How do you voice call on an Android?

Making voice calls is one of the most basic and essential functions of any mobile phone, including Android phones. An Android user has a few different options for making voice calls, whether dialing phone numbers directly, calling contacts, using voice commands, or calling from within apps. The default Phone app on Android provides the primary calling interface, allowing you to dial numbers, access your contacts and favorites, and make emergency calls. Android also integrates with calling services like Google Voice, which offer additional features and flexibility. Overall, Android makes it simple to make calls in multiple ways, customize your calling experience, and troubleshoot any issues that arise.

Using the Phone App

The default Phone app on Android devices provides an easy way to make phone calls. Here are some of the key features:

To open the Phone app, simply tap the Phone icon on your home screen or app drawer. The app opens to the dialer where you can enter any phone number to make a call (source).

You can also easily call contacts by tapping the Contacts tab at the top of the app screen. Your contacts are listed alphabetically, and you simply tap on the one you want to call. Tapping on a contact shows details like multiple phone numbers, and you can select which number to call.

The Recent tab shows your full call history, with separate missed, outgoing, and incoming calls sections. Tap any call to see details or call back that number. The Voicemail tab connects you directly to your phone’s voicemail inbox.

The Phone app provides direct access to the dialer, contacts, recents, and voicemail, allowing you to quickly make calls on your Android device.

Using Contacts

The Contacts app allows you to easily call your favorites, recent contacts, and any other contacts you have saved on your Android phone.^[1] To call a contact using the Contacts app:

Open the Contacts app – Launch the Contacts app from your home screen or app drawer. Your contacts list will be displayed.

Call favorites – Tap on the Favorites tab at the top of the screen. Your favorite contacts will be displayed. Tap on any favorite contact to open their profile, then tap the phone icon to call them.

Call recent contacts – Tap on the Recents tab to see calls you’ve recently made or received. Tap on any contact in this list to call them back.

You can also search for any contact by name, number, or email to quickly call anyone in your contacts list.

^[1] https://support.google.com/voice/answer/9098007?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid

Using Favorites

You can create a list of your favorite contacts for quick and easy access to people you call frequently. To set up your favorites on Android:

1. Open the Contacts app and select a contact to make them a favorite.

2. Tap the star icon next to their name. This adds them to your favorites.

3. To remove a contact from your favorites list, tap the star again.

To call a favorite contact:

1. Open the Phone app and tap the Favorites tab at the top.

2. Your favorite contacts will be shown.

3. Tap the contact you want to call from your favorites list.

Making Emergency Calls

All Android devices allow you to call emergency services even if your device is locked or disabled. This ensures you can quickly reach help in an emergency situation where you don’t have time to locate and unlock your device.

To make an emergency call on a locked Android phone, press the power button to turn on the screen. You will see an “Emergency call” button. Tap this button to automatically dial your local emergency number (for example, 911 in the US).

You can also make emergency calls in other scenarios. For example, if your screen does not turn on for some reason, try pressing and holding either volume button along with the power button for a few seconds. This will bring up the emergency call screen.

Additionally, if your Android phone has an Emergency SOS feature enabled, you can quickly call for help by pressing the power button rapidly several times. On some phones, holding the power button for a longer period will also activate Emergency SOS and make an emergency call. Refer to your phone’s user guide for more specifics on these features.

Some key things to note about Android emergency calling:

Emergency calls can be made even without a SIM card inserted.
Location services will automatically turn on to provide your approximiate location to emergency responders.

Some carriers and regions may also send text messages with your location to your listed emergency contacts after an emergency call is made (source).

Using Speed Dial

Speed dial allows you to quickly call contacts that you have set up as speed dial numbers.

To set up speed dial on Android:

Open your contacts list and select the contact you want to set up as speed dial
Tap the options/settings icon (⋮ or three vertical dots)
Select “Set speed dial”

Choose an available speed dial number to assign to that contact

Once a contact is set up for speed dial, you can quickly call them from your phone dial pad by tapping and holding the speed dial number assigned to them. For example, to call a contact set to speed dial 2, tap and hold the 2 key in your dial pad.

Some Android devices also allow you to set up speed dial using the built-in Phone app:

Open the Phone app and select the “Keypad” tab
Tap the menu icon (☰) and choose “Speed dial numbers”
Select an unassigned number and choose a contact to set up speed dial

You can typically set speed dial for at least 8 contacts on most Android phones. Refer to your device guide to learn the exact speed dial limit.

Calling speed dial contacts is a quick and convenient way to connect with your most frequent and preferred contacts on Android.

Using Voice Commands

Make voice calls from your Android phone using the intelligent voice assistants such as Google Assistant or Bixby. Here’s how:

With Google Assistant, simply say “Hey Google,” then “Call [contact name]” to start a call. Google Assistant can call your contacts as well as businesses listed on Google Maps and search

For example, “Hey Google, call Mom”

With Bixby on Samsung devices, press the Bixby button and say “Call [contact name].” Bixby can call contacts saved to your phone as well as local businesses.

For example, “Bixby, call John Smith Mobile.”

You can also use third-party apps like Google Voice which assign you a virtual phone number for placing voice calls.

Using voice commands can be a convenient hands-free way to place calls on Android. Just speak to your phone’s assistant using natural language. Check your device and app capabilities for compatibility.

Source: Use Google Assistant to make calls on your mobile device

Calling from Apps

Many popular messaging and social media apps on Android allow you to initiate voice and video calls directly within the app interface. This is a convenient way to connect with your contacts without having to use the main phone dialer.

For example, WhatsApp has an integrated calling feature that lets you start a voice or video call with any of your WhatsApp contacts. All you need to do is open a chat window and tap the phone or video icon at the top. The call will connect using your phone’s internet data or WiFi connection rather than traditional cellular minutes.

Other apps like Facebook Messenger, Skype, Google Duo, Telegram, Signal, and more also provide the ability to call contacts directly from within their interface. This can be more convenient than switching between apps to use your regular phone dialer.

Changing Default App

If you prefer another phone app over the default one that comes with your Android device, you can easily change the default app to call from. Many third-party apps are available as an alternative calling app, such as Google Voice, WhatsApp, Skype, or Zoom.

To set a third-party app as the default phone app on Android (source):

Open Settings and tap Apps or Default Apps
Tap Phone app
Choose the app you want to set as the default phone app

For example, if you want to set Google Voice as the default call handler, you would select Google Voice from the options when changing the Phone app default. Now when you tap on a phone number to make a call, it will automatically open in Google Voice instead of the default dialer.

Some third party calling apps may have additional options and instructions for fully integrating as the phone handler, so check their documentation as well.

Troubleshooting Issues

Calling issues on Android devices are disruptive, but fortunately some of the most common problems can be resolved by troubleshooting. Some of the most frequent call issues include calls dropping out or cutting off mid-conversation; echoing, distorted, or muted call voice quality; delayed rings or calls going straight to voicemail; and inability to place or receive calls altogether.

If you’re experiencing frequent call issues, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem:

Restart your phone to clear the cache and refresh connections
Enable airplane mode then disable it to reset network connectivity

Verify cellular data, Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth, and other settings are enabled correctly
Double check signal strength and relocate to a better-serviced area if weak
Remove dust, debris, and harmful exposure to extreme heat which can damage sensitive phone components

Double check your service area coverage map and call customer care if issue persists across networks

In some cases, calling issues may stem from a faulty device component like a damaged microphone or motherboard, requiring professional repair. But oftentimes simple settings tweaks, connection resets, and optimal care and maintenance can keep calls flowing smoothly.