Harnessing the technological advancements of the modern era, Chromebooks have emerged as versatile computing devices that transcend the limitations of traditional laptops. One of the most sought-after features is the ability to make phone calls, a capability that empowers users to seamlessly connect with the world around them. Whether it’s for business, personal communication, or simply staying in touch with loved ones, making phone calls on your Chromebook is an indispensable tool that offers convenience, flexibility, and crystal-clear audio quality.
To embark on this telephonic adventure, you’ll need a compatible Chromebook model that supports cellular connectivity. Once you’ve verified your device’s eligibility, you’ll need to insert a SIM card from a cellular service provider. With the SIM card securely in place, you’re just a few steps away from unlocking the world of Chromebook calling. To initiate a call, simply open the Phone app, which comes pre-installed on all compatible Chromebooks. The Phone app’s user-friendly interface makes it incredibly easy to dial numbers, access your contacts, and manage your call history.
In addition to the standard calling features, Chromebooks offer a range of value-added services that enhance your calling experience. For instance, you can easily switch between Wi-Fi and cellular networks, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even when you’re on the move. Furthermore, you can set up voicemail, create a personalized greeting, and even send and receive text messages, all within the Phone app. Whether you’re a seasoned phone user or a first-time caller, making phone calls on your Chromebook is an empowering experience that opens up a world of possibilities.
Connecting Your Chromebook to a Phone
Pairing your Chromebook with your phone unlocks a world of convenience and efficiency. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
-
Enable Bluetooth on Both Devices
– Chromebook: Click on the bottom-right corner to access Quick Settings, then turn on Bluetooth.
– Phone: Go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth and enable it. -
Pair Your Chromebook and Phone
– Click on the Bluetooth icon in Quick Settings and select your phone from the list of available devices.
– On your phone, accept the pairing request that appears. -
Enable Phone Calls on Your Chromebook
– Open the Phone app on your Chromebook and click on the Settings icon in the top-right corner.
– Enable the “Make and receive phone calls on Chromebook” option.
Using the Phone Hub (Beta)
The Phone Hub (Beta) is a Chrome OS feature that allows you to make and receive phone calls and view text messages from your Chromebook. To use the Phone Hub, you must have a supported Android phone and a Chromebook running Chrome OS 79 or later.
Once you have the Phone Hub enabled, you can make phone calls from your Chromebook by opening the Phone Hub app and clicking the “Make Call” button. You can also receive phone calls on your Chromebook by clicking the “Answer” button when a call comes in. Phone calls are made and received through your Android phone, so you must have a strong Wi-Fi or cellular connection to make and receive calls.
In addition to making and receiving phone calls, you can also use the Phone Hub to view and respond to text messages. To view your text messages, open the Phone Hub app and click the “Messages” tab. You can then reply to text messages by typing a message in the text box and clicking the “Send” button. You can also view your entire conversation history with a contact by clicking on their name in the Messages tab.
Making Phone Calls with the Phone Hub: A Detailed Guide
To make a phone call using the Phone Hub, follow these steps:
- Open the Phone Hub app on your Chromebook.
- Click the “Make Call” button.
- Enter the phone number of the person you want to call.
- Click the “Call” button.
The Phone Hub will connect you with the other person, and you can begin talking. To end the call, click the “Hang Up” button.
The Phone Hub is a convenient way to make and receive phone calls and view text messages from your Chromebook. It’s easy to use and can help you stay connected with your friends and family.
Installing a Third-Party App
If you’re not comfortable with using the built-in Phone Hub app, you can install a third-party app from the Google Play Store. There are several options available, each with its own features and capabilities. Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing a third-party phone calling app on your Chromebook:
1. Open the Google Play Store
Click on the Google Play Store icon in your Chromebook’s app drawer to launch it.
2. Search for a Phone Calling App
In the Play Store search bar, type in “phone calling app” or the name of a specific app you’re looking for. A list of apps will appear in the search results.
3. Choose an App and Install
Carefully review the features, capabilities, and user reviews of each app before selecting one. Once you’ve found an app you like, click on the green “Install” button. The app will begin downloading and installing on your Chromebook.
4. Set Up the App
Once the app is installed, click on the “Open” button to launch it. You may be prompted to grant the app certain permissions, such as access to your phone’s call history and contacts. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
5. Start Making Phone Calls
With the third-party phone calling app installed and set up, you can now start making phone calls from your Chromebook. Simply open the app, enter the phone number you want to call, and click the “Call” button. You can also use the app to manage your contacts, call history, and other phone-related functions.
Setting Up Voice Calls
To make phone calls on your Chromebook, you’ll need to first set up voice calls. Here are the steps:
- Open the Phone app.
- Click on the 3 lines in the top left corner and select Settings.
- Under “Accounts”, click on “Add account”.
- Select your Google Account and follow the prompts to sign in.
Once you’ve signed in to your Google Account, you’ll be able to make and receive phone calls.
Making a Phone Call
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the phone number you want to call in the search bar.
- Click on the “Call” button.
You can also make calls using Google Assistant. Just say “Hey Google, call [phone number]”.
Receiving a Phone Call
When you receive a phone call, the Phone app will open automatically. You can answer the call by clicking on the “Answer” button or decline the call by clicking on the “Decline” button.
Call Settings
You can adjust the call settings in the Phone app. To do this:
- Open the Phone app.
- Click on the 3 lines in the top left corner and select Settings.
Here you can adjust the following settings:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Call forwarding | Forward incoming calls to another number. |
| Call waiting | Receive calls while you’re on another call. |
| Caller ID | Set your caller ID to show your phone number or a custom name. |
Making Voice Calls
Chromebooks are capable of making phone calls using Google Voice or other Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. Here’s a detailed guide to making voice calls on your Chromebook:
1. Set Up Google Voice or a VoIP Service
Firstly, you will need to set up a Google Voice account or sign up for another VoIP service. Google Voice provides a free phone number and allows you to make calls to US and Canadian numbers without any additional charges. Other VoIP services may offer different features and pricing plans.
2. Install the Phone App
After setting up your Google Voice account, install the Phone app from the Google Play Store or Chrome Web Store. The Phone app is designed for making calls, sending texts, and managing your contacts.
3. Sign In to the Phone App
Once the Phone app is installed, sign in using your Google account associated with your Google Voice number or VoIP service account.
4. Dial a Phone Number
To make a call, open the Phone app and dial the desired phone number into the keypad. You can also use the search bar to find contacts from your Google contacts or Google Voice contacts.
5. Advanced Call Management Features
The Phone app offers several advanced call management features, including:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Call History | Allows you to view and manage your recent calls. |
| Contacts Manager | Lets you organize and manage your contacts, including adding, editing, and deleting contacts. |
| Call Forwarding | Enables you to forward incoming calls to another phone number. |
| Voicemail | Provides access to your voicemail messages and allows you to manage them. |
| Call Blocking | Allows you to block unwanted calls from specific phone numbers. |
Ending Calls
To end a phone call on your Chromebook, follow these steps:
- Hang up the phone: Press the red "Hang Up" button on the screen.
- End the call in the Phone app: Click on the "End call" button in the Phone app window.
- Use the keyboard shortcut: Press the "Ctrl" + "End" keys on your keyboard.
- Close the Phone app: Click on the "X" button in the top-right corner of the Phone app window to close it. This will also end the call.
- End the call from the notification tray: If you have received a phone call notification in the notification tray, you can click on the "End call" button in the notification to end the call.
- Use the Phone hub: If you have set up the Phone hub on your Chromebook, you can hover over the phone call notification in the Phone hub and click on the "End call" button to end the call.
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Hang up the phone | Press the red “Hang Up” button on the screen |
| End the call in the Phone app | Click on the “End call” button in the Phone app window |
| Use the keyboard shortcut | Press the “Ctrl” + “End” keys on your keyboard |
| Close the Phone app | Click on the “X” button in the top-right corner of the Phone app window to close it |
| End the call from the notification tray | Click on the “End call” button in the notification |
| Use the Phone hub | Hover over the phone call notification in the Phone hub and click on the “End call” button |
Managing Call History
Your Chromebook keeps a record of all your incoming and outgoing calls, making it easy to review past conversations and find specific contacts.
To view your call history:
- Open the Phone app.
- Click the “Menu” button (three vertical dots) in the top-right corner.
- Select “Call history.”
The call history will display a list of all your recent calls, with details such as the contact’s name, phone number, call time, and duration.
Filtering and Searching
You can filter your call history to view only specific types of calls, such as incoming, outgoing, or missed calls. You can also search for a specific contact or phone number using the search bar at the top of the call history.
Managing Call History
You can manage your call history by:
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Delete a call | Select the call and click the “Delete” button. |
| Save a contact | Click the “Add to Contacts” button next to a call from an unsaved contact. |
| Dial a contact from call history | Click the contact’s name or phone number. |
Customizing Call Settings
Navigate to the Phone app’s Settings to personalize your call experience. Here’s a breakdown of the configurable options:
Caller ID and Call History
Manage how your phone number is displayed to recipients and review your call history by accessing these settings.
Notifications
Configure how you receive call notifications. Choose between visual, audible, or both options, and customize the ringtone and vibration pattern.
Call Forwarding
Set up call forwarding to automatically redirect incoming calls to another number when you’re unavailable.
Voicemail
Record and manage your voicemail greeting, check messages, and choose whether to have voicemails transcribed to text.
Accessibility
Adjust call settings to enhance accessibility, such as enabling closed captions during calls, increasing audio volume, or customizing screen colors.
Blocked Numbers
Create a list of phone numbers that you want to block from calling you. Blocked callers will automatically be directed to voicemail.
Call Time Limits
Set time limits for incoming and outgoing calls to manage call duration and data usage.
Advanced Settings
Modify advanced settings related to network connectivity, call recording, and other technical aspects of the Phone app.
Troubleshooting Voice Call Issues
Check your internet connection
Ensure you have a stable and strong internet connection. Poor connectivity can cause call dropouts or disruptions.
Verify audio settings
Check if your microphone and speakers are functioning properly. Adjust volume levels if necessary.
Disable extensions and peripherals
Certain browser extensions or connected peripherals can interfere with voice calls. Disable or remove them temporarily to troubleshoot.
Use a wired headset
Wireless headsets may experience connection issues or latency. Try using a wired headset for a more stable audio connection.
Clear browsing data
Clearing your browser data, including cookies and cache, can resolve temporary issues related to voice calls.
Update ChromeOS
Ensure your Chromebook is running the latest version of ChromeOS. Updates often include fixes for voice call-related bugs.
Check firewall settings
Disable any firewalls or security settings that may be blocking access to voice call services.
Contact your carrier
If you continue to experience voice call issues, contact your carrier for technical support. They may be able to assist with network-related issues.
Additional Troubleshooting Steps
Restart your Chromebook
Restarting your Chromebook can resolve temporary glitches that may affect voice calls.
Disable third-party call clients
If you have installed any third-party call clients, they may conflict with ChromeOS’s native voice call functionality. Disable or remove them.
Reset network settings
Resetting your network settings will clear any cached network configurations that may be causing issues. However, note that this will also remove saved Wi-Fi passwords.
| Reset Network Settings | Steps |
|---|---|
| 1. | Go to the Chrome Settings menu. |
| 2. | Click on “Network.” |
| 3. | Scroll down and click on “Reset network settings.” |
| 4. | Confirm the reset. |
Advanced Voice Call Features
Your Chromebook offers several advanced voice call features that enhance your calling experience. Explore these features for a more convenient and efficient way to communicate.
10. Call Waiting
If another call comes in while you’re already on a call, call waiting will notify you. You can choose to answer the new call and put the current call on hold or decline the new call. To enable call waiting, go to the Phone app settings and turn on the “Call waiting” option.
| Assistant | Google Assistant can help you make calls, check your voicemail, and more. Just say “Hey Google” followed by your command. |
| Call Forwarding | Forward your calls to another phone number when you’re unavailable. Set up call forwarding in the Phone app settings. |
| Caller ID | Display your Caller ID when you make calls. You can set this up in the Phone app settings. |
| Conference Calls | Host or join conference calls with up to 10 participants. Start a conference call by adding participants during a regular call. |
| Custom Call Notifications | Personalize your call notifications with unique ringtones and vibrations for different contacts. Set up custom notifications in the Phone app settings. |
| Do Not Disturb | Silence incoming calls and notifications during specific times or when you’re in certain locations. Enable Do Not Disturb mode in the Quick Settings panel. |
| Emergency Calling | Make emergency calls even without a SIM card or Wi-Fi connection. Dial 911 or your local emergency number. |
How to Make Phone Calls on Your Chromebook
Chromebooks offer a wide range of features, including the ability to make phone calls. This can be particularly useful for students, professionals, and individuals who rely on their devices for communication.
To make phone calls on your Chromebook, you will need to set up a calling service. There are several services available, including Google Voice, Skype, and Hangouts Meet. Once you have chosen a service, you will need to create an account and follow the instructions to set up the service on your Chromebook.
Once you have set up a calling service, you can start making phone calls. To make a call, simply open the calling service app, dial the number you want to call, and press the “Call” button. You can also use the Chromebook’s built-in microphone and speakers to talk and listen during the call.
Here are some additional tips for making phone calls on your Chromebook:
- Make sure that your Chromebook is connected to a Wi-Fi network.
- Use a headset or headphones for better sound quality.
- If you are having trouble making calls, check the settings of your calling service.
People Also Ask About How to Make Phone Calls on Your Chromebook
How to Call a Phone Number on Your Chromebook
To call a phone number on your Chromebook, you will need to use a calling service that supports phone number dialing. Some popular calling services that support this feature include Google Voice, Skype, and Hangouts Meet.
Once you have set up a calling service, you can call a phone number by following these steps:
- Open the calling service app on your Chromebook.
- Dial the phone number you want to call.
- Press the “Call” button.
Can I Make International Calls on My Chromebook?
Yes, you can make international calls on your Chromebook using a calling service that supports international calling. Some popular calling services that support international calling include Google Voice, Skype, and Hangouts Meet.
To make an international call, you will need to know the country code of the country you are calling. You can find country codes on the internet or in a phone book.
Once you know the country code, you can dial the international phone number by following these steps:
- Dial the exit code for your country.
- Dial the country code for the country you are calling.
- Dial the phone number you want to call.
- Press the “Call” button.
