How to Call Landline Using Smart for Free — Is It Possible?
Many Smart users look for a way to call landlines without paying. The truth is simple: Smart does not offer fully free calls to regular landlines, but there are a few methods that can reduce the cost or make the call feel “free” after a one-time payment. This guide explains what’s actually possible, what isn’t, and what alternatives people use today.
Can You Call a Landline for Free Using Smart?
No, there is no permanent or unlimited way to call a landline for free using Smart’s voice network. Smart charges around ₱7–₱7.50 per minute for direct mobile-to-landline calls, even when calling PLDT landlines.
However, there are a few situations where a call can be free or feel free:
This means you can reduce or remove the cost, but you cannot dial a normal landline number for free using Smart unless it’s a toll-free hotline.
What You Can Actually Do for “Free” or Near-Free
Smart doesn’t offer unlimited free landline calls, but there are a few real ways to avoid paying the full ₱7–₱7.50 per minute. These options are the closest you’ll get to free calling using a Smart phone. Each one works differently, so pick the one that fits your situation.
1. Use Toll-Free Numbers (100% Free)
If the number starts with 1800, the call is completely free from Smart.
When to use this:
- Calling banks
- Customer service
- Government hotlines
- Company support lines
These numbers don’t deduct load and don’t use promo minutes. This is the only truly free method for real landlines.
2. Use App-to-App Calls (Free but NOT real landlines)
Apps like:
- Messenger
- Viber
- Skype
These give free voice calls only if the other person is also online using the same app. This does not connect to real landline telephones, but it’s useful if you only want to talk to the person.
Best for:
Friends, family, coworkers.
3. Use Free Trials From VoIP Apps (Limited but Free)
Some VoIP apps allow short free test calls to landlines:
- Talk360 (free sample call)
- Yolla (free earnable credits)
These are not long-term, but helpful if you only need one short call.
4. Use Promos That Make Calls “Feel Free” After Paying Once
These aren’t free, but once you pay the price, the minutes work like “free included calls.”
Examples:
- Magic Calls: ₱99 → 50 minutes (no expiry)
- ALLNET with Landline: includes landline minutes + unli mobile calls + data
After activating, you don’t pay per minute — the minutes are already included.
This is the best near-free method if you call landlines Using Smart often.
5. Use VoIP Apps for Cheaper Landline Rates
If you want the lowest possible cost:
- Viber Out
- Skype Credit
- Talk360
These can cost as low as ₱0.50–₱1 per minute when using Smart data or WiFi — much cheaper than Smart’s ₱7+ rate.
Good for:
Banks, offices, and PLDT landlines.
Affordable Alternatives If 100% Free Is Not Possible
If completely free landline calls aren’t available, the next best option is to reduce your cost as much as possible. These methods save the most money and work for both Smart Prepaid and Postpaid users. They are practical, reliable, and much cheaper than paying the standard ₱7–₱7.50 per minute.
1. Magic Calls (Best Value for Occasional Callers)
Magic Calls is Smart’s most cost-efficient option for landline calls.
Why it’s good:
- Starts at ₱99 for 50 minutes
- Minutes never expire
- Works for any landline or mobile number
- Use minutes anytime without pressure
Ideal for:
People who call banks, offices, or PLDT landlines only once in a while.
2. ALLNET with Landline Promos (Best for Frequent Callers)
These promos include:
- Landline minutes
- Unli Smart-to-Smart calls
- Unli texts
- Mobile data (varies per promo)
Popular options include:
- ₱50 → 30 minutes (3 days)
- ₱299 → 120 minutes (28 days)
- ₱599+ → bigger data + more minutes
Why it works:
You get landline minutes + data + unli mobile calls in a single promo, so your overall cost becomes much lower.
3. VoIP Apps (Cheapest Per Minute Option)
If you want the lowest possible rate, VoIP apps are the smartest choice.
Common apps:
- Viber Out
- Skype Credit
- Talk360
- Yolla
Typical rates:
₱0.50–₱1 per minute to Philippine landlines
Why it helps:
Even after buying a small data promo, the cost is still cheaper than Smart’s regular landline rate.
4. Smart Data + VoIP Combo (For Zero Voice Charges)
You can avoid Smart’s voice rates entirely by calling through the internet.
Example setup:
- Magic Data ₱99 (2GB, no expiry)
- Use Viber Out or Skype to call landlines
This makes the landline call significantly cheaper while giving you data for other tasks as well.
5. Use Public WiFi + VoIP (Almost Zero Cost)
If you’re near:
- Free mall WiFi
- Coffee shops
- LGU WiFi spots
- School WiFi
You can call landlines through VoIP apps without spending on Smart data or Smart voice credits. This is the closest thing to totally free, as long as you don’t need long calls.
Which Method Should You Choose? (Quick Guide)
- Rare caller: Magic Calls 99
- Frequent caller: ALLNET with Landline
- Cheapest per minute: VoIP apps (Viber Out / Skype)
- No load or data: Use toll-free numbers only
- No money at all: Use free WiFi + VoIP or app-to-app (not landlines)
Standard Regular Landline Call Rates If You Don’t Use a Promo
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard rate per minute | ₱7–₱7.50 per minute |
| Charged when | As soon as the call connects |
| Applies to | All PH landlines (PLDT, Globe, etc.) |
| Smart → PLDT rate | Same rate (not free) |
| Dialing format (same area) | Landline number only |
| Dialing format (another area) | 0 + area code + 8-digit number |
| Example | 02-8123-4567 |
| Best for | Very short or emergency calls |
| Why people avoid it | Most expensive option; no free minutes |
When Standard Rates Make Sense
| Good To Use If… | Reason |
|---|---|
| You need a quick 1–2 minute call | Cheaper than buying a promo |
| You have no data/WiFi | VoIP apps won’t work |
| You need urgent contact | Fastest way to reach landlines |
Why Promos Are Better
| Reason | Impact |
|---|---|
| Promos give minutes | Effective cost per minute becomes cheaper |
| Magic Calls has no expiry | You only pay once and use anytime |
| ALLNET gives data + unli calls | More value for frequent callers |
| VoIP apps cost less | As low as ₱0.50–₱1/min |
How to Check and Subscribe to Promos
Smart makes it easy to subscribe to promos that include landline minutes. You can do it in three ways: using *123#, the Smart App, or the Smart online store. Follow the steps below to find the best promo for you.
*1. Using 123# (Fastest Method)
This works even without mobile data.
Steps:
- Open your Phone app.
- Dial
*123#and press Call. - Choose Magic → Calls (for Magic Calls).
- Or choose Calls & Texts → look for Landline Minutes.
- Select the promo you want.
- Confirm to register.
Good for: quick checks, low battery, no data.
2. Using the Smart App (Most Complete List)
The Smart App shows all available promos and their details.
Steps:
- Install the Smart App from Google Play or App Store.
- Open the app and log in with your Smart number.
- Go to Promos.
- Tap Calls or Magic to see landline options.
- Choose your promo (Magic Calls, ALLNET with Landline).
- Tap Subscribe.
Good for: checking updated promo details before buying.
3. Using the Smart Online Store
Useful if you want to buy volume-based or longer-validity promos.
Steps:
- Open your browser.
- Go to store.smart.com.ph.
- Choose Prepaid Promos.
- Look for ALLNET with Landline or call bundles.
- Register using your number.
Good for: longer validity promos like 28-day or 60-day packs.
Myths About Free Landline Calls Using Smart
Many users believe there are “tricks” to make landline calls free on Smart, but most of these claims are not true.
1. “Smart-to-PLDT calls are free because they’re the same company.”
No, Smart and PLDT are under the same parent company, but mobile-to-landline calls are still charged at the standard ₱7–₱7.50 per minute.
2. “Unli call promos also include landline numbers.”
Usually false.
Most unlimited call promos only work for:
- Smart
- TNT
- Sun (legacy)
- Globe / DITO (ALLNET only)
Landline minutes are separate and only included in specific promos.
3. “Using +632 or the international format makes the call free.”
False.
Using +632 is just the international dialing code for Manila landlines. Charges still apply the moment the call connects.
4. “VoIP apps can call landlines for free.”
Not true.
Apps like Viber, WhatsApp, or Messenger give free app-to-app calls, but calling a landline through these apps uses paid credits.
5. “Smart has a hidden free landline trick.”
False.
There is no secret code, shortcut, or hack. The only truly free calls are toll-free numbers (1800) and temporary emergency offers (rare).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Smart charge ₱7–₱7.50 per minute for landline calls?
Landline calls use Smart’s voice network and follow regulated interconnection fees, so they cost more than mobile-to-mobile calls.
Is there any way to call a regular landline for free using Smart?
No. Smart has no permanent free landline calling. Only toll-free numbers (1800) are fully free.
What promo is the cheapest option for calling landlines?
Magic Calls (₱99 for 50 minutes, no expiry) is the most affordable. For frequent calls, ALLNET with Landline promos offer more minutes.
Do unlimited call promos include landlines?
Mostly no. Unli-call promos usually cover mobile numbers only. Landline minutes are included only in specific promos.
How do I know if a number is toll-free?
If it starts with 1800, the call is free from Smart. These are usually banks, customer service, and company hotlines.
Does Magic Calls have an expiry?
No. Magic Calls minutes do not expire, making them ideal for occasional callers.
