For years, pairing OBiTalk devices with Google Voice was one of the smartest ways to enjoy a reliable home phone service without paying a monthly bill. People loved it because it allowed them to plug a basic telephone into an OBi adapter and make calls through Google Voice automatically, with no subscription fees or contracts. It felt like the perfect blend of old-school convenience and modern internet calling.
But in recent years, things have changed. Poly (formerly Obihai), the company behind OBi devices, ended official support for their popular OBi200 and OBi202 adapters. That left many users wondering whether connecting OBiTalk with Google Voice is still possible today, and if so, for how long.
This article breaks down how OBiTalk works with Google Voice, what has changed, what still works, and what options you have going forward—explained clearly and in simple, human language.
What Exactly Is OBiTalk?
OBiTalk is the online management platform designed for OBi VoIP adapters. These small, simple devices plug into your router and allow you to connect a regular, analog telephone to the internet. Instead of relying on a landline provider, your calls go through a VoIP service such as Google Voice, Anveo, Callcentric, or other SIP-based services.
Before support ended, OBiTalk made everything incredibly simple. You could:
- Add your device to your OBiTalk account
- Log into Google Voice through the portal
- Authorize the connection
- Start making calls within a few minutes
The system worked so well that thousands of people used it as their primary home phone solution.
How OBiTalk Works With Google Voice
Even though Poly discontinued support, understanding how the connection works helps explain why many setups still function today.
1. Device Registration
The user logs into the OBiTalk portal and “adds” their device using a code displayed on the phone attached to the OBi adapter. This tells the portal which device belongs to which account.
2. Google Voice Authorization
When choosing Google Voice as the service provider, the OBiTalk portal redirects you to Google’s sign-in page to allow the device to use your Google Voice number.
3. VoIP Calling Through Your Phone
Once authorized, the OBi device communicates directly with Google’s servers. Outgoing and incoming calls pass through the adapter, allowing your standard home phone to work just like a landline—except it’s free for domestic U.S. calls.
The Main Advantage
OBiTalk + Google Voice gave people free, unlimited calling, voicemail, call forwarding, spam filtering, and a traditional handset experience without cable or telephone company fees.
Did OBiTalk Stop Working?
Not entirely. Here’s the current state:
- Existing configurations usually still work. If your device was already successfully linked to Google Voice before Poly shut down support, it may continue functioning normally.
- New setups are hit-or-miss. Because official support ended, some users cannot add new devices or re-authorize existing ones.
- Future breakage is possible. If Google changes its authentication or calling protocols, older OBi firmware may no longer work.
In other words: if your device is up and running, you’re in good shape—for now. But nothing is guaranteed long-term.
Should You Avoid Resetting Your Device?
Absolutely.
If your OBi200 or OBi202 currently works with Google Voice, do not factory-reset it unless you’re prepared for the possibility that you may never be able to reconnect Google Voice again.
Once a device loses its configuration, you may be stuck without a way to re-authorize it.
Can You Still Set Up a New OBi Device?
It depends on:
- Whether the device has the last official firmware
- Whether the OBiTalk portal still processes your Google Voice login
- Whether Google has changed anything that breaks compatibility
- Whether the device is one of the still-functional models
Some users can still get the setup to work, especially with units that were previously configured. Others run into login errors or device registration failures. Because support is discontinued, there is no official fix.
What Are the Best Alternatives Now?
If you want a long-term, reliable home phone setup, it may be wise to think about alternatives. Here are the most common ones:
1. Use Google Voice Without OBiTalk
You can still use Google Voice:
- On your smartphone
- On your computer
- Through Wi-Fi calling
- Through apps on tablets and Chromebooks
This is the simplest and cheapest solution if you don’t absolutely need a physical phone.
2. Switch to a SIP VoIP Provider
If you love your home phone, you can keep using your OBi device with another provider. Popular ones include:
- Callcentric
- VoIP.ms
- Anveo
- PhonePower
These plans often cost between $3–$10 per month, and most offer features similar to Google Voice.
3. Choose a New VoIP Adapter or IP Phone
Brands like Grandstream and Cisco provide reliable, affordable VoIP hardware that works with any SIP service. If you want to “future-proof” your home phone setup, this is one of the best options.
FAQs About OBiTalk With Google Voice
1. Does OBiTalk still work with Google Voice?
Yes—if your device was previously configured, it will likely continue functioning. New configurations are not guaranteed.
2. Can I still buy an OBi200 or OBi202?
You may find them used or refurbished, but Poly no longer sells or supports these models.
3. What happens if my device stops working with Google Voice?
You can switch to a low-cost SIP VoIP provider or use the Google Voice app on your mobile devices.
4. Is there a manual setup method without OBiTalk?
Not officially. Some users have created complex workarounds, but they are not beginner-friendly or officially supported.
5. Is Google planning new home phone hardware?
There has been no announcement indicating new supported adapters.
Final Thoughts
Using OBiTalk with Google Voice was once a dream solution: nearly free, simple, and dependable. While support has ended, many devices continue working just fine. If your setup is already running, enjoy it while it lasts—but be prepared with a backup plan. VoIP isn’t going away, but the OBi era is definitely winding down.
