Magic Jack FAQ
Posted On Wednesday, March 19 at by JoCoWash
One of the most popular stories on What's newS is the magical Magic Jack. A while back, I discovered this cool services and reviewed it. Despite its name, Magic Jack is far from magical for some people and some users find it a pleasure. There have been an astonishing amount of users that have asked questions here to get some answers and the feedback from people have been good, but not good enough. Unfortunately, the very company that puts out Magic Jack has been of little help, and perhaps through experience, readers, comments, the company, and any other source I could find for you all, I will be able to help in any way I can.
Below, you will find a list of questions that some people have emailed me, or commented right here on What's newS. The answers will follow. Keep in mind that I am in no way connected to the people at Magic Jack whatsoever, and like you, have experienced the same joys, wonders concerns, etc. that you all have probably experienced. If you are not familiar with Magic Jack, allow me to explain.
Today, a large percentage of people have internet over phone so many companies are taking full advantage of this by offering services like Skype and Vonage. There are also free alternatives like AimPhoneline which gives a person a number to receive a call. You'll have to pay more to make calls. Many others are offering services like these that are slowly killing landline phone companies.
Magic Jack is a new service that gives you a number, voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, etc. and a nifty little phone jack. Despite the name, the phone jack is not magical, but it gets close. It is a USB phone jack that plugs into a computer and then the person plugs a phone into the other end allowing them to make or receive calls for free. All you have to do is buy the phone jack for $39.00. That is not bad for a phone service. There aren't any other costs. As the website says, "Never pay a phone bill again!"
With that being said, let's ask some questions and get the best answers we can. I should also mention, in my attempt to contact the company, I was unsuccessful to get some details....
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I just got a Magic Jack and I hear static. Can you help me?
Most users find the call quality of Magic Jack to be superior to that of a cellular telephone, and to be comparable to a traditional telephone call, but that is if you have a good internet connection. A number of things can affect this, and I would try resetting the router or modem and trying the call again.
Does my computer need to be on to make or receive calls?
The answer is yes, it does.Your computer does not need to be on for users to send you voicemail or for call forwarding, however.
Can I ring all the phones in my house?
No, but I use a wonderful service called GrandCentral that will do just that with only one number. You can also chose a different number if you do not like the Magic Jack number assigned to you.
Is it necessary to power on you computer to use Magic Jack?
Yes
Can I fax using Magic Jack?
This is a popular question. They do not support faxes, but the answer is yes. You may need to do some tweaking. However, not much tweaking. First, turn off error correction on your fax machine or program. Then, set the fax machine or program to use the slowest speed available. The slowest speed will ensure a fax goes through. You may increase later to find the highest speed at which a fax can be received.
Can I make long distance calls for free?
Yes, however, there are rates for international calls and you may purchase some minutes on your Magic Jack page.
Do I have to carry a landline phone around with me?
Yes. Unfortunately, in that regard, Magic Jack is not like Skype and others where the service allows one to use the computers own mic and speakers.
Can I forward my calls to my cell phone?
Again, I'll mention the wonders of GrandCentral.
Do I need a phone line?
No. The Magic Jack is around so you don't have to have a phone line. Just an internet connection. I would recommend high speed so you wont experience static and bad quality calls like some.
Can I select a phone number from a list?
No, not as of now. I heard they were changing that, but if you do not like the number, I am going to -AGAIN- recommend GrandCentral.
I'm not happy. How do I return my Magic Jack?
I am sorry to hear that. You can return it using the website. Go to support. Select, "I want to return my magicjack" and in the comments, ask for the RMA number.
How can I get in touch with Magic Jack?
They stress the importance of using what they call, "Magic Fix," which helps you with your problems, but another way to get emergency help via chat is by going here.
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These question may help, or they may not do anything for you at all, but please be aware that if you are having problems and need help, be persistent. I have tried. I will agree that they are not quick on their toes when it comes to customers, but persistence is key. For those who are having an amazing time with Magic Jack, great! Give me a call sometime! ha ha.
I too, am one of the happy customers, but like any company, there are those who get the bad end, and those who get the good end. I have worked customer support for several years now, and know that the majority of the time, it is user error. There is no excuse for ignoring those customers however, and those at Magic Jack should look closely how they handle their customer support.
Any other questions should be posted via comments or sent via email. I will do my best. Thanks!
Posts
Good review! Thanks!!
I would advise your readers to do a lot of research before purchasing this product. As it works great for some, the ones that are having problems are finding it impossible to successfully return the magic device for a refund.
I have had it now (Magic Jack) for 3 weeks. I have connected it to my laptop via a Verizon Broadband card, and HAVE used the laptop headset, not a regular telephone hand set and it works great - even while driving down the road! I have it connected to 4 different computers and all can use the mic and headset on the computer - AND have used my cordless regular house phone. I really like this product - EVEN more so I just bought another year for 19.95! From now to 2 whole years from now I am guarenteed a phone, for no extra costs, (yes, as long as I can find a internet based computer) - PS - It also worked on the computer at the library, so you can always "borrow" an internet connection.
Just got Magic Jack, hooked it up to the lap top, got a dial tone, although still have some issues. The phone doesn't even ring when a call is coming in from someone else. It lets you know on your computer that a call is coming in, although the phone doesn't ring. Another thing, when someone leaves a message for you, there is no notification that you have a voicemail message waiting. There is no beep when you pick up your phone and there is nothing on the computer telling you someone has just left you a message. You have to continuously check your messages. The phone line is clear and it works. For only $19.95 per year it may be worth it. Not very fond of the fact that the telephone doesn't even ring. If you have advice and can help me out please e mail me at timpatton2003@hotmail.com
Ok, I got it. My ringer just wasn't on. lol. :)
Well I am having the same problem you were and my ringer is on... everything is set up correctly and voicemail works ect... tech support didnt even know what to do to help. anyone have this problem able to figure out a fix for it?
Since comment moderation has been enabled, all comments must be approved by the blog author. Since I can reasonably assume the author of this blog will read this first I would like to correct you on a few things. First, you don't need to cary a landline around with you, just the device itself. You can use a computers mic and speakers. You can change what you want to use at any time from the menu on the screen. Second, you can forward your calls to your cell phone at my.magicjack.com you dont need to use grandcentral. And grandcentral is not accepting any more people at the moment.
Regarding this information:
Do I have to carry a landline phone around with me?
Yes. Unfortunately, in that regard, Magic Jack is not like Skype and others where the service allows one to use the computers own mic and speakers.
This is not the fact, at least on a mac, just go to preferences and click on "Headset/Other" and choose Built-in Output, Built-in Microphone, and Built in Output. This will make your computer ring and you'll be able to hear and speak through the built in microphone and speakers.
Also if you pick up the phone it automatically turns off the computer speaker and mic.
Wonderful
Regarding this information:
Do I have to carry a landline phone around with me?
Whoever above me that says you have to have a phone with you is completely wrong. He or she must not even have a MagicJack. Poorly misinformed people...
You can use your mic and speakers with MagicJack with no problem. Just go to menu and click "Switch to headset". It will then use your mic and come the person talking will come out of your speakers/headphones.
I bought a Magicjack and have a list of bad things.No local number
calls don.t go out at times alot.
does not ring my phone alot.
can not call my cell phone, alltel
local people can not call me it will be long distance for them.
people on the other end can not here me at times alot of calls.can't get in touch with customer support any more I mean the list goes on and on
How can i change my e-mail, for receive my voice messages?
I was also able to ring 3 phones in my house with MagicJack. I think I can increase that limit thru the use of a powered USB or a USB Hub.
No, you dont need to carry a landline phone with you everywhere you go, magic jack has the ability to use the computer you're using microphone and speakers. under menu/switch to headset
before you make a review do not bash it first of all it seems that you work for grand central to make an honest opinion you need to leave vonage and grandcentral and skype out of it magic jack is in a class by it self and so what if it has a couple of problems 20 dollars a year that is a savings of 276.00 over vonage so i cant fax but yes i can send call formarding and i pack a microphone so i can use it like a speaker phone and who cares weather you like the number it is a number.
Is there a way to fix it when it tabs out of programs? everytime i get a call it tabs out of everything i am doing....
I am interested in this Magic Jack product. What I need to know is do you have to have your internet service through Broadband or can I just buy this product and hook it up to my computer? How much is the Magic Jack? Is there a cd needed to install this? I know I need a landline phone, which I have. I know I need internet, which I have.
And finally, once I have this product, and hook it up, does it work instantly?
Is there anything else that I need to know about Magic Jack that I haven't asked already?
Angela,
To answer a few of your questions, you have to have an internet connection whether it be dial-up or broadband.
Magic Jack cost 39.95, however there is a free trial that you can do.
You can plug a normal phone to the Magic Jack, which will be connected to your computer so you do not need a landline phone service.
Once you get this product, you simply plug it in and use instantly because if I am not mistaken, they'll activate a number for you when you order. That is how it was when I ordered years ago. If things have changed, then you'll get the product and activate your number and voicemail when it comes to you. Either way, you'll be able to use the day you receive.
Majicjack does a good job of completely misleading all of us, they say unlimited calling although that is to there discretion so is it really unlimited? “NOT” based on my experience!!! After they charge your credit card, of course after the trial. They can shut you off and want to charge you per minute! So what's so free about that? Buyer Beware and Think twice when you see there crafty sales tactics in there commercial's!!!
I have bluetooth on my laptop. I've paried my cell phone headset and magic jack showed me it as an option for my headset .. now that's cool :)
The MJ is great all around! We bought it when it hit the main stream market and had an issues with it at first (ie phone not ringing) However MJ offers 24 hour live chat from the technical support section, we had MJ up and in perfect working condition in less than 20 minuets. I love it 60 bucks for 5 years AWESOME baby!
We as consumers should always do as much product research as possible, prevent low quality products from flooding our markets and keep the corporate giants on there toes.
I haven't read all the comments, so this may have already been mentioned. It has to do with wireless LAN connections.
I am using a wireless adapter to connect to my modem/router, which is slower than a hard-wired connection (54Mbps compared to 100Mbps for a hard-wired connection), but plenty fast enough to keep up with the cable modem, which boasts 10Mbps, but is slower in reality.
The difference between hard-wired connection and wireless, at least with Netgear modem/router and Netgear adapter is that with hard-wired connections, the input/output is more or less continuous. A wireless connection, however, sends and receives input/output in packets. If your wireless adapter has an LED to indicate that it is connected, you will notice that it blinks. The faster it blinks, the faster the data is being transferred. That holds true when using a MagicJack, as well.
I have found that, when hard-wired to the router, the MagicJack works pretty much flawlessly; but when I use it with the wireless adapter, there are little breaks in communication that result in missed words, similar to what one experiences with a cell phone when traveling through an area of poor reception. The skipping and dropped words can be annoying.
Netgear has a bad habit of degraded Internet connection after awhile, making it necessary to reset (reboot) the router/modem from time to time. When the router connection begins to degrade, there can be occasional pauses of up to 1/2 second between the transfer of data packets. Those little pauses between transfers can result in pulsating breaks in the conversation using MagicJack. Talk about annoying! That isn't MagicJack's fault, though. It is the wireless connection and the way the wireless adapter transfers data that is to blame. If someone would produce a wireless adapter that transmitted and received data in a continuous stream instead of in pulses, or packets, that would eliminate the breaking up of the conversation that I just described.
Other than the wireless adapter issue, MagicJack has worked pretty well for me so far.
I have a response for Timothy Patton and the anonymous responder regarding the voice mail issue.
When you have no voice mail, the VMAIL button will be dark. If you have messages, it will be "lit up". That is to say, it will be green. At least that's the way mine works.
On the issue of having to carry a phone around with you, the answer is NO. All you have to do to use the computer's speakers and mic, headphones with the computer's microphone, or a headset that combines headphones and mic, is to click the Menu button and select "Switch to headset." If no headset is being used, it feeds through your computer's mic and speakers. To switch to a handset (telephone) during a call, click the Menu button and click the "Switch to telephone" option.
Is it possible for you to check the balance on the magic jack account
Hopefully a quick answer to this question. 1) I have read on another legitimate looking website that someone was charged something like 140.00 dollars for there first month of use. 2) Will they just take money from your account like the phone company? No paper or email billing? 3) Do you need to set up a credit card, ATM, Debit, etc. with them to use there service or do you give credit card, etc. on the second year? If someone had problems with money being taken or if when they set up there account had to enter Bank, credit card, ATM , etc. info please let me know. It sounds like a great product besides some people saying the customer support is severly lacking, but I think that is because of the huge popularity at this time.
From the looks of it, it's not longer a "one time charge" but they're now charging $19.95 a year.
Can I get clarification on this??
Fax doesn't work for me. I used the lowest speed and turned off Error Correction.
Yes you actually CAN make it ring on all your house phones.. The above stated info is incorrect but only if you have a multi-cordless phones with conferencing feature on them. The phone that you connect to the magic jack is very important. Dont buy a cheap phone. The best way to test out if your phone is Magic jack worthy is to try it on a landline first. If the sound quality is good enough for you on that landline. There should be little to very unnoticeable change when you use it on your Magic Jack. I tried a 3.2 cordless phone and it didnt have the quality sound i wanted so I bought a panasonic 6.0 model cordless 3 phone system with answering machine and it works fantastic. I can literally walk down the street outside my house and still hear clearly. since every magic jack comes with a free voice mail service. you can receive messages right on your home answering machine mine is built into my panasonic phone and i don't have to call out a number to hear them. I honestly love my Magic jack.
Q. Can you take your MagicJack with you?
A. Yes
You can use the same MagicJack on any computer with a compatible operating system equipped with a microphone and speakers.
Hi,
I have been using Majic Jack for over a year (Paid my second year's bill of 19.99) and all is well. If you are like me, you only need a landline at home for emergency and if you are not getting good cell reception. The quality of the call is as good as your internet connection.
I was wondering if there is a way to wire the Majic Jack in to the entire house's phone jacks. Just a thought...
Take care,
Raj
For the phone ringing problem I am a VOIP Phone Technician and I am running phone line to my kitchen from computer in the office and I have found that if I connect a phone in the office and one in the kitchen only the office phone rings likewise if I disconnect the office phone and just have a phone in the kitchen it rings. So if you want multiple phones in the house and want all of them to ring you have to buy a cordless phone with multiple handsets where the main handset uses a phone jack (ie..magic jack port) and the other same type handsets just plug in electrical outlets throughout the house. Whala now you have a multiple phone system.
Sorry if this has already been mentioned but there are two inaccurate statements.
I just recieved my MagicJack earlier today, so far call forwarding to my cell phone is flawless. Also, you can in fact use the computers speakers and microphone to place and receive calls rather than a land line type headset/phone.
I am unfortunately one of the few unable to fax, this being the primary reason for trying the MagicJack. That being said, I already love the product, even without fax capability, and plan to keep it.