Can You Call a Landline From WhatsApp?

No. WhatsApp calls only reach other WhatsApp users. You can't use it to ring a landline, a business line, or a mobile that doesn't have WhatsApp installed.

If you need to call a landline, you can do it from your browser with 002call. The call rings on their normal phone, and they don't need any app.

Why WhatsApp can't call landlines

A WhatsApp call travels over the internet from one WhatsApp app to another. It never touches the regular phone network, which is why it's free.

A landline sits on the phone network, not on the internet. To reach it, a call has to be handed over to a phone carrier, and someone has to pay that carrier for the minutes. WhatsApp doesn't offer that.

The same goes for:

• Bank and card helplines
• Airline and hotel numbers
• Government offices, like a tax office or pension service
• Relatives without a smartphone

How to call a landline instead

1. Open the web dialer on your phone or computer. Nothing to install.
2. Create an account. Every new user gets a free test call of up to one minute.
3. Enter the landline with its country code, for example +44 20 and the rest of the number for a London landline. Drop the leading 0.
4. Check the rate, then press call.

The person you call sees an incoming call on their landline and answers as normal.

WhatsApp vs. 002call

Use WhatsApp for friends and family who have it. Use 002call for everything else.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a WhatsApp setting that lets me call landlines? No. WhatsApp has never offered calls to landlines or regular phone numbers.

Can I call a landline from WhatsApp Web or the desktop app? No. The desktop app has the same limits as the phone app.

How much does it cost to call a landline with 002call? It depends on the country. Landlines are often cheaper than mobiles. See the rates page for each country.

Does the person I call need internet? No. They answer on their normal landline.