The best WiFi calling app is the one the person you're calling already uses. For free calls over Wi-Fi, that's usually WhatsApp, FaceTime (Apple devices), Signal, Viber, Telegram or Messenger. If you need a phone number that works over Wi-Fi, look at TextNow, Talkatone or Google Voice (US only). And if you want to call from your own number over Wi-Fi, you may not need an app at all: turn on your phone's built-in Wi-Fi Calling. One app you'll find on older lists is gone: Microsoft retired Skype in May 2025.
This guide compares the free Wi-Fi calling apps for Android and iPhone, explains the difference between Wi-Fi calling apps and your carrier's Wi-Fi Calling, and shows how to keep calling when you're away from Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi calling app or built-in Wi-Fi Calling: which one do you need?
"Wi-Fi calling" means two different things, and the right choice depends on who you're calling.
- Built-in Wi-Fi Calling is a feature of your phone and your carrier. You call from your normal phone number and the normal Phone app, just over Wi-Fi instead of the cell network. The person you call doesn't need any app. Your carrier has to support it, and your plan's normal rates apply.
- Wi-Fi calling apps (WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal and others) call other people who use the same app. These app-to-app calls are free over Wi-Fi. Over mobile data, they use your data allowance.
- Phone number apps (TextNow, Talkatone, Google Voice) give you a second number that works over Wi-Fi or data, so you can call and text regular phone numbers.
Looking for a Wi-Fi calling app that uses your own number? That's built-in Wi-Fi Calling. Read more in our guide: What is Wi-Fi Calling?
Turn on Wi-Fi Calling on iPhone
Go to Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Calling and turn on Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone. If you have more than one line, pick the line first. You may be asked to confirm your address for emergency services (Apple: Make a call using Wi-Fi Calling).
Turn on Wi-Fi Calling on Android
- Google Pixel and phones with the Google Phone app: open Settings and go to Network & internet > SIMs, pick your carrier SIM, then turn on Wi-Fi calling. If you don't see the option, your carrier doesn't support it (Google: Make calls over Wi-Fi).
- Samsung Galaxy: open Settings, tap Connections > Wi-Fi Calling and turn on the switch. On some phones you can also turn it on from Quick settings (Samsung: Turn on Wi-Fi Calling on Galaxy phones).
Using Wi-Fi Calling abroad
Each carrier has its own rules. Verizon, for example, says calling back to the US over Wi-Fi is free, while calls to other countries are charged at international rates. On an iPhone, Verizon Wi-Fi Calling has to be turned on while you're still in the US (Verizon: Wi-Fi Calling FAQs). Check your own carrier's page before you travel.
The best free Wi-Fi calling apps
All of these apps are free to download and call other users of the same app for free over Wi-Fi. They work on Android and iPhone, except FaceTime.
WhatsApp voice and video calls are free, have no time limit and are always end-to-end encrypted. Group calls work with up to 32 people. You sign up with your phone number, and your contacts who use WhatsApp show up automatically.
Good for: calling family and friends in other countries, especially if they already use WhatsApp. Keep in mind: it can't call regular phone numbers.
FaceTime
FaceTime is built into every iPhone, iPad and Mac. FaceTime audio and video calls between Apple devices are free over Wi-Fi. Friends on Android or Windows can't install FaceTime, but they can join a call from a FaceTime link in their web browser (Apple: Join a FaceTime call from an Android or Windows device).
Good for: Apple users calling other Apple users. Keep in mind: FaceTime isn't available in every country or region.
Signal
Signal offers free voice and video calls with end-to-end encryption. It's run by a nonprofit and has no ads.
Good for: privacy. Keep in mind: fewer people use it, so check that your contacts have it.
Viber
Viber calls between Viber users are free, and one-on-one calls are end-to-end encrypted by default. With Viber Out, you can also call landlines and mobile numbers, but that costs credit or a calling plan.
Good for: calling both app users and regular phone numbers from one app.
Telegram
Telegram offers free voice and video calls, which are end-to-end encrypted. Group calls can hold up to 200 people. Note that regular Telegram chats aren't end-to-end encrypted, only calls and secret chats.
Good for: people who already chat on Telegram.
Facebook Messenger
Messenger lets you call your Facebook friends for free. Personal messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default (Meta).
Good for: reaching people whose phone number you don't have.
Google Meet and Microsoft Teams
Google Meet (which replaced Google Duo) and Microsoft Teams Free both work with a free account, on your phone or in a browser. They're handy for video calls with several people. Teams Free is also where Microsoft moved Skype users (Microsoft: Skype is retired).
Wi-Fi calling apps that give you a phone number
These apps give you a second US or Canadian number that works over Wi-Fi or data. People can call and text it like any phone number, even if they don't have the app.
TextNow
TextNow gives you a free number with calls and texts across the US, and free calls to Canada. The free version shows ads. You need to use your number regularly, or TextNow can take it back. TextNow is built for the US and Canada, so check its help center before you rely on it in another country.
Talkatone
Talkatone gives you a free US or Canadian number. Calls and texts to most US and Canadian numbers are free, and incoming international calls are free too. There's a paid option to remove ads. Talkatone doesn't support 911 calls or texts.
Google Voice
Google Voice gives you a free US number that rings on your phone and computer. Personal accounts only work in the US (Google Voice on the App Store). When you call from the US, almost all calls to the US and Canada are free; other calls cost money. Google also warns that Voice calls might not work in every country you visit (Google Voice Help).
Need to send texts too? See how to text with eSIM data.
Best Wi-Fi calling apps for Android and iPhone
On Android
WhatsApp, Signal, Viber, Telegram, Messenger, Google Meet, TextNow, Talkatone and Google Voice are all on Google Play. If you call other Android users, WhatsApp is a simple start. To call Apple users on FaceTime, ask them to send you a FaceTime link.
On iPhone
FaceTime is already on your iPhone, and all the apps above are on the App Store. For calls with Android users, use an app you both have, like WhatsApp or Signal.
Can you use a Wi-Fi calling app without a phone number?
Yes, with some apps. FaceTime works with your Apple Account email. Messenger, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams work with your Facebook, Google or Microsoft account. WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram and Viber ask for a phone number when you sign up. If you need a number but don't have a SIM, TextNow and Talkatone give you one inside the app.
Keep in mind: app numbers don't always work for verification codes, and app calls aren't a replacement for emergency calls.
Keep your calling apps working away from Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi calling apps work on any internet connection, not just Wi-Fi. When you're out on the street, in a taxi or at a train station, they need mobile data. Abroad, roaming data can get expensive, and free Wi-Fi isn't always safe (see is hotel Wi-Fi safe?).
A travel eSIM with data keeps WhatsApp, FaceTime and the other apps working wherever you go. Your home line can stay on your phone for texts and security codes. More tips: how to make phone calls with a data-only eSIM.
Traveling soon? A data eSIM for your destination keeps your calling apps online outside Wi-Fi.
Data-only plans for Europe, the USA and Mexico · Find your destination
Need a number people abroad can call?
If hotels, tour guides or contacts in Europe need to call or text you on a regular number, the Bouygues Telecom plans come with a French +33 number, unlimited calls and SMS within Europe, and data in 46 countries. It's a second number, not your home number: people at home who call it make an international call to France. Learn more about a Europe eSIM with a phone number.
What happened to Skype?
Microsoft retired Skype on May 5, 2025. You can sign in to Microsoft Teams Free with your old Skype account, and your contacts and chats move over (Microsoft: Skype is retired). If you used Skype to call regular phone numbers, Viber Out, Google Voice (US) or Wi-Fi Calling on your own line are alternatives.
FAQs
What is the best free Wi-Fi calling app?
The one your contacts already use. WhatsApp is free and works on Android and iPhone. FaceTime is free between Apple devices. Signal is free with a focus on privacy.
Which Wi-Fi calling app uses my own phone number?
None of the apps call from your carrier number. Built-in Wi-Fi Calling does: turn it on in your phone settings and call from the normal Phone app. Your carrier must support it.
Is there a free Wi-Fi calling app for Android?
Yes. WhatsApp, Signal, Viber, Telegram, Messenger and Google Meet are free on Google Play. TextNow and Talkatone give you a free US or Canadian number.
Can I make Wi-Fi calls to regular phone numbers?
Yes, with built-in Wi-Fi Calling, or with apps like TextNow, Talkatone, Google Voice or Viber Out. Calls to some countries cost money in these apps.
Do Wi-Fi calling apps work abroad?
App-to-app calls work anywhere you have Wi-Fi or mobile data. Number apps like TextNow and Google Voice are made for the US and Canada and may not work in every country.
How much data does a Wi-Fi calling app use?
Voice calls use little data, video calls use much more. On Wi-Fi it doesn't touch your mobile data. On a travel eSIM, video calls are what uses your data fastest.
Is Skype still available?
No. Microsoft retired Skype on May 5, 2025 and moved users to Microsoft Teams Free.