Call Your Cell Phone from the Internet

To call your phone number from your computer using the Internet, install the Hangouts extension for Google Chrome. Click the Phone tab in Hangouts and then dial the number you want to call. Your call will be placed using your computer's webcam or microphone. Most calls in the US and Canada are free. Read on for detailed Hangouts instructions, as well as instructions for using Skype to call phones.

Steps

Using Google Hangouts

  1. Open the Google Hangouts program. Google Hangouts is the safest, most reliable, and cheapest way to call a cell phone from your computer, especially if you're within the US or Canada (it's free there). All you'll need is a free Google account. There are three different ways that you can access Google Hangouts on your computer:
    • Gmail - Log into the Gmail website. You will need to enable Google Chat by clicking the Gear button, selecting Settings, clicking the "Chat" tab, and then enabling Chat. The Chat interface will appear in the lower-left corner of the Gmail window. You can use this method with most major browsers.
    • Chrome extension - Click the Chrome Menu button and select "More tools" → "Extensions". Click the "Get more extensions" link at the bottom of the list. Search for "Hangouts" and select it from the "Extensions" results. You can then access the extension by clicking the Hangouts button next to the address bar.
    • Chrome app - Click the Chrome Menu button and select "More tools" → "Extensions". Click the "Get more extensions" link at the bottom of the list. Search for "Hangouts" and select it from the "Apps" results. You can then access the app by clicking the Hangouts button in your Chrome Apps list.
  2. Click the "Phone" button. You may have to click the "New Hangout" box for it to appear if you're using the extension or app.
  3. Install the voice plugin (if prompted). When using the dialer in Gmail, you may see a message prompting you to install the Voice plugin. Click the link and follow the prompts to download it.
    • The Hangouts extension and app have this built-in, so you won't need to install anything extra.
  4. Click the flag to change the country code. Click the flag icon to open a drop-down menu of different countries. Select the country that your recipient is located in.
  5. Enter in the phone number you want to dial. If you are calling within the United States or Canada, most calls will be free. International calls have varying rates, which you can check at the Google Voice website.
    • Note: If your recipient also has Hangouts installed on their mobile phone, you can call them for free regardless of their location. This won't be a traditional "call", but instead it will be a voice chat. Select the person's contact from your list instead of entering the phone number.
    • You cannot place emergency calls using Google Hangouts. If you are in an emergency, use a landline or cell phone.
  6. Call the number. Once you've entered the phone number you want to reach, you can place the call. If you have a Google Voice account, the recipient will see your Google Voice number on the caller ID. If you don't have a Google Voice account, the recipient will see "Unknown", and will not be able to return the call.

Using Skype

  1. Download and install the Skype program. Skype is a chat program by Microsoft that allows you to dial mobile phones as long as you have enough Skype credit. You can also voice chat with any other Skype user for free.
    • Install-Skype.
    • Installing Skype on the cell phone will allow you to make free voice chat calls between your computer and the app on the phone.
  2. Add Skype credit. If you're calling a cell phone, you'll need some Skype credit on your account. Click your name at the top of the Contacts list and then click the "Add Skype Credit" link.
    • Calls in the US and Canada cost about 2¢/minute, or you can sign up for monthly subscriptions for unlimited calling for just a few dollars.
    • International calls will cost more, and the rates vary depending on the country.
    • If you're starting a voice chat between Skype on your computer and Skype on the phone, you won't need to add credit.
  3. Click the "Phone" button in Skype. This is located directly beneath your name on the left side.
    • If you want to voice chat with a Skype member instead of calling a mobile number, select their contact from your list and click the "Phone" button. You can ignore the rest of the steps if you are doing this.
  4. Click the flag to change the country code. Click the flag icon to open a drop-down menu of different countries. Select the country that your recipient is located in.
  5. Enter the number that you want to dial. Make sure to enter the area code. You won't need to enter the country code.
  6. Click the green "Call" button. Assuming you have credit on your account, your call will be placed to the number you entered.

Warnings

  • Avoid sites that claim to allow you to call any cell phone for free. These are usually heavily ad-supported, and your phone number may be sold to advertisers and marketers. Many of them do not work as advertised either.
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