android
Free Wi-Fi calling with Google Hangouts
Jesse Simms • May 24, 2018
If you have limited minutes on your phone plan, Wi-Fi calling is a great way to use less (all Ting Mobile plans have unlimited talk and text–just saying). It also can be useful when you’re somewhere with poor cellular service but strong Wi-Fi. Here’s how to take advantage of Google Hangouts Wi-Fi calling.
Free Wi-Fi calling
You can make voice calls from Hangouts on Android and Hangouts on iOS to any number across North America. For free.
You may be thinking, “doesn’t Google Hangouts use data?” How can it be free?
In short, jump on a Wi-Fi connection and any call you make to any number across the US and Canada is entirely free. When you’re on Wi-Fi, these calls won’t use mobile data or minutes. Nifty, right?
Newer versions bring caller ID to your outbound calls, too! No longer will you show up as “Unknown” – your friends and family now see your Ting number when you give them a ring.
Not familiar with Google Hangouts? It’s similar to Skype or iMessage (messaging, voice calls and video chat), except, as we’ve pointed out, Wi-Fi calling North American phone numbers through Hangouts Dialer costs absolutely nothing. Hangouts also supports animated GIFs… need we say more?!
Get started
Android users
Update your current Hangouts app and install the accompanying Hangouts Dialer. Installing the Hangouts Dialer adds a second calling section to the app.
Calling a number from this screen will use your smartphone’s internet connection (whether Wi-Fi or mobile data) to place the call.
Detailed Android instructions (with GIFs)
iOS users
Hangouts is available for all iOS devices running 6.0 and up. If you have yet to download Hangouts, pick it up from the App Store now.
Voice calls are instantly available inside Hangouts, no secondary app required. Just head to the “Calls” screen and you’re good to go!
Detailed iOS instructions (with GIFs)
We hope this helps you save even more on your monthly bill!
Have any questions? Let us know in the comments.