> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.quo.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Making calls

> Learn how to make calls from Quo, formerly OpenPhone, using different platforms and manage multiple phone numbers

## Overview

Making calls with Quo is simple and intuitive across all platforms. Whether you're using the mobile app, web browser, or desktop application, you can connect with customers and colleagues instantly while maintaining your professional business identity.

<CardGroup cols={1}>
  <Card title="Prefer a walkthrough?" icon="graduation-cap" href="https://learn.quo.com/setting-up-quo/using-calls-texts-and-contacts/calling-overview?utm_source=content&utm_medium=resource_center&utm_campaign=quo_academy&utm_content=resource_center" cta="Start learning ">
    Access interactive demos, videos, and more in the Quo Academy.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Getting started with calls

Quo offers multiple ways to make calls depending on your preferred platform:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Web/Desktop">
    Launch the [Quo web app](https://my.quo.com/inbox/) or desktop application to access powerful calling features.

    ### Method 1: Quick dial

    Press <kbd>C</kbd>

    or click the dialer icon at the top of the page. A pop-up window appears where you can:

    * Type a phone number directly
    * Search for a contact by name
    * Select from recent conversations

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/resource-center/Lwqlf7EMFjX2FIyM/images/core-concepts-calling/how-to-make-an-outbound-call-w_cleanshot-2024-10-04-at-141001_abac73b9.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Lwqlf7EMFjX2FIyM&q=85&s=df3c2fadcd3670f4dd9451223669bd42" alt="Call button in conversation view" style={{ maxHeight:"450px" }} width="2330" height="1604" data-path="images/core-concepts-calling/how-to-make-an-outbound-call-w_cleanshot-2024-10-04-at-141001_abac73b9.png" />
    </Frame>

    ### Method 2: From a conversation

    Open any conversation and click the phone icon at the top to call that contact.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/resource-center/Lwqlf7EMFjX2FIyM/images/core-concepts-calling/how-to-make-an-outbound-call-w_cleanshot-2024-10-07-at-212943_4ed138cc.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Lwqlf7EMFjX2FIyM&q=85&s=39052be24d5484a806a405f677b5e066" alt="Quick dial interface on desktop" style={{ maxHeight:"450px" }} width="4466" height="3036" data-path="images/core-concepts-calling/how-to-make-an-outbound-call-w_cleanshot-2024-10-07-at-212943_4ed138cc.png" />
    </Frame>

    ### Managing audio settings

    During calls, you can adjust your audio settings:

    1. Click the settings gear (⚙️) during an active call
    2. Select your preferred microphone and speaker
    3. Changes apply immediately without dropping the call

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/resource-center/Lwqlf7EMFjX2FIyM/images/core-concepts-calling/how-to-make-an-outbound-call-w_cleanshot-2024-10-07-at-213641_e8318265.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Lwqlf7EMFjX2FIyM&q=85&s=57bcc455862110d97bbc81af75de7161" alt="Audio settings during a call" style={{ maxHeight:"450px" }} width="1404" height="1202" data-path="images/core-concepts-calling/how-to-make-an-outbound-call-w_cleanshot-2024-10-07-at-213641_e8318265.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Mobile">
    The Quo mobile app offers three convenient ways to make calls:

    ### Method 1: Using the dial pad

    Tap the keypad icon and enter the number directly - perfect for calling new contacts or numbers not saved in your system.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/resource-center/Lwqlf7EMFjX2FIyM/images/core-concepts-calling/how-to-make-an-outbound-call-w_dial-and-call-someone-in-openp_bf8834e3.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Lwqlf7EMFjX2FIyM&q=85&s=8cf6c07172c2453a702e88df7d12d39d" alt="Dial pad in Quo mobile app" style={{ maxHeight:"450px" }} width="360" height="640" data-path="images/core-concepts-calling/how-to-make-an-outbound-call-w_dial-and-call-someone-in-openp_bf8834e3.png" />
    </Frame>

    ### Method 2: From a conversation

    Open any conversation and tap the phone icon in the top right corner to call that contact instantly.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/resource-center/Lwqlf7EMFjX2FIyM/images/core-concepts-calling/how-to-make-an-outbound-call-w_search-contact-callgif_0e826298.gif?s=49060cb4ffdd0b55b6738077563dc2c2" alt="Making a call from a conversation" style={{ maxHeight:"450px" }} width="360" height="640" data-path="images/core-concepts-calling/how-to-make-an-outbound-call-w_search-contact-callgif_0e826298.gif" />
    </Frame>

    ### Method 3: From your contacts

    Browse your address book, select a contact, and choose which number to call from their contact details.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/resource-center/Lwqlf7EMFjX2FIyM/images/core-concepts-calling/how-to-make-an-outbound-call-w_find-contact-in-openphone-and_a09d2a82.gif?s=e09447d32831e7fd11e551892ac63c9d" alt="Calling from contacts list" style={{ maxHeight:"450px" }} width="360" height="640" data-path="images/core-concepts-calling/how-to-make-an-outbound-call-w_find-contact-in-openphone-and_a09d2a82.gif" />
    </Frame>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Calling from multiple numbers

If you manage multiple phone numbers in Quo, you can easily switch between them before making calls.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Web/Desktop">
    Select the number you want to use from the "Inboxes" section in the left sidebar:

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/resource-center/Lwqlf7EMFjX2FIyM/images/core-concepts-calling/how-to-call-from-a-specific-nu_the-inboxes-section-of-openpho_f70da8ad.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Lwqlf7EMFjX2FIyM&q=85&s=6c6aeda16aea2a5152fa1643b2fa1249" alt="Inboxes section showing multiple phone numbers" style={{ maxHeight:"450px" }} width="250" height="658" data-path="images/core-concepts-calling/how-to-call-from-a-specific-nu_the-inboxes-section-of-openpho_f70da8ad.png" />
    </Frame>

    The selected number will appear on the recipient's caller ID.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Mobile">
    1. Tap your account icon in the upper left corner
    2. Select the desired number under "Your numbers"
    3. This number will appear on the recipient's caller ID

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/resource-center/Lwqlf7EMFjX2FIyM/images/core-concepts-calling/how-to-call-from-a-specific-nu_switching-between-phone-number_19c7138e.gif?s=fc07c893bd76d64da93cb5c4d9209286" alt="Switching between phone numbers on mobile" style={{ maxHeight:"450px" }} width="360" height="640" data-path="images/core-concepts-calling/how-to-call-from-a-specific-nu_switching-between-phone-number_19c7138e.gif" />
    </Frame>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Caller ID and appearance

When you call someone through Quo, they see:

* Your Quo business number
* The city where your number is registered
* Your caller ID name (if configured)

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/resource-center/fQfoTHLqJiQN1LcG/images/core-concepts-calling/what-number-will-show-up-on-th_what-a-call-from-an-openphone_a0fe5d97.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=fQfoTHLqJiQN1LcG&q=85&s=326d557c1d9c4bd7eefa823bab03c09b" alt="How your call appears on recipient's phone" style={{ maxHeight:"450px" }} width="311" height="552" data-path="images/core-concepts-calling/what-number-will-show-up-on-th_what-a-call-from-an-openphone_a0fe5d97.png" />
</Frame>

Recipients don't need Quo installed. They'll receive calls just like they normally would from any business phone.

***

## Custom hold music

Personalize your caller's waiting experience with custom hold music. Choose from Quo's built-in library or upload your own audio to match your brand's tone. Custom hold music is available on all plans.

<Info>
  By default, hold music is already enabled for your phone numbers, so you don't need to take any action unless you want to change it.
</Info>

### Available music options

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Quo library tracks">
    * **Upbeat (default)**: Friendly and energetic
    * **Mellow:** Warm and approachable
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Upload your own">
    * **Supported formats**: MP3, WAV.
    * For best results, use MP3 format with standard bitrates (128–192 kbps).

    <Info>
      Audio automatically loops while callers are on hold.
    </Info>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/resource-center/PqZ8FlzNSYcYCo7R/images/core-concepts-calling/customholdmusic_2.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=PqZ8FlzNSYcYCo7R&q=85&s=757016f85c3e30481890a6847c1c279c" alt="Choosing custom hold music" style={{ maxHeight:"450px" }} title="Choosing custom hold music" width="2502" height="1706" data-path="images/core-concepts-calling/customholdmusic_2.png" />
</Frame>

### Set up hold music for a phone number

*Setup is available on web and desktop only. Once enabled, hold music applies across all devices.*

1. Go to **Phone numbers**, then select a number
2. Scroll to **Hold music**
3. Choose one option:
   * Select a library track, or
   * Upload a custom audio file
4. Click **Play** to preview the audio
5. Select the **radio button** to activate your choice. Your hold music goes live immediately

### Managing custom music uploads

* After uploading a custom track, you must select its **radio button** to make it live
* You can delete a custom track at any time. If you do, hold music automatically reverts to the default library track

### Troubleshooting custom hold music

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Files won't upload">
    If your file won't upload, confirm that it's in MP3 or WAV format. For best results, use an MP3 file with standard bitrates between 128 and 192 kbps.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Custom music isn't playing">
    If you're still hearing the default track, make sure the radio button is selected, since previewing alone doesn't activate hold music. Keep in mind that hold music plays only when a caller is placed on hold.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can't replace current custom track">
    If a custom track is currently selected, switch to a different library track first. Then upload your new audio file and select it to make it live.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Need to change hold music">
    You can return to **Phone numbers → Hold music** at any time to update or switch your selection.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Call quality considerations

Quo delivers crystal-clear call quality that depends on your internet connection strength. On a reliable connection, you'll experience:

* Professional-grade audio quality
* No noticeable difference from traditional phone calls
* Consistent performance across all devices

For optimal call quality:

* Use a strong WiFi or cellular data connection
* Close bandwidth-heavy applications during calls
* Consider using a headset for better audio clarity

<Note>
  Monitor and troubleshoot your calls live with Quo's [call quality metrics panel](https://support.quo.com/core-concepts/calling/call-quality-metrics). Available on desktop.
</Note>

### Quick fixes to improve your call quality

You can often fix call quality issues without digging into settings or restarting your device. The way your call sounds can point directly to one of the network metrics you'll see in the diagnostics panel. Check out our [Call quality metrics](https://support.quo.com/core-concepts/calling/call-quality-metrics) article to learn more.

| Issue                            | What this means                                                           | Likely cause                                             | What to try                                                                        |
| -------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Choppy or robotic audio          | Parts of the sound are arriving at different times, making voices distort | Unstable internet connection (Jitter)                    | Move closer to your router, restart your modem, or use a wired internet connection |
| Delays / talking over each other | Your voice is taking too long to reach the other person                   | Slow or congested internet (Latency)                     | Close video calls or streaming apps, avoid VPNs, or switch to a faster network     |
| Words cutting out                | Segments of your audio aren't making it through                           | Weak or interrupted signal (Packet loss)                 | Pause large downloads/uploads, reduce WiFi users, or move closer to your router    |
| Muffled or low-quality sound     | There isn't enough internet capacity for clear audio                      | Too many devices or apps using your internet (Bandwidth) | Pause downloads or streaming, or use a wired internet connection                   |

***

## Platform-specific features

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Web/Desktop exclusive">
    ### Keyboard shortcuts

    Speed up your workflow with these shortcuts:

    | Shortcut (Mac)                                 | Shortcut (Windows)                                                                | Action                       |
    | ---------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------- |
    | <kbd>⌘</kbd>                 + <kbd>E</kbd>    | <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>                 + <kbd>E</kbd>                                    | Mark conversation as done    |
    | <kbd>⌘</kbd>                 + <kbd>U</kbd>    | <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>                 + <kbd>U</kbd>                                    | Mark read or unread          |
    | <kbd>⌘</kbd>                 + <kbd>I</kbd>    | <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>                 + <kbd>Shift</kbd>                 + <kbd>I</kbd> | Call contact in focus        |
    | <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>                 + <kbd>C</kbd> | <kbd>Alt</kbd>                 + <kbd>C</kbd>                                     | Start a call from anywhere   |
    | <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>                 + <kbd>N</kbd> | <kbd>Alt</kbd>                 + <kbd>N</kbd>                                     | Start a new message anywhere |

    ### Advanced audio controls

    * Select specific input/output devices
    * Adjust volume levels during calls
    * Test audio before making important calls
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Mobile exclusive">
    ### Touch gestures

    * Swipe between conversations quickly
    * Long-press for additional options
    * Pull down to refresh your inbox

    ### Mobile-specific features

    * Make calls using your device's native dialer integration
    * Access Quo from your lock screen
    * Use with Bluetooth headsets and car systems
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Additional calling features

Enhance your calling experience with:

* **Call recording**: Record important conversations at the touch of a button
* **Call transfer**: Seamlessly hand off calls to team members
* **Conference calling**: Add multiple participants to your calls
* **Voicemail**: Professional greetings when you can't answer

## FAQs

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can recipients see my personal number?">
    No, recipients only see your Quo business number on their caller ID. Your personal phone number remains completely private.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do recipients need Quo to receive my calls?">
    No, anyone can receive your Quo calls on their regular phone. They don't need any special app or service.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I make international calls?">
    Yes, Quo supports international calling. You'll need to enable international calling in your settings and add credit to your account for calls outside the US and Canada.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens if my internet connection drops during a call?">
    If your connection is interrupted, Quo will attempt to reconnect automatically. For important calls, ensure you have a stable internet connection before dialing.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use Quo with my existing headset?">
    Yes, Quo works with any headset or speaker system connected to your device. You can select your preferred audio devices in the settings during a call.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Are there differences between platforms?">
    While core calling functionality is consistent across platforms, web/desktop offers keyboard shortcuts and advanced audio controls, while mobile provides touch gestures and native phone integration. Choose the platform that best fits your workflow.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>
