Americans spend more than seven hours a day looking at a screen, according to a recent study from DataReportal. Technology is developing rapidly, and digital solutions are gaining popularity equally as fast.
The question is not “How can we reduce screen time? but “How can we boost productivity during our screen time and use our devices more effectively?”.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solutions allow you to make phone calls from a computer, using your internet connection and AI-powered technology to help your business streamline workflows, collaborate more effectively, and enhance your communications.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the details of how calling from computer to phone works and answer some common questions, such as:
- “How can I make and receive calls?”
- “What are the benefits of calling via PC?”
- “What are the costs involved with making phone calls from a computer?”
Let’s jump in.
Phone call from computers: How does it work?
A VoIP phone enables you to make a call from your PC via the internet, eliminating the need for traditional landlines or cell phones.
This technology converts voice signals into digital data, transmitting them over the internet to connect calls. Users can make and receive VoIP calls using computers, smartphones, or tablets, equipped with a microphone and speakers or a headset.
Virtual phone numbers, provided by VoIP phone services, enhance flexibility by allowing users to have a consistent phone number across multiple devices. That makes it easy to make and take business calls, access your contact list, and more from any PC, laptop, mobile phone, or other device.
VoIP providers not only facilitate cloud calling but also offer a range of advanced features you can’t always get with traditional phone lines, including call recording, virtual receptionists, and video conference call services.
This technology is a convenient and cost-effective solution for both personal and business communication needs, integrating seamlessly with other digital tools and platforms for a more efficient and integrated communication system.
How to make phone calls from computers with RingCentral
Wondering how to make a call from your computer? With a business phone system (and more) from RingCentral, the process couldn’t be easier.
Check your settings
First, let’s make sure your system is set up correctly. To make and receive calls using the RingCentral desktop and web app:
- Make sure phone features are turned on in your account.
- Determine if your extension has a DigitalLine.
- If it does, you can make calls directly.
- If it doesn’t, you can use the RingOut feature for desktop and web to make calls.
- Depending on the location of the person you’re trying to call, you may need to use a specific dial plan.
- Make sure you’ve set up your microphone and speakers for calls.
This article covers individual calls, but you can also handle multiple calls at once in the RingCentral desktop and web app.
Using the Phone menu
1.Go to Phone in the left navigation bar.
2.Use the default Caller ID or select a new number from the My Caller ID dropdown.
3. Place your call in one of two ways:
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- Begin typing a name or phone number to bring up a list of contacts. Find your contact on the list, then click the name to make the call.
- Click the number keys to enter a phone number, then click the Call button.
Using the dial pad
If you’re using an older version of the Phone menu, you can make calls via the dial pad.
1.Click the dial pad icon at the top right.
2.Use the default Caller ID or select a new number from the Call dropdown.
3. Place your call in one of three ways:
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- Begin typing a name or phone number to bring up a list of contacts. Find your contact on the list, then click the name to make the call.
- Click the Clock icon to see your recent call history, then click the name of the contact you’d like to call.
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- Click the number keys to enter a phone number, then click the Call button.
Using the phone icon
- Go to Message in the left navigation bar.
- Select the conversation with the person you’d like to call.
- Click the phone icon at the top of your screen to start a call.
Using the Text menu
- Go to Text in the left navigation bar.
- Select the text message conversation with the person you want to call.
- Click the Phone icon at the top of your screen to start a call.
Receiving calls
When you receive a call, you can perform several actions:
- Answer: Answer the incoming call.
- To Voicemail: Send the caller directly to your voicemail. Note: You’ll need to configure your voicemail settings in your online account.
- Ignore: Click to silence the call. The call will be sent to the destination specified in your call handling settings.
- More: Choose from additional options.
- Forward: Forward the incoming call. Your call forwarding options include forwarding the call to one of your saved devices or phone numbers or select Custom to forward the call to a different number or user.
- Reply: Respond to the caller with an automated voice message. Double-click one of the preset messages or enter a custom message in the text field at the bottom. Then click Enter.
Is there a free phone call from a computer option?
Yes, there are a number of free ways to make calls from a computer.
Many smartphones can be linked to computers, allowing you to make and take calls using your phone number without needing a separate app or VoIP service.
For example, Apple’s Continuity feature lets iPhone (or other iOS device) users make calls from their Mac, while those with an Android phone (or other Android devices) can link them with a Windows PC using the Phone Link app.
These features use your phone’s cellular connection, making it a convenient option for seamless communication across devices.
For Windows users
- First, make sure you turn on Bluetooth for both your phone and your computer.
- Open up the Phone Link app on your computer and click Calls.
- Dial the VoIP number on the keypad or use the Search your contacts box to find a name or number.
- Click the Dial icon to call.
For MacOS device users
First, make sure the settings on your devices are configured correctly:
- Both devices need to be near each other and meet the continuity system requirements.
- Both devices must be logged in to FaceTime with the same Apple ID.
- Turn Wi-Fi on for both devices.
- Connect both devices to the same network.
- Enable “Calls from iPhone” in your settings.
Video calls
- Open the FaceTime app on your Mac and log in.
- Click New FaceTime and dial in the number you want to call. If the number is saved in your Contacts, you can enter their name instead.
- Hit return to start your call.
Audio calls
- Open the Contacts app on your Mac.
- Select the number you’d like to call.
- Click the phone button to start your call.
Benefits of phone calling from a computer
If you’re wondering whether your business should make calls from computers, take a look at some of the many benefits it could bring:
Convenience
If you’re working on your computer, being able to make calls from the same device streamlines your workflow.
This setup means you don’t have to keep switching between devices, allowing you to quickly respond to calls without interrupting your tasks. It’s especially useful in remote work environments where a unified device can enhance productivity.
Cost-efficiency
In a business context, making calls from a computer can significantly lower costs.
This reduces the need for additional hardware, saving money on buying, maintaining, and storing equipment, and reduces the costs associated with managing multiple communication systems.
Businesses also don’t have the hassle of dealing with and paying for multiple mobile contracts and extra costs for international calls.
Security
VoIP service providers like RingCentral offer enterprise-grade security features to protect virtual calls and meetings conducted via computer.
These security measures include strict authorization protocols, enhanced data protection, encrypted communications, and more.
This ensures that sensitive information remains confidential and protected from unauthorized access—crucial for maintaining data privacy and compliance in a business environment.
Integration
Making calls from your computer allows seamless integration with other tools and solutions, such as CRMs and data management systems.
For example, RingCentral offers more than 300 pre-built integrations including with popular apps like Salesforce, HubSpot, Slack, and MailChimp.
This streamlines your communication system even further, allowing your team to manage tasks, streamline workflows, improve workforce management, and collaborate more effectively.
What else do you get when you choose RingCentral to call from computers?
RingEX—RingCentral’s unified communications solution—offers much more than simply phone calls from computers.
Discover effortless business communications powered by AI, with a range of capabilities combining SMS, instant messaging, video calls, and more into one single platform.
SMS
Send professional text and multimedia messages to colleagues, clients, and departments on a robust business SMS platform.
RingCentral’s easy-to-use messaging app allows you to send SMS online in seconds, with images, emojis, video files, audio files, and other attachments.
Team messaging
Stay connected to your team with the RingCentral team messaging app. Chat, share files, collaborate, view notifications, and get work done—all in one organized and easy-to-use platform.
This will allow you to simplify your workflow, bring everyone together, and boost your productivity.
Video calls and meetings
Get the most out of your meetings with RingCentral AI-powered video calls. Connect easily with a client or hold video conference calls with your team.
Take advantage of automatic transcripts, sentiment analysis, summaries, and recordings to collaborate with colleagues, increase customer satisfaction, and supercharge your communications.
Online fax
Send and receive fax from a computer, mobile device, tablet, or smartphone—no hardware required (learn how to fax from a computer).
RingCentral can get you started with online faxing in a matter of minutes, allowing you to send confidential faxes anytime, anywhere, from any device. It’s all part of your unified solution, and built into the pricing.
And more
RingEX is the ultimate one-stop solution for your communications. Get access to real-time analytics, build custom workflows, discover push-to-talk capabilities, and so much more.
With an extensive range of features and add-ons, RingCentral provides a comprehensive VoIP phone system, and more besides, that’s flexible, easy to use, and cost-effective.
Phone calls from computers suit modern business
VoIP technology transforms digital devices into fully functional telephones, enabling seamless integration with other tools and providing enterprise-grade security.
The convenience of calling phones from computers not only streamlines workflows but also reduces costs and enhances security.
RingCentral offers a comprehensive and flexible platform that supports all your communication needs, not just voice calls.
Whether you’re managing a team, collaborating with colleagues or staying in touch with clients, solutions like RingEX provide all the tools you need to enhance productivity and streamline your communications in today’s digital-first world.
Get a free trial today to see the solution in action, or get in touch to discuss your needs.
FAQs about phone calls from computers
Can I make a phone call from my computer?
Yes, there are a number of ways you can make a phone call from your computer. The best way to do this is through a VoIP provider like RingCentral, but you can also make basic calls with Microsoft and Apple devices.
There are also consumer-focused apps like Google Voice, Skype, and WhatsApp that you could use for the occasional free call from your computer. In general, though, you’ll want a specialized business solution.
What is a softphone?
A softphone is a software application that allows users to make phone calls over the internet using a computer, smartphone, or tablet, rather than through traditional phone lines.
It operates using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology, converting voice signals into digital data that can be transmitted over the internet.
Can I call from my computer for free?
Yes. If you want to make a phone call from a computer for free, you can connect your cell phone to your Mac or Microsoft PC and place an audio or video call without incurring any charges.
Originally published Jul 31, 2024, updated Sep 02, 2024
