WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of the main benefits of WhatsApp is that it allows users to message and call other WhatsApp users for free, even internationally. However, many users wonder if they can also use WhatsApp to call landline numbers for free.
How WhatsApp Calling Works
WhatsApp calls utilize your phone’s internet connection rather than your cellular plan minutes. As long as both you and the person you are calling have an internet connection, the call goes through WhatsApp’s servers rather than the cellular network. This allows WhatsApp to provide free calls between users.
However, this also means that WhatsApp calling is limited to connections between two WhatsApp users. You cannot use WhatsApp to call landline or mobile numbers that do not have WhatsApp installed. The recipient needs to have an active WhatsApp account for you to call them for free.
Calling Landlines from WhatsApp
Unfortunately, there is currently no way to call landline numbers directly from WhatsApp for free. Because landlines do not have WhatsApp accounts associated with them, there is no way to route a WhatsApp call to them.
Some landline providers allow call forwarding to mobile phones. In this case, you could potentially call someone’s mobile number using WhatsApp for free, which would then forward to their landline. However, this requires the landline owner to have call forwarding set up.
You cannot access the regular phone network for free calls from WhatsApp. The only way to call a landline from WhatsApp is to utilize a virtual phone number service.
Using a Virtual Number to Call Landlines
A virtual phone number service essentially allows you to create a virtual mobile number that forwards calls to any number you choose. Some services will provide you with a local virtual number to receive calls in a specific country.
By linking your WhatsApp account to a virtual number, you can then have incoming calls to that number forwarded to your landline. This allows you to give out your virtual number to receive WhatsApp calls that will ring on your landline.
However, virtual numbers usually come with a cost. While basic calling and texting with a virtual number may be free, forwarding to landlines often incurs a usage fee. Rates range from $0.01-$0.10 per minute depending on the service.
This table compares some popular virtual number services and their per minute forwarding rates:
| Service | Per Minute Rate |
|---|---|
| Skype | $0.023 |
| Google Voice | $0.01 (US) to $0.13 (International) |
| Line2 | $0.088 |
| Talkroute | $0.04 |
As you can see, most services charge at least 1 cent per minute to forward to a landline. So while using a virtual number allows you to call landlines through WhatsApp, it is not free.
Using WhatsApp Web to Call Landlines
Another option to consider is using WhatsApp Web to place voice calls directly to landlines and mobile numbers. WhatsApp Web allows you to access your WhatsApp account and messages from your computer’s web browser.
While regular WhatsApp only allows calling other WhatsApp users, WhatsApp Web has the option to place a voice call to any number using your computer’s mic and speakers. This includes the ability to call landlines and mobiles even if they don’t have WhatsApp.
However, this also comes at a cost. Calling non-WhatsApp numbers through WhatsApp Web costs a fee comparable to Skype per minute rates. An average landline call costs around 2.3 cents per minute through this method.
The advantage is that the call may sound better quality than a regular phone call due to WhatsApp’s audio encoding. But you will still have to pay per minute just like other VOIP services.
Using a Second Phone Line
One of the only ways to call a landline from WhatsApp totally free is to use a secondary phone line linked to your WhatsApp account. Some options include:
- Google Voice – Get a free phone number to use as your secondary WhatsApp line. Google Voice numbers can call U.S. and Canadian landlines for free.
- Cell Phone – Use an old cell phone as a dedicated WhatsApp calling device. Insert a SIM card and use free WiFi for calling.
- Tablet – Similarly, an old tablet can be used as a secondary WhatsApp line for free WiFi calling.
By using one of these secondary devices, you can give out its number to landline contacts. When they call the number, your cell phone will ring, allowing you to answer and talk for free.
The only catch is that the secondary line device will need an active cellular or WiFi connection to send and receive the calls. But as long as you have free WiFi available, this can allow totally free WhatsApp calls to landlines from a separate number.
Using WhatsApp Gateways
Some third-party gateway services claim to allow connecting WhatsApp calls to landlines for free. These work by providing a local access number that connects you to the gateway system.
When you call the gateway number, you can then enter the landline number you want to dial. The gateway service will connect the WhatsApp call to the landline while only charging you for the access number call.
However, these gateways are not officially supported by WhatsApp and often break. The call quality may be poor as well. Most expert advice is to avoid these gateway services and stick to official methods.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, there is no native way to call landlines directly from WhatsApp for free. While there are some workarounds, all of them incur some type of usage fee or require a secondary phone number.
Your best options are to use a virtual number service and pay per minute rates or link a Google Voice number to WhatsApp for free calling to U.S. and Canadian landlines. Or use WhatsApp Web voice calling and incur VOIP call charges.
Overall, while WhatsApp provides free voice calling between WhatsApp users, calling landlines will require some type of usage fee in most cases. There is no completely free method to directly call landlines through WhatsApp unless you utilize a secondary device and WiFi connection.