Develop Bugs

[Q] Going to Mexico, option for calls?

I plan to travel to Mexico in a few weeks for a much needed escape from these bitter cold Wisconsin winters.
I plan to stop into Sprint to see what options I'd have for using my phone while there. Though I'm still worried as I've heard horror stories of people following what carriers tell them and still racking up huge call or data charges.
Questions:
I'm using a Gingerbread rom, would SIP be an option?
Would making calls through Google voice make any difference?
My hope is, if I have access to wifi I will be able to make VOIP calls or something of the sort.

Google voice will not save you anything. SIP internet calling will. Setup with sipgate or something similar. But internet calling will ONLY help you if you are on a wifi network. If you are data roaming a cell tower, you will get screwed.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

What part of Mexico? I used VOIP on wifi at the resort in Cozumel, almost every hotel there has wifi.

first week of having my evo i went to cancun. hand full of text just about everyday, about 3-4 calls on the last couple of days there, and a bunch of playing around on the web (new phone, had to play with it) netted me about $45 of international fees.

Just buy a international plan for that month so you wont get charge that's much safer and easier instead of having those high bills people get

if you have an old GSM phone just unlock it and use telcel over there, its definitely the cheapest option. text messages are only a peso, even when sending to the U.S.

What about using roam control?

Cheapest method:
1) Put phone into Airplane mode. DO NOT TURN THIS OFF UNTIL YOU GET BACK. If you restart the phone and it's no longer in Airplane mode, PUT IT BACK INTO AIRPLANE MODE.
2) Get Google Voice. Set it up on your phone and all that.
3) Sign up for Sipgate One. It's free and has unlimited incoming calls.
4) Add your Sipgate SIP credentials as a SIP account in Gingerbread (the SIP credentials are to the right on the settings page on sipgate.com). Turn on "Receive calls".
5) Add both your cellular and Sipgate numbers to Google Voice. Have Sipgate be a home number. You should receive the call from Google Voice just fine via Sipgate.
6) Set your Sipgate number to ring, and your cell number not to ring in Google Voice. Give people your GV number and instruct them to call you.
7) In Sipgate, remove all of the forwarding options. You do not want Sipgate taking your voicemail for you, of course. Go to Sipgate.com > Settings > Voicemail, Call Forwarding & Hunting, and just delete everything in the list.
8) Try it out! Call your GV number from home or a friend's cellphone. You should get the call via Sipgate. Any texts you send/receive via GV will also be free.
Now, here's the caveat: To make calls, you need to sign onto a computer, go to the GV website, click the "call" button in the upper-left corner, and select your Sipgate number to call with, and then punch in the phone number you want to call. If you've added and sync'd up your Google account on your phone, all of your contacts will be in there already, so you can just type in a few letters/numbers of their name/number and it will auto-fill, kinda like Google Instant.
Enjoy!

good luck going to Mexico that drug war and violence is crazy right now I went in the summer and heard gun fire and **** all over that place hopefully your flying cause if your not....... be safe bro
Sent from my PC36100 using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk

drmacinyasha said:
Cheapest method:
1) Put phone into Airplane mode. DO NOT TURN THIS OFF UNTIL YOU GET BACK. If you restart the phone and it's no longer in Airplane mode, PUT IT BACK INTO AIRPLANE MODE.
2) Get Google Voice. Set it up on your phone and all that.
3) Sign up for Sipgate One. It's free and has unlimited incoming calls.
4) Add your Sipgate SIP credentials as a SIP account in Gingerbread (the SIP credentials are to the right on the settings page on sipgate.com). Turn on "Receive calls".
5) Add both your cellular and Sipgate numbers to Google Voice. Have Sipgate be a home number. You should receive the call from Google Voice just fine via Sipgate.
6) Set your Sipgate number to ring, and your cell number not to ring in Google Voice. Give people your GV number and instruct them to call you.
7) In Sipgate, remove all of the forwarding options. You do not want Sipgate taking your voicemail for you, of course. Go to Sipgate.com > Settings > Voicemail, Call Forwarding & Hunting, and just delete everything in the list.
8) Try it out! Call your GV number from home or a friend's cellphone. You should get the call via Sipgate. Any texts you send/receive via GV will also be free.
Now, here's the caveat: To make calls, you need to sign onto a computer, go to the GV website, click the "call" button in the upper-left corner, and select your Sipgate number to call with, and then punch in the phone number you want to call. If you've added and sync'd up your Google account on your phone, all of your contacts will be in there already, so you can just type in a few letters/numbers of their name/number and it will auto-fill, kinda like Google Instant.
Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the detailed walkthrough. The only part I couldn't figure out was step 6) Set your Sipgate number to ring, and your cell number not to ring in Google Voice. I couldn't find where to do this.

i just went to mexico a few weeks ago, and stayed on airplane mode (with wifi on) the whole time. if you are going to a tourist trap, you should be fine on the wifi side. if you like going to the more authenitc, poorer touns like me, you might be in trouble.

cesjr02 said:
Thanks for the detailed walkthrough. The only part I couldn't figure out was step 6) Set your Sipgate number to ring, and your cell number not to ring in Google Voice. I couldn't find where to do this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Head over to the Google Voice website, click Settings>Voice Settings, select the Phone tab, un-check your cellphone in the list, and check your Sipgate number. Direct link (may or may not work): https://www.google.com/voice/b/0#phones

Works great, issue is only sipgate to sipgate calls are free and unlimited. You get 60 minutes a month and I'm down to 52 already just from testing.
I could always add minutes, the rate seems reasonable enough. Mainly I just need it for important calls, I don't plan to do much chit-chatting in Mexico anyway.
And for those who asked, I'm going to Huatulco, just south of Oaxaca. The resort I'm staying at has wifi.

cesjr02 said:
Works great, issue is only sipgate to sipgate calls are free and unlimited. You get 60 minutes a month and I'm down to 52 already just from testing.
I could always add minutes, the rate seems reasonable enough. Mainly I just need it for important calls, I don't plan to do much chit-chatting in Mexico anyway.
And for those who asked, I'm going to Huatulco, just south of Oaxaca. The resort I'm staying at has wifi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incorrect. Inbound calls to your Sipgate number are free. If your minutes are decreasing from inbound calls, and you have a Sipgate One account, email them and cite this tweet:
https://twitter.com/sipgate/status/18775978030

The best option I've found for calling back to the states from foreign countries is to use my laptop and take advantage of the free calling from Gmail. Calls are very clear and all calls to the US are free.

Tmobile $30 Data Plan + SIP + Google Voice = I have this setup wrong

So I have been looking around here, searching (unsuccessfully) on how to setup Google Voice (GV) to use only data on 3g and wifi. I see no settings in GV or ICS for this. How do I set this up using GV to dial only data and no voice?
Can I simply go to:
Phone (stock app) >Settings > Use Internet Calling > For all calls when data is available
And then:
Google Voice (downloaded App) > Settings > Making Calls > Use Google Voice to Make all calls
Will these settings work successfully or do I need to purchase an app like Groove IP to get the result I am looking for?
I also signed up for an SIP account at sip2sip and tried to configure a SIP account in the phone, but the account wont configure properly on the phone.
Anyways I am all over the place here, some guidance from someone with more knowledge than myself would be great
Thanks!

There's a misconception that Google Voice is a VOIP service. It is not, it is simply a call forwarding service. When someone dials your GV# it simply forwards to one or more other numbers. Downloading the GV app doesn't enable or allow native VOIP calls on the phone.
The only way to get a VOIP solution going with Google Voice is to have it forward calls to Google Talk (what you'd usually do to make and receive calls in GMail), and use an app like GrooVe IP or Talkatone to intercept those and relay them to your phone.
These basic VOIP service layers for GV aren't as good as they sound. They can work quite well when configured properly on WiFi, but don't expect to make quality calls walking down the street on 3G. The codecs they use just require too much consistent bandwidth and don't work well on mobile networks.
There are other more complex SIP systems that you can pay for and have your GV# forward to, but for that I recommend you head to general and read the VOIP thread.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus i9250

Appreciate it, will take a gander over to the voip.
I get fairly consistent 8down and 2up using tmo here so Id like to at least try!
Worst comes to worst I can put my old work sim in for service

Hi Quarkboy!
I am using T-mobile $30 plan, grooveip, google voice to do exactly what you describe. I used it this past week in both Boston and Chicago. I have a new to me used not yet unrooted HTC sensation, DL speeds I get 2mbs to 4 mbs. Calls are "clear", I don't and listeners don't hear static, but, everything sounds a little "thin" and "tinny". I plan to try talkatone next.
IMO, the sound quality is not poor enough to abandon grooveip for most calls, but, for an important call I'd probably use plan minutes.
GL!

Yes. If you want it to make all calls, just set it to that. I have used it and confirmed on my bill that it works
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2

Ive got nothing but good things to say about talkatone.
Easy setup...good options...great app!
Try itZ!
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA

Yup. Talkatone is the way to go.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

You don't have to set up third party programs anymore. You can just set it up though gvoice itself. I'll send screen shots when I get home. I've made two outgoing calls at the same time with it before. The other parties caller I'd shows my gv number. And. It didn't ever charge my minutes. Long story as to why I did it, but I do use gv all the time for visual voice mail. And texting.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2

To use the native internet calling, you need to download sipdroid from the market temporarily. Through sipdroid, you can create a free account with pbxes.org with a google voice trunk (not available for free if you directly sign up at pbxes.org).
I'm about to investigate further (just got the $30 100min/5gb plan myself today), but if pbxes.org supports call forwarding if there's no active sip session (or less good, forward after x rings/seconds), you should be able to sign up for another GV/pbxes pair and use that to ring your real phone number. That way, you can have people call one number and always be reachable, and have voip preference to not eat your minutes.
It's a shame you can't do prioritized ringing natively with GV.

Yea. I downloaded Talkatone and I'm glad I did. I'm definitely going to buy the addless license after a week of use. Just have to make sure that I havent missed any problems before purchasing.
1454 said:
You don't have to set up third party programs anymore. You can just set it up though gvoice itself. I'll send screen shots when I get home. I've made two outgoing calls at the same time with it before. The other parties caller I'd shows my gv number. And. It didn't ever charge my minutes. Long story as to why I did it, but I do use gv all the time for visual voice mail. And texting.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, I wondered this...
I made an accidental call using Google Voice while using my cell network (not wireless internet) and it rang! So not sure if you get charged using minutes or if its only taken from your data. I wonder if you can receive calls as well.

pinoyplaya4life said:
Yea. I downloaded Talkatone and I'm glad I did. I'm definitely going to buy the addless license after a week of use. Just have to make sure that I havent missed any problems before purchasing.
Also, I wondered this...
I made an accidental call using Google Voice while using my cell network (not wireless internet) and it rang! So not sure if you get charged using minutes or if its only taken from your data. I wonder if you can receive calls as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you do get charged minutes with just gv. Use talkatone to call without minutes. Play around in the settings to get it just right. You know it's right when you can make and receive calls on airplane mode our without the Sim in the phone. Additionally, most importantly make sure to log into the desktop version of gv and forward all calls to google talk.

ziddey said:
To use the native internet calling, you need to download sipdroid from the market temporarily. Through sipdroid, you can create a free account with pbxes.org with a google voice trunk (not available for free if you directly sign up at pbxes.org).
I'm about to investigate further (just got the $30 100min/5gb plan myself today), but if pbxes.org supports call forwarding if there's no active sip session (or less good, forward after x rings/seconds), you should be able to sign up for another GV/pbxes pair and use that to ring your real phone number. That way, you can have people call one number and always be reachable, and have voip preference to not eat your minutes.
It's a shame you can't do prioritized ringing natively with GV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. I just signed up and I'm trying to get it set up with the built in Internet Calling features in Android.
If I set Google Voice and Internet Calling to Ask Each Time I get this:
Call with Google Voice > Dials using Cell
Call with Cell > Asks me to chose internet or cell
So that doesn't seem to be what is expected. Although I suppose I could reduce minutes by receiving calls over gv.
Finally, does anyone know if pbxes.org keeps you logged into gtalk on their servers 24/7?

[Guide] Switch Verizon VVM to Google Voice and save

A few months ago I found several incomplete resources on the web to set up Google Voice as your voice mail service instead of using your carrier. In the case of Verizon, I was even more disgusted to pay $2.99 per line per month for a service that should be included with every smartphone. This guide is intended to be a more complete solution to using Google Voice as your voice mail service on Verizon.
Why Google Voice?
- Integrated FREE visual voice mail on your Galaxy Nexus (don’t pay Big Red more than you have to). Access from your call log or the Google Voice app.
- Transcripts of the message e-mailed to you (the translation is not very accurate, but you can get the main point of the message in most cases before you listen to it).
- Access your voicemail on your phone, tablet, or web browser.
Setup:
1. If you haven’t already, request a Google Voice number from http://bit.ly/obMhcy (Don't port your number, just get a new one from Google - porting your number from Verizon to Google Voice will cancel your Verizon service).
2. Once you have your Google Voice number, install the Google Voice app on your phone http://bit.ly/QDySzs
3. Once all signed in to the Google Voice app, you are ready to set up FREE visual voicemail on your Galaxy Nexus.
4. Go to your Phone app settings (not Google Voice, but the actual Phone app that makes your phone a phone). Under “Other Call Settings” is a “voicemail” option, open that. Under “Service” select Google Voice. You will get a pop up warning that your carrier cannot be autoconfigured, but just acknowledge the warning and continue on. To make this function on Verizon, you need to setup a “Number Busy/No Answer Call”, also known as conditional call forwarding by following this simple step:
Dial *71 [Your GV #] then hit Send — (*71-###-###-#### then Send)
You’ll hear a few beeps and then you’ll automatically be disconnected. This is a free Verizon calling feature that reroutes an unanswered call to the 10-digit number provided after the *71, which is your Google Voice number in this case. Make a test call to your cell phone number from another phone to make sure all is working – you can set up your personal message later.
Now, anybody that calls your cell phone (GV or regular cell number) will be redirected to your Google Voice voicemail. This way you can keep your Verizon phone number and still manage voicemail online (replay/save messages to your computer) and get transcriptions.
There are options on the Google Voice web interface to record a personal message, which can be different depending on who is calling. For example, a message for friends, one for work, etc. The Google Voice settings page is also where you set up your account to receive e-mail notifications of voicemails with transcripts, etc.
Don't forget to cancel your Verizon VVM subscription once this is complete and working, and uninstall yet another Verizon app from your Nexus device. :good:

Thanks OP! As someone who has used Google Voice for a few years I fully support this thread.

I ran this since Google Voice was in beta on VZW. No other way to have it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

Thanks, works great!! I Love how I can play VM right from the phone app!! And read them in the voice app. So sick. Thanks a lot

And if your plan supports it, add your GV # to your Friends & Family list to make voicemail airtime free (won't use minutes)

jpinsl said:
And if your plan supports it, add your GV # to your Friends & Family list to make voicemail airtime free (won't use minutes)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The VMs are downloaded and stored in the app via data, you wont ever have to call VM again.
I believe you are thinking of the old trick, change the GV settings to show your GV# instead of the callers #.

Thanks for posting this. I'm going to give it a go.

WiredPirate said:
The VMs are downloaded and stored in the app via data, you wont ever have to call VM again.
I believe you are thinking of the old trick, change the GV settings to show your GV# instead of the callers #.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I'm thinking that rather than burn data-bytes, I just reprogram the phone to call my GV# when I press and hold 1. By listing it in F&F, it's a free call, doesn't use data and works exactly like my carrier's VM.

Google voice has been working great for me for a couple months and is a huge step up from regular voicemail.... Highly recommended! Thanks for the guide.

jpinsl said:
Actually, I'm thinking that rather than burn data-bytes, I just reprogram the phone to call my GV# when I press and hold 1. By listing it in F&F, it's a free call, doesn't use data and works exactly like my carrier's VM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but doesn't that defeat the purpose? If you're going to do that why not use the carriers VM? And I cant imagine that downloading a voice mail message uses much data. Oh well, to each his own.

So, is there anything I need to watch out for when flashing other ROMs
sent from the bathroom

geomonroe said:
So, is there anything I need to watch out for when flashing other ROMs
sent from the bathroom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Set up phone as per instructions, don't have to do the *71 part. I've been doing this for a couple years now, and I tend to flash a different rom a few times a week, no problems.
Really want to screw the man? Just get a free sip line hooked to your gv number. All you need is a data plan. Saves big $$$$$

Phazmos said:
Set up phone as per instructions, don't have to do the *71 part. I've been doing this for a couple years now, and I tend to flash a different rom a few times a week, no problems.
Really want to screw the man? Just get a free sip line hooked to your gv number. All you need is a data plan. Saves big $$$$$
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did the *71 thing. Now I can't send messages
sent from the bathroom

geomonroe said:
I did the *71 thing. Now I can't send messages
sent from the bathroom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[SOLVED] disabled through app now I can send through either. The two different numbers are messing with my peeps, I have had the same number for years. Plus when you look below the surface there can be charges
sent from the bathroom

geomonroe said:
[SOLVED] disabled through app now I can send through either. The two different numbers are messing with my peeps, I have had the same number for years. Plus when you look below the surface there can be charges
sent from the bathroom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have gv ring all numbers when a call comes in. No matter which is dialed, no matter which is in use, you'll get the call. Been working that way for me for a couple years. Texting the vz number will incur a charge, but that's about it. Only extra charges I see are from those texts. No cost if texts go to gv number.

Phazmos said:
Have gv ring all numbers when a call comes in. No matter which is dialed, no matter which is in use, you'll get the call. Been working that way for me for a couple years. Texting the vz number will incur a charge, but that's about it. Only extra charges I see are from those texts. No cost if texts go to gv number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Texting through Google voice is a nightmare. This thread's purpose was to show folks how stop paying Verizon for the ability to have visual voice mail on your smartphone.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Thanks for this! Had no idea I could even change the voicemail to something else. I got so tired of the voicemail icon constantly making my notification light blink since I never check it. Hell, I had no idea verizon even offered a visual voicemail service. +1Google

Youmail.. The best free visual voicemail ..use on all my phones and tabs.. And best of all works perfect and simple to setup
Sent from my QMV7A using Xparent Purple Tapatalk 2

[Q] VOIP using Talkatone with Google Voice and Sprint

Hey guys,
I tried searching for anything relating to this and I haven't found anything on this forum or Google thats helpful.
Issue: NO SERVICE!!! I work in a government building that has 0 reception inside (I also work in the basement). I also get almost no reception in my house, but i have an airave so that's resolved for the most part.
I would like to set up VOIP somehow without having to create a new number to give to people. I'm hoping to find someone who has done this already with success.
My thought is to install and set up google voice using my sprint number, and then integrate google voice into talkatone. That way I can call/text over wifi for free because it is still using my sprint number, just over a data connection instead of cell. I'm on a good family plan with a business discount, so this isn't me trying to get out of paying for cell minutes, my bill for 4 people is 200 bucks (we all have premium data). I just want to be able to receive my messages and calls while I'm at work on just a wifi signal. Unfortunately about a month ago my fiancees father unexpectedly passed and I didn't find out until I left work hours later because I never received a message.
If this is a taboo conversation I apologize (if its possible, the resources are already out there) or if nobody knows I understand. I was just hoping for some insight because I've heard complaints with people trying to integrate their sprint number to google voice.

So I took some time and did some individual research of each app and the google voice integration.
Google Voice itself does not all VOIP, which is where talkatone comes in. Most 3rd party VOIP apps require the person you are calling/texting to also have that app, or you need to create a new number through that app and give it out to everybody you want to communicate with over a data connection.
Talkatone works with Google Voice, which is why it's free, and the benefit of being on Sprint is that you can make your Google Voice number your Sprint Mobile number, therefore being able to make free calls and texts over wifi/3g/4g without spending any money. If you decide to go international you would only have to add a credit to google voice for international calls (which is significantly cheaper then the international rate from sprint).
I believe this is a very unknown loophole in sprints eyes that is completely legal and does not break the terms of service. They are the ones who have a contract with Google Voice to allow you to use your own number, then talkatone works on top of google voice to provide VOIP.
In essence I answered my own question, but I hope to have provided some insight to other people that have service issues with sprint.
I welcome anybody who uses this exact set up or just google voice to chime in with any issues they have experienced, or success stories.

I use GrooveIP to do this on my wifi only evo shift

CNexus said:
I use GrooveIP to do this on my wifi only evo shift
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What ive read is that because it works through google voice and google voice isn't considered a "mobile number" then any person you call that has a mobile-to-mobile feature will not take advantage of it, it will actually go towards their minutes. it doesnt hurt you because you arent using any minutes, but it hurts them. especially on a family plan.

Well obviously. It basically lets you use your disconnected device as phone whenever you have wifi.
For real "free" services, each person needs to be in on the same thing.

Google Fi not working on my P3XL

I am hoping someone on Project Fi can provide insight. I am not able to make or receive calls on my P3XL which has Google Fi service.
What happened was that when I moved to Fi from TMO, I forgot to remove the SIM in the tray. But Fi worked fine with eSIM for 9 months since I moved to Fi Dec. Last week, I had to factory reset the phone because of an unrelated issue and at the fresh boot it found old TMO SIM in there and tried to activate it but gave up because I am not directly subscribed to TMO, although TMO is part of Fi MVNO as well.
I realized my mistake, took out the SIM and activated my eSIM. It showed successful activation for my number associated with the google account. But I can't make or receive calls. When I dial a number, it says "Service is restricted or unavailable" or "Could not complete call". When I dial my number from another phone, it says "Subscriber is not in active service".
Strangely, when I dial my wife's Fi number, it connects and we can talk. The number shown on her caller ID is same temp number (some Texas 817 number) Google Fi assigned to my phone on fresh boot until I enabled wifi, logged into my google account associated with Fi and actually activated Fi, at which point it successfully connected and activated my correct number. But no calls. The data works. SMS does not.
Has anybody seen anything like this? Google Fi support has not been able to help with this so far. The problem was reported on Fri last week and all I have gotten is "we are working on it". I have troubleshooted with them several times, clearing app caches/data, factory reset, safe modes, giving random permissions to fi, phone,google play services and unrestricting data access to all these google apps. But nothing works.
PS: The problem is independent of the OS. I have tried Pie and all recent Q Betas (4,5,6). Its the exact same result.

Does anybody have experience with Google FI support here? My service has been out since Aug 16, and all I get from a supervisor is that "a specialist is working on the case and wait for email from her". I have never had phone service broken for 12 days before ever.
Does anybody with experience with Google Fi support have any hints on how to get someone higher up get more attention to the case? This seems awfully long time for a specialist to figure out why my number is not in active service.

Does your FI number work on wifi?
Does your FI number work through Google Voice?
FI support hit the crapper earlier this year, which is on of the reasons I bailed for Visible. Which has worse support but better service and lower fees.
My recollection is that you just have to call them every day to get it fixed.

parakleet said:
Does your FI number work on wifi?
Does your FI number work through Google Voice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neither. When I call a number, I get "Service is unavailable or restricted". When I call my number from my wife's, I get "Subscriber not in active service". The Google Fi app keeps insisting that I am activated and service is fully functional.