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How to Call with Google Home: A Comprehensive Guide

Want to ditch the phone but still stay connected? Your Google Home device is your portal to a world of hands-free communication. Calling with Google Home is surprisingly simple and can be a real game-changer for busy folks, those with mobility issues, or anyone who just loves the convenience of voice commands.

How to call with Google Home? You can make calls directly from your Google Home device by saying “Hey Google, call [contact name]” or “Hey Google, call [phone number]”. This works by using Google’s voice over IP (VoIP) service. The device uses Wi-Fi to connect to the internet and dial the number. To receive calls, you must set up Google Duo (or Google Meet) and link it to your Google account.

Setting Up Your Google Home for Calls

Before you can unleash the power of voice-activated calling, you need to get everything set up correctly. This only takes a few minutes, but it’s crucial for seamless communication.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi

First and foremost, ensure your Google Home device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. This is how it transmits calls. You can do this through the Google Home app on your smartphone or tablet. Open the app, select your device, and navigate to the Wi-Fi settings to connect to your desired network.

2. Link Your Google Account

Your Google Home needs to know who you are! Make sure the device is linked to the Google account you want to use for calling. This is typically done during the initial setup process. If you’re unsure, open the Google Home app and verify that the correct account is associated with your device.

3. Set Up Google Duo/Meet

Google Duo (now Google Meet) is the key to receiving calls on your Google Home. Download the app to your smartphone, sign in with the same Google account linked to your Google Home, and follow the on-screen instructions to verify your phone number. This step is necessary to enable incoming calls.

4. Grant Necessary Permissions

To access your contacts, Google Home needs permission. Within the Google Home app, go to the device settings and ensure that contact access is enabled. This allows you to call people by name instead of having to recite their entire phone number.

Making Calls with Google Home

Once everything is set up, making calls is a breeze. Here’s how:

Calling Contacts

This is the most common scenario. Simply say:

“Hey Google, call [contact name]”
“Okay Google, call [contact name]”

Google Home will then dial the number associated with that contact. Make sure the contact is saved in your Google Contacts for this to work flawlessly.

Calling Phone Numbers

If you need to call a number that’s not in your contacts, just say:

“Hey Google, call [phone number]”
“Okay Google, call [phone number]”

Be sure to speak clearly and include the area code.

Ending a Call

Ending a call is just as easy. You can say:

“Hey Google, hang up”
“Okay Google, end call”
“Hey Google, disconnect”

Adjusting Volume

During a call, you can adjust the volume by saying:

“Hey Google, louder”
“Okay Google, quieter”
“Hey Google, volume up/down”
“Hey Google, set volume to [percentage]”

Troubleshooting Common Calling Issues

Even with a proper setup, you might encounter occasional hiccups. Here’s how to tackle some common problems:

Google Home isn’t making calls: Double-check your Wi-Fi connection, ensure Google Duo/Meet is set up correctly, and verify contact access is enabled.
Google Home doesn’t recognize contact names: Ensure the contact is saved in your Google Contacts and that the spelling is accurate. Try saying the name slightly differently.
Poor call quality: This could be due to a weak Wi-Fi signal. Try moving your Google Home closer to your router.
Can’t receive calls: Ensure Google Duo/Meet is properly linked to your Google account and that notifications are enabled for the app on your smartphone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about calling with Google Home:

1. Can I call emergency services (911) with Google Home?

No, Google Home does not support calling emergency services directly. This is a critical limitation to be aware of. For emergency calls, always use a traditional phone line or mobile phone.

2. Can I call international numbers with Google Home?

Yes, you can call international numbers. However, you may need to include the country code before the phone number.

3. Does Google Home call for free?

Calling regular phone numbers within your country is typically free. However, calling international numbers might incur charges depending on your Google calling plan or linked services. Google Duo/Meet calls to other Duo/Meet users are free over Wi-Fi or data.

4. Can I block numbers from calling my Google Home?

While you can’t directly block numbers from calling your Google Home, you can manage your Google Contacts and avoid adding numbers you don’t want to hear from. If you use Google Voice as your linked service, you may be able to utilize its blocking functionality.

5. Can I use Google Home to make calls to landlines?

Yes, you can call landlines as long as you have set up Google Duo/Meet or another compatible calling service.

6. Can I use Google Home to make calls to mobile phones?

Yes, Google Home can call mobile phones just like it can call landlines. The process is identical.

7. Can I transfer a call from my phone to my Google Home?

Unfortunately, direct call transfer functionality is limited. While there isn’t a seamless “transfer” button, you can technically put someone on hold on your phone, then initiate a new call to them from your Google Home. The other person will then need to hang up the original call and answer the call from Google Home.

8. Can I make conference calls with Google Home?

Google Home itself does not support direct conference calling. However, you can use Google Meet to initiate and participate in conference calls. This would involve starting the Meet call on your phone or computer and inviting others to join. You can then control the meeting using voice commands on the Google Home device, like muting or adjusting volume.

9. How do I change the caller ID when calling from Google Home?

The caller ID displayed when you call from Google Home is usually your linked phone number or Google Voice number. You can manage this within the Google Home app or your Google Voice settings (if applicable).

10. Can I use Google Home to send text messages?

No, Google Home devices don’t natively support sending text messages directly. This is a feature that’s often requested, but it’s not currently available.

11. What other devices can I use to make calls besides the Google Home speaker?

You can also make calls using other Google Assistant-enabled devices such as Google Nest Hubs (smart displays), Google Nest Wifi points, and smartphones with the Google Assistant app installed. The setup and calling process are generally the same across these devices.

12. Does Google Home support call screening features?

Google Home does not have native call screening features like some modern smartphones. You will need to manually answer or decline calls based on the caller ID announced by Google Home.

Mastering calling with Google Home unlocks a new level of convenience in your daily life. By following these simple steps and troubleshooting tips, you’ll be chatting hands-free in no time!