Can i call regular phone numbers with Jami?

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Many users ask: “Can I use Jami like Skype to call landlines or mobile numbers?” The short answer is: yes with SIP. Let’s break down how it works!

Since the release of Eirene, the new Jami experience, we’ve received many questions asking for more details about an advanced yet mysterious feature: SIP.

Whether you’ve heard about it in passing or have seen it mentioned in your Jami settings, SIP can seem intimidating. Unlike Skype, which uses its own proprietary system, Jami supports open standards. In order to be reachable on your computer, tablet, or phone via a phone number, you can use a SIP account in Jami. But the details of these protocols are still opaque for most users.

This article is here to change that.

Let’s break down what SIP is, how it relates to Jami, and how you can take advantage of it, without needing to be a telecom expert.

A Quick Recap: What Jami Does

Jami is a communication platform offering classic messaging, audio, and video calls without relying on servers or third parties. It is fully distributed and respects your privacy.

But did you know Jami can also do more than connect you to other Jami users?

In addition to its peer-to-peer messaging and calling features, Jami also allows you to make and receive calls to phone numbers and landlines, and even use your existing phone number, through the power of SIP.

So, What Exactly Is SIP?

SIP, short for Session Initiation Protocol, is a widely adopted standard for setting up real-time audio and video calls over the internet. Think of it as the modern, digital equivalent of analog phone lines.

Unlike Skype, which uses its own proprietary system, Jami supports open standards. That’s where SIP comes in.

To use SIP, you need:

A SIP-compatible device or app (like Jami!)
An account from a SIP provider (which acts like your network operator)

Jami doesn’t provide SIP accounts directly. Instead, it lets you configure one, so you can place or receive regular phone calls directly from your computer or smartphone, all through the internet.

What Can You Do With a SIP Account in Jami?

It really depends on your SIP provider.

Most SIP providers offer features such as:

Making calls to landlines or mobile numbers
Receiving calls using a traditional phone number
Local call routing
Using your existing number online
Voicemail and call recording

While Jami itself doesn’t offer SIP services, it acts like your device—you bring the SIM card (your SIP account), and Jami becomes the phone.

If you’re curious about SIP providers, you can find useful comparisons in articles like:

Want to test it without committing? Many providers also offer free SIP accounts with limited features—just enough to try it out in Jami.

How to Set Up a SIP Account in Jami

Getting started is easy:

Choose and create an account with a SIP provider.
Open Jami and go to:
Advanced settings → Configure a SIP account
Enter the credentials provided by your SIP service.
That’s it! You’re now ready to make and receive calls.

You can add multiple accounts if needed and switch between them easily.

Jami Accounts vs SIP Accounts: What’s the Difference?

It’s essential to understand that Jami accounts and SIP accounts are not the same:

Feature	Jami Account	SIP Account
Peer-to-peer	✅ Yes	❌ No
End-to-end encrypted	✅ Yes	❌ Not by default
Server required	❌ No	✅ Yes (provider's server)
Contact phone numbers	❌ No	✅ Yes
Contact Jami usernames	✅ Yes	❌ No

If you want total privacy and decentralization, use a Jami account.
If you need to reach landlines or use a phone number, set up a SIP account.

You can use both inputs simultaneously in the application.

Join the Conversation!

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We're grateful for the curiosity and feedback our community keeps sharing. Articles like this one are inspired directly by your questions and your desire to dive deeper into what makes Jami so unique. Whether you’re testing new builds, reporting bugs, or just spreading the word, your involvement makes a real difference.