Skip to main content

The Facebook video call - this seldomly used app is absolutely free of charge

The Facebook video call - this seldomly used app is absolutely free of charge
I remember the days when we have to pay much for a long distance voice call, spending hundreds of pesos to pay up when our phone bills arrive.

But now, technology has made it possible to make free voice and video calls to our Facebook friends over the Internet, thanks to Facebook’s voice calling feature in its Messenger app.

What's great about the app is it's toll-free. No charges even for international calls when you're using a Wi-Fi connection (except when you're using data connection where you have to spend minutes from your network's voice plan).


Here's how to use it:

1. Make sure you and your FB friend have the Facebook Messenger app installed on your Android or iOS phones, and both of you are connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi connection.

2. From your menu, tap the Messenger button to open the app.

3. Once opened, you'll see the usual list of your FB friends. Tap to choose who you want to call.

4. When you and your friend's conversation threads open onscreen, tap on the phone icon located at the upper right hand corner of the app display.

5. The screen will now be replaced by your friend's name and a text below the profile pic which reads, "connecting". If accepted, you can now make the voice call.

6. You can also opt to use the video call by tapping the video icon located at the center right of your screen. Once accepted, you and your friend can now talk face to face.


The free voice and video calling feature is arguably the best feature from the Facebook Messenger, though many FB users have not made use of this app to its full extent; which is the ability to call their friends, regardless of their physical location without having to spend a single minute from their network's voice plan.

But do remember that this feature is very much different from Viber or Skype as this entirely concentrates on calling friends that are Facebook-based, whereas others use the contact numbers stored in the phone’s address book to make voice calls.


WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS POST?
Share your ideas by commenting.

Comments

Popular Posts

What to do when you get a HIT on your NBI clearance

A "Hit" on your NBI clearance after your long queue at the NBI satellite office. UPDATED January 2020 Department of Justice (DOJ) Circular 017, or the multi-purpose clearance does  away with the usual separate applications for domestic employment, travel abroad, gun licensing and many others, thereby making it easier for people to obtain and use an NBI clearance. Are you applying for your NBI clearance? The National Bureau of Investigation office has stopped entertaining walk-ins after the implementation of the fully online application process for NBI clearance. The registration and appointment system for the NBI clearance are done online nationwide. Applicants may accomplish the application form at www.doj.gov.ph/nbi , www.nbi.gov.ph , and clearance.nbi.gov.ph . READ: Complete Guide To nCoV: How Not To Misinform Yourself About The Coronapocalypse After registering online, applicants may proceed to any of the NBI sites nationwide for the payment and biom...

Smarter air, better summer: Redefining home wellness with TCL air conditioners

As summer temperatures reach its peak, the demand for reliable climate control continues to grow. Despite the economic pressure of continuous rising of utility and fuel prices, comfort still remains a top priority for Filipino households. The key lies in cooling wisely, leveraging intelligent technology that optimizes performance and energy savings, ensuring your sanctuary remains cool, fresh, and cost-effective. As a Triple Global Top 1 TV Brand and the world’s leading force in Fresh Air AC sales, TCL continues to redefine the standards of home comfort. This summer, TCL’s latest air conditioning lineup delivers more than just premium cooling; it offers an intelligent fusion of lifestyle-centric design and energy-saving technology. Engineered to adapt to your unique environment, these innovations ensure a perfectly chilled sanctuary while significantly optimizing your electricity consumption. “We know that every peso counts, especially w...

Meet POCO M8s 5G, a powerful battery pioneer for everyday life

POCO, a leading technology brand among young tech enthusiasts, brings POCO M8s 5G to the Philippines this April, introducing a new device with a massive battery, a striking display, and dependable performance built for longer days and more immersive everyday use. For users familiar with POCO’s C-series as an accessible starting point, POCO M8s 5G marks a stronger move into the M-series, pairing bigger everyday power with a more elevated viewing experience and stronger value during its exclusive Early Bird window. Two-Day Battery Life Engineered to Last At the core of POCO M8s 5G's user experience is a massive 7,000mAh (typ) battery built for longer days of classes, commutes, work, and entertainment, capable of delivering up to 2-day battery life¹ on a single charge. Even at just 1% battery, users can still enjoy up to 59 minutes of calls or 7.5 hours of standby time,² ensuring they stay connected when it matters most. Delivering long...

Get vivo V70 FE for Php 22K on Shopee pre-order

Big savings take the spotlight as the vivo V70 FE opens its exclusive pre-order on Shopee until April 25, 2026, giving buyers more reasons to upgrade without stretching their budget. From April 15 to 25, customers can unlock stacked deals and limited-edition freebies: ●  Up to Php 2,000 vivo discount ●  Extra 10% off Shopee voucher (capped at Php 1,500) ●  Free vivo V70 x POP MART Zsiga phone strap (limited quantity) ●  0% interest via SPayLater for up to 3 months With these combined offers, the vivo V70 FE can be yours for as low as Php 22,499, making premium features more accessible than ever. Built for those who want more out of every moment Designed for storytellers, travelers, and everyday creators, the vivo V70 FE delivers flagship-level photography without the flagship price. Its 200MP OIS ultra-clear main camera captures stunning detail, even at 900% zoom or after heavy cropping, so every shot h...

OPPO A6s now available for pre-order, bringing smooth performance that lasts for years

OPPO is gearing up to introduce the latest addition to its A Series lineup, led by the new OPPO A6s, bringing Sakalam na Maasahan to life with a smartphone experience that’s built not just for today, but for the years ahead. Joining the lineup is the OPPO A6, expanding the series with the same focus on durability and smart-performing AI. Now open for pre-order in the Philippines, the OPPO A6s signals a shift toward smarter spending, where long-term reliability is prioritized alongside day-one performance. At the core of this value proposition is 60 Months Fluency Protection, an industry-leading commitment designed to keep the device running smoothly for up to five years. By engineering the A6s to resist the typical cycle of slowdowns and early upgrades, OPPO provides a device that holds its value longer, ensuring your investment goes further and cutting down the need for frequent, costly replacements. Paired with a 7000mAh Large Battery,...

No need to go viral: LTO’s new site for reporting drivers

You can now report road rage, colorum, and hit-and-runs direct to LTO. Plus, track if they actually got suspended. Tired of posting dashcam clips on Facebook and praying they go viral before anyone in government notices? Same. The LTO finally gets it. They just dropped “I-Report Mo kay LTO Chief”—a new site where you can report reckless drivers, colorum vans, or even sketchy LTO staff straight to the agency. No likes, shares, or trending hashtags required. Finally, a Way to Call Out Bad Drivers Without Chasing Clout For the longest time, the unofficial way to get justice on Philippine roads looked like this: film it, post it, tag 5 news pages, and hope it blows up. If your road rage video hit 100k views, maybe—just maybe—LTO would step in. That playbook is getting scrapped. The Land Transportation Office launched I-Report Mo kay LTO Chief, a dedicated reporting website that cuts...

Jollibee levels up Burger Steak, introduces new Burger Steak Supreme

Jollibee has upgraded its Burger Steak rice meal and has also introduced a new variant, Burger Steak Supreme, as Filipino families continue to look for meals that are delicious, satisfying and affordable. The Philippines’ no. 1 fast food chain said the improved Burger Steak now comes with more sauce to enhance flavor and overall experience, while keeping its starting price at ₱70 for a solo order. “We’re seeing that customers are paying closer attention to taste, how filling a meal is, and price, so we’re giving them a pangmalakasang (power-packed) rice meal,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. “We focused on improving the experience of a familiar product while also introducing a new option for those who want a bigger meal.” The improvement is supported with materials featuring Joshua Garcia, highlighting the need of Filipinos for meals that can fill their cravings. Jollibee said the m...

This Uniqlo x Toyota collab turns car icons into streetwear you’ll actually wear

Car tees just got a major upgrade. Uniqlo and Toyota are dropping graphic shirts that turn your love for legendary rides into everyday fits — and yeah, the Land Cruiser finally looks as cool on cotton as it does on trails. Your Closet Is About To Get Horsepower Let’s be real: most “car guy” shirts are either boxy, cringey, or stuck in 2006. Uniqlo just said not anymore.  They’ve teamed up with Toyota for a new UT collection that takes four of Japan’s most iconic cars and slaps them onto tees you’d wear even if you couldn’t tell a piston from a Pokémon. The secret sauce? Japanese collage artist Kosuke Kawamura. His style is loud, layered, and full of attitude — think shredded magazine meets museum wall. He took the Land Cruiser, Corolla, HiAce, and the mythical 2000GT and turned them into graphics with actual personality. What you’re getting: • Land Cruiser – For the off-road dreamers and overlanding Pinterest boards ...

Commuter's Guide to Modern Jeepney Routes, Fares in Metro Manila

With the easing of Covid quarantine measures in Metro Manila, the government reopens a number of jeepney routes to try to get life in the metropolis back to something like normal. But for the time being, only the modern public utility vehicles or the "modern jeepneys," as we call them, will be allowed. They will serve areas in Metro Manila that are under general community quarantine (GCQ) as the transition into the “new normal” continues. Below are the routes of modern jeepneys allowed to travel based on the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG). Cashless fare payment systems are implemented and only 50% of total passenger capacity can be used to comply with social distancing measures. The minimum fare for the first 4 kilometers is Php11, and an additional Php1.50 for the next few kilometers if non-air-conditioned and Php1.80 if air-conditioned. Initially, there are 34 routes available for the metro commuters...

Oops, Wrong Send? How to Get Your Money Back Fast — BSP’s Real Steps

That sinking feeling when you hit "Confirm" and realize the number was off by one digit — ‐we’ve all been there. With instant transfers, your money can vanish into someone else’s account faster than you can say "refund." But don’t panic yet. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas actually mapped out what you should do the second you spot the mistake. If you move quick, you still have a shot at getting it back. Sent Your Money to a Stranger? Here’s Your Damage Control Playbook Instant transfers are amazing until they’re not. One wrong tap on GCash, Maya, or your banking app and your cash lands in a random person’s account. Once it’s sent, there’s no magic "undo" button. But according to the BSP, you’re not totally helpless. Speed is everything, and your first call decides if you even have a chance. Step 1: Stop Everything and Call Your Bank or E-Wallet NOW  The moment you notice the error, drop what you’re d...