How To Use The Internet To Make Phone Calls

You can use the internet to make phone calls using your smartphone's built-in Wi-Fi Calling feature, Google Voice, or WhatsApp.

Use Wi-Fi Calling on iPhone

1. Open Settings and tap Cellular.
2. If your iPhone has multiple SIMs, select the line you want to use under SIMs or Cellular Plans.
3. Tap Wi-Fi Calling, then turn on Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone.
4. Enter or confirm your address for emergency services when prompted. Apple says you may need to enter or confirm your address for emergency services during setup.

When Wi-Fi Calling is active, you will see "Wi-Fi" in the status bar while viewing Control Center. Note that Wi-Fi Calling isn’t available with all carriers or in all countries or regions.

Make calls from other Apple devices

1. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Calling.
2. Turn on Allow Calls on Other Devices.
3. Under Allow Calls On, enable each eligible device you want to use.

All devices must be signed in to the same Apple ID for iCloud and FaceTime, and must have the latest version of software. Apple says the device must have the latest version of software. This feature requires iOS 9 or later and OS X 10.10 or later. Apple’s older guide says this works when you are signed in to iCloud and FaceTime on all devices with the same Apple ID, and that iOS 9 or later and OS X 10.10 or later were required for that setup path.

Make calls with Google Voice on Android

1. Open the Voice app and tap Menu > Settings.
2. Under Calls, tap Making and receiving calls and select Prefer Wi‑Fi and mobile data.
3. To place a call using Wi‑Fi, start the call from the Voice app. Google says to use Wi-Fi for a call, start the call from the Voice app.
4. Tap Calls, then select a saved contact from search or tap Dial and enter the number, then tap Call.

You can also configure calls started from your device’s phone app under Menu > Settings > Calls started from this device’s phone app, choosing Yes (all calls), Yes (international only), or Select number before each call. If a dialog appears, you must grant call redirection permission. Google says that if a dialog appears, you must grant call redirection permission.

Link a number to Google Voice

1. Open the Voice app and tap Menu > Settings > Devices and numbers.
2. Tap New linked number and enter the phone number to link. To link a number for Google Voice, Google says to open Voice, tap Menu > Settings > Devices and numbers > New linked number, then enter the phone number to link.

Google Voice and internet calling options give you flexibility to choose how calls are routed, whether you prefer data or Wi‑Fi.

Make voice calls with WhatsApp

1. Open the individual chat with the contact you want to call.
2. Tap the Call button (phone icon).

The call uses your internet connection. On WhatsApp Web, open the chat and click Call > Voice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do internet calls cost money?

Wi-Fi Calling uses your carrier plan minutes unless you are on Wi‑Fi. Google Voice calls to US and Canadian numbers are free; international calls are charged at Google Voice rates. WhatsApp voice calls are free between WhatsApp users, but use your data allowance.

What internet speed do I need for internet calling?

A stable broadband connection with at least 1 Mbps upload and download speed is recommended for clear voice calls. Slower connections may cause dropped calls or poor audio quality.

Can I call emergency services using internet calling?

Wi-Fi Calling requires you to register an emergency address during setup, and emergency calls are routed through your carrier. Google Voice and WhatsApp do not support emergency calling in most regions.

Will internet calls work while traveling internationally?

Wi-Fi Calling works over any Wi‑Fi network while traveling, but carrier restrictions may apply. Google Voice and WhatsApp work anywhere with an internet connection, though data roaming charges may apply.

Can I use Google Voice on iPhone?

Yes, Google Voice is available on iPhone, but the settings path differs slightly. The Android-specific steps for preferring Wi‑Fi and mobile data may not be available on iOS.

For the wider topic, see Google Voice and internet calling.