Can the magicJack Really Replace Landline Phones for Seniors?

[@GrayingWithGrace]

Get it at Amazon: amzn.to/3KhAuDg (aff link) Learn more in my full guide to magicJack for Older Adults: www.grayingwithgrace.com/magicjack-for-seniors-elderly/ Or at magicjack.com

[@angellatimer7880]

We just installed one for my mom and she is so happy with it. She doesn’t have to remember where her cell phone is or anything like that so it is definitely worth it so she doesn’t miss any calls now.

[@GrayingWithGrace]

Nice! Thanks for sharing your success!

[@angellatimer7880]

@@GrayingWithGrace thank you but all the credit goes to my sister who did the research

[@conniecostner9665]

That's the same reason I HAVE to have a landline.

[@BillAnt]

Or you could get a free Google Voice number or keep your existing number along with an OBi200 box (adapter on Amazon), and have no monthly or yearly fees ever. ;)

[@KaelLunar]

@@BillAntis no longer supported

[@timkinney9690]

I used one of these when I worked overseas. It worked great everywhere I went. The calls were clear, no garbling or echos. People could even leave me messages. You do need to set it up prior to going overseas

[@mybachhertzbaud3074]

Was a great product for me back from 2004 until 2007. Gave it to my wife to have when went to spend time in VA to be with daughter during the last couple of months of pregnancy. Saved a ton of money on long distance calls.🤔

[@skykitchen867]

Had one for almost a year and it broke. Our cable system was upgrading at the time and the internet would go out a lot, rendering the magicjack useless. When it broke, contacting customer service was a nightmare to cancel the service (i didn't want to get charged a renewal fee that was up) getting a call center in the phillipines with heavily accented females that were nice but very hard to understand. That was almost eight years ago so I don't know what it is like now. Went back to cell phone. Never misplaced it, have a spot for it, and it always works.

[@billcoleman7316]

I've had a Magic Jack for 10 years now. Great savings.

[@daveb2u]

Great video! To clarify many questions regarding WiFi: If not plugged into your computer, you don't need WiFi, but you do need an Ethernet port (RJ45). Magicjack does not use WiFi, but most WiFi routers have a few RJ45 ports on the back. If you are in senior living, or a motel room, all you need is an Ethernet port (RJ45) and a place to plug in the power adapter. The Ethernet port (RJ45) looks a lot like the old phone jacks (RJ11), but wider to make room for more connectors.

[@jwillisbarrie]

Thanks for adding actual captions for the Deaf , the white text burned in is good for those don't know how to turn on captions.

[@DELLTelevision]

Nice job explaining everything so clearly!

[@GrayingWithGrace]

Thank You!

[@petersachs764]

I used to have one of these. Brilliant product, but the customer service was so horrific they should have won an award for it.

[@wahoospa1]

I have been using MagicJack for as long as I can remember. When I bought mine it was $20 a year. A great way to save money. You can call anywhere in the USA and Canada with no long distance charges, now that is really great. The sound quality is as good as any other phone. Now the only beef I have with it is when I upgraded my computer to Windows 10 I lost my user name and password. Upgrading had nothing to do with the lost UN and PW, is was my fault that I never wrote them down. (you know I have an elephant like a memory) I never was able to locate a human at MJ to help me. They use only email to converse with you. I had to go thru hades to find my UN and PW, but in the end I found them. I would advise anyone to try MagicJack because it is worth every penny of the cost.

[@ronb6182]

Thanks good video . My first MJ I even used it on a lite internet when my carrier offered it. Then they switched to the regular service for the same price. I never had any issues with my MJ even on the lite internet service. 73

[@Iambriangregory]

Can a person just download an app to use magicJack do you need an actual device

[@ronb6182]

@@Iambriangregory I think you must have an account. I had three MJs one was given to me and then they came out with a computer less device. I lost the password and don't remember which email I used. In the past I used a separate yahoo account. 73

[@Iambriangregory]

@@ronb6182 GREAT RESPONSE!ty u need hardware? Plug in u think,?

[@ronb6182]

@@Iambriangregory oh sorry for the delay I went and looked online you need to Google Magic Jack app and it will tell you how much for what you want. I believe the app is free and you can talk all you want but to get a phone number you will have to pay I believe monthly. I don't know how much magic Jack you want. I myself would like to use my dongle and hook up my own phones. I have to reset my password if I can remember which email I used. The dongle will ring a regular land line phone like a Western electric or automatic electric which GTE bought out years ago then changed to Verizon another years ago. 73

[@ronb6182]

​@@Iambriangregorythe only hardware is the phone. The jack comes with everything you need to hook to your computer. Once set up you don't need to use the computer. Just place log in information in a safe place. 73

[@pixeldust2898]

This video is super helpful! Thank you for taking the time to create and post it. 🙂

[@GrayingWithGrace]

I'm so glad it helped!

[@James_Knott]

If you're worried about cost, check your Internet connection. You might already have home phone included. That's the case here, where my home phone is included in my Internet and TV bundle from the cable company. As for power, traditional PSTN is dying, so that will be a concern, no matter how you get your home phone. You can use a UPS to keep your end of the connection up. BTW, I'm 70 and have no problems dealing with tech.

[@GrayingWithGrace]

Good point... some companies do bundle internet phone with their internet service!

[@EjupovicFamily]

Thank you! I am pretty good with technology but I would have really struggled with the usability of this company's tech if not for your video!

[@GrayingWithGrace]

Glad I could help! It is a bit antiquated!

[@cmbooks2000]

Sick to death of AT&Ts awful service and started researching alternatives to landlines. Although I have cell phones I prefer a landline in some cases. How does this work with landline extensions? Do you use a cell phone app for that? I appreciate your very thorough description and video. Thank you.

[@rakeau]

It's simply a VoIP ATA, or Analog Telephone Adapter. Others exist on the market. This one just has its own VoIP service to compliment it and sell it as a nice bundled product. Nothing wrong with that at all, quite good actually, but there are alternative devices out there depending on people's needs. Depending on what you get, and/or with some modifications, it's possible to get rotary dial phones working on VoIP.

[@petersachs764]

Rotary phones?!? Just how old are these seniors.. Touch-Tone telephones came out in the 1970s. Most phones can do Pulse or Touch Tone. Are these seniors just being quaint?

[@rakeau]

@@petersachs764 Settle down. Some people just like to keep old tech working, y’know.

[@Sara-e9u]

Cool. Thoroughly stated and simplely described with detail

[@tonykeltsflorida]

I have had majicJack for many years. I did have to use Windows to set it up. I run it on the router. Now that I only use Linux, someday this setup will fail and I won't replace it. However, it seems to want to run forever. I set it up to replace a DSL phone LOL.

[@tonykeltsflorida]

@@mikewright9210 I did the original install from the original software disc. After I moved it to Ethernet it didn't matter.

[@VenusInvestigations]

I've had issues using the MJ with my HP /printer/fax machine. It's been a couple of years that I tried the MJ again, but when I got a newer HP all-in-one printer is when I had the issues. I was told by MJ that it did not work with analog printers. Any thoughts. I really want to port my LL (it's a bus #) to the MJ, but I need the fax capability. Can you help? By the way you're very clear with your instructions! Any suggestions to use the MJ for a fax line? Thanks.

[@taffykins2745]

Why didn't he respond to you? This is what makes other viewers wary. I'm very glad you posted your question because it makes others aware -- including me!!!

[@morningraindrops]

Were you able able to find a solution?

[@VenusInvestigations]

@@morningraindrops Yes. The best solution was to get rid of MJ. MJ does not work with some HP printers, the phone line is analog and is not recognized with the type of HP all-in-one printer that I have. Switched to OOMA digital (landline) phone and it works great. The techs answer the phone when you call w/questions. The basic cost a year is the same as MJ. So solution solved. Plus Ooma has better quality sound.

[@ronb6182]

I liked the MJ when I had 6 years of service. The first year was included with the dongle. Then you could buy five more years. I liked the idea I never got one sales call using MJ. I also used a pulse phone and the MJ rang the phone. I had to use the computer to dial out. 73

[@ronb6182]

I have antique phones so OOMA is out. 73

[@Joyce-xz8gp]

Hi! How do you keep your current US number, does it mean you have to pay monthly sub, example is Tmobile metro subscription?

[@funbrothers96]

thank You sir for the clear explanation and set up of this device, will get one soon : ) Peace

[@GrayingWithGrace]

You are very welcome. Thrilled I could help!

[@elvisonstage]

I've watched your video and this is GREAT!!!! THANK YOU!!!! Does MagicJack work with a fax machine, in sending faxes please? I watched you set this up...is there a monthly/yearly fee with MagicJack? Which plan/price would be best for a 2-person family? Thank you again!!!!!

[@GrayingWithGrace]

Yes. If it works for regular phone calls you should be able to send faxes also per their website. There is an annual subscription fee that is a flat fee for service - they don't really have varying plans.

[@Aeroportdeparis-q3p]

Hey, why would you won’t put in the Wi-Fi because long time ago I put it on the power and then the phone line doesn’t work

[@frostyfrances4700]

Could I use the same phone number as my cell phone these days?

[@dammar117]

I don't understand how we would set this up if not using the computer. Also, how many devices can we connect? I have six corded and cordless phones throughout my house. They are necessary to ensure calls are picked up. The corded phones provide back-up in case the cordless ones are not in their place because people didn't put them back.

[@ronb6182]

You might need to turn off some ringers especially if using old phones with real bells.73

[@rgruenhaus]

Not good through the computer as the virus protection can interrupt the sound of the call when it thinks it might be an operation to check out. I had the old one on two different computers and when I got the new one hooking up directly to the router, it never had that voice breaking up ever again!

[@SeanN-58]

Great video, very informative. Thanks!

[@GrayingWithGrace]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gordonwilloughby8793]

The way to prevent loss of phone service during a power outage is to use an uninterrupted power supply to power the router, modem and magic jack or other voip phone system. It can keep the phone working for several hours depending on the size of the UPS.

[@stevemcphail4746]

Gee the phone service used to work in a power outage but not anymore.

[@gordonwilloughby8793]

@@stevemcphail4746 The phone service you have and whether you have back up power for it will determine whether your phone will work during a power outage. If is a cell phone or traditional phone line it will work during a power outage. A voip like magic jack has to have an uniterupted power supply for the modem, router and the Magic jack to keep it running during a power outage,

[@Thomas-yr9ln]

Magic Jack has been out a while so they must sell pretty good.

[@MyLifeThai371]

I have heard that many of the Americans who retired in the Philippines use Magic Jack to call the U.S.A. What about receiving SMS 2-factor authentication text messages for accessing our bank accounts though?

[@GrayingWithGrace]

That’s a tough one. Sorry but check with magicIack for this answer.

[@MyLifeThai371]

@@GrayingWithGrace I just contacted them. They said magic jack app on your cell phone can only receive texts from ten digit phone numbers. They said short verification codes like the ones sent from your bank will not work. Don't waste your money on magic jack. It only replaces a land line.

[@missinglink691]

I used magic jack and the magic jack app while in China. The app allowed me to text and talk. It's been a few years since I used it overseas, although I'm sure it still works wherever you are as long as you have service or WiFi.

[@mgk2600]

What happens when your internet goes down, or your computer crashes? You still wont have a "landline" with this service.

[@GrayingWithGrace]

Correct. That is one of the drawbacks mentioned in the video. You can connect it to a router to eliminate the computer part of it. But yes internet is required.

[@charliebyerly3931]

You'd need a backup power supply for power outages.

[@dammar117]

That's the reason I'm so upset that they are discontinuing traditional landlines.

[@sleightofhand22]

Does it work on a Linux device?

[@Thomas-yr9ln]

Would it work on a android TV Box ? I have AT&T DSL.

[@stevemcphail4746]

My question is about billing. Will they bill you or do they demand you give them your CC info so they can deduct funds whenever they feel like if for a small fee?

[@20NewJourney23]

You can choose not to set up automatic yearly billing. But you can set up automatic payment. There's no extra fee to pay yearly. Not every company will steal your money.

[@loubartkiw3536]

I'm paying Comcast $30 a month for landline. According to magic jack I would pay $35-$45 per year. Where is the savings?

[@informationstationjw]

​@@duncan5063LOL

[@clivevreeswijk4555]

30 a month is 360 per year, magic jack 45 a year.. There's your savings

[@rayrizzol]

You’re paying for a year not per month that’s how you save

[@robertshade8631]

How to fix error 1 and get installed with existing home phone service?

[@Lulu-kt6gr]

Hi I’m looking for a landline phone for my senior father that will send unknown callers directly to voicemail, that will operate in a power outage, and that has a lighted button when messages are waiting, NOT a loud beep. Anything come to mind? Thank you.

[@20NewJourney23]

A real landline/wireline phone service. They are extremely rare these days.

[@pauljoseph3081]

Call quality has always been an issue with MagicJack, I used to be a tech support thru chat

[@GrayingWithGrace]

Thanks for the insight. I've not had any problems with mine personally but I also have very good and fast internet service. That might be the difference.

[@taffykins2745]

OP thanks for your comment. I'm having a lot of problems with cell service and the last thing I want to do it get a whole new bunch of troubles and headaches! You really helped me out a lot today. Thank you!

[@skip741x3]

Usually any sound quality issues with it are from the quality of the internet speed its connected to... its the Upload speeds that matter with VOIP like MJ and not just speed but Jitter levels as well can make audio have drop outs and sound like Darth Vader in a tin can.. the hardware itself is capable of crystal clear audio as good or better than most real phones.

[@cpa889900]

Would magic Jack work if plugged in a WiFi extender? Thanks ....Update, I was successfully able to activate magic jack through my wifi extender.

[@GrayingWithGrace]

I don't believe so. It needs to be plugged into the router or your computer specifically. If anyone has tried this, chime in!

[@cpa889900]

Thank you for responding. Very informative video.

[@b.a.6362]

Plz can some one add an AMAZON LINK for a simple cordless phone that works with magic jack...thank you.

[@GrayingWithGrace]

This one I have personally used on a magicJack: amzn.to/486imW5 (paid link). See this video too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaamiqOmfrd-b5I I tested these phones out on a magicJack and all worked fine.

[@WordsByAsti]

I used to have MagicJack and will return. I'm sure my old gadgets won't work.

[@Iambriangregory]

Can a person just download an app to use magicJack do you need an actual device

[@jafab5265]

After watching this video, I noticed that a lot of information was left out, for example, what if you transferred your landline, phone number to a cell phone and you no longer have a landline, but have wireless Internet only, is it possible to use the magicJack in multiple locations and when your cell phone Rings using the cell phone number setting it up with magicJack that your house phones would ring that way you could pick up any home phone anywhere in the house without going to your cell phone or carrying your cell phone all over the house is this at all possible also what if you don’t have a cell phone, and you wanted to eliminate your landline how do you transfer that number to the magicJack while canceling the service from? Let’s say Verizon or optimum? I wish this video would go into more detailed scenarios. I find it to be incomplete perhaps more videos illustrating how this could be done Can be made by either this individual or somebody else. More detailed information Which is missing in this video is needed. A lot of unanswered questions. Also noted many comments being made with zero replies that I can see. It’s one of these things. Let the buyer beware before you purchase.🤔

[@jkopvo]

Thanks for the video - sounds like a good option! We've been using an Obi202 with Google Voice for years, but a lightning strike damaged our Obi202 device, so we are looking at alternatives, and this seems to be one of the least expensive. We do have a couple questions that perhaps you can answer: 1. If you don't need or want the 911 service (we never had it with our Obi202), are you still required to pay a monthly 911 fee? 2. We want to keep our Google Voice number, and would probably configure Google Voice to forward incoming calls to our new MagicJack phone number. When we make outgoing calls, however, using Magic Jack, can we spoof the outgoing number to make it appear that the call is coming from our Google Voice number? There was a screen in the video where you could enter the Caller ID name. Does that screen also allow you to enter the Caller ID phone number? Thanks much!

[@captainjohn787]

As of February, 2024, Magic Jack was still charging for 911 service.

[@ronb6182]

​@@captainjohn787it should be included in the cost of the MJ. My wife's trac fone pays the 911 when you buy time at the register. I would think MJ does something similar. 73

[@petersachs764]

Horrible customer service when I used it in the past. I hear good things about Tello. I've been using Google Voice with an Obi 200 adapter for the past decade, but I think thar free ride is at an end.

[@deangelodeonhines5063]

Do I need a WiFi router for magic Jack or WiFi hot spot?

[@Iambriangregory]

Can a person just download an app to use magicJack do you need an actual device

[@daveb2u]

If not plugged into your computer, you don't need WiFi, but you do need an Ethernet port (RJ45). Magicjack does not use WiFi, but most WiFi routers have a few RJ45 ports on the back. If you are in senior living, or a motel room, all you need is an Ethernet port (RJ45) and a place to plug in the power adapter. The Ethernet port (RJ45) looks a lot like the old phone jacks (RJ11), but wider to make room for more connectors.

[@DR-nw7xn]

VoIP Much for Canadians 🇨🇦

[@GrayingWithGrace]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@rjadams9397]

I need that where i get it

[@GrayingWithGrace]

You can buy direct from magicJack or at Amazon. See the links above In the comments and description !

[@jamesbasinger]

I want to keep my current phone number, at what point do I cancel my phone service with ATT and will ATT keep my current phone number?

[@GrayingWithGrace]

I believe when they port (or move) your number to magicJack that should notify ATT to cancel. BUT, I would follow up with ATT after you get the confirmation that the transfer is complete.

[@jimfowler6779]

How can I connect 2 phones to MJ? One in my office & one in my BR?

[@Iambriangregory]

Can a person just download an app to use magicJack do you need an actual device

[@Roll-Tide333]

you can use phone line splitter have to run a line ..if your house has phone line already run to different rooms you can connect and use them with MJ.

[@b.a.6362]

Frustrating the mg site is still down!! Then unable to log in not take incoming calls.

[@GrayingWithGrace]

looks like it is up now...

[@ajarnolaf9034]

who has gotten this running. on an old school rotary phone working on a laptop attached to a computer on Wifi?

[@NasirKhan-xz8uj]

😮 but I am not using landline phone in my home

[@MoreSoulBoxing]

#MoneyTeam

[@donames6941]

Jack worked very good for me till i found a cell tha that worked were i live

[@JeffHogge-n1f]

First of all; There ARE people in this country (and world) who hate computers and digital devices! (How do you do)! And... NOBODY EVER reveals the BAD aspects of "DIGITAL" devices. I myself have been FORCED to learn much more about digital than I ever wanted. That makes me about 1/10 as savy about all this invasion in our lives than the devil would prefer. Now, Secondly, I am not discrediting "Magic-Jack" (I am discrediting all the lies and inconvenience and unreliability that digital things force upon us. (Again NOT referring to "Magic -Jack"). However, as you mentioned... this device needs to be connected to a computer. What you did not mention, is that "The Computer" MUST be connected to the internet. AND the computer MUST be be incompliance with ALL the obnoxious, irritating, over -complicated, AND EXPENSIVE digital protocols and/or services before ANY digital thing will work! Now the word "WORK"... is far too dangerous an area to discuss...(which is precisely what the devil perfers! (NOBODY SAYS ANYTHING BAD ABOUT DIGITAL)! I happen to be a retired (telephone company employee)... AND although you are doing a beautiful job of explaining all this... There are a number of things of important things that I feel duty -bound to announce. BUT I CAN'T...CAN I! (Again, exactly what the Devil wants). All that I can say, is that; we must all be very Very careful of what we are graciously offered as an alternative to analogue technology. And in conclusion, I'd like to say that I enjoyed my "Magic-Jack" which I still have stored in a box. I thought it was a very interesting device, and clever. BUT... always be mindful of the always "UNMENTIONED" and DANGEROUS digtal Aura that surrounds ALL digital equipment. (I do wish I could be more specific). I wish you all God's love...and protection!

[@syoung20001]

Don’t hesitate to call a therapist if you need help

[@JeffHogge-n1f]

Thank you for your kind consideration, perhaps you could send another little gem like that over to Israel. I'm sure it would be just as appreciated, and resolve the problem just as well! God bless!

[@JeffHogge-n1f]

@@syoung20001 Same to you

[@JeffHogge-n1f]

@@mermaidsmonsters1017 I was speaking "SPIRITUALLY" my dear... (NOT ELECTRONICALLY) that last paragraph! AND, EVERYTHING he says is the absolute truth! That's WHY I was (admitted) quite BOLD to phrase it that way. But I can see how you might have been confused.(May he protect us all)!

[@ranimouf]

You keep saying it's gonna save you money but for some reason you don't want to tell us the price of having one.

[@Happy-ce9lx]

It’s around $50 as per the links on this page.

[@michaelironstone]

MagicJack has pretty terrible reviews... Not sure what to think.

[@autoguy57]

If you’re a member of HAMAS, I wouldn’t purchase one right now…🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@marcuswalton2922]

He said Mac or Windows. If the government would do it all, one would not have to worry about Mac or Windows, since it would be United States or nothing!