Can I receive incoming phone calls on my PC without using a mobile?

MrYossu · Sep 13, 2023

I'm a bit old-fashioned, and don't have a mobile. No problem, I'm home most of the day.

Although I use the house landline, sometimes it's busy, and it would be convenient to be able to make and receive calls on my PC, without needing to use the landline.

Anyone know if this is possible? I've seen loads of companies offering virtual numbers, but they all seem to route incoming calls to your mobile. I would like to have them routed directly to my PC instead, presumably using some software (I guess a Skype-type thing).

Advice welcome.
Thanks

Bastet · Sep 13, 2023

Have you considered Skype? This should do what you wish although this is at cost unless you have Office 365 which seems to include 100 minutes of calls.

MrYossu · Sep 13, 2023

Bastet said:
Have you considered Skype? This should do what you wish although this is at cost unless you have Office 365 which seems to include 100 minutes of calls.

I did look at Skype, but as far as I can see, it only allows people to call my mobile from their Skype app. I couldn't see any way of having a virtual phone number that went to Skype.

Maybe I missed something, but I spent ages reading their (not very clear) web site, and concluded that it didn't do what I want. Please enlighten me if I got it wrong.

Thanks

Spunk · Sep 13, 2023

You can get the free Google Voice phone # Set up your phone to make & receive Google Voice calls - Computer - Google Voice Help
This would be a different number then your landline, but you can receive, or call, text etc with it
If you want to use your landline You can use Magic Jack or these alternatives Best MagicJack Alternatives - Tech.co

Bastet · Sep 13, 2023

Skype to Phone plans for low cost international calling | Skype

Dial numbers internationally with Skype’s low cost rates. Reach those who aren’t on Skype with our international calling plans from any device.

www.skype.com

Get a local phone number & answer calls on Skype from anywhere | Skype

secure.skype.com

bfunke · Sep 13, 2023

What’s App

Spunk · Sep 13, 2023

How to Use WhatsApp With a Landline Number

It's possible to use WhatsApp with a landline phone number.

www.makeuseof.com

MrYossu · Sep 13, 2023

bfunke said:
What’s App

Thanks, but I pointed out in my first post that I don't have a mobile, and as far as I can see, you can only use WA if you have a mobile.

Spunk · Sep 13, 2023

Please read the link in Post #7, it tells you how to use your landline.

MrYossu · Sep 13, 2023

Bastet said:
Skype to Phone plans for low cost international calling | Skype

Dial numbers internationally with Skype’s low cost rates. Reach those who aren’t on Skype with our international calling plans from any device.

www.skype.com

Get a local phone number & answer calls on Skype from anywhere | Skype

Get a local phone number & answer calls on Skype from anywhere | Skype

secure.skype.com

Thanks for those, but they are the plans I looked at last time I checked this out, and it didn't seem that I could end up with one single number that people could call and that I could call from (using Skype). Plus, it's expensive compared to other offerings.

MrYossu · Sep 13, 2023

Spunk said:
Please read the link in Post #7, it tells you how to use your landline.

I did read it, but unless I missed something, you need a mobile to register with WA in the first place.

Once you are a WA user, you can use your landline.

But again, I'm willing to be proven wrong, that was just the impression I got reading their docs.

Thanks

Winuser · Sep 13, 2023

Spunk said:
Please read the link in Post #7, it tells you how to use your landline.

If I read post #1 correctly they don't want to use their landline. If they did they could just use their phone.

MrYossu · Sep 13, 2023

Spunk said:
You can get the free Google Voice phone # Set up your phone to make & receive Google Voice calls - Computer - Google Voice Help
This would be a different number then your landline, but you can receive, or call, text etc with it

Hmm, although the text says you can use it on Windows, when you click the button, it doesn't offer an option for Windows...

I can't see a way of installing it on a PC.

Winuser · Sep 13, 2023

I use Vonage but it's not free. There is magicJack but I don't know anything about it.

MisterEd · Sep 13, 2023

MrYossu said:
Hmm, although the text says you can use it on Windows, when you click the button, it doesn't offer an option for Windows...

View attachment 70974

I can't see a way of installing it on a PC.

You don't install anything on a Windows PC. You use a browser like Edge and go to the website Voice.

kelper · Sep 14, 2023

When you can buy a mobile phone for $50 or less, why do not try one? It can be a non-smart phone ie no internet access just telephony.

MrYossu · Sep 14, 2023

MisterEd said:
You don't install anything on a Windows PC. You use a browser like Edge and go to the website Voice.

Got all excited, then discovered that it isn't supported in the UK.

Oh well, thanks anyway

MrYossu · Sep 14, 2023

kelper said:
When you can buy a mobile phone for $50 or less, why do not try one? It can be a non-smart phone ie no internet access just telephony.

I had thought about that, but was hoping to do it without. I just have this pathological (and completely irrational) dislike of mobile phones!

MrYossu · Sep 14, 2023

kelper said:
Shame Google Voice is not available outside the USA.

Yeah, just discovered

kelper · Sep 14, 2023

Have you tried Zello? It's available on all OSes but can only call people who also have it installed. I like it because the other party does not have to accept your call, it's more like using walkie-talkies but FREE.