Conference calls have become an essential part of business operations, allowing professionals to collaborate with colleagues remotely. With the advancement of technology, smartphones have made it more accessible to join conference calls on the go. Conference calls help save time and increase efficiency. No matter what industry you are in, you’ll likely need to participate in a conference call at some point. However, if you are new to using Android devices, you may be wondering how to set up a conference call on your phone. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to help you learn how to make a conference call on an Android phone.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before you start making conference calls on an Android phone, it is essential to check that you have the following things:
- Android Phone
- Updated Phone Software
- Active Phone Service
- Strong and Stable Internet Connection
- Conference Call App (depending on your carrier and phone model, you might already have one pre-installed on your device)
What Requires Your Focus?
To make a successful conference call, it’s crucial to have a stable internet connection and a quiet environment during the call. To avoid disconnects, be sure to have an adequately charged phone battery. You should ensure that you have added the names of the participants as contact numbers on your phone. If you’re making the call for business purposes, you should consider scheduling an appointment and fix a suitable time that works for everyone involved.
Different Methods to Do A Conference Call on An Android Phone
Method 1: Using Your Phone App
This method is easy to use and convenient since you do not need to install any additional apps. Your default phone app has a conference calling function that can accommodate up to five people on one call at a time.
Steps:
- Launch your phone app and dial the first number of the participant you want to speak with and click the call button.
- Once the call has connected, click on the add call button (the plus “+” sign). Dial the next number and click on the call button to connect the second participant.
- While the second call is in progress, click on the “merge calls” icon. Repeat these steps to add up to five people on one call.
Pros:
- No need for additional apps or software.
- You can invite up to five participants.
Cons:
- You cannot mute specific callers.
- You can only join voice calls and not video calls using this method.
Method 2: Using the Google Meet App
Google Meet is one of the most popular apps that can be used to host video conferences, but you can also use it for audio-only conference calls, even if the other participants don’t have a Google account.
Steps:
- Download the Google Meet app from the play store or app store if you don’t have it already installed on your phone.
- Launch the app and log in with your account credentials.
- Create a new meeting by clicking the “New Meeting” button.
- Enter the name of your meeting and click on “Start an Instant Meeting.”
- You’ll be given a code that you can share with up to 100 participants via email or text to join your conference call.
Pros:
- It’s free to use, and all participants can attend the conference call without paying charges.
- It supports video and audio conference calls, making it suitable for different types of meetings.
- You can enable captions during the call.
Cons:
- Participants need to have an email or phone number to join the call.
- It can drain your phone battery quickly, so you need to have a power source nearby.
Method 3: Using Zoom App
Zoom is a video conferencing app that can be used to join or host conference calls. It is widely used by businesses, universities, and other institutions to host virtual meetings.
Steps:
- Download the Zoom app from the play store or app store if you don’t have it already installed on your phone.
- Launch the app and click on “Join Meeting.”
- Enter the meeting ID provided by the host and click on “Join.”
- You can choose to join the meeting with your video on or off.
- After joining the meeting, click on “Participants” and then “Invite” to add more people to the call.
Pros:
- Zoom is compatible with a broad range of devices and platforms.
- It supports up to 100 participants, making it suitable for large conference calls.
- It offers features such as screen sharing, recording, and virtual backgrounds.
Cons:
- The app can consume a lot of mobile data, so you need a reliable internet connection.
- Zoom calls can be hacked or interrupted, so you should ensure that you have strong security protocols in place.
Method 4: Using Third-Party Apps
There are various third-party apps available on the market that you can use to host conference calls, such as Skype, Slack, and Discord.
Steps:
- Download and install the app you want to use from the play store or app store.
- Create an account and sign in to the app.
- Invite the people you want to join your call by sending them a link or code.
- Click on the call button to connect with them.
Pros:
- Third-party apps offer more features and functionalities than traditional phone apps.
- You can customize the call settings according to your preference.
- Some apps avails screen sharing, file transfer, and virtual backgrounds,
Cons:
- Some apps require payment, so you should look for free alternatives if you’re on a budget.
- You may need to spend time learning how to use them if you are new to the app’s interface.
Why Can’t I Do A Conference Call on My Android Phone?
Here are some reasons you might not be able to conduct a conference call on your Android phone:
- Your phone software is not updated: Ensure that your phone software is up-to-date to avoid compatibility issues with conference call apps.
- You don’t have a reliable and strong internet connection: Poor network service may cause call drops and interference.
- You don’t have a conference call app:
To fix this, you can download a conference call app that works on your Android phone from the Google Play Store or the app store.
Implications and Recommendations
Here are three recommendations to help you maximize your conference call experience on your Android phone:
- Consider investing in a pair of headphones: A good pair of headphones with a built-in microphone can help you avoid background noise and make the call clearer.
- Ensure your phone is sufficiently charged: Long conference calls can drain your battery, so ensure your phone is well charged or near a power source before the conference call.
- Create an agenda and plan ahead: Create an agenda for the conference call to help you stay on track. Speak with the other participants beforehand to identify critical points to be discussed.
FAQs about Conference Calls on An Android Phone
Q1: Can I add someone to an ongoing call using the add call feature?
A: Yes, while on an ongoing call, click on the add call button, dial the number of the person you want to add and click on the call button. Once the call is connected, click on “Merge calls.”
Q2: Can I mute specific participants on a conference call on an Android phone?
A: Yes, you can mute specific participants on a conference call on an Android phone. Tap on the participant’s name and then click on the mute button.
Q3: How many people can join a conference call using my Android phone?
A: The number of people that can join a conference call on your Android phone depends on your service provider. However, most carriers allow up to five participants, while some conference call apps can accommodate up to 100 participants.
Q4: Can I hold a video conference call using my Android phone?
A: Yes, you can hold a video conference call using your Android phone. Several apps such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Skype are available on the app store and the Google Play store that support video conferencing.
Q5: Can I join a conference call by phone if I don’t have an internet connection?
A: Yes, you can join a conference call by phone if you don’t have an internet connection. Ask the conference call host for the dial-in number to join the call.
Final Words
Hosting or participating in a conference call is essential in our daily lives, especially in the business world. With the easy access to your Android phone, it’s become even more convenient to join a conference call from anywhere you may be. Now that you know the steps to make a conference call on your Android phone using different methods, you should have no trouble joining your next conference call. Pay attention to the recommendations and be sure to follow the suggestions to optimize your conference call experience.