Want to call the United States without spending a dime? Good news: it’s easier than you think. Whether you need to check in with family, join a work call, or confirm travel plans, there are simple, reliable ways to make free calls — as long as you have an nternet connection. Below, I’ll walk you through the fastest options and the exact steps to get started.
1) Use app-to-app voice or video calls
This is the simplest and most common method.
- Install a popular app both you and the person in the US already use (WhatsApp, FaceTime, Viber, Telegram, Signal, or Skype).
- Create an account and add the other person to your contacts.
- Tap the voice or video call button — the call goes over Wi‑Fi or mobile data, so it won’t use your phone’s international minutes.
Why it works: app-to-app calls are free because they travel over the internet, not through the international voice network. The quality depends on your connection, so prefer Wi‑Fi for more stable audio.
2) Wi‑Fi calling (built into many phones)
Many modern smartphones support Wi‑Fi Calling, which lets you place calls using a wireless network through your carrier.
- Turn on Wi‑Fi Calling in your phone’s settings (Settings → Phone → Wi‑Fi Calling on iPhone; on Android it’s usually under Connections → Wi‑Fi Calling).
- Dial the US number as you normally would.
Important note: Wi‑Fi Calling may be free or covered by your existing plan depending on your carrier and country—check your carrier’s policy. If your plan treats calls to the US as standard international calls, this might not be free.
3) Free calling services or “callback” apps
Some services offer limited free minutes or callback features that let you call a US number at no cost.
- Search for reputable “callback” apps that provide a small number of free minutes to sign-up users.
- Use them for quick, short calls (account verification, short updates).
These are great for one-off needs, but typically not for long or regular conversations.
4) VoIP and browser-based calling
Several websites and browser services let you call phones or other users for free (or offer free tier minutes).
- Create an account on a trusted VoIP site and follow their instructions for free calls or free trials.
- If you’re calling another app user, choose the app-to-app option for zero cost.
Browser-based calling is convenient because there’s nothing to install for the person receiving your call if they also use the same service.
5) When “free” isn’t available — low-cost fallback
If you can’t use internet calling (poor connectivity, recipient doesn’t use apps), low-cost services like VoIP providers or calling cards are good alternatives. They’re cheap, reliable, and often better quality than free callback services.
At Slick.net we focus on clear, affordable international calling options — if you ever need a low-cost fallback with clear pricing, check our tools and guides
See also: Ensuring Clarity and Accuracy in Technical Documentation
Quick checklist to call the US for free (do this now)
- Confirm you and the US contact both have the same calling app installed.
- Connect to a stable Wi‑Fi network.
- Open the app → select the person → tap “Call” or “Video Call.”
- If using Wi‑Fi Calling, enable it in settings and dial normally.
Final tip
Free calling works best when both people prepare: use Wi‑Fi, keep apps up to date, and test call once before an important conversation. If the quality drops, switch to a wired connection (if available) or use a low-cost VoIP option.
