How to Call Without a SIM Card Using WiFi
Here's something the carriers don't advertise: you haven't needed a SIM card to make phone calls since 2011. That's when WebRTC shipped in browsers, turning any WiFi-connected device into a phone. No carrier. No plan. No SIM.
The confusion comes from "WiFi Calling" — the feature your carrier offers. That still requires your SIM card and active plan. It just uses WiFi instead of cell towers. Completely different from VoIP, which is independent of carriers entirely.
If you're holding a phone with no SIM, a tablet, or a laptop — and you have WiFi — you can call any phone number in the world. Let me show you how.
Common Situations (You're Probably Here for One of These)
Traveling internationally
Local SIM is data-only, home SIM has roaming disabled
Use hotel/cafe WiFi + VoIP to call home or local businesses
Phone broken or stolen
No phone, but have laptop or tablet
Make calls from any device with a browser — laptop, iPad, borrowed device
eSIM data plan issues
eSIM only has data, no voice capability
VoIP works over any data connection — eSIM data is fine for calls
Between phone plans
Cancelled old plan, new SIM hasn't arrived
WiFi calling bridges the gap — no carrier needed
Budget travel/student
No phone plan, WiFi-only lifestyle
Make calls when needed without monthly carrier costs
Work restrictions
Company laptop, can't install apps, need to make a call
Browser-based calling — no installation required
How It Works (The 30-Second Version)
Your voice goes from your microphone → over WiFi → to a server → to the actual phone network. The person you're calling gets a normal phone call. They have no idea you're not using a regular phone.
Think of it like sending an email that arrives as a physical letter. The technology does the translation. You just speak.
WiFi Calling vs. VoIP: The Crucial Difference
This confuses everyone. Let me clear it up:
Carrier WiFi Calling
- • Requires active SIM
- • Requires phone plan
- • Uses your carrier's system
- • Same rates as regular calls
- • Only works on phones
VoIP (Like GlobCall)
- • No SIM required
- • No phone plan needed
- • Independent of carriers
- • Own rates ($0.02/min)
- • Any device with browser
If you've ever turned on "WiFi Calling" in your phone settings and wondered why it still doesn't work without a SIM — that's why. It's a carrier feature, not true VoIP.
A Real Example: Stranded in Vietnam
A user named Chris emailed us this story. He was in Da Nang, Vietnam. His phone got pickpocketed on day 2 of a 3-week trip. No phone, no SIM, no way to contact his bank about the fraud alerts now hitting his locked card.
He borrowed a laptop from his hostel, connected to WiFi, opened GlobCall, and called Chase's fraud line. 45-minute call, issue resolved, card unlocked. Total cost: $0.90.
Without VoIP? He'd have needed to find an international phone shop, buy a local SIM (which wouldn't call US toll-free anyway), or beg the hostel to use their landline. The borrowed laptop solution took 2 minutes to set up.
What You Can Use
Any device with these three things:
- A browser — Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge. Updated in the last few years.
- A microphone — Built-in laptop mic, phone mic, earbuds, whatever.
- WiFi — 5 Mbps minimum. Hotel, cafe, airport, hotspot, anything.
That's it. No app to install. No SIM slot. No carrier account.
The eSIM Trap
eSIMs are great for data abroad. But most travel eSIMs are data-only — no voice capability. And even if they have voice, international calls might cost $1-3/minute.
Here's the move: use your eSIM for data, use VoIP for calls. Best of both worlds. Your eSIM gives you internet everywhere, VoIP gives you $0.02/minute calls to anywhere. Problem solved.
The Contrarian Take
Phone carriers have convinced us that making phone calls requires their infrastructure. It doesn't. Not since 2011. The voice part of your phone plan is essentially a legacy feature.
Think about it: you pay $50-100/month for a phone plan. How many actual phone calls do you make? Maybe a few hours total? At VoIP rates, that's $2-5/month worth of calls. The rest is just... paying for the privilege of having a phone number.
For travelers, digital nomads, and anyone who's mostly on WiFi anyway, the entire carrier model is optional.
Step-by-Step: Your First SIM-Free Call
- Connect to any WiFi network.
- Open a browser (Chrome recommended) on any device.
- Go to GlobCall — the phone interface is on this page.
- Sign in with email. No phone number needed.
- Allow microphone access when prompted (one-time).
- Dial any number with country code (+1 for US, +44 for UK, etc.).
- First call is free — test it on a number you know.
Total setup time: under 90 seconds. No SIM. No carrier. No app download.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make phone calls with WiFi only and no SIM card?
Yes. Browser-based VoIP services like GlobCall work entirely over WiFi. No SIM card, no carrier plan, no phone number required. You can call any phone number in the world from any device with WiFi and a microphone.
What's the difference between carrier WiFi calling and VoIP?
Carrier WiFi calling (like AT&T WiFi Calling) requires an active SIM and phone plan — it just uses WiFi instead of cellular signal. VoIP is completely independent of carriers and works without any SIM or plan.
What devices can I use to call without a SIM?
Any device with a browser and microphone: smartphones (with or without SIM), tablets, laptops, Chromebooks, or desktop computers. If it can run Chrome, Safari, or Firefox, it can make calls.
Will my eSIM work for WiFi calling abroad?
eSIM data-only plans usually don't support WiFi calling (which requires your carrier). But VoIP works over any internet connection — eSIM data, hotel WiFi, or airport hotspots.
Can I receive calls without a SIM card?
VoIP is primarily outbound. You can make calls but not receive them without setting up a virtual number. For incoming calls, you'd need a separate service or just use messaging apps.
Is call quality good over WiFi?
Usually excellent — often better than cellular. WiFi calling uses higher-quality audio codecs. You need 5+ Mbps for clear calls. Most public WiFi handles this fine.
Do I need a phone number to make WiFi calls?
No. You don't need to have a phone number to make outbound calls. You sign up with an email. The recipient will see 'Unknown' or 'Private Number' unless you add a caller ID.
Can I call emergency services (911) without a SIM?
Not reliably. VoIP can't guarantee 911 connectivity or send location data. For emergencies, use a landline, borrow a phone (even without SIM, most phones can dial 911), or find help in person.
No SIM? No problem.
Make calls from any device with WiFi. First call free, no credit card required.
Make a call nowRelated: Calling without a phone · Browser calling · Rates