Google offers free calling online via its Google Voice service and your Gmail account. As of the date of this publication, the free service only applies to calls made to phones within the United States. Activating the service requires modifying your Gmail settings. Once you've changed the settings to enable outbound voice calls to phones, you can make calls from Google's dialing system through the Gmail "Chat" area.
Instructions
1. Set up a headset, or microphone and speakers, on your computer to use during the call.
2. Sign in to your Gmail account. Click the gear-shaped icon at the top-right corner of the screen and select "Mail settings" from the drop-down menu.
3. Click the "Chat" tab to see the Chat options, then set up your voice chat features. Verify the audio settings in the "Voice and video chat" section, then click the circle to the left of "Enable outbound voice calling with Google Voice" and select your default country in the "Call Phones" area. When finished, click the "Save Changes" button.
4. Scroll down to the "Chat" area in your Gmail and click the "Call phone" option to open the "Call" window that features the dialer number keypad.
5. Check that the flag to the left of the phone number field in the "Call" window matches your country so that Google Voice dials using the correct country code. If it isn't the correct flag, click the down arrow to the right of the flag and select the correct one.
6. Enter the number of the phone you want to call, then click the "Call" button to dial the number.
7. When you're finished, click "End" to disconnect the call or wait for the other person to hang up; the system automatically disconnects shortly after.
Tags: your Gmail, Google Voice, Call window, Chat area, click Call, finished click