Mastodon Politics, Power, and Science: How to Get Free Phone like Service Over Wi-Fi Using an Old Phone & Google Voice

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

How to Get Free Phone like Service Over Wi-Fi Using an Old Phone & Google Voice

Do you have an old smartphone lying around? Even without cellular service, you can still use it for free calls, texts, and voicemail—all over Wi-Fi! With services like Google Voice, you can turn an unused device into a fully functional phone. Here’s how.

Step-by-Step: Free Phone Service with Google Voice

What You’ll Need:

  • An old smartphone (Android or iPhone)

  • A Wi-Fi connection

  • A Google account

  • The Google Voice app (download from the App Store or Google Play)

How to Set It Up:

  1. Install Google Voice – Download the app on your old phone.

  2. Sign in with Google – Use your existing Gmail account or create a new one.

  3. Get a Free Number – Google Voice offers a free U.S. phone number (you may need to select from available numbers in your area).

  4. Verify with a Phone (Optional) – If prompted, you can verify using another phone number (this is a one-time step).

  5. Start Using It! – Now you can:

    • Make & receive calls over Wi-Fi

    • Send & receive texts

    • Check voicemail (with transcription)

    • Forward calls to other numbers

Bonus: Use Google Voice on a Tablet or Computer

You’re not limited to just phones—Google Voice works on iPads, Android tablets, and web browsers, so you can text and call from any device.


Other Free Phone Services Over Wi-Fi

If Google Voice isn’t your style, here are other free (or nearly free) alternatives to turn your old phone into a Wi-Fi calling device:

1. TextNow (Free with Ads)

  • Offers a free U.S./Canada phone number

  • Free calls & texts over Wi-Fi

  • Optional paid plans for cellular data usage

2. Talkatone (Free with Ads)

  • Free phone number for calls & texts

  • Works on Wi-Fi-only devices

  • In-app purchases for extra features

3. WhatsApp Calling (Free Worldwide)

  • No dedicated phone number, but free voice/video calls

  • Works with your contacts who also use WhatsApp

4. Signal (Secure Calling & Texting)

  • Encrypted calls & messages

  • Requires a phone number for setup (but works over Wi-Fi)

5. Facebook Messenger (Free Calls & Texts)

  • No phone number needed (uses Facebook account)

  • Free voice & video calls over Wi-Fi


Final Thoughts

Don’t let that old phone collect dust! With Google Voice or any of these free apps, you can keep calling and texting without a cellular plan. This is perfect for:

  • A backup emergency phone

  • A home phone replacement

  • A kid’s first phone (Wi-Fi only)

  • International travelers avoiding roaming fees

Have you tried any of these services? Share your experience in the comments!

#WiFiCalling #FreePhoneService #GoogleVoice #OldPhoneHack

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