You have more options than ever to call someone from your Android phone or tablet. There’s your regular phone app, but there are also a wealth of internet-powered, app-based calling options that make it easier and more affordable to call your loved ones.

WiFi calling is a relatively new way to call, but it comes with a number of advantages and possibilities that traditional cellular network based calls don’t have. You don’t have to worry about contracts or fees, and you can use it from any supported device.

What is WiFi calling?

Landline phones traditionally use a phone line to make calls, while mobile phones use a cellular network to make phone calls. WiFi calls, naturally, don’t use either of these systems. They use the power of the internet to make calls.

WiFi calling comes in two forms. There’s app-based WiFi calling, which requires using an app, and then there’s baked-in WiFi calling. Baked-in WiFi calling is built directly into your phone’s operating system, allowing you to use the regular phone app.

Why you want WiFi calling.

WiFi calling has a number of advantages over regular calling. The biggest advantage is that it can enable free calling to anyone, anywhere. Most WiFi calling doesn’t require you to sign up for a contract, which means you can use or not use it whenever you want.

WiFi calling is also extremely important when traveling. It allows you to avoid expensive international roaming fees, so you can call home for free (or, an extremely affordable international rate, depending on the service you’re using).

WiFi calling on Android is complicated.

WiFi calling is available on many devices, but it’s a little more complicated on Android. WiFi calling may be baked into Android, but your ability to use it depends on your phone’s manufacturer and your carrier’s rules.

For example, Verizon only lets you use WiFi calling on Android if you have both WiFi calling and HD voice enabled. If you can’t enable both of those features, you can’t use WiFi calling. Meanwhile, Sprint has no restrictions on WiFi calling.

Not all WiFi calling is the same.

At the same time, not all WiFi calling is equal. Baked-in WiFi calling is essentially an extension of your existing phone number, but actually using it requires support from both your phone and carrier.

App-based WiFi calling is mostly free. Apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype and Facebook Messenger enable you to call anyone in the world for free. However, the catch is that you also have to get your recipient to download the same app. If they don’t have the same app, you either can’t call them or have to pay.

Talkatone is an exception. It’s a free WiFi calling app for Android that will allow you to talk to anyone, anywhere for free. You’ll also get your own number, which you can use for free texting to anyone in the world.

How to use WiFi calling on Android.

Using Talkatone for free WiFi calling is simple. You can find the free phone call app in the Google Play Store.

Once you download it, you can create your new Talkatone account with either your email address or phone number. You’ll be sent a verification number to get started. From there, it’s simple:

Enter the verification code sent to your email or phone number. Choose your Talkatone number. Start calling.

Now you can enjoy free WiFi calling to your loved ones. Calling is free to anyone in the U.S., and it doesn’t matter whether they’re on a landline or mobile phone. You’ll also be able to travel abroad without worrying about high overage fees.

Other features include the ability to burn your phone number, voicemail, free text messaging, forward to voicemail, and the ability to block phone numbers. You’ll also have access to low-call international calling if you’ve got loved ones overseas.

How to choose WIFi calling as your default.

On Android, you can set Talkatone as your default calling app so that you get free WiFi calling app as default. Here’s how to set your default app on Android:

Open your Android device’s Settings app. Tap Apps & notifications. Go to Advanced. Select Default apps. Choose the default app that you want to replace. Choose the Talkatone app.

Note: Available defaults vary by device and Android version.

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