How to Receive Free SMS Messages

1.
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Address Bar
Log in to Google Voice at voice.google.com. If you already have a Google account, type your username and password into the appropriate fields on the right and skip the next step. If you do not have a Google Account, click the 'Create Account' button and create a Google Account before continuing.
2. Search for a number. You can search for numbers by the area code or by a word, phrase or number you'd like in your phone number, then click 'Search.'
3. Click on the round radio button next to the number you want and then click 'Continue.'
4. Choose a 4-digit pin that will protect your voice mail. Enter this number twice, then click the check box agreeing to the Google Voice terms and privacy policy. You may click the blue links to read either of those policies.
5. Add a forwarding phone. To set up your account, you must begin by connecting Google Voice to a phone that you have access to. Type the phone number into the text box and select the type of phone. SMS messages can only be forwarded to cell phones or email addresses.
6. Verify your phone. When you are ready, click 'Call me now.' This will initiate a phone call from your new Google Voice number to your phone. When you pick up the call, you will type the number on your computer screen into the phone.
7. Adjust the settings. In the upper right hand corner, click 'Settings' and choose 'Voice Settings.'
8. Stop SMS messages to your phone. If you chose mobile as your phone type, you will need to turn SMS messaging off, otherwise skip this step. Find your phone number in the list and click 'Edit.' Uncheck the 'Receive Text Messages' in this phone box and click 'Save.'
9. Set up SMS forwarding. Click on the 'Voicemail & Text' tab. Click the check box next to 'Text Forwarding.' Now your text messages will go directly to your email. You can reply to them from there, all for free.