How to Make a Call From a Computer

Modern technology has enabled us to stay in touch with people in different parts of the world. With just a few clicks, you can call or text someone who lives on another part of the planet. You can use your phone for this, or you can use your PC. If you’re wondering how to make a call from a PC, make sure you read this guide.

How to Make a Call From a PC?

There are various apps you can use to make calls from your laptop or desktop computer. But, there are some general requirements and equipment you will need to make this possible.

First of all, you need to have a stable internet connection. If your connection isn’t stable, you will have problems with calls cutting out, or you won’t be able to start calls at all.

Then, you will also need earphones or headphones. Most laptops have a built-in microphone. However, that microphone is usually not as good as the one in your headphones, since that one is closer to your mouth. As far as desktop computers go, they typically don’t have a built-in microphone, so in this case, headphones or earphones are essential.

Some of the apps will require you to have a phone number; others will assign a phone number to you once you sign in. This depends on the app you choose.

Setting Up Your Equipment

Before getting to the apps you can use for making calls from your PC, make sure you check your equipment and set up your headphones/earphones. Check your internet connection and if your earphones/headphones are properly connected via Bluetooth or cable. Make sure “External microphone” (or the name of your headphones/earphones) is selected in your Sound setting.

If you want to be 100% sure that your equipment is good to go, you can test your microphone before making a call.

Not that you’ve set up your equipment, let’s take a look at some of the most popular apps for making calls from a PC.

Apps for Making Calls From a PC

FaceTime

If you own a Mac and an iPhone, this is a great option. You can make calls from your iPhone through your Mac device. However, this is an app that only works with Apple devices, so if you have a Windows, Linux, or Android, you should look into other options.

Before going to the steps of making a phone call inside the app, make sure that both your iPhone and your Mac are signed in to the same Apple ID and set up your devices for phone calls. If they aren’t set up, you won’t be able to make the calls.

1. Open the FaceTime app on your Mac.
2. Tap on the “Audio” tab.
3. Type the phone number you would like to call or find the person in your contacts.
4. Tap on the phone icon next to the number or the name. You will see a message asking you to choose between making the call using FaceTime Audio or your iPhone. Choose “FaceTime Audio.”
5. FaceTime will now make the phone call. It will use your Wi-Fi instead of your phone plan.

YourPhone

If you’re a Windows user, the app that comes with your Microsoft operating system is called YourPhone. It resembles FaceTime: it makes the calls from your PC but through a linked Android phone. To be able to make phone calls through YourPhone, follow these steps:

1. Install the app called “Your Phone Companion – Links to Windows” on your Android phone. This app will enable you to connect your phone to your computer. You can find it on Play Store.
   
2. Open the Start menu on your computer.
   
3. Start typing “Your Phone” and open it.
   
4. Sign in with Microsoft and set it up with your phone.
5. Choose the “Calls” tab.
   
6. Choose “Search your contacts” if you want to call someone from your contact list. If not, you can enter the number you wish to call.
   
7. Select the phone icon to dial.
   

Tip: Always make sure your Bluetooth is on. If it’s turned off, you won’t be able to make phone calls using YourPhone.

Skype

If you don’t want to make calls using your phone number, you can use Skype. It’s one of the most popular apps for making phone and video calls across different devices. Since it’s available across different platforms (Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android) and on different devices, you can call from your PC to another PC, a mobile phone, or an app.

If you want to make a call from your PC using Skype, make sure you follow these steps:

1. If you don’t have it already, make sure you install the Skype app. You can download it here: https://www.skype.com/en/get-skype/.
   
2. Log into your account, or create one if this is the first time you’re using Skype.
   
3. Open the “Calls” tab.
   
4. Look for a person’s name, e-mail, or username to add them to your contacts.
   
5. Tap “Call.”
   

This option is free of charge. However, you can also call a mobile phone number or a landline from your Skype app. In this case, you will have to purchase a subscription or Skype Credit since this option isn’t free.

Keku

Keku is an app very similar to Skype, but it runs inside your browser. It uses Local Number technology. If you want to call your international friends, you create a Local Number for each of them. Then, you dial this number when you want to call them.

If you want to use Keku from your computer, make sure you follow these steps:

1. Open Google Chrome.
   
2. Go to the Keku website.
   
3. Create a Keku account if you don’t have one already.
4. Go to the “Call from computer” page or follow this link https://www.keku.com/controlpanel/dialpage.html.
   
5. Choose your caller ID (your own phone number or a virtual one).

Keku can make calls using your internet, local minutes, or the Local Number option. It offers affordable rates for international calls, which makes it popular among people who often contact friends and family abroad.

TextNow

TextNow offers another way of calling and texting others for free from your computer. Once you sign up, you get a phone number from which you can text and call people. It’s simple and works well in your browser.

1. Open your browser.
2. Go to TextNow web page: https://www.textnow.com/
   
3. Sign up or log in if you already have an account.
   
4. Type the number you wish to call.
5. Press “Call.”

TextNow keeps your call history, and you can access the app from your phone/another device. You will have all the calls and messages saved if you log in to your account. You can even use the voicemail box feature.

Google Duo

Google Duo is a free app designed for making phone or video calls. It can be used from the website or as an app for Android, iPhone, and iPad. Its interface is simple: it works based on your phone number, and it connects to your Google account. Once you sign in, you will see a list of contacts that have Google Duo installed. You will also see an option to invite your friends to Google Duo.

If you want to use it from your PC, follow these steps:

1. Open your browser.
   
2. Open the Google Duo website or follow this link: https://duo.google.com/about/.
   
3. Choose the contact you wish to call.
   

One of the upsides of Google Duo is that it will work even without Wi-Fi. So, if you’re trying to call someone who doesn’t have Wi-Fi available, this is a great option.

One of the downsides is that, unlike similar apps, Google Duo doesn’t offer a messaging option. You can use this app for calls only, so if you want to message someone, you will have to try a different option.

Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger is another app you can use to make phone calls from your PC. You can use it from any browser on your computer, and it also doubles as a mobile phone app. To be able to make the phone call, the person you’re calling has to have Facebook Messenger installed on their device.

Although this app is an extension of Facebook, you don’t need to have a Facebook account to use Facebook Messenger. It’s an independent app that everyone can use.

To make a phone call from your PC using Facebook Messenger, follow these steps:

1. Open your browser.
   
2. Type “Facebook Messenger” in the search bar and open the first link.
   
3. Log in to your account or, if you don’t have one already, create it.
   
4. Choose the contact you wish to call.
   
5. Press the call button.
   

While Facebook Messenger is a great app for staying in touch with people who also have an account, you can’t call landlines or any of the “real” phone numbers through the app.

Calling From PC Is Easy-Peasy!

Whether you don’t have access to your phone, you want to call an international number, or you simply want to try something new, you can use your PC to call others. Different options are available on the market: you can use apps that require you to open an account, apps that provide you with a number you can use, or apps that require you to link them to your phone number. Make sure to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Have you ever tried calling someone from your PC? Tell us in the comment section below.