The iPhone has never been more accessible, with over 113 million users in the United States alone. It’s portable, user-friendly, and versatile — perfect for all personal and professional uses. It’s also compatible with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
What does that mean for your business? Your Apple ecosystem is already decked-out with the infrastructure needed to make iPhone VoIP calls. If you’re looking for a simple way to transform your business communications while making use of a device many of your employees have in their pockets, this could be just the guide you’re looking for.
We’ll go over how VoIP apps work, the advantages of using an iPhone VoIP app for business, and review how to choose the right provider for your needs. Ready to get to dialing?
What is iPhone VoIP?
iPhone VoIP refers to any sort of VoIP service provider that gives you the ability to call and text from your iOS device. It couldn’t be easier to set up iPhone VoIP calling. This kind of telephony operates entirely via packet-switched protocols and WiFi, instead of tapping into traditional cellular networks. It also offers expanded features that can add to your business phone functionality.
Toggling one setting will shift the iPhone’s default calling method to WiFi calling, rather than traditional mobile calling. Thanks to Apple’s interconnected ecosystem of products, you can also enable WiFi calling abilities through your iPad, Apple Watch, iPod Touch, or another Apple device (routed, of course, through your iPhone).
Once you’ve configured your iPhone VoIP settings, you’re nearly ready to go. WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype may work ok for one-off calls. However, for entrepreneurs and teams, using a VoIP business phone app is the way to go.
A VoIP app expands your calling capabilities and features. This makes it easy to run your business anytime and anywhere — conveniently adding a business line to your cell phone you can access from any smart device and your computer.
How to get start with iPhone VoIP using OpenPhone
Getting a new phone number from almost anywhere in the world is a simple process when you choose OpenPhone as your iPhone virtual phone number provider. Follow these three steps:
- Create an account with OpenPhone (when you sign up, you get a free, seven-day trial).
- During signup, choose your city or area code in the US to select your preferred phone number.
- Once the signup process is complete, you’re all set to use your new virtual phone number!
How to use a VoIP app with your iPhone
Before you can get to calling, you’ll need to decide on a provider and learn how to use that provider’s VoIP cell phone app. OpenPhone is a popular VoIP service that boasts an attractive mobile app for iPhone (and Android). In our app, you can manage notifications by setting your business hours, communicate internally with your team, and share numbers with new teammates.
Of course, you’ll also be able to place calls and send text messages (both SMS and MMS) to better communicate with your clients and colleagues. Our users say getting acquainted with OpenPhone’s business VoIP app is a breeze, but you can try it out free for yourself.
Advantages of a VoIP app available for iPhone
Now that you know how to use a VoIP app with your iPhone, it’s time to learn more about why exactly you should make the switch. Whether you’re fed up with inflated prices or want a more flexible communication system for your dispersed team, there are several advantages to an iPhone VoIP setup.
Easy setup
Traditional on-site private branch exchange (PBX) systems take up lots of space in your office. That’s not to mention the time, money, and labor it takes to install the hardware and ensure all components are properly working.
In contrast, it takes all of two seconds to download an app from the App Store, and a few more to open it up and get acquainted with the system.
Private
The boundaries between work and personal calls can become blurred if you’re using your personal number for work.
A VoIP app gives you the ability to receive professional and personal calls on a single device without giving your personal cell number out to clients and colleagues. With a second phone number added to your iPhone, you can see whether any incoming call is intended to reach your VoIP phone number or built-in phone number. You then have the flexibility of choosing whether or not to respond to any work-related calls from your cell phone.
Cost-effective
Maintenance fees and setup costs can all be reduced to zero (or nearly zero) with a budget-friendly VoIP communications system. Plus, most VoIP services charge monthly based on the number of users and phone numbers. International calling rates are also more affordable than with traditional cell phone carriers.
Most upgrades to your VoIP app are automatic and all are free, although you may need to occasionally hit “update” on the app (you can bypass doing this manually by enabling auto-updates in your iPhone settings). With an iPhone VoIP system, it’s easy to keep costs low and satisfaction high.
Portable
Traditional landlines were groundbreaking when they were first established, but they’ve lost some of their value in today’s highly mobile world. International business and remote work are on the rise. As a result, you need to have access to your business communications on the go, no matter where you are in the world.
VoIP apps work like softphones, which offer all the features you’d expect from traditional desk phones, plus some bonuses. All of your business communications are channeled to one place. You’ll also never get weighed down by hardware — everything operates through software you can access from your mobile device or computer.
Scalable
The internet has also made it easier than ever before to scale your business from a handful of people to hundreds or even thousands of teammates. One of the online tools enabling businesses to grow with relatively little capital is VoIP. Without miles of wires and hundreds of desk phones holding you back, you’re free to expand your business phone system along with your company itself.
How to select the right VoIP app for both your iPhone and business
When the time comes to select the best VoIP app for iPhone (and most importantly, your business), the number of choices on the market may seem overwhelming. One way to narrow down your options is to explore sites like G2, where OpenPhone is ranked number one in the business phones category. There are other tactics you can use, too.
Read user reviews
Before making any final decisions, it’s important to know what current product users have to say. Reading user reviews on third-party sites can help you understand what works about a particular VoIP app and what falls flat.
For example, reviews of Google Voice, an alternative VoIP service, frequently indicate nonexistent customer service and poor call quality. From the start, reviews help you discern potential lackluster service providers.
Take cost into consideration
Cost is often a deciding factor for business purchases. As a rule of thumb, iPhone VoIP apps tend to be more cost-effective than traditional business phone systems. However, it’s a good idea to pay attention to a service’s pricing model and root out any hidden fees.
Here at OpenPhone, our pricing plans charge per user per month (with no setup fees), so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.
Look at available features
One of the main perks of getting an iPhone app is that you could have access to more features than are natively built into the iPhone. For OpenPhone, that includes our lightweight customer relationship management (CRM) system in the form of a contact list, which is the perfect way to manage business plans and keep personal notes.
We also offer auto-reply texts for iPhone and shared numbers, so you can provide top-notch customer service with minimal effort. Of course, basic services like call forwarding and voicemail are still available.
Choose OpenPhone for your iPhone VoIP service provider
The brilliance of the iPhone combined with the functionality of iPhone VoIP means your business is in for a real treat when you switch to OpenPhone. Enjoy the convenience of receiving business VoIP phone calls straight to your cell phone (or to your Mac, Apple Watch, and other devices).
With our affordable VoIP phone service, you can relax knowing your telephony service is in good hands. Sign up for a free trial of OpenPhone today, and experience how an upgrade to our VoIP service can transform your business for the better.