With technology continuously evolving, there seems to be a shift towards all-in-one platforms that cater to our everyday needs. And in keeping up with the trend, Gmail has recently included a feature that allows users to make phone calls directly from the platform. This is a convenient way to stay connected to your contacts without having to switch applications. Below is a user-friendly guide to making phone calls in Gmail.

Step 1: Enable Google Voice

Before you can make phone calls in Gmail, you need to have Google Voice enabled. Navigate to the “Settings” menu in your Gmail inbox and click on the “Voice and Video Chat” tab. From there, click on the “Call Phone” option, and you’ll be prompted to download the Voice plugin.

Step 2: Add Credit

Since making phone calls requires credits, you’ll need to have funds in your Google Voice account. You can do this by clicking on the “Add credit” button in the “Call Phone” window. The minimum amount that you can add is $10, which will give you around 100 minutes of call time.

Step 3: Make the Call

Once you have Google Voice enabled and enough credits, you’re ready to make a call. To do this, click on the “Call Phone” button located in the bottom left corner of your Gmail inbox. A pop-up window will appear, giving you the option to dial a number or select a contact from your phone book. After selecting the contact, click on “Call,” and the call will initiate.

Step 4: Manage the Call

During the call, you’ll notice that the “Call Phone” button will change to “Hang up.” You’ll also see a timer, indicating the duration of the call. You can use the buttons on the right-hand side of the window to mute the call, put it on hold, or switch to speaker mode. If you need to end the call, simply click on the “Hang up” button.

In conclusion, making phone calls in Gmail is a useful feature that can simplify the way you communicate with others. By following the simple steps outlined above, you’ll be able to make calls seamlessly and manage them efficiently within the Gmail platform. So, go ahead and give it a try!