Cell phone usage charges can turn out to be very expensive, especially if you have exceeded the data usage quota of the data package you purchased. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can use to get around the use of your mobile data package quota, as long as you can access the wireless network. You can also listen to the songs you like legally and for free.
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Part 1 of 4: Calling for Free
Step 1. Download and install Google Hangouts and Hangouts Dialer
You can use the Google Hangouts app and Hangouts Dialer to call any number in Canada and the US as long as you're on a Wi-Fi network. If you have a Google Voice number, you can also use Hangouts to receive free phone calls. To make calls for free, you need the Hangouts app and Hangouts Dialer. Download both apps for free on the Google Play Store.
- This app uses the same Google account as the account you have associated with your Android device.
- You must log in using a free Google account when using an iPhone. The Hangouts Dialer app is not available for iPhone. So all calls will be made with the Hangouts app.
Step 2. Sign up for a Google Voice number (not necessary)
You can use a Google Voice number to display your outgoing caller ID number. This is actually not required, and your caller ID will show as "Unknown" if you don't register. You can create a Google Voice number for free by visiting google.com/voice. This number will automatically be associated with your Google account.
If you don't have a Google Voice number, just use the SIM card number as caller ID. This number will be verified by your SIM card installed in the phone
Step 3. Connect to the wireless network
Use the Hangouts Dialer app to make calls as long as you have a data connection. The connection can be a Wi-Fi or a mobile data connection. To make the calls you make truly free, connect your phone to a wireless network so that you're no longer using your phone's data plan.
Step 4. Run Hangouts Dialer
A dialer (a keypad for dialing a phone number) similar to a phone app will open. You can't make Hangouts calls through your contacts list. You have to do this in the Hangouts Dialer app.
To make a call with iPhone, tap the Phone tab at the bottom of the Hangouts app
Step 5. Call the number you want to call
Hangouts Dialer lets you reach almost any number in Canada and the US for free, as long as you live in a country that supports Hangouts calling.
- When you make an international call, you may need to add a "+" sign followed by the country code of the number you wish to call, even if you called a local number when visiting that location.
- When you are charged for the call, the fee will be displayed in your Google Voice account and the fee will be charged if you agree to it. You can add money to your Google Voice account at google.com/voice#billing. You can use the same page to check the fees charged for making calls to different countries.
Step 6. Provide your Google Voice number if you want to receive calls for free
You can receive calls on a Google Voice number if you have a Google Voice number associated with your account as well as a Hangouts Dialer. If you spend a lot of time surfing on Wi-Fi, you can use it to make almost any phone call for free without draining your credit.
Part 2 of 4: Sending Messages for Free
Step 1. Your friend must use the same chat program
There are many free messaging programs that can take the place of SMS and you can use to send messages to your friends for free. The best way to take advantage of this app is to use the same service as all your friends. You can send messages easily via cellular data or Wi-Fi without having to pay SMS fees. Popular free messaging services include:
- Facebook Messenger
- Kik
- Skype
- Hangouts
- Viber
Step 2. Use the messaging app when you are connected to a wireless network
You can send and receive messages for free as long as you are connected to a Wi-Fi network. The messaging app will use your phone's data plan when you're not connected to a Wi-Fi network. This free messaging app never reduces your SMS pulse.
Step 3. Sign up for Google Voice to be able to send SMS for free
Use a free Google Voice number and the Google Voice app to send free SMS to any mobile device. The reply will be sent to your phone and email (email). Sign up for Google Voice and get a free number by visiting google.com/voice.
- When you're not on a wireless network, SMS messages sent and received via Google Voice will use your phone's data connection.
- If you have Hangouts installed, use the app to send and receive Google Voice text messages instead of using the Google Voice app.
Step 4. Send a text message using an online service
If you just want to send a text message or two quickly, just visit sites that offer free text messaging services such as textem.net or txt2day.com. You can use the site to send messages to any number for free. Although this service cannot be used to receive messages, you can find it useful in an emergency.
Part 3 of 4: Listening to Music for Free
Step 1. Connect to the wireless network
Streaming music does drain a lot of data, and your cellphone usage will quickly exceed the monthly quota limit if you stream frequently. Don't listen to music too often unless you're connected to a wireless network so that your cellular data plan doesn't run out quickly.
Step 2. Download the free radio app
You can use several free apps to listen to streaming music without having to pay. You may have to listen to ads every time some songs play unless you pay a monthly subscription fee. Some streaming applications that can be used for free include:
- Spotify
- Pandora
- Google Play Music
- TuneIn
- last.fm
- NextRadio (Select carriers)
Step 3. Listen to music via YouTube
YouTube has a huge music library, and you can usually search for videos or stream any music you want. You can listen to playlists created by YouTube users featuring various artists. You can also create your own playlists that you can listen to at any time.
Step 4. Move the music files from the computer
If you have a lot of music files on your computer, transfer your favorite songs to your phone so you can listen to them all the time without reducing your cellular data quota. Almost all modern smartphones provide several GB of storage space that you can use to store music files.
- Android: Connect your phone to the computer. Your Android will be displayed as an external drive. Copy the music files on your computer to the Music directory on your phone. See How to Add Music to an Android Device for more information.
- iPhone: Connect your iPhone to the computer and launch iTunes. Select your iPhone then go to the Music tab. Select the iTunes music you want to sync to your iPhone. See How to Add Music and Videos to iPhone for more information.
Part 4 of 4: Choosing the Best Unlimited Data Plan
Step 1. Decide if you really need an "Unlimited" data plan
Chances are your cellular data usage won't be as big as you think, especially if you regularly connect to Wi-Fi networks a lot. You may be able to save a lot of money if you switch to a limited data plan that can still meet your needs.
Monitor data usage for a month to see your average needs. On Android, you can monitor it from the "Data usage" section of the Settings app. On iOS, look for your cellular data usage in the "Cellular" section of the Settings app
Step 2. Use the website to compare data plans on the market
There are several websites that compile all the phone data plans on the market so you can compare them. This is very useful for finding the most suitable data plan for you. You can compare data plans on some of these popular sites:
- whistleout.com
- wirefly.com
- Consumer Reports
Step 3. Read the information on each "Unlimited" data package brochure
Unlimited data plans often come with a warning. The most frequent warning is about limited speed. Some unlimited data plans are always slower than data plans on a per GB usage basis, while others will drop speeds drastically when you exceed a certain amount of data usage. Unlimited data plans become worthless when you need a long time just to open a web page. Check the details of your "Unlimited" data plan to see if there is anything that could be working against you.
Step 4. Make sure the data plan you choose has good coverage
Make sure that the operator you choose provides good signal coverage in your area. An unlimited data plan becomes useless if you don't get a signal while doing your daily activities.
