Frequently Asked Questions
magicJack Free Features | Frequently Asked Questions | Available Area Codes
Getting Started
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Features
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International Calling
911 / 411 Services
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Accessories
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Compatibility
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Phone Numbers
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Using your magicJack
Billing
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Trouble-Shooting
Getting Started
How long does it take to get started?
The first time you plug in your magicJack, it will install within minutes. The next time you plug it in, you can use it in seconds!
What do I need to get started (requirements)?
- Any computer with Windows XP or Vista operating system; (Mac/Apple will be available any day.)
- One of the following: broadband, high-speed internet, cable internet, DSL, WiFi or WiMax
- Your present corded or cordless telephone
Can I give my employees their own individual incoming and outgoing lines?
Every magicJack comes with its own telephone number, and its own "line". You can use multiple magicJacks behind one router.
Can I give my children their own incoming and outgoing lines?
Yes. Each magicJack comes with its own telephone number and line. You can use multiple magicJacks behind the same router.
What is the difference between magicJack and Skype?
- magicJack is an easy-to-use device that allows you to use a regular telephone handset to make calls. Skype is a software program, and accessories must be purchase separately.
- Skype must be installed on your computer, whereas magicJack\'s software runs automatically.
- Skype uses a peer-to-peer network, whereas magicJack uses a dedicated telephone network.
What is the difference between magicJack and traditional VOIP carriers?
- many other VoIP carriers do not have dedicated telephone networks, and lease this service from other companies. This can result in higher costs and poorer reliability. magicJack uses a dedicated telephone network.
- magicJack comes with an easy-to-use device to allow you to use a regular telephone handset.
Do I need a headset to use magicJack?
No. You can use magicJack with either a regular telephone handset, or with a headset. You can also use both, and switch between the two.
How is the call quality on magicJack compared to a cell phone?
Most users find the call quality of magicJack to be superior to that of a cellular telephone, and to be comparable to a traditional telephone call.
Can magicJack replace my existing home phone service?
Yes, it can. You get a regular telephone number, incoming and outgoing calls, and a host of "regular" features. You can use magicJack with your existing telephone as well.
How fast is my connection time with a magicJack?
Connection time with a magicJack call is comparible to a traditional phone call. If you call another magicJack user, the connection is almost instantaneous!
What happens during a power outage?
magicJack relies on power from your computer, as well as a broadband connection, so if your computer has no power then magicJack will not function. If your computer has a battery, such as a laptop, and you are using wireless broadband, then magicJack will continue to function during a power outage.
Your voicemail and call forwarding will work in the event of a power outage.
Can I block Telemarketer calls on my magicJack line?
Yes, using www.donotcall.gov
If we use magicJack for all our local and long distance service will I need a second one for traveling?
Yes you will. But by traveling with a second Magic Jack, it will pay for itself almost immediately.
If I change Internet providers, do I need to notify magicJack?
No. You can move magicJack between Internet providers without having to let us know.
If I move do I need to notify magicJack?
No. You can use magicJack from anywhere in the world, without letting us know.
If I change my email address, do I need to notify magicJack?
Yes, you should let us know. We will release a user self-service portal shortly where you can do this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tell me how I can save when I travel.
The magicJack is one of the most portable communication tools available. It fits into your pocket or briefcase. Use the magicJack anywhere you find high speed internet service and continue the same great savings around the world.
Tell me how International friends, family and/or associates can save.
They can use a magicJack the same way you do to make and receive calls to US and Canada. It is a great way to save on international calling for anyone outside the US.
Do you have an affiliate or partner program?
Not at this time.
Does the other party need to have a magicJack too?
No, the other party (either the person calling you, or the person you are calling) does not need magicJack. They can use a regular telephone or cell phone.
Features
Tell me about Voicemail.
Free voice mail is included in your magicJack purchase.
Simply install your magicJack and follow these directions:
- From your phone (that is plugged into your magicJack) dial your own number.
-OR-
Click the Voice Mail button on your Softphone (the phone displayed on your computer screen). - When you hear a voice, press the * (star) key.
- When prompted, dial the default password 1234 on your phone or Softphone.
- Please change your password once you’ve accessed your account.
- Follow the prompts to personalize your options.
Tell me what features come with my magicJack.
Included with your magicJack cost of $39.95 are the following:
- A phone number from one of many metropolitan areas around the country that can receive free incoming calls from around the world.
- A license to use the magicJack to call the US and Canada for FREE during your first year of use.
- A USB optional extension cord.
- Free local and long distance calling to US and Canada.
- Free International calling to US/Canada numbers when traveling outside of the US.
Does my computer need to be on in order for my calls to be forwarded?
No. Calls are forwarded from our own switches, so your computer can be off, or your magicJack unplugged.
Does my computer need to be on for my voicemail to work?
No, your computer can be off, or your magicJack unplugged, and users can still leave you voicemail.
What number or name will people see on their caller ID on a call from me?
People that you call will see your ten-digit magicJack telephone number on their call display.
Does magicJack have traditional "Call waiting"?
Yes, it does. If you get another call during a call, press the Flash button on your telephone to switch between calls.
queDoes magicJack receive incoming calls as well?stion
Yes. You get a regular ten-digit telephone number with magicJack, and anyone in the world can call you.
Do I have Caller ID with magicJack?
Yes, magicJack will display the caller ID of the person calling you, and other parties with caller ID will see your telephone number when you call them.
Do I have traditional dial tone with magicJack?
Yes, you will hear a traditional dial tone when you pickup your telephone handset, or using your computer headset
When a call comes in on my magicJack line, will my phone ring?
Yes, your telephone will ring as it normally does.
International Calling
How do I make calls to locations outside the USA?
Call any person on their magicJack number in any country and the call is free.
Call back to the US from another country with your magicJack and it\'s free.
International Services are not available during our Beta test, but will be "soon"
If I call someone on a magicJack overseas, do I need to dial the country or city code?
No, you would dial as your would normally from the United States.
If I call back to the US or Canada from overseas, do I need to dial a country or city code?
No, you would dial as you would normally from the United States.
Can I make calls to countries besides the US and Canada on magicJack?
Not at this time. We plan to sell international calling minutes in the near future.
You can call other magicJack users anywhere in the world.
Can I call Puerto Rico for free?
Yes, as well as the US Virgin Islands.
911 / 411 Services
Does 911 service work with magicJack?
Yes, 911 Emergency Services works with magicJack. In an emergency, dial 911.
Please note that magicJack may not work during a power or internet outage.
How do I get 911 Emergency Service on magicJack?
Register your current US address during the registration process.
Please make sure that your address information is complete, up-to-date and accurate. (If you travel, you must update your 911 service address.)
Wait for a confirmation email that your 911 service address is registered. Dial 911 only in an emergency. Our 911 service is different than 911 service offered on traditional phone lines.
Are 411 calls free with magicJack?
Yes, 411 calls are free!
Accessories
Do I need a headset to use magicJack?
No. magicJack can be used with a regular house phone, but you can also use a headset if you wish.
You can use a phone, headset, or switch between the two during a call.
Are there any Bluetooth accessories available for magicJack?
Yes, you can use any Bluetooth headset that your computer recognizes as a sound device. Use the "Switch To Headset" option on the magicJack menu.
Please contact the manufacturer of your headset for technical support if necessary.
Compatibility
Can I use magicJack on mac as well as PC?
As of November 26, 2007, magicJack is available only on the PC Platform with MS Windows. We plan to release an upgrade to allow magicJack to run on macs as well.
Once this upgrade is available, you will be able to use your magicJack on PCs or your Apple macintosh, and even switch between them.
What operating systems does magicJack support?
magicJack currently runs only on PCs with MS Windows XP or Vista.
We plan to release an upgrade to allow magicJack to run on macs shortly.
Will magicJack work on dialup Internet service?
No. Dial up internet service does not provide enough bandwidth for magicJack.
magicJack uses approximately 80 kbps of bandwidth (both upload and download), so you will need at least an ISDN or "Lite" broadband connection.
Note, magicJack-to-magicJack calls may work using dialup Internet service.
What type of internet service do I need?
Any of the following:
Broadband, high-speed internet, cable internet, DSL, WiFi or WiMax
magicJack does not work over Dial-up or satellite internet.
If I am on DSL, can I still use my computer?
Yes. magicJack will use only a portion of your bandwidth, so you can continue to use your computer and DSL connection.
Can I keep my DSL service if I cancel my local phone number?
This depends on your internet service provider. Some internet service providers offer DSL service without a telephone number. Please contact them for more information.
Can I have an alarm system hooked up?
No. We do not recommend using magicJack with your alarm system.
Can I send and receive faxes using magicJack?
Sometimes.
We do not officially support using faxing with magicJack.
Please try the following steps to use magicJack with your fax (contact your fax vendor for details):
- turn off error correction on your fax machine or program
- set the fax machine or program to use the slowest speed available
- increase the speed, checking at each speed that faxes work
Will magicJack work with "Lite" broadband internet service?
Yes. magicJack requires approximately 80 kpbs of bandwidth.
Will magicJack work with cable internet service?
Yes. magicJack requires approximately 80 kbps of bandwidth.
Will magicJack work with wireless broadband?
Yes. magicJack works with wireless broadband such as EVDO and HSDPA
Will magicJack work with satellite broadband, like DirecTV?
No. We do not recommend using magicJack with satellite internet.
How many magicJacks can I have with one broadband connection?
You can use several magicJacks with one connection. It depends on the total bandwidth provided by your internet connection. Each magicJack will use approximately 80 kbps of bandwidth during a call.
What kind of phones work with magicJack?
Any regular telephone handset that has an RJ-11 plug.
You can use either an analog or digital phone.
Will magicJack work with a two line phone?
magicJack requires a traditional telephone handset that uses an RJ-11 plug.
Can I use magicJack with a cell phone?
No. You can use a computer headset or traditional telephone handset with magicJack.
Will magicJack work on a Networked computer?
Yes. magicJack will work on a computer that is behind a router.
Will magicJack work with Linux?
No. magicJack is not compatible with the *nix operating systems at this time. We\'d like to, but we\'ll have to crunch the numbers.
Can I use a speakerphone with magicJack?
Yes, you can use a speakerphone the same way you would with a traditional telephone.
Does magicJack work with PBXs such as Asterisk?
No, it does not.
Does magicJack work with Microsoft Outlook?
Yes it does.
On the magicJack softphone, click Menu, then Download Outlook Add-in...
Phone Numbers
What area codes are available?
Can I use my existing phone number as my magicJack number?
Yes, but not yet.
You will be able to transfer or port your existing local phone number to magicJack, for a nominal fee, in the coming months.
Can I get a "vanity" number?
No. This feature is not available at this time.
Can I request a specific area code for my new magicJack line?
Yes. When you first plug in your magicJack, you will be able to select your area code.
Do I have to give up my home phone number to try magicJack?
No, you do not. You will get a new phone number to use with your magicJack.
Will my new number be listed in directory assistance?
No, it will not be.
Will my new number be listed in the telephone directory?
No, it will not be.
Can I request that my new number be "unlisted"?
No. However, your telephone number will not be listed in any directories.
If I move to a different area code can I take my magicJack number with me?
Yes. Your magicJack is entirely portable, and will have the same phone number from anywhere in the world.
Using your magicJack
Can I work on my computer while I am using magicJack?
Yes, you can use your computer when magicJack is plugged in, or during a call.
Will I lose any data I am working on if a call comes in?
No.
Does my computer need to be on to make or receive calls?
Yes, it does. You also need a working internet connection. Your computer does not need to be on for users to send you voicemail or for call forwarding, however.
If you are interested in saving power, you turn off your monitor and hard drive using Windows control panel. You can also use the "Windows hardware profiles" system to selectively turn off devices (such as your CD-ROM) to minimize power usage.
If my kids are using magicJack on their computer, can I use magicJack on my computer?
Yes. More than one magicJack may be used at the same time behind the same router.
Can I use magicJack in a Hotel or Motel?
Yes, you usually can. Some hotels may block the connection however.
Can I use magicJack to forward calls to my cell phone?
Yes, you can. We will be releasing a user self-service portal shortly where you can set this up.
Do I have to dial any extra numbers with magicJack?
For long distance calls, simply dial the other party\'s 10-digit telephone number. You may have to dial 10-digits for local calls in some areas.
Does magicJack support three-way calling?
Yes, magicJack supports 3-way (conference) calling.
Calls must be incoming.
When you have two incoming calls (one on hold), press ## to start a three-way call. Press #* to end the three-way call.
Billing
Do I receive a record of my long distance calls?
No, you will not receive a record of long distance calls, as all (available) long distance calls are free!
Tell me how to continue to use my magicJack after one year.
By purchasing a license for your 2nd year of use - available now for $19.95.
Will I receive a monthly statement?
No. You can pay for your magicJack service annually, currently at the rate of $19.95 / year.
Will I ever receive a monthly bill?
No. There are no monthly fees with magicJack.
Is there anything else I could be charged for that I am not aware of?
No. International calling requires the purchase of pre-paid calling minutes from our website.
When is my annual renewal fee due?
You will be notified via e-mail when your renewal is due. It will be due one year after you first register your magicJack.
Will I receive a bill or notification that my annual renewal fee is due?
Yes. We will send you an email before your annual renewal is due. You will be able to purchase an additional year\'s service on our website.
How much will my next year\'s service be?
You can purchase an additional year\'s service now for $19.95 USD.
Can i save money if I renew in advance for more than one year?
Possibly. If you purchase additional years of service now, you are guaranteed the low price of $19.95 USD per year.
Can my children run up any fees on magicJack that I won’t be aware of?
No. All calls from magicJack are free.
You cannot call 900 numbers or make international long distance calls with magicJack. We will sell international call minutes on our website shortly.
Is there a connection, installation or startup fee associated with magicJack?
No. There is only the $39.95 fee to purchase the magicJack and your first year\'s service, shipping and handling, and future years\' service.
Is there a cancellation fee?
No. You can simply stop using your magicJack.
Will I be billed anything during the trial period?
Yes, you will be billed for shipping, but nothing else.
Are 411 calls free with magicJack?
Yes
Do I have to pay any Federal, State, local taxes or fees with magicJack?
No, there are no extra charges.
Do I receive a record of my long distance calls?
No, as all long distance calls to Canada and the United States are free!
How much does magicJack cost?
magicJack costs $39.95 plus shipping and handling. This gives you one year of USA and Canada calling.
You can purchase an additional year\'s service for $19.95
Trouble-Shooting
Can a computer virus damage my magicJack?
Not likely. If a virus deleted your magicJack software, you can go to http://www.magicjack.com/magicfix/ to restore your magicJack.
What network ports does magicJack use?
magicJack uses ports UDP 5061, TCP 80 and TCP 443
Does magicJack work behind a firewall or NAT?
Yes it does.
You should make sure that your software firewall allows magicJack to make outbound connections. Check the documentation provided by the vendor on how to do this.
If your NAT uses a SIP Application Layer Gateway, you should turn this off. Check the documentation provided by the vendor on how to do this.