I would like to find a way to send incoming "Private number" calls to voicemail, without downloading an app (with the security risks involved with this, as all apps I found want to read phone #, all of my contacts, and have access to the internet).
In Googling I found that on other, older, phones you could create a contact with "Private number" in the mobile phone field and select the "All calls to voicemail". I tried this on my Galaxy Nexus running 4.0.4 and it doesn't seem to be working.
Is there another built-in procedure that works to accomplish this?
Or does anybody know an app that is not a security risk (i.e. does not request access to the internet and/or my phone and/or my contacts)?
BTW, these are the permissions that one of these Apps (this one called Calls Blacklist) is requesting:
DIRECTLY CALL PHONE NUMBERS
SEND SMS MESSAGES
RECEIVE SMS
READ SMS OR MMS
EDIT SMS OR MMS
NETWORK COMMUNICATION
FULL INTERNET ACCESS
READ CONTACT DATA
WRITE CONTACT DATA
READ PHONE STATE AND IDENTITY
INTERCEPT OUTGOING CALLS
MODIFY/DELETE USB STORAGE CONTENTS MODIFY/DELETE SD CARD CONTENTS
RETRIEVE RUNNING APPS
CHANGE WI-FI STATE
PREVENT TABLET FROM SLEEPING PREVENT PHONE FROM SLEEPING
MODIFY GLOBAL SYSTEM SETTINGS
CHANGE/INTERCEPT NETWORK SETTINGS AND TRAFFIC
DISPLAY SYSTEM-LEVEL ALERTS
You can't have an app send private calls to voicemail, but not be granted permission to see who is calling.
That would be like me saying to you; "I'm sorry sir, you're not appropriately dressed for this restaurant." over the phone.
Read reviews, not all of those apps are bad (some are though), and most of them will do exactly what you are looking to accomplish.
Security risks? The app kinda needs that information. You're better off not installing any apps as any of them could steal your valuable phone number.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus running AOKP+Franco
Liskrig said:
You can't have an app send private calls to voicemail, but not be granted permission to see who is calling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Duh, of course, it's not listed above as one of the unneeded permissions above.
But none of these are even remotely needed to do the job:
INTERCEPT OUTGOING CALLS
FULL INTERNET ACCESS
READ CONTACT DATA
WRITE CONTACT DATA
RETRIEVE RUNNING APPS
DIRECTLY CALL PHONE NUMBERS
SEND SMS MESSAGES
EDIT SMS OR MMS
Liskrig said:
Read reviews, not all of those apps are bad (some are though), and most of them will do exactly what you are looking to accomplish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How exactly could a reviewer know that the app author isn't selling all of my contacts to some spammer? The tenet of good security is to not leave the door open unecessarily.
Besides the fact that yet another app means yet another thing that can go wrong (battery drain, system instability, etc.)
Back to the original question: "Is there another built-in procedure that works to accomplish this?"
hillrider said:
Duh, of course!
But none of these are needed to do the job:
INTERCEPT OUTGOING CALLS
FULL INTERNET ACCESS
READ CONTACT DATA
WRITE CONTACT DATA
RETRIEVE RUNNING APPS
How exactly could a reviewer know that the app author isn't selling all of my contacts to some spammer? The tenet of good security is to not leave the door open unecessarily.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get one that doesn't ask for those permissions then. You're so paranoid that maybe a smartphone just isn't for you. Ever thought of who could be hacking your Wi-fi? They could steal and intercept ANYTHING sent through your home internet.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus running AOKP+Franco
theking_13 said:
Get one that doesn't ask for those permissions then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None found, hence this thread.
A response to the OP, without flaming and personal attacks would be greatly appreciated.
theking_13 said:
... You're so paranoid that maybe a smartphone just isn't for you...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus running AOKP+Franco
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
If you're willing to install Google Voice (and really, it doesn't matter what permissions it asks for, you're running Google's OS which has access to EVERYTHING, so there's not much to think about) and switch to a Google Voice number, you can set it through the website settings that anonymous callers are directly routed to voicemail.
copkay said:
If you're willing to install Google Voice (and really, it doesn't matter what permissions it asks for, you're running Google's OS which has access to EVERYTHING, so there's not much to think about)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree about this--somehow I got painted as someone who trusts nobody, but of course while I wouldn't give my house keys to anyone, friends and cleaning service all have them.I do run many apps from trusted providers!
copkay said:
and switch to a Google Voice number
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the issue: "Private number" callers will still call my regular, non Google Voice number, so it doesn't really do the trick.[/QUOTE]
So it seems that Google removed a feature that was available in previous versions of Android? Seems strange...
hillrider said:
Agree about this--somehow I got painted as someone who trusts nobody, but of course while I wouldn't give my house keys to anyone, friends and cleaning service all have them.I do run many apps from trusted providers!This is the issue: "Private number" callers will still call my regular, non Google Voice number, so it doesn't really do the trick.
So it seems that Google removed a feature that was available in previous versions of Android? Seems strange...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the replies haven't been particularly helpful so far. It's not "paranoid" to at least question the security of these apps, although the most popular ones are most likely fine.
You have a point with the non-Voice number. There's also the "no-turning-back" solution of porting your existing number to Google Voice for $20, which would then fix the problem, but it's not particularly ideal unless you're 100% sold on GV.
hillrider said:
Agree about this--somehow I got painted as someone who trusts nobody, but of course while I wouldn't give my house keys to anyone, friends and cleaning service all have them.I do run many apps from trusted providers!This is the issue: "Private number" callers will still call my regular, non Google Voice number, so it doesn't really do the trick.
So it seems that Google removed a feature that was available in previous versions of Android? Seems strange...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Port your actual phone number to Google Voice and ask for a new one from the carrier. Thats what I did. I setup a contact in my phone with my old number and have it setup to send the caller ID as my old number. So any call to that number all display as "Personal Call". The carrier number is my "Work Number".
I actually have 2 Google Voice numbers and my normal Verizon one (3 total). One for Personal, one for my side Website business, and my normal job.
I don't restrict any callers but there are options in there for unknowns and the likes. At least you can setup CALL SCREENING, where it asks for the persons name. So I can answer ANY call, it will say, "Call from... Donut Marketing" and it gives me 2 options, 1 to take the call... and 2 to send to VM.
If you press 2, it then says, "Ok I've sent the caller to VM. Press STAR at any time to join the call". So if the VM is someone I WANT to speak with, I just pop in and say Hi. Most Marketers will shy away from leaving their name... no name, no call. They typically hang up immediately. Still prevents me from having to talk to them and try to get off the phone.
Even when they do leave me a Google Voice Mail, it gets translated to text and emailed to me so I can read it seconds after they've left it. Then just delete like a normal email.
Super easy.
You can probably also call up your carrier and say you are getting lots of Marketing calls from Unknown numbers and want them blocked. They'll probably want to charge you a fee... but maybe not.
player911 said:
Port your actual phone number to Google Voice and ask for a new one from the carrier. Thats what I did. I setup a contact in my phone with my old number and have it setup to send the caller ID as my old number. So any call to that number all display as "Personal Call". The carrier number is my "Work Number".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how did you get verizon to port your number without killing your contract? i just called and they said its not possible.
Root call blocker does this.
Related
I've been messing around with my GV number and i've been looking for a way to make it so that all unanswered calls on my phone go to the GV voicemail.
I've tired using unconditional forwarding.. like i believe its *61*GVnumber# i could be wrong though..
Has anyone else got this to work?
I think it will work as long as you do not have your mobile number set up as part of the GV ring list. You will end up with a loop.
Can anyone ever get the call forwarding options in the settings to save?
I've never got it to say anything but an error.
Just change your t-mobile voicemail number to your google voice number on your Dash
after looking in to it i noticed something i overlooked. If you on a flexpay account like i am then tmobile has forwarding disabled. i guess if i want that feature to work ill have to get a contract, unless i wait till project dark is announced
Bupahs said:
Just change your t-mobile voicemail number to your google voice number on your Dash
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually i did try this and it worked... until i noticed that the no reply option in call forwarding is set to a custom number that's very close to my orginal voice mail number..
Hey guys, I was reading this article earlier about Google Voice...it made me wish I had it. Check it out:
http://lifehacker.com/5382770/make-unlimited-free-calls-on-your-cellphone-with-google-voice?skyline=true&s=i
I also read that they're now letting members invite people.
This might be a [email protected] question but, if you like the article what are the chances one of you might invite me? Hahaha, sorry if it is but I just had to ask!
I have a google voice account. It doesn't seem that the invite feature is available (to me atleast). Realize that unlike with G-Mail, inviting is tougher with Google Voice because Google could always pay forward and expand their ever-so-gigantic server space, but there are a limited number of available phone numbers. Due to that exact fact, I feel like Google Voice may NEVER become fully accessible to everyone unless we adopt an 11 Digit or more phone number. That is just my opinion, as horrible as it may see, although I really do HOPE that everyone gets to use Google Voice. So far from my experience it is awesome!
Thanks for the info Cyclone. You're right, it probably won't be available for everyone. But according to the Google Voice Blog referenced below you and every other account holder will get three invites...eventually. Just to begin with.
http://googlevoiceblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/invite-friend-to-google-voice.html
Thanks again
Bupahs said:
Just change your t-mobile voicemail number to your google voice number on your Dash
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you do that?
For all ya wanting to use google voice for your voicemail.. check this out: http://www.bupahs.com/2009/10/google-voice-voicemail.html works on Dash and Dash 3G
Bupahs said:
For all ya wanting to use google voice for your voicemail.. check this out: http://www.bupahs.com/2009/10/google-voice-voicemail.html works on Dash and Dash 3G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On your blog, you mention that following GV's instructions (for T-Mobile Dash) will make your GV number the number called when you press and hold "1", i.e. your GV number becomes your VM number. I did *not* find that to be the case. Does anyone else have the same experience?
klaberte said:
On your blog, you mention that following GV's instructions (for T-Mobile Dash) will make your GV number the number called when you press and hold "1", i.e. your GV number becomes your VM number. I did *not* find that to be the case. Does anyone else have the same experience?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are getting it wrong. That link works, I can attest to that because I did it myself. When you call VoiceMail on your phone (by holding 1) it is preset to call the TMOBILE voicemail, which will have nothing in it. What the set-up does is change the configuration to forward missed calls etc. to the google number. If you want to access that Voicemail, you have to set the Keypress (or whatever) to call your google voice number.
does anyone know if this can work with a Flex-Pay Account with Tmobile?....I find there's an error when imputting the code to change voicemail settings setup.
memphis10 said:
does anyone know if this can work with a Flex-Pay Account with Tmobile?....I find there's an error when imputting the code to change voicemail settings setup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it wont work with flexplay, tmobile disabled it. what do you have your no reply set to? if its voicemail then you i believe you can change that it in the phone settings.
klaberte said:
On your blog, you mention that following GV's instructions (for T-Mobile Dash) will make your GV number the number called when you press and hold "1", i.e. your GV number becomes your VM number. I did *not* find that to be the case. Does anyone else have the same experience?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I stated in my blog "if you change your service providers voicemail number in your device settings to your Google Voice number it will automatically call your Google Voice number when you press and hold the 1 key (T-mobile)."
This means after you have set everything else up (by entering the code given to you by Google in Google Voice) YOU have to manually change the voicemail number in your Devices settings to your google voice number, in the Dash 3G it is under call options.
In older versions of Android when a contact had multiple telephone numbers you could only send an SMS to their mobile number.
In 2.1 ALL numbers (including landlines) have the option to be used for sending an SMS. This makes the list really long if you have several numbers (home, work, mobile etc) because you can call or SMS each of them.
Also, when you compose an SMS and type in the "To" box, all the numbers show up there as well.
Both of these make it more difficult to pick the right number, as I found out earlier when I accidentally sent an SMS to a landline.
Are others seeing this, and if so, has anyone got a way to stop it abd revert to only show "Send message" to the mobile number?
zippyioa
Use Handcent SMS. There you can toggle the "Show mobile numbers only".
Already for several years sending and receiving SMS on a landline can be done. This may depend on your provider, the country you are in, and of course the phone itself. Some providers even offer an automatic text-to-voice service for this. All this may help explain why the distinction is fading, or even absent in this case.
If anything it should be an option to configure 'SMS allowed' for each number, and perhaps not for all landlines together. Google Android team, are you reading this?
Zappza said:
Use Handcent SMS. There you can toggle the "Show mobile numbers only".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I will take a look at it. That would solve the issue when composing an SMS. The long list of options in People will still be there though, which makes it harder to find the right number when calling.
It's not a huge issue, it's just different to what I was used to. I am sure I'll get used to it!
doggie123 said:
Already for several years sending and receiving SMS on a landline can be done. This may depend on your provider, the country you are in, and of course the phone itself. Some providers even offer an automatic text-to-voice service for this. All this may help explain why the distinction is fading, or even absent in this case.
If anything it should be an option to configure 'SMS allowed' for each number, and perhaps not for all landlines together. Google Android team, are you reading this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know you can send an SMS to landlines, we used to have the voice of Tom Baker (Little Britain narrator) for a while which was really funny, especially the words "balls". It's not something I ever use now though.
I agree, its something the Google team should look at!
How do others feel about it.... would you hide the option to SMS to landlines if you could?
I have already switched to G-Voice as my voice mail provider, but I was wondering what else is good about it? I love the text transcript of voice mails, but I do not know much about this program.
Why would you want to create a Google number? What are the perks?
What are some things that are not commonly known about it? Tricks? I have a feeling there are a bunch of things I do not know about it because I have not had enough time to really get into it.
Basically a standard number, you can use it to make long distance calls, at a low rate, can even send texts.
teh roxxorz said:
Basically a standard number, you can use it to make long distance calls, at a low rate, can even send texts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I am never anywhere near my minute allowance, there really is no benefit for me?
lehalter said:
If I am never anywhere near my minute allowance, there really is no benefit for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not so much, but you can use it to send texts, and long distance calls. If you go in the settings you can configure it. Also, if you sign out on that phone, you can use it on another phone and keep your messages, I find it to be nice.
First, a word of warning. When you use Google Voice to make outgoing calls, it is considered a call to a landline. So you are eating your Anytime minutes when using this. So the unlimited mobile to mobile on any carrier option does not apply. Keep that in mind. Someone on these forums ended up with a $5000 bill. lol Luckily they got it reversed.
#1 Block callers
#2 Ring all numbers you designate
#3 Calls can come through Google Chat/Gmail
#4 Can give your GV number to people you don't like.
#5 Voicemail screening. You can screen people leaving a voicemail and decide to answer as they are leaving the message or just have it go through to voicemail. Although almost all my friends just hang up and decide to just blow my phone up instead -.-
#6 Listen to your VM on any computer with internet access.
Couple of things:
1) Free text messaging through GV. You get texts in the GV app on your EVO, through google.com/voice, and you can get them through the GV app on other devices.
2) Cheap international calling.
3) One phone number for multiple phones. I have GV set up so it can ring my work phone, cellphone, SIP number, Gmail chat widget, and home phone simultaneously, or on a schedule.
4) Don't need cell service to text, call, or get voicemails. This is extremely useful if you have a WiFi-only tablet or device, such as the upcoming WiFi Xoom. Also, if I'm in an area of the building at work where there's crap service, I can just turn on WiFi, connect, and get my texts through there, and use SIP to make/receive calls.
5) Everything is saved online. Texts, voicemails, and call logs are all on google.com/voice so if I switch ROMs or whatever, I don't have to worry about saving my texts, voicemails, call log, contacts, emails, apps... You get the point.
Basically, Google Voice + Google Sync + Gingerbread/Froyo = 100% backed up to the cloud. I honestly only keep Titanium Backup on my phone for restoring apps that aren't in the Market, convenience (decrypting and unpacking some gzip'd tars is a LOT faster than downloading via 3G), and I have a few apps I'd rather not lose the data for (Google Authenticator, Angry Bids, Launcher Pro, etc.).
6) Customized voicemails (my mom was amazed when I had separate voicemail messages for her, my stepdad, the house number, my boss, etc.)
7) Call screening (Really nifty for those folks who block their phone number, 800 numbers, etc)
8) Free visual voicemail!
I got nailed using using one of the Google Voice callback free. Yes it eats minutes, but if you notice it is made by Xinlu and is not really google (same icon). This ap should be removed from the market and banned since it is not free. I have no idea how it can get 5 stars the rating on this is jacked. I have been tethering via usb and calling via ata ever since.
If you use GV via bowser it should be OK. I have not tried the real Google voice app. What is weird is that I posted a few threads on the google voice help and nevr really got a good answer. I am not sure if anybody realizes that there is a bastard GV out there.
conductive said:
I got nailed using using one of the Google Voice callback free. Yes it eats minutes, but if you notice it is made by Xinlu and is not really google (same icon). This ap should be removed from the market and banned since it is not free. I have no idea how it can get 5 stars the rating on this is jacked. I have been tethering via usb and calling via ata ever since.
If you use GV via bowser it should be OK. I have not tried the real Google voice app. What is weird is that I posted a few threads on the google voice help and nevr really got a good answer. I am not sure if anybody realizes that there is a bastard GV out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is free under the following conditions:
1) You use it to call your SIP number that has unlimited free incoming calls (such as Sipgate).
2) You have unlimited calling to/from specified numbers (Such as Sprint's call-home or w/e, T-Mobile/Verizon/whatever's MyFaves, My Five, etc.
Also, from the app's description in the Market:
Google Voice Callback can be combined with Gizmo5/Sipdroid/Fring/Sipgate or other VOIP solutions to make free calls over wifi or 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps you should read more closely, neh?
Press 4 at any time to start recording the conversation
flying_low said:
Press 4 at any time to start recording the conversation
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that true?
swyped from my cyanogenized and gingerbreaded EVO
Perhaps you should read more closely, neh?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you should not beleive everything you read there Gizmo.
And then what sip to sip to sip Haha ha
Better yet lets try it with 3G good one.
You ever try to sip anything there Gizmo
twiz0r said:
Is that true?
swyped from my cyanogenized and gingerbreaded EVO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have not used it but it's in the tips section
One thing is for sure is that you usually thank somebody and not flame them when they look out for somebody so they do not get burned. Senior members without a clue should also give thanks when a noob has to straighten them out and also apologize for being a flamer so we can get back on the question at hand
Thanks for all of this guys. I was already using it, but know about these other things is cool.
I love Google but had nothing but problems with voice....half the time or more it would say # disconnected and a host of other problems......shy away from voice in my opinion
Sent from my HERO200 running gingerbread....suck it sprint
I love everything about GV except for the lack of MMS
I think somebody thanked me but it is now gone. Thanks if you did.
Number porting
Vanity Numbers
Blacklisting .
Gizmo was awesome but it is now gone I hope it comes back.
I used many of these apps and there is a lot to go over here so send a thanks or other if you are interested. I just do not feel like adding any technical information since I got flamed. I can also tell you that I gave a thanks to the member that informed you guys about how it can eat minutes and I hope that you did the same. Personally I would stay away from the bogus market app that is not made by gogle. It used to be called GV free dial.
Anyone else here using Google Voice? And I don't just mean for the voicemail part. I just set up a number online with them and I'm considering dropping my unlimited SMS with VZW and using the Google voice SMS instead.
I'm just curious to see if anyone else has tried this? The number I got is the same last four as my current one, but the prefix is different, so that's not too bad. I figure I could drop my bill almost $30 by no longer using VZW's SMS service.
This is one of the first reasons why Android interested me. I've never paid for txt messages & never will.
Limitations:
1. You can't send an email-to-txt to a GV number
2. You can't receive MMS
3. You can't send txts to short numbers (like "Text REDCROSS to 90999")
Unless those features are worth $360/year, I think it's an easy decision...
Been using GV as my primary number for over a year now. My most recent VZW bill shows 0 text usage even though any of my friends would tell you that we exchange tons of texts
The biggest shortcoming is the lack of MMS support. If your friends aren't in the habit of sending you picture messages though (my circle just uses email), then it's a non-issue.
It's also great that using the Local Google Voice Settings Plugin with Tasker allows me to tweak GV call forwarding on the fly. Call me while I'm at work and you'll hit my desk phone. Call me in the evenings and you'll hit my cell.
Ok everything sounds pretty good to me then, the lack of MMS support is kinda weak though, I do that pretty frequently. I was considering just straight porting my number to them, but then I decided it wouldn't be worth it with my ETF. I'll give it a shot though with email instead of MMS, with Androids and all the options to share media, I'm sure I could live without it.
Afterthought: next question about GV, anyone have a way to integrate the incredible's messaging app with the SMS of GV? Mostly because I like how I have my widgets set up and would like to continue to use them. And secondly because GV isn't the most aesthetically pleasing to me at the moment
Well, you can choose to have your GV# forward text messages to your cell#. That way you could still use your stock messaging app/widget. The problem with that approach is that people's numbers won't come through looking like their number. Instead, you'll see another number that GV is essentially using as a proxy.
Before I had an Android device, I had my contacts set-up to take this into acct. So Johnny Smith might have phone number 444-555-6767, but when he called or texted my GV#, my phone would show incoming from 999-111-2323. I would store both the regular number and the 'proxy' number into someone's contact.
Your life will be a lot easier if you just use the GV app/widget. I'll take functionality over aesthetics any day, but that's your call.
But the problem with forwarding the messages to my current carriers number is that it defeats the purpose of dropping the unlimited texting. I'll give it a shot, I future dated the change on my online account to start next billing cycle. Should give everyone enough time to take down my GV number. Thanks for the help guys! Anyone else that has something to add whether they're pros/cons please let me know.
Hypcrsy said:
But the problem with forwarding the messages to my current carriers number is that it defeats the purpose of dropping the unlimited texting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed. But you asked how to use the stock messaging app with Google Voice. That's how.
No stock messaging system is going to integrate with Google Voice while also keeping your text usage at 0. Your phone doesn't 'think' it's receiving SMS. An SMS app isn't going to 'see' the GV text (unless you have it set to forward to your existing #)
I was actually thinking about this the other day....interesting responses, thanks guys
One thing great that has gone unmentioned is the browser accessibility of google voice....phone issues? Can text anywhere you can get internet via browser. I've used that a fair amount. The way the number can be routed to other phones is always a useful thing as well. I like not being attached to my physical phone numbers anymore.
I just got a google voice account the other day. I am still trying to figure out if I like it. So far it is pretty good. The voice to text is not that accurate yet but I hear that it improves over time. I have not given it out to people yet so not sure how it will work once I do that.
Thanks for the info...
SoBBie
I use GV as a business line. Complete with a business VM message. I love the fact u can screen the VM live then chime in if u wana talk. MMS is the only reason I will not use ot as a vzw replacement #.... Other wise I use it daily.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
byrong said:
Indeed. But you asked how to use the stock messaging app with Google Voice. That's how.
No stock messaging system is going to integrate with Google Voice while also keeping your text usage at 0. Your phone doesn't 'think' it's receiving SMS. An SMS app isn't going to 'see' the GV text (unless you have it set to forward to your existing #)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if I have fowared on, will the phone company still charge for the txt message from my GV?
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
that's correct, you will be charged if you have texts forwarded to your carrier phone #. Think of the google voice app on phone as a chat interface that is linked to a phone #. I have also thought as mentioned it's not the prettiest app...but there are some themed versions out there to be sure.
2faroffroad said:
So if I have fowared on, will the phone company still charge for the txt message from my GV?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. If you have forwarding on, your phone treats it the same as receiving a regular text, since Google is forwarding a regular text to your Verizon phone #
I just use it to see how transcribing works. It is funny on many people but it usually gets the numbers right, which is awesome
I am with you 100% on the transcription - it is hilarious. It has no idea in the world what my wife is saying - 1 in 10 words right, I would guess! I only keep it on for the entertainment value.
So far I'm pretty happy with it. It does have those neat screening features for incoming calls. One weird thing I got was a voicemail recording of the phone ringing and my mom picking up and going "hello? hello?" Hopefully bugs like that don't happen too often. The one thing I will miss is the MMS ability, but hey, I have a Droid Incredible, there are many ways around that.
As for the themed versions of GV, can you point me in the right direction? I'd like like to see what I can find. Thanks again for all the responses, definitely made the decision a lot easier for me.
The best part of GV thus far is that I dropped my bill almost $30 a month. Sprint can suck it with there $69 simply everything plan....mine is Simply Unlimited Everything for $55 a month.
EDIT: Nevermind I found some solid looking themed GV inboxes. Thanks again everyone for responding!
A few months ago I found several incomplete resources on the web to set up Google Voice as your voice mail service instead of using your carrier. In the case of Verizon, I was even more disgusted to pay $2.99 per line per month for a service that should be included with every smartphone. This guide is intended to be a more complete solution to using Google Voice as your voice mail service on Verizon.
Why Google Voice?
- Integrated FREE visual voice mail on your Galaxy Nexus (don’t pay Big Red more than you have to). Access from your call log or the Google Voice app.
- Transcripts of the message e-mailed to you (the translation is not very accurate, but you can get the main point of the message in most cases before you listen to it).
- Access your voicemail on your phone, tablet, or web browser.
Setup:
1. If you haven’t already, request a Google Voice number from http://bit.ly/obMhcy (Don't port your number, just get a new one from Google - porting your number from Verizon to Google Voice will cancel your Verizon service).
2. Once you have your Google Voice number, install the Google Voice app on your phone http://bit.ly/QDySzs
3. Once all signed in to the Google Voice app, you are ready to set up FREE visual voicemail on your Galaxy Nexus.
4. Go to your Phone app settings (not Google Voice, but the actual Phone app that makes your phone a phone). Under “Other Call Settings” is a “voicemail” option, open that. Under “Service” select Google Voice. You will get a pop up warning that your carrier cannot be autoconfigured, but just acknowledge the warning and continue on. To make this function on Verizon, you need to setup a “Number Busy/No Answer Call”, also known as conditional call forwarding by following this simple step:
Dial *71 [Your GV #] then hit Send — (*71-###-###-#### then Send)
You’ll hear a few beeps and then you’ll automatically be disconnected. This is a free Verizon calling feature that reroutes an unanswered call to the 10-digit number provided after the *71, which is your Google Voice number in this case. Make a test call to your cell phone number from another phone to make sure all is working – you can set up your personal message later.
Now, anybody that calls your cell phone (GV or regular cell number) will be redirected to your Google Voice voicemail. This way you can keep your Verizon phone number and still manage voicemail online (replay/save messages to your computer) and get transcriptions.
There are options on the Google Voice web interface to record a personal message, which can be different depending on who is calling. For example, a message for friends, one for work, etc. The Google Voice settings page is also where you set up your account to receive e-mail notifications of voicemails with transcripts, etc.
Don't forget to cancel your Verizon VVM subscription once this is complete and working, and uninstall yet another Verizon app from your Nexus device. :good:
Thanks OP! As someone who has used Google Voice for a few years I fully support this thread.
I ran this since Google Voice was in beta on VZW. No other way to have it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Thanks, works great!! I Love how I can play VM right from the phone app!! And read them in the voice app. So sick. Thanks a lot
And if your plan supports it, add your GV # to your Friends & Family list to make voicemail airtime free (won't use minutes)
jpinsl said:
And if your plan supports it, add your GV # to your Friends & Family list to make voicemail airtime free (won't use minutes)
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The VMs are downloaded and stored in the app via data, you wont ever have to call VM again.
I believe you are thinking of the old trick, change the GV settings to show your GV# instead of the callers #.
Thanks for posting this. I'm going to give it a go.
WiredPirate said:
The VMs are downloaded and stored in the app via data, you wont ever have to call VM again.
I believe you are thinking of the old trick, change the GV settings to show your GV# instead of the callers #.
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Actually, I'm thinking that rather than burn data-bytes, I just reprogram the phone to call my GV# when I press and hold 1. By listing it in F&F, it's a free call, doesn't use data and works exactly like my carrier's VM.
Google voice has been working great for me for a couple months and is a huge step up from regular voicemail.... Highly recommended! Thanks for the guide.
jpinsl said:
Actually, I'm thinking that rather than burn data-bytes, I just reprogram the phone to call my GV# when I press and hold 1. By listing it in F&F, it's a free call, doesn't use data and works exactly like my carrier's VM.
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Yeah but doesn't that defeat the purpose? If you're going to do that why not use the carriers VM? And I cant imagine that downloading a voice mail message uses much data. Oh well, to each his own.
So, is there anything I need to watch out for when flashing other ROMs
sent from the bathroom
geomonroe said:
So, is there anything I need to watch out for when flashing other ROMs
sent from the bathroom
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Set up phone as per instructions, don't have to do the *71 part. I've been doing this for a couple years now, and I tend to flash a different rom a few times a week, no problems.
Really want to screw the man? Just get a free sip line hooked to your gv number. All you need is a data plan. Saves big $$$$$
Phazmos said:
Set up phone as per instructions, don't have to do the *71 part. I've been doing this for a couple years now, and I tend to flash a different rom a few times a week, no problems.
Really want to screw the man? Just get a free sip line hooked to your gv number. All you need is a data plan. Saves big $$$$$
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I did the *71 thing. Now I can't send messages
sent from the bathroom
geomonroe said:
I did the *71 thing. Now I can't send messages
sent from the bathroom
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[SOLVED] disabled through app now I can send through either. The two different numbers are messing with my peeps, I have had the same number for years. Plus when you look below the surface there can be charges
sent from the bathroom
geomonroe said:
[SOLVED] disabled through app now I can send through either. The two different numbers are messing with my peeps, I have had the same number for years. Plus when you look below the surface there can be charges
sent from the bathroom
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Have gv ring all numbers when a call comes in. No matter which is dialed, no matter which is in use, you'll get the call. Been working that way for me for a couple years. Texting the vz number will incur a charge, but that's about it. Only extra charges I see are from those texts. No cost if texts go to gv number.
Phazmos said:
Have gv ring all numbers when a call comes in. No matter which is dialed, no matter which is in use, you'll get the call. Been working that way for me for a couple years. Texting the vz number will incur a charge, but that's about it. Only extra charges I see are from those texts. No cost if texts go to gv number.
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Texting through Google voice is a nightmare. This thread's purpose was to show folks how stop paying Verizon for the ability to have visual voice mail on your smartphone.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Thanks for this! Had no idea I could even change the voicemail to something else. I got so tired of the voicemail icon constantly making my notification light blink since I never check it. Hell, I had no idea verizon even offered a visual voicemail service. +1Google
Youmail.. The best free visual voicemail ..use on all my phones and tabs.. And best of all works perfect and simple to setup
Sent from my QMV7A using Xparent Purple Tapatalk 2