• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

Free voice + SMS app over WiFi using Google Voice number on Android 2.3?

RazzMaTazz

Android Expert
Jan 28, 2011
1,392
498
I have an old, rooted, Optimus S (Android 2.3) without a cellular plan that I want to turn into a phone for a homebound senior citizen that:

  1. Provides free voice and texting over WiFi.
  2. Preferably uses that person's existing Google Voice (GV) number.
  3. Uses the same phone number for (a) inbound calls (b) inbound SMS, (c), outbound SMS, and (d) outbound calls.
Currently I'm using the GrooveIP Lite app (with a free RingTo phone #), the Google Voice app, and a GV # to accomplish everything but 3(d) above. I can get it to dial out from the RingTo phone #, but I can't get Google Voice or GrooveIP to dial out "from" the Google Voice number. I've spent hours trying various settings on the Google Voice web page & app, and the GrooveIP app, exactly following GrooveIP's instructions for integrating with Google Voice.

I'm open to other apps as a solution-- and even abandoning the Google Voice number if necessary (though I'd prefer to use it if possible).
 
i'm a bit out of the loop on this subject, but my understanding and recollection is that google cut off, from gv access, all third party apps. i used to use talkatone for wifi calling, and that is now only available for a monthly fee...with a talkatone number.

i think this happened in may. it has long been rumored that google would be incorporating wifi calling and messaging with gv to its hangouts app. still hasn't happened, though hangouts on IOS does in fact already permit this.
 
Upvote 0

BEST TECH IN 2023

We've been tracking upcoming products and ranking the best tech since 2007. Thanks for trusting our opinion: we get rewarded through affiliate links that earn us a commission and we invite you to learn more about us.

Smartphones