How to Make Phone Calls From Your Computer

While it might appear convenient to use your cell phone, sometimes you want an easy way to make phone calls from your computer or laptop.

Using your computer to place and receive calls is far easier now than ever. In this guide, we’ll cover six different tools and methods to let you answer an incoming call, send text messages, and even place free calls to others.

You need an internet connection, a microphone, and speakers (or a Bluetooth headset). With those, you’ll be ready to begin placing audio calls from your computer.

How Calling from Your Computer Works

It’s worth first pointing out how calling from your computer works.

A phone call from a computer typically works using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology.

Here’s how VoIP works:

• Analog voice signals are captured by a microphone, then converted into digital format using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).
• The digital voice data is then divided into packets. Each packet includes a portion of the voice signal as well as header information that ensures the data can be properly routed and reassembled.
• Packets are sent over an IP network to the recipient. This network can be any data network including the internet, a direct IP connection, or a virtual private network (VPN).
• At the receiving end, the packets are reassembled, converted back into an analog signal (via a digital-to-analog converter), and played back so the recipient can hear the sender’s voice.

Now here’s a quick overview of how making a phone call from a computer works in general:

1. The setup you will need

• A VoIP provider (like Nextiva, Skype, or Google Voice) that assigns you a phone number.
• A computer with a microphone and speakers (or a headset for better quality).
• A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or a hotspot).

2. Check your internet connection

• VoIP calls rely on the internet, so a good connection ensures clear audio. Run an internet speed test (look for at least 0.5 Mbps for VoIP calls).
• You can also use a wired Ethernet connection for the most reliable performance or stable Wi-Fi.

3. Choose and install a calling app

• Sign up for a VoIp service like Nextiva.
• Then go to the app’s website and download and install the desktop app (or you can use the web version).

4. Set up your sound system

• Built-in Options: Most computers have built-in microphones and speakers.
• Better Option: Use a VoIP-compatible headset for clearer sound and noise cancellation in noisy environments.
• Quick Check: Plug in your headset (Bluetooth, USB, or wired) then go to your computer’s sound settings and select the correct input/output device.

Now you’re ready to make your first call!

RELATED: How Does VoIP Work? The Beginner’s Guide to VoIP Phone Systems

How to Make a Phone Call from a Mac or PC Computer with Nextiva

NextivaONE offers multiple methods to initiate phone calls from your computer. Before you can make a call, you’ll need to get set up:

• Step 1. First, if you haven’t already, sign up for a business phone plan starting at $20 a month.
• Step 2. Choose your phone number. You also get a complimentary toll-free number with your account.
• Step 3. Download NextivaONE to your Mac, Windows PC, or mobile device (Android phone or iPhone) and sign in with your username and password.

You’re now ready to accept any incoming call, place outbound calls, or exchange text messages with anyone you want. Your phone app even works great on the go with Wi-Fi calling.

Here are three ways to make a phone call from your computer with Nextiva.

1. Dial a number directly:

• Log in with your Nextiva credentials.
• Click the Phone icon at the top of the NextivaONE application.
• Enter the desired phone number using the on-screen dial pad.
• Click the Call button to initiate the call.

2. Select a contact:

• Navigate to the Contacts section within NextivaONE.
• Scroll through or search for the contact you wish to call.
• Click the Phone icon next to the contact’s name to start the call.

3. Call from a conversation thread:

• Open an existing conversation thread with the person you want to call.
• Within the thread, click the Phone icon to initiate a call directly from the conversation.

These methods provide flexibility in how you manage your communications, allowing you to choose the most convenient way to make calls from your computer using NextivaONE.

When you need a communications solution for professional phone calls from a computer, look no further than Nextiva. It offers amazing features that distinguish it from other business communication phone providers.

Pros:

• Unified communications provides voice, video, text, and team collaboration features on one platform.
• Exceptional uptime and call quality from an enterprise-grade calling network across North America.
• Flexible for adapting to your changing business needs with support for call centers, remote employees, and a vast lineup of VoIP phones.

Cons:

• It’s not free. Nextiva provides the best phone service for hundreds of thousands of businesses that count on it for billions of phone calls every year.
• Best for companies, not residential use. Its top features include call flows, voicemail transcription, call recording, and the ability to make a conference call.

Top Benefits of Making Calls From a Computer

Cost Savings

VoIP systems allow you to make calls — especially an international call — at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional phone systems. Not only that, but you can use your existing computer and internet connection, which means you don’t need to buy additional equipment like desk phones. Also, many VoIP services include great features like voicemail, call forwarding, and text messaging.

Flexibility and Portability

You can make calls from anywhere with an internet connection, whether you’re at home, in a café, or traveling abroad. Desktop calling apps often integrate with messaging, video conferencing, and file sharing, which means you get to enjoy unified communication – i.e. manage all your communication in one place. And, finally, many services let you switch between your computer, smartphone, or tablet seamlessly.

Advanced Business Call Features

When you have access to great features like call recording, auto-attendants, shared numbers, and analytics, this can help streamline workflows and give you a productivity boost. VoIP apps often allow you to customize settings like call forwarding, voicemail greetings, and Do Not Disturb mode. And some platforms integrate with CRM tools or provide shared team inboxes for better collaboration.

RELATED: How Much Does VoIP Cost? [2024 Pricing Guide]

Two More VoIP Providers That Let You Make Calls from Your Computer

The most popular method for placing voice calls from your computer is to use a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provider like Nextiva. This way, you can answer incoming calls from an assigned phone number, dial out to any person you want, and forward calls to another user or telephone number. And with a separate virtual phone number, your cell phone number stays private.

However, Nextiva isn’t the only VoIP provider in town, so here are a couple other free ways to make calls from your computer.

Google Voice

Google Voice is a free solution that you can use to make phone calls and send texts on your smartphone and PC. To make a call via this platform, you will need a Google Voice number, which you can only get with your Google account.

To use Google Voice, you would use your existing Google account. You’ll also need to verify yourself using a separate cell phone number — we checked.

• Step 1. Visit Google Voice and sign in.
• Step 2. Click the for personal use button and click continue on the following screen.
• Step 3. Provide a city or area code to search for available VoIP numbers.
• Step 4. Select the desired phone number.
• Step 5. Verify your number by linking to your cell phone. Google will send a six-digit verification code. Google doesn’t allow other VoIP or Google Voice numbers here.
• Step 6. Begin making calls from the online dial pad or by downloading the Google Voice app to your phone. Then you can just open up your phone app to place or answer phone calls.

Pros:

• Call forwarding is straightforward, and phone call quality is decent.
• Text messaging (SMS) is included with your Google Voice line.
• Call recording is available by pressing 4 on the dial pad.
• Voicemail transcription is nice but sometimes inaccurate.

Cons:

• International calls on Google Voice are not free. Charges are applied for international calls.
• Account setup may be complicated for those without an existing phone number.
• Advanced phone features like call flows aren’t available.

RELATED: Top 6 Google Voice Alternatives for Businesses in 2025

Skype

Skype is a global VoIP service founded in 2003 and was among the first on the scene for internet-based calls. Renowned for group calls, video calls, and sharing files, With a good internet connection and a downloadable app, you can start making voice calls on Skype.

In 2011, Microsoft acquired Skype and shifted the product from a peer-to-peer service to a centralized model through Microsoft’s servers. And now, a lot of Skype’s technology is built into Microsoft Teams.

Here is a simple step-by-step guide to making calls from a computer using Skype:

• Step 1. Download and install Skype on your computer or smartphone.
• Step 2. Sign in to your Microsoft account (Live, Outlook, Hotmail, etc.).
• Step 3. Grant the Skype app permissions for your microphone and camera.
• Step 4. Search for known contacts on the Skype service. You can begin exchanging messages, and to begin a call, click on the phone icon (or video camera) in the upper right corner.

Pros:

• Pioneered free phone calls and video call meetings on the internet
• Global reach with HD voice call quality for millions of users
• It supports PSTN phone numbers, but it costs $52 annually

Cons:

• Mixed reviews regarding its non-voice communication functions, like emoji
• Primarily used for Skype-to-Skype calls and conferences
• Does not support emergency calls

Nextiva Is Your Solution for Calling From Your Computer

Using your computer to call others is no longer an impossible feat. You can either use your mobile phone with your computer or opt for a separate phone line using just your internet connection.

Free phone services are great for personal use, but for businesses, you’ll value the communication features that only a cloud phone provider can deliver.

Ready to do more than a few phone calls from your computer? Get a no-hassle personalized quote from Nextiva and see how easy cloud-based calling can be. Check out the NextivaONE app.

Phone Calls from Computer FAQs