In Google Docs on a computer, open File → Page setup, select Pages, and click OK. Then open Insert → Page elements → Page number. The page number controls are available in Pages format.
01Check the layout before adding new numbers
Section linkIf the numbers disappeared after a switch to Pageless, return to Pages and look at the existing header and footer first. This also brings back headers and footers hidden by Pageless. Check where the page breaks fall before changing the numbering, especially in a document with wide tables.
02Use a page number field
Section linkUnder Insert → Page elements → Page number, pick the placement you want. Page count inserts the total number of pages at the cursor. Use Page number for a value that advances on each page. To check the result, scroll across a page break and compare the footer or header on either side.
03Fix a missing first page or a restart in the middle
Section linkCheck whether Different first page is enabled in the header or footer. To change numbering for a specific section, place the cursor in that section and open Insert → Page elements → Page number → More options. Check Apply to and choose the scope before clicking Apply. If you need separate numbering and the section option is missing, add a section break where the numbering should change.