Hollis Johnson/Business Insider You can call any phone number using your Google Home.
You can use Google Home - Google's smart speaker with Google Assistant built in - to place phone calls.
And since Google Home's phone calls use an internet technology called Voice Over IP (VoIP), rather than a cell service like T-Mobile or Verizon, it doesn't affect your smartphone's cellular voice plan at all. All you need is an internet connection.
Here's everything you need to know about making phone calls with Google Home.
For most users, their Google Home will be ready to make phone calls without any extra setup.
There are a few ways you can start a call. Start by saying "OK Google" or "Hey Google," and then:
To place a call on your Google Home, just say "OK Google, call Dave Johnson" (if Dave is in your Google contacts).
When you're done, say "OK Google," and end the call by saying "stop," "hang up," or "end call."
You can also tell Google Home to redial the most recent call with "OK Google, redial."
By default, Google Home calls appear with no Caller ID, which (especially with the deluge of robocalls we're subjected to these days) some people might consider suspicious and ignore. To remedy that, you can configure Google Home calls to show your personal Caller ID number.
1. Start the Google Home app on your phone.
2. In the bottom right corner, tap the account icon.
3. Tap "Settings," then at the bottom of the page, "More settings."
Dave Johnson/Business Insider
The voice call setup options require a number of clicks to find in the Google Home app.
4. Tap the "Services" tab at the top of the More settings page, then tap "Voice and video calls."
5. Tap "Mobile calling."
6. On the Calls on speakers page, tap "Your own number" and then tap "Add or change phone number."
Dave Johnson/Business Insider
You can tell Google Home to identify itself using your phone number.
7. Finally, enter your phone number and tap "Verify" at the top right of the page.
Dave Johnson/Business Insider
You need to be the actual owner of any phone number you use in Google Home calling, because you will be asked to enter a verification code that's texted to you.
8. When you get a text with the verification code, enter it.
You might be aware that you can make calls with Alexa, the personal assistant on Amazon Echo devices. But the two kinds of calling - from Google Home and Amazon Echo - are somewhat different.
Google Home places calls to other phones, both mobile and landline - the smart speaker can place a call to any phone (in the US or Canada). Because Google Home doesn't have its own phone number, however, it cannot receive calls. It makes outgoing calls only.
Amazon/Google The Google Home and Amazon Echo can both place phone calls, but have different limitations on those calls.
Amazon Echo can do that as well. You can use it to make calls directly to phones from your contacts or by speaking the phone number. But unlike Google Home, the Echo also has the ability to make direct Alexa-to-Alexa calls, letting you call someone else's Alexa. Similarly, you can place calls device-to-device from the Echo itself, or from the Alexa app on your phone.
Get the latest Google stock price here.
Stock markets stage strong rebound after 4 days of slump; Sensex rallies 599 pts
Sustainable Transportation Alternatives
10 Foods you should avoid eating when in stress
8 Lesser-known places to visit near Nainital
World Liver Day 2024: 10 Foods that are necessary for a healthy liver
Yes, your Google Home can make phone calls - here's everything you need to knowThe Walkman is turning 40 this year - here's how listening to music has changed over the yearsHere's why Apple's plan to escape Trump's tariffs by building iPhones outside of China won't actually be possible anytime soon'Pokemon Masters' brings 3-on-3 battles to your phone with iconic characters from the seriesCopyright © 2024. Times Internet Limited. All rights reserved.For reprint rights. Times Syndication Service.
Next Story
