requirements.

Temporary vs Permanent

One way to block or hide your phone number is by dialing ‘*67’ before the number you are calling. This will temporarily deactivate your number and make it appear as a private number on the receiver’s screen. For example, if you are calling 745-332-5987, dial *677453325987 to mask your number. Phone calls made this way cannot be traced.

To permanently block your number, you will need to call your phone service provider and request a line block. When you do this, the phone number will remain blocked for all future calls. Note that this cannot be reversed.

Hide Your Caller ID With Mobile Settings

Most iPhones and Android phones allow you to turn your caller ID on or off through the phone’s settings.

So, how to hide your phone number with an iPhone?:

1. Go to ‘Settings’
2. Select ‘Phone’
3. Then select ‘Show My Caller ID’
4. Here you can turn your Caller ID on or off.

To hide your number on an Android device:

1. Open the ‘Phone’ app
2. Select ‘Settings’
3. Click on ‘Call’ settings
4. Then select ‘Additional’ settings
5. Click on ‘Caller ID’
6. Select ‘Hide number’ or ‘Show number’ to block or display your caller ID.

How To Hide Your Phone Number in Other Countries

*67 is the common code for blocking caller IDs in the United States (except with AT&T), Canada, and New Zealand (using Vodafone phones). However, other countries have their own blocking codes. Here’s a list:

Why Do People Hide Their Phone Number?

Usually, telemarketers conducting illegal marketing businesses choose to block their numbers. This is the preferred method of communication because these numbers cannot be traced. Other times, people who have been blocked can resort to hiding their phone number or Caller ID to ensure the call goes through.

Most receivers who get “No Caller ID” calls are interested in who is calling and may answer. Others, however, are suspicious of unknown or private numbers being spam or telemarketers and avoid answering them.

Benefits of Hiding Your Phone Numbers

Since customers are less likely to answer numbers they don’t recognize, consider local numbers if you have a business in a different country. Global Call Forwarding is a phone service provider that offers virtual phone numbers for local and international businesses. With a virtual number from Global Call Forwarding, you can have a local phone number for overseas countries where your business extends to. Customers prefer local or toll free numbers over unfamiliar international numbers. Make your customers more comfortable with a local or toll free number from Global Call Forwarding today.

Everything we do now revolves around the use of our phones or laptops. We search for information, news, restaurants, services, and even find new people through this virtual web. But what the internet does best is connect us all with its ability to enable easy and comfortable communication. First with texting, then with video calls, and now, we have the ability to call phone from computer as well.

Benefit Of Using Virtual Numbers

The next time your network coverage is down when traveling, you can make a virtual call straight from your computer. All you need is a virtual phone number with outbound calling, and Global Call Forwarding can help with that.

How To Get Outbound Calling?

To start making virtual calls, the first step is to get a virtual phone number by browsing Global Call Forwarding’s available plans and signing up.

Sept 1: Visit Global Call Forwarding and select your new number, then enter the destination number. This is available on this page at the sidebar, or on the virtual phone numbers page.
Step 2: Select a plan, select their optional features, and complete the checkout. Make sure to select “Outbound Calling” during the checkout process.
Step 3: After signing up, a customer service agent from Global Call Forwarding will contact you within 24 hours to complete the process.
Step 4: Once your account and number are set up, log into the Control Panel.
Step 5: Select ‘Outbound Calling’ at the left-hand corner of ‘Account Overview.’
Step 6: In the first column on the left, you will see your PIN number.
Step 7: Select your line. Under the ‘General’ tab, make a note of your Line Password.

Call Phone From Computer With Zoiper

Outbound calls through the internet are becoming increasingly popular because of their great speed and quality connection. Zoiper is a softphone application that allows users with a VoIP connection to make calls through any device. Here are the steps to follow for using Zoiper to make phone calls via computer:

Step 1: Follow the Outbound Calling instructions and download Zoiper for Windows or Mac. Other options available are X-Lite, MicroSIP, and Phoner.
Step 2: To log onto Zoiper, enter your Outbound Calling PIN as the username and Line Password as the password.
Step 3: For ‘Domain,’ enter ‘mysipaccount.net.’ This is the Global Call Forwarding domain name.
Step 4: Go through the rest of the login process and once your account is ready, you will be able to call phone from computer.

Calling Virtually

Open the Zoiper desktop app, locate the dial pad on the top left, and enter the number you wish to call. You are now making virtual calls from your computer!

More Useful Features

Your calling experience can be made more comfortable and professional with additional features such as Call Recording, Call Transfer, changing your Caller ID, and more.

Receiving Calls On Your Computer

Having a virtual phone number not only allows you to call phone from computer but also lets you receive calls on your computer. To do so:

Step 1: Select ‘Call Forwarding’ from the left-hand corner of your Control Panel.
Step 2: Locate your line. Click ‘Call Forwarding Action’ and enter ‘SIP:[your Outbound Calling PIN].’ For example, if your Outbound PIN is 4572694, then enter ‘SIP:4572694’ in ‘Call Forwarding Action.’
Step 3: Once you make the changes, click ‘Apply’ and then ‘Save.’ Now, you are ready to receive calls on your computer.

Why Change Your Caller ID?

Many people have a cell phone or home answering machine that can detect and display an incoming call’s caller ID. When contacting a customer in a different country, it helps to display a local number on their caller ID. This feature can help your business gain a virtual presence and keep different businesses separate and organized. To change your caller ID on your virtual number, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: In the Control Panel, select your phone line in ‘Outbound Calling.’ Under ‘General,’ you will see your current Outgoing Caller ID.
Step 2: To display your Caller ID as a number from a particular country, choose the desired line from different lines available.
Step 3: Once you make the changes, click ‘Apply’ and then ‘Save.’

Start Making Calls From Your Computer

Virtual phone numbers make business communication much more accessible by providing yet another way of finding and maintaining leads and clients. As the world becomes more digital, it is necessary to keep in touch with new features and services available. This way you can ensure you are doing the best for your business and your customers. Sign up for Outbound Calling with Global Call Forwarding today or contact us for more information on how virtual calling can benefit your business.

If you’re from Ireland or you frequently need to do business with people in Ireland, you may be wondering how to call Ireland from US states. So, if you need to frequently make out of country calls to Ireland, you might be looking for an easier way. In this article, we determine how to call international to Ireland. And, provide an option for affordable long distance calling options through Global Call Forwarding.

How to Call Ireland from US Phones Step by Step

Before calling people in Ireland, first thing’s first – you need to figure out the present time in Ireland. Surely, you don’t want your call to catch anyone while they’re sleeping or super late at night. Typically, it’s best for people in the US to call people in Ireland in the mornings.

Step 1: Dialing Out

Once you figure a good time to make your call, it’s time to dial out. But, remember, calling Ireland isn’t like calling people in the states. First, you’ll need to exit the US calling code system. To do this, you need to dial the numbers 011. Anytime you want to call outside of the US or Canada, you’ll need to first dial these numbers.

Step 2: Ireland Country Code

Next, after the exit country digits, you’ll need to dial Ireland’s country code. This number is 353.

Step 3: Dial the Area Code

Once you’ve dialed both 011 and 353, you’ll then need to punch in the area code of the person you’re calling. Just like in the US, there are many different area codes for the people living in Ireland. So, you’ll need to know this number before dialing. If you don’t know the area code of the person in Ireland you’re trying to reach, check out this Ireland area code list.

Step 4: Dialing the Phone Number

Now that you know the area code of the person living in Ireland you’re trying to reach, you can dial that along with their entire 7-9 digit telephone number. So, all in all, the format of the number you’ll be calling will be: 011 (exit USA) – 353 (Ireland’s country code) – XX (Ireland area code) – XXXXXXX (full phone number).

How to Call Ireland Cell Phone Numbers from the US

Another thing that you’ll need to consider before making your call is if you’re calling a wireless cell phone or a landline. This is because Ireland has a different area code for people with cellphones. So, after the US exit code and Ireland’s country code, you’ll dial a specific area code to a specific region. Or, the standard wireless code for the country (80 or 81). So, if you’re not sure of the area code that you’re calling, you might need to use this as the area code. Specifically, if the person you’re calling has a wireless cell phone.

Choosing a Provider for Your Long Distance Calling

If you don’t set up a long-distance calling plan with your current cellular or telephone service provider, you might want to think about doing so. Especially if you have friends or family in Ireland and you plan to call them often. If you don’t get a good plan for out of country calls, you could be looking at steep international charges on your next phone bill. However, while your current provider may offer options for international calling, it still may be a bit more expensive than you’d like. If this is the case, consider other options, like purchasing a national virtual phone number from Global Call Forwarding.

National Virtual Phone Numbers for Calls to Ireland

Maybe you already know how to call Ireland from US phone lines. But, you’re looking for a cheaper way to call friends, family, or potential customers. If this is the case, virtual phone numbers may be right for you. Simply, a national virtual phone number is a phone number that’s given an Ireland area code. This way, you can call people in Ireland without racking up international charges. And, your friends, family, or Ireland customers don’t have to rack up international charges either. With virtual phone numbers from Global Call Forwarding, you pay a monthly fee for the minute plan you select. This way, you can make as many overseas calls to Ireland as you want without paying outrageous charges. Plus, you even have the option to set up SMS at an additional charge.

Getting Your Virtual Phone Number Today

If you think that national virtual phone numbers may be the right solution for your Ireland phone calls, learn more about our services right from our website. And, contact us today to set up your virtual phone number so you can call your Ireland contacts today.

Need to know how to get a business phone number? Whether for a large business or a small one, Global Call Forwarding offers virtual phone numbers to meet your needs. In this article, we will take a look at a few aspects to consider when purchasing a phone number, including:

• Types of phone numbers available
• Choosing a location
• Enhancing your phone number with add-ons
• Subscribing to a service for a business number

Types of Phone Numbers Available from Global Call Forwarding

Perhaps the primary consideration you should keep in mind when thinking about a business phone number is the type that fits your needs. Global Call Forwarding offers the following varieties of numbers:

• Local numbers
• Toll free numbers
• Vanity Numbers
• DID numbers (Direct Inward Dialing)
• ITFS numbers (International Toll Free Service)
• UIFNs (Universal International Freephone Numbers)

These virtual numbers can be augmented with mobile accessibility, enabling cellular phones to reach them, and vice versa. Also, it should be noted that virtual phone numbers are based on current inventory and availability.

Choosing a Location

Second, to the type of number that you will be using, choosing a location is the next important step. You will want to consider two location-based aspects:

• Where you want to be reached
• Who you want to reach

Location-Specific Phone Numbers

First, a virtual phone number serves as a type of location marker for your business. A business that uses a Canada local number will be perceived as having Canadian origins. Of course, thanks to the routing capabilities of cloud-based telephony, your business can be located anywhere in the world and still be reached instantly.

Canada’s virtual phone numbers are identical in function and appearance to “normal” Canadian phone numbers. The only difference is their added routing capabilities. Having the same country code and corresponding region/area code helps with the localization process of your business, while also circumventing typical long-distance calling obstacles, such as:

• Long-distance fees
• Service blockages
• Customer preferences to deal with only domestic business entities

Gaining Freedom of Location with Toll Free Numbers

Another location-based concern is whether you want to be based on a certain region or remain geographically agnostic with toll free numbers. Considering that toll free numbers not only make calling free for your customers but they also work nationwide. As a result, you can use toll free numbers as a way to obscure where your business is headquartered. Instead, toll free numbers impart a nationwide quality. This encompasses different states, regions, provinces, and so forth based on the toll free prefix you select.

Enhancing Your Phone Number with Add-ons

Now that you’re aware of business numbers from Global Call Forwarding, you should know they can be enhanced with add-ons. These add-ons can completely change how your phone number functions, opening up new possibilities of usage and profitability.

One of these is rollover minutes. This add-on allows you to retain any unused minutes each month, so they are available for future use.

Another popular add-on is call recording which, as the name implies, records and stores calls made using your phone number. This can be effective as an aid for on-the-go entrepreneurs. Additionally, it’s also useful for managers that want to create training materials from prior calls.

Subscribing to a Service for a Virtual Business Number

Now that you have a good idea of the benefits of business phone numbers, it is time to subscribe with Global Call Forwarding. The process of purchasing is simple and easy. You will begin by navigating to their home page at www.globalcallforwarding.com.

Once there, a series of dropdown menus will appear at the top of the page. At that point, you can select your new phone number (including location and type) choosing from a list of currently available phone numbers.

Second, you will enter your destination number (where calls will be rerouted to and from). This will include the country code, area/region code, and remaining digits. After this, you will choose a payment plan and add-ons that fit your intended usage. The process is similar to most online transactions, requiring billing info, contact info, and agreeing to the Terms and Conditions.

Once completed, a customer service rep will contact you within 24 hours or less to assist you with setting up, enabling you to begin using your phone number immediately. Now that you know how to get a business number with Global Call Forwarding, you can purchase as many as needed. Feel to contact them today if you have any questions or issues.