How do I add a Google Talk number to iMessage?

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Level 1

9 points

How do I add a Google Talk number to iMessage?

I had a phone number with a cell provider previously, but switched carriers. In the process of doing this, I ported my old number to Google Voice and got a new number with the new carrier. I was able to have both phone numbers connected to my iMessage, but my old number has now disappeared from the list of connected numbers and emails. Now I don't get any of the messages that people are sending to my old number. Is there any way to add this back so that I may get iMessages at both numbers? Thanks.

iPhone 5s, iOS 7.0.4

Posted on Dec 17, 2013 8:45 AM

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Answer 1

AmishCake

Level 6

9,636 points

Dec 17, 2013 9:43 AM in response to Fiestaman

Found this thread by searching the forum. Hope it helps: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3742229

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Answer 2

Fiestaman Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 17, 2013 9:49 AM in response to AmishCake

I took a look at that thread, but it was for a different situation. My iMessage used to be able to receive messages at my old phone number for a couple months, but just recently, it disappeared. Does Apple regularly prune phone numbers from their lists? I didn't reset any settings or anything and I don't think I can readd that number unless I am able to have a phone with that number which isn't possible unless I report it again.

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Answer 3

Dec 17, 2013 10:15 AM in response to Fiestaman

Ordinarily, the only number that can be connected to iMessage is the phone number that your carrier assigns your iPhone. However, unless you deactivate a number before you switch it to another phone (which is essentially what you did, though the phone you switched to is virtual), it will take the system a little while to disconnect that number from iMessage. However, it will eventually be disconnected.

Best of luck.

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Answer 4

wjosten

Level 10

95,321 points

Dec 17, 2013 10:46 AM in response to Fiestaman

AFAIK, you cannot use a Google Voice number for either iMessage or FaceTime, with the singular exception being if you are a Sprint customer, & your Sprint number & Google Voice numberr are the same:

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4091

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Answer 5

Fiestaman Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 17, 2013 11:03 AM in response to wjosten

So it appears that since the number randomly dropped off my receive list, I cannot readd it again? It was working fine for about 2 months, but then stopped working when the number randomly fell off of my list.

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Answer 6

KiltedTim

Level 10

196,347 points

Dec 17, 2013 11:04 AM in response to Fiestaman

It did not "randomly" drop off of your recieve list. It's already been explained to you what happened.

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