Can I Make WhatsApp Calls to Landlines?
Can you make WhatsApp calls to landlines? Learn when a landline number can receive WhatsApp calls, why most cannot, and the best alternatives like VoIP and internet calling apps.
What you need to know
No, WhatsApp cannot call make regular calls to landline numbers directly. You can, however, make a WhatsApp call to a WhatsApp-registered landline number. WhatsApp calls only work between two WhatsApp users who both have the app installed and an internet connection. If you need to contact a landline that's not registered on WhatsApp, you will need to use an alternative such as a VoIP service, an internet calling app, or a landline adapter connected to an internet phone service.
When a WhatsApp call can be made to a landline number
WhatsApp can call a landline number only when that number is registered on WhatsApp and connected to an active account on a device running the app. In other words, WhatsApp is not calling the physical landline network, it is calling a WhatsApp user account that happens to use a landline number for registration.
This usually applies to business setups, for example when a landline or virtual landline number is registered with WhatsApp Business and managed from a smartphone. If the number is not registered on WhatsApp, the call will not connect in the app.
For a WhatsApp call to a landline number to work:
- The landline number must be verified and registered on WhatsApp
- The account must be active on a phone with WhatsApp installed
- The phone must be online with mobile data or WiFi
When a WhatsApp call cannot be made to a landline number
WhatsApp calling works differently from traditional phone calls. Instead of connecting through the public telephone network, WhatsApp uses internet-based communication between two WhatsApp accounts. This technology is often called VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).
For a WhatsApp call to work:
- Both people must have WhatsApp installed
- Both must have internet access
- Both accounts must be linked to mobile numbers
If a landline number does not have a WhatsApp account connected to it, so the app has no way to route the call. This is why calling a landline directly from WhatsApp is not possible at the moment.
That said, there are several ways you can still reach a landline using internet calling services.
Option 1: use an internet calling app
One of the easiest workarounds is using a third-party calling app that allows calls to traditional phone numbers.
Some apps, such as Google Voice or Viber, combine messaging with the ability to call landlines and mobile numbers.
These apps allow you to place calls over the internet but still connect to the regular telephone network, meaning you can dial landlines.
How it works
- Install the app on your phone.
- Add credit or connect a supported account.
- Dial the landline number just like a normal phone call.
While these apps are not part of WhatsApp, they offer a similar internet-based calling experience.
For people who frequently need to contact landlines internationally, this can be a convenient option.
Option 2: use a VoIP service
Another reliable solution is using a VoIP service.
What is VoIP?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It simply means making phone calls using the internet rather than traditional phone lines.
VoIP services can connect internet calls to:
- Mobile numbers
- Landline numbers
- Business phone systems
This allows you to dial almost any number from an internet-connected device.
Why people use VoIP
VoIP is commonly used by businesses because it offers:
- Lower international call costs
- Flexible calling from different devices
- Integration with modern communication tools
If your goal is to call landlines from the internet regularly, VoIP is often the most practical long-term solution.
Option 3: Use a Landline Adapter
Another workaround is using a landline adapter.
What is a landline adapter?
A landline adapter is a device that connects your mobile phone to a landline connection. Once set up, it allows you to make calls to landline numbers using your mobile phone, but the call is charged using your mobile plan minutes (not WhatsApp data calling).
In simple terms, it helps you use your mobile like the “calling device”, while the landline connection helps route the call.
Why people use it
A landline adapter can be useful if:
- You want a more reliable connection than internet calling
- You are calling landlines often and would rather use your mobile minutes
- You need a simple solution that does not rely on VoIP apps or internet calling services
Things to keep in mind
- This still does not mean WhatsApp is calling the landline
- You are making a regular phone call, not a WhatsApp call
- Costs depend on your mobile tariff (local vs international rates)
Calling a virtual landline number on WhatsApp
There is an important nuance when discussing whether WhatsApp can call landlines, especially when virtual numbers are involved.
Normally, if someone registers a WhatsApp account using a traditional landline number, they can receive WhatsApp messages but cannot receive WhatsApp calls. This is because a physical landline phone cannot run the WhatsApp app, so there is no device available to answer the call.
However, the situation can be different when someone uses a virtual landline number.
A virtual landline number works differently from a traditional landline because it can be configured to forward incoming calls to a mobile phone. If that mobile phone is running WhatsApp and the number is registered with a WhatsApp account, the user can receive WhatsApp calls through the forwarded connection.
In practical terms, this means:
- You still cannot call a physical landline phone using WhatsApp
- But you can call a virtual landline number on WhatsApp if it forwards calls to a mobile device that is running WhatsApp
This setup is often used by businesses that want to keep the professional appearance of a landline number while still managing communication from a smartphone. By forwarding calls from a virtual landline number to a mobile device, the user can receive both WhatsApp messages and WhatsApp calls through the app.
For businesses using services such as gosimless, this type of configuration allows a landline-style number to function more like a mobile WhatsApp number, making it easier to communicate with customers through calls and messages in the same place.
When WhatsApp is still the best option
Even though WhatsApp cannot call landlines, it remains one of the most convenient ways to communicate when both people use the app.
WhatsApp calls are popular because they offer:
- Free voice and video calls
- End-to-end encryption
- Global connectivity using WiFi or mobile data
For businesses, many companies now use WhatsApp Business to communicate with customers who prefer messaging over phone calls.
If someone you want to contact has WhatsApp installed, using a WhatsApp call will usually be the easiest option.
Meta description: Can you make WhatsApp calls to landlines? Learn why WhatsApp cannot call landline numbers and discover simple workarounds like VoIP and internet calling apps.