A common configuration is to use a Google Voice number that forwards to an Aircall number. This is often done because some Google Voice tiers do not offer an IVR service, while Aircall does.

However, free Google Voice numbers are not designed for business use cases, and their behavior can prevent successful forwarding to Aircall.

Why forwarding from Google Voice can fail

Google Voice is configured in such a way that it will flag a call if it is answered too quickly.

If you answer a Google Voice call instantly, Google Voice may play a message such as:

“You answered too quickly, we want to make sure it is legit, please press a button.”

Inbound calls to Aircall numbers that are configured with an IVR or Audio widget will usually be answered before the end of the first ring. In practice, this is often considered “too quick” for Google Voice and leads to the verification prompt rather than a normal call connection.

Delay requirement and Google Voice tiers

Introducing a slight delay (around 2 seconds) before the call is answered would allow these calls to complete successfully.

However:

  • This type of delay is only available on higher tiers of Google Voice accounts
  • It is not available on free Google Voice numbers

As a result, forwarding from free Google Voice numbers to Aircall numbers that answer quickly, such as those with IVR or Audio widgets, may not work reliably.