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Hangouts app: duplicate rings on inbound calls.

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  Hangouts app: duplicate rings on inbound calls. VanguardLH <V@nguard.LH> - 2016-08-08 02:13 -0500
    Re: Hangouts app: duplicate rings on inbound calls. VanguardLH <V@nguard.LH> - 2016-08-08 04:51 -0500
      Re: Hangouts app: duplicate rings on inbound calls. VanguardLH <V@nguard.LH> - 2016-08-08 05:08 -0500
        Re: Hangouts app: duplicate rings on inbound calls. The Real Bev <bashley101@gmail.com> - 2016-08-08 08:51 -0700
          Re: Hangouts app: duplicate rings on inbound calls. VanguardLH <V@nguard.LH> - 2016-08-08 12:16 -0500
            Re: Hangouts app: duplicate rings on inbound calls. The Real Bev <bashley101@gmail.com> - 2016-08-08 14:16 -0700
              Re: Hangouts app: duplicate rings on inbound calls. nospam <nospam@nospam.invalid> - 2016-08-08 17:33 -0400
              Re: Hangouts app: duplicate rings on inbound calls. VanguardLH <V@nguard.LH> - 2016-08-09 01:12 -0500
    Re: Hangouts app: duplicate rings on inbound calls. VanguardLH <V@nguard.LH> - 2016-08-23 02:56 -0500

#33202 — Hangouts app: duplicate rings on inbound calls.

Android 4.4.4 KitKat

I installed the Google Hangouts app to give me wifi calling (in and
out).  This lets me save on cellular talk and text minutes by using wifi
to connect out via my Google Voice account.  Okay but there is an
unwanted side effect: doubled ringing on inbound calls.

My Google Voice account is configured to ring my cell phones, home
phone, and work phones.  This will use landlines or cellular services to
connect to those phones.  Hangouts uses wifi for inbound and outbound
calls (through my Google Voice account).  The result is I get 2 rings on
inbound calls to my cell phones: one from my Google Voice account via
cellular service and another via wifi using Hangouts.  It also means
Hangouts will first pop up to notify me of an inbound phone call (since
wifi connects faster) followed by the Phone app oblitering the Hangouts
app when it pops up when the cellular based inbound call arrives (about
2-3 rings later since cellular is slower to connect).

I could leave configured but disabled my cell phone in my Google Voice
account.  That means no cellular-based calls to my cell phone, only wifi
via Hangouts.  No thanks.  Usable wifi hotspots have less coverage than
cellular towers (in the areas that I visit).  So I need my Google Voice
account to continue using cellular service to ring my cell phone.  Using
only Hangouts to get inbound calls means losing all cellular-based
inbound calls.

My home is in a weak cellular signal strength area.  I may miss some
cellular-based inbound calls because my cell phone does not ring.  At
home, most callers would end up getting redirected to my voicemail.  I'd
rather pick up calls when I choose (which means I have to know there is
an inbound call).  Callers would go to voicemail when I'm not available
to answer or choose not to answer.  Because of weak cellular signal
strength at home, I added the Hangouts app which uses wifi.  I have a
strong private wifi network at home via the wifi cable modem.  This
fixes 2 problems: no announcement of an inbound call (signal too weak)
or a 2-3 ring delay between when home phone rings and when cell phone
finally starts to ring.  The wifi connect is faster to start ringing
than when using cellular service (as experienced by the caller who hears
2-3 rings before the first ring on my cell phone).

Hangouts lets me save on talk+text minutes by using free wifi connects.
Plus, so far, the wifi calls are similar in quality to my ISP's VOIP
home service: better quality with no cutouts that are experienced using
cellular service.  So I want to continue using Hangouts to let me having
faster and more reliable announcement of an inbound calls through my
Google Voice account along with free wifi-based calling.  But there is
the nuisance of multiple rings on inbound calls.

Hangouts via wifi detects the call first through my Google Voice
account.  So it shows up on the screen to announce the inbound call.  If
I don't answer within 2-3 rings (not likely unless I'm already holding t
he cell phone) then the Phone app kicks in when the Google Voice account
uses cellular service to connect to my cell phone.  The Phone app, when
it appears, obliterates the Hangouts screen.  I use different ringtones
for the Phone app's inbound call announce than for the Hangout's
ringtone for inbound calls, so the double-ringing alternates between
those ringtones.

If I disable the account in my Google Voice account then I don't get
cellular-based connects to my cell phone to get inbound calls.  I won't
always be connected to a wifi hotspot.  Cellular connects are more
reliable simply because of greater coverage than wifi hotspots.  So
disabling my cell phone in my Google Voice account is not going to
happen.  I could disable Hangout's "Incoming phone calls" option and
rely only on ringing for inbound calls using cellular service; however,
when I'm in a weak cellular area, like at home, I'll miss many inbound
calls.

I can't really see a good workaround to the double ringing when using
both the Google Voice account (for cellular connect) and Hangouts (for
free wifi connect) that doesn't kill a wanted or necessary function.  I
want cellular-based inbound calls since I'm more likely to be in a
cellular cell than connected to wifi when mobile but cellular only works
when there is a decent cellular signal (which is not the case at my
home).  Hangouts via wifi gives me earlier alert to an inbound call than
does cellular.  Wifi-based inbound calls are better quality (probably
due to the low cellular signal strength at home); however, when the
cellular-based call from my Google Voice finally arrives (2-3 ring later
than when Hangouts pops up), the Phone app obliterates the Hangouts
screen so I'm forced to take the call using cellular instead of wifi.

I'd like to eliminate the double ringing (Hangouts followed 2-3 rings
later by the obliterating Phone app).  If the Hangouts pops up (meaning
there was a wifi connect for the inbound call), I'd like it to stay
visible and have the following cellular connect (from Google Voice
account) either ignored (ignore the Phone app, stay with wifi) or an
option to let me choose between staying with Hangouts with the wifi
connect or switching to the inbound cellular connect to the Phone app.

I've searched on this problem and the solutions are not solutions.  One
has you disable the cell phone you add to your Google Voice account.
That means not getting any cellular service to your cell phone for
inbound calls to your Google Voice account.  Wifi isn't available
everywhere and even less than is cellular coverage.  So I'd be reducing
the reliability of getting inbound calls (i.e., most would end up as
voicemail).  The other is to disable the "Incoming phone calls" option
in Hangouts.  That means no wifi connect for inbound calls and relying
on cellular service to get inbound calls (not reliable at my home due to
low signal strength).  I'd still get free wifi-based outbound calls via
Hangouts, though.

I might have to wait until Google gets around to updating/fixing their
Hangouts app so it completely usurps the Phone app by taking over
announcements for both cellular and wifi inbound calls.  I saw a
response from someone projecting the image they were with the Google dev
team for Hangouts in some forum (forget where now) saying they were
going to do this but that was dated over a year ago.  Looks like users
will have to find a solution or endure the side effects until Google
decides to usurp the Phone app so Hangouts can handle both cellular and
wifi inbound calls.

If there really is no good workaround to eliminating the double ringing
(Hangouts first followed by cellular connect from Google Voice), might
there be a way to keep the Phone app from obliterating the Hangouts
screen?  That way, even when the cellular call arrives a little later, I
can still elect to pickup the inbound call via wifi using Hangouts.

[toc] | [next] | [standalone]

#33205

Hmm, does Hangouts even use wifi on inbound calls?  It shows up on the
home screen when a new call is coming in but is that via wifi?  I
suspect that incoming calls to my smartphone are still using cellular
service.  There's conflicting info on the web and Google doesn't state
if inbound calls are cellular only or if their Hangouts app will pickup
calls via wifi.

About the only sure information on Hangouts is that it will use wifi on
outbound calls.  Does it also do wifi calls coming in?  That is, other
than the new-call detection (which could be handled via wifi), is the
inbound call itself carried via cellular or wifi when using Hangouts?

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#33206

VanguardLH wrote:

> Hmm, does Hangouts even use wifi on inbound calls?  It shows up on the
> home screen when a new call is coming in but is that via wifi?  I
> suspect that incoming calls to my smartphone are still using cellular
> service.  There's conflicting info on the web and Google doesn't state
> if inbound calls are cellular only or if their Hangouts app will pickup
> calls via wifi.
> 
> About the only sure information on Hangouts is that it will use wifi on
> outbound calls.  Does it also do wifi calls coming in?  That is, other
> than the new-call detection (which could be handled via wifi), is the
> inbound call itself carried via cellular or wifi when using Hangouts?

https://support.google.com/hangouts/answer/6079064?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en
Data use: If you're not connected to Wi-Fi when you get a phone call 
          in Hangouts, you'll use your phone's data plan. Contact your 
          mobile carrier for details about your data coverage and cost.
          
From that, it appears Hangouts will handle inbound calls via wifi.  So
wifi out and wifi in, if wifi is available; else, data in and data out
when wifi is not available.  There's the rub: my cell plan does not
include data, just talk and text.  So no data backup when wifi is not
available or unusable.

So I did another test: disable wifi (and also disable auto-wifi connect
in other apps so wifi stayed disabled) and called my smartphone.  In
Hangouts, the "Incoming phone calls" option was enabled.  Hangouts did
NOT appear.  So it only detects new incoming calls via wifi.

Hangouts provides new-call notification only via wifi.  When there is
wifi, how does Hangouts handle the actual call?  Wifi or cellular?

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#33215

On 08/08/2016 03:08 AM, VanguardLH wrote:
> VanguardLH wrote:
>
>> Hmm, does Hangouts even use wifi on inbound calls?  It shows up on the
>> home screen when a new call is coming in but is that via wifi?  I
>> suspect that incoming calls to my smartphone are still using cellular
>> service.  There's conflicting info on the web and Google doesn't state
>> if inbound calls are cellular only or if their Hangouts app will pickup
>> calls via wifi.
>>
>> About the only sure information on Hangouts is that it will use wifi on
>> outbound calls.  Does it also do wifi calls coming in?  That is, other
>> than the new-call detection (which could be handled via wifi), is the
>> inbound call itself carried via cellular or wifi when using Hangouts?
>
> https://support.google.com/hangouts/answer/6079064?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en
> Data use: If you're not connected to Wi-Fi when you get a phone call
>            in Hangouts, you'll use your phone's data plan. Contact your
>            mobile carrier for details about your data coverage and cost.
>
>  From that, it appears Hangouts will handle inbound calls via wifi.  So
> wifi out and wifi in, if wifi is available; else, data in and data out
> when wifi is not available.  There's the rub: my cell plan does not
> include data, just talk and text.  So no data backup when wifi is not
> available or unusable.
>
> So I did another test: disable wifi (and also disable auto-wifi connect
> in other apps so wifi stayed disabled) and called my smartphone.  In
> Hangouts, the "Incoming phone calls" option was enabled.  Hangouts did
> NOT appear.  So it only detects new incoming calls via wifi.
>
> Hangouts provides new-call notification only via wifi.  When there is
> wifi, how does Hangouts handle the actual call?  Wifi or cellular?

I have a different 'hangouts' number from my regular cell number.  No 
cell data plan.  I don't see the problem here.

-- 
Cheers, Bev
    VISE GRIPS (VYS'-gripz) [n]  A tool used to transfer intense
    welding heat to the palm of the welder's hand.         -- DS

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#33219

The Real Bev wrote:

> I have a different 'hangouts' number from my regular cell number.  No 
> cell data plan.  I don't see the problem here.

So do I.  I have a Google Voice account.  That is my Hangouts phone
number.  It is not the same as the phone number assigned by the cell
phone provider to the physical cell phone.  The Hangouts Dialer can't
use your cell phone's number.  It has to use a Google Voice number.
Without a Google Voice phone number, and without the Hangouts Dialer,
just Hangouts by itself seems to be a knock off of Skype with its "chat
number" (for Skype-to-Skype calls); i.e., an chat client.  To use Skype
with real phone numbers (e.g., land lines and cell phones) requires
buying their Skype-In phone number (and possible Skype-Out minutes).  So
Hangouts by itself looks like a nude Skype and while Hangouts +
HangoutsDialer + GoogleVoice which is all free for US+Canada calls
(unless you one-time pay to port your old number to Google Voice).  

I could be wrong about just the Hangouts app by itself.  Is Hangouts
alone (no Hangouts Dialer and no Google Voice account) capable of making
phone calls or by itself is it just another chat client?  Alone it has
instant messaging, video chat, and SMS but for VOIP you have to add the
Hangouts Dialer and the Hangouts Dialer requires a Google Voice account.
The Hangouts Dialer isn't bundled with the Hangouts app because that
would conflict with the purpose of cell phone providers selling the
smartphones their users to consume cellular services to generate revenue
for those cellular providers.  Hangouts comes pre-bundled in Android.
You have to separately retrieve the Hangouts Dialer.  I'm pretty sure
the Hangouts Dialer (via wifi) only utilizes a Google Voice account for
inbound and outbound calls.

When I go into the Hangout Dialer's settings, you can pick an account
with which to use that dialer.  You can add an account but they are all
Google accounts hence the use of Google Voice.

What I'd like to know is if the call itself is handled via wifi or
cellular.  That Hangouts detects or gets notified via wifi of new calls
to a Google Voice number does not mandate that the call itself is
handled via wifi.  I've read many online articles saying Hangouts uses
wifi for outbound calls but still uses cellular for inbound calls.
New-call detection might be via wifi but maybe the connect to the actual
call is via cellular?  Lots of misinformation out there and Google isn't
being clear on how Hangouts handles inbound calls (wifi only or a
wifi+cellular hybrid).

Also, when a cellular call comes in, there still the problem that the
Phone app (or whatever is the default dialer app) will pick up the
cellular call and obliterate the Hangouts screen.  When a call comes
into my Google Voice number, Hangouts gets informed via wifi but the
cellular call still comes from Google Voice to my smartphone.  I end up
getting 2 "channels" for an inbound call: cellular from Google Voice and
wifi using Hangouts.  For an inbound cellular call and with a wifi
connection, the effect is:

- Hangouts shows up to announce the incoming call using wifi.  The 
  Hangouts ringtone plays.
- If not answered within 2-3 rings, the Hangouts screen is replaced 
  (obliterated) with the Phone app's screen (using cellular).
- Once the Phone app obliterates the Hangouts screen, I have 2 
  ringtones quickly alternating: 1 for Hangouts and 1 for the Phone app.  
  Searching online shows this has been a long-time problem with the 
  Hangouts app.
- If I answer the call AFTER the Phone app has obliterated the Hangouts 
  screen, I'm picking up the cellular version of the call (instead of 
  what might've been a free wifi call).
  
The "cure" that I've seen mentioned is to configure my Google Voice
account to NOT include my smartphone when forwarding calls made to my
Google Voice number.  My cell phone is still defined in my GV account
but the suggested workaround is to deselect that phone.  That means GV
will not forward incoming calls (to my GV number) to my smartphone.
However, that also means that there will be no cellular channel for the
new call to my smartphone.  Hangouts only does wifi (well, at least, for
the new-call detect).  I'm more likely to be in a cellular coverage area
than near enough to a usable wifi hotspot.  I'd be getting more missed
calls (going to voicemail) if the cellular channel to my smartphone was
turned off in my GV account.

I'd like a way where if the Hangouts app appears to announce a new
incoming call then the Phone app does NOT appear.  That is, once
Hangouts latches onto a new call, the Phone app doesn't get it.  That
way, and when there is a wifi connection, I can use Hangouts to use wifi
for the new call without having to dash to my smartphone to pick up the
call within the first 2-3 rings.  My smartphone is not glued to my hand,
it may have the lockscreen enabled, or it may take more than 12 seconds
for me to get to my smartphone (the 6 seconds between each of the up to
3 rings before when the Phone app kicks in, and only 6 seconds between
1st and 2nd ring if the Phone app gets the cellular call even sooner).

When Hangouts appears for a new call, I'd like it to latch onto the new
call and block out any other dialer app from snagging onto the call.
That would keep the Phone app away and let me pick up the call using
Hangouts.

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#33227

On 08/08/2016 10:16 AM, VanguardLH wrote:
> The Real Bev wrote:
>
>> I have a different 'hangouts' number from my regular cell number.  No
>> cell data plan.  I don't see the problem here.
>
> So do I.  I have a Google Voice account.  That is my Hangouts phone
> number.  It is not the same as the phone number assigned by the cell
> phone provider to the physical cell phone.  The Hangouts Dialer can't
> use your cell phone's number.  It has to use a Google Voice number.
> Without a Google Voice phone number, and without the Hangouts Dialer,
> just Hangouts by itself seems to be a knock off of Skype with its "chat
> number" (for Skype-to-Skype calls); i.e., an chat client.  To use Skype
> with real phone numbers (e.g., land lines and cell phones) requires
> buying their Skype-In phone number (and possible Skype-Out minutes).  So
> Hangouts by itself looks like a nude Skype and while Hangouts +
> HangoutsDialer + GoogleVoice which is all free for US+Canada calls
> (unless you one-time pay to port your old number to Google Voice).
>
> I could be wrong about just the Hangouts app by itself.  Is Hangouts
> alone (no Hangouts Dialer and no Google Voice account) capable of making
> phone calls or by itself is it just another chat client?

I have a google voice number, which is connected to/with 'hangouts' and 
I have the Hangouts Dialer.  The only time I've ever actually used 
hangouts is to see if it works.  Marginally from public wifi hotspots, 
fine 3 feet from my router.

> Alone it has
> instant messaging, video chat, and SMS but for VOIP you have to add the
> Hangouts Dialer and the Hangouts Dialer requires a Google Voice account.
> The Hangouts Dialer isn't bundled with the Hangouts app because that
> would conflict with the purpose of cell phone providers selling the
> smartphones their users to consume cellular services to generate revenue
> for those cellular providers.  Hangouts comes pre-bundled in Android.
> You have to separately retrieve the Hangouts Dialer.  I'm pretty sure
> the Hangouts Dialer (via wifi) only utilizes a Google Voice account for
> inbound and outbound calls.

Sounds reasonable.

> When I go into the Hangout Dialer's settings, you can pick an account
> with which to use that dialer.  You can add an account but they are all
> Google accounts hence the use of Google Voice.

I have at least 3 google voice numbers.  Not sure why, but I use only one.

> What I'd like to know is if the call itself is handled via wifi or
> cellular.  That Hangouts detects or gets notified via wifi of new calls
> to a Google Voice number does not mandate that the call itself is
> handled via wifi.

Why not?  Or do you have GV forward calls to your cell number?

> I've read many online articles saying Hangouts uses
> wifi for outbound calls but still uses cellular for inbound calls.

That seems stupid.  The only reason to have a GV number is that it's 
free.  Why would anyone choose to pay for a service normally obtainable 
at no cost?

> New-call detection might be via wifi but maybe the connect to the actual
> call is via cellular?  Lots of misinformation out there and Google isn't
> being clear on how Hangouts handles inbound calls (wifi only or a
> wifi+cellular hybrid).

If there were any possibility of hangouts switching calls to my cell I'd 
discontinue it immediately.

> Also, when a cellular call comes in, there still the problem that the
> Phone app (or whatever is the default dialer app) will pick up the
> cellular call and obliterate the Hangouts screen.  When a call comes
> into my Google Voice number, Hangouts gets informed via wifi but the
> cellular call still comes from Google Voice to my smartphone.  I end up
> getting 2 "channels" for an inbound call: cellular from Google Voice and
> wifi using Hangouts.  For an inbound cellular call and with a wifi
> connection, the effect is:
>
> - Hangouts shows up to announce the incoming call using wifi.  The
>    Hangouts ringtone plays.
> - If not answered within 2-3 rings, the Hangouts screen is replaced
>    (obliterated) with the Phone app's screen (using cellular).
> - Once the Phone app obliterates the Hangouts screen, I have 2
>    ringtones quickly alternating: 1 for Hangouts and 1 for the Phone app.
>    Searching online shows this has been a long-time problem with the
>    Hangouts app.
> - If I answer the call AFTER the Phone app has obliterated the Hangouts
>    screen, I'm picking up the cellular version of the call (instead of
>    what might've been a free wifi call).
>
> The "cure" that I've seen mentioned is to configure my Google Voice
> account to NOT include my smartphone when forwarding calls made to my
> Google Voice number.  My cell phone is still defined in my GV account
> but the suggested workaround is to deselect that phone.  That means GV
> will not forward incoming calls (to my GV number) to my smartphone.
> However, that also means that there will be no cellular channel for the
> new call to my smartphone.  Hangouts only does wifi (well, at least, for
> the new-call detect).  I'm more likely to be in a cellular coverage area
> than near enough to a usable wifi hotspot.  I'd be getting more missed
> calls (going to voicemail) if the cellular channel to my smartphone was
> turned off in my GV account.

I guess that's a matter of choice, then.  I don't think anybody knows my 
GV number, which is just fine with me.   I only have it if I have to 
make a LONG call close to a wifi hotspot, a sufficiently rare occurrence 
that it hasn't actually happened yet.  Actually, I could make a wifi 
call when I'm in the Tijuana dentist's office, so it's more useful than 
I thought...

> I'd like a way where if the Hangouts app appears to announce a new
> incoming call then the Phone app does NOT appear.  That is, once
> Hangouts latches onto a new call, the Phone app doesn't get it.  That
> way, and when there is a wifi connection, I can use Hangouts to use wifi
> for the new call without having to dash to my smartphone to pick up the
> call within the first 2-3 rings.  My smartphone is not glued to my hand,
> it may have the lockscreen enabled, or it may take more than 12 seconds
> for me to get to my smartphone (the 6 seconds between each of the up to
> 3 rings before when the Phone app kicks in, and only 6 seconds between
> 1st and 2nd ring if the Phone app gets the cellular call even sooner).
>
> When Hangouts appears for a new call, I'd like it to latch onto the new
> call and block out any other dialer app from snagging onto the call.
> That would keep the Phone app away and let me pick up the call using
> Hangouts.


-- 
Cheers, Bev
*********************************************************
Warning:  Objects in mirror appear smarter than they are.

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#33231

In article <noass7$c47$1@dont-email.me>, The Real Bev
<bashley101@gmail.com> wrote:

> 
> > I've read many online articles saying Hangouts uses
> > wifi for outbound calls but still uses cellular for inbound calls.
> 
> That seems stupid.  The only reason to have a GV number is that it's 
> free. 

that's a dumb reason. do you take everything that's free, even if you
don't actually need it?

> Why would anyone choose to pay for a service normally obtainable 
> at no cost?

because a paid service may offer features or benefits not available for
free.

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#33238

The Real Bev wrote:

> VanguardLH wrote:
>
> I have a google voice number, which is connected to/with 'hangouts' and 
> I have the Hangouts Dialer.  The only time I've ever actually used 
> hangouts is to see if it works.  Marginally from public wifi hotspots, 
> fine 3 feet from my router.

Cellular signal strength is very weak at my home.  That means many times
I cannot make outbound calls.  It also means I will lose inbound call: a
caller will call, I won't hear any ringing, and the caller gets pushed
to voicemail instead of immediately talking to me.  On the other hand,
my private wifi signal strength is very strong so those calls are very
reliable.
 
> The only reason to have a GV number is that it's 
> free.  Why would anyone choose to pay for a service normally obtainable 
> at no cost?

https://support.google.com/voice/answer/115063?hl=en
Use of carrier minutes
When you use Google Voice on your mobile phone, domestic and
international calls will use the standard minutes from your cell phone
plan. Your call will be routed through a U.S.-based direct access
number.

That is why you need to get the Hangouts *Dialer* which uses wifi to get
free calls presuming the wifi hotspot is free.  Yes, the GV number is
free (unless you port in your old number) and the GV account usage is
free.  But the GV app does not make wifi calls on your smartphone.  You
need a wifi dialer for free VOIP and use the GV account with it to have
calls focus on that as your phone number.

In fact, if you configure the Google Voice app to always use your Google
Voice, the way that is accomplished is by have your smartphone call via
cellular service one of Google's Voice service hubs.  Instead of the
dialer showing you the person you intended to call, you will see a GV
hub's number.  So, for example, when using the GV app (so my outbound
call will show my GV number to the callee), I will see the GV hub listed
as to where I am dialing.  Could be a GV forwarding number in
Pennsylvania, or another in South Carolina, or somewhere else.  Instead
of seeing the callee's phone number (the one that I want to call), the
dialer will show that I'm going to a GV hub's number.  My call is routed
through the GV hub so it can modify the CID data to have it look like
the call originated from my GV number instead of my smartphone's actual
phone number from my cell phone provider.

> If there were any possibility of hangouts switching calls to my cell I'd 
> discontinue it immediately.

From further testing, it appears the Hangouts Dialer becomes completely
unusable if wifi is disabled.  With no wifi, the Google Hangouts Dialer
cannot get inbound calls via wifi nor can it make outbound calls via
wifi.  That is itself the reason for the doubled notifications: there
isn't a meld between the cellular and wifi communication channels making
them look like one pipe.  So I get the wifi dialer telling me of a new
inbound call via wifi along with the cell phone dialer telling of a new
inbound call via cellular.

The phones you add to your GV account are contacted via landlines or
cellular services (landlines to telcos with the VOIP switch).  The GV
account is free.  The number is free if you use the one they give to
you.  The calls forwarded through the GV account are not free.  Those
calls get forwarded to your phones using whatever telco or cell service
they employ, and you pay for those access services for your phones.

Wifi might be free but then the GV account doesn't use that when
forwarding calls to the phones you added to your GV account.  If you
only want [free] wifi calling to your phone, you need to remove or
disable that phone you added to your GV account.  You don't want your GV
account using regular telco or cellular services to connect to your
phone(s) if you want only free wifi calling.  That is why one of the
suggested workarounds is to remove/disable your phone in your GV account
(so it doesn't connect to your phone) and only use the Hangouts Dialer
which only supports VOIP (wifi calls).  With that setup, the only way to
get incoming calls through your GV number is to use their wifi dialer.  

I don't know about your area but in mine there are fewer wifi hotspots
with less coverage and it is spotty (a spot here, a spot there, and
often without overlap) versus the a smooth transition in overlapped
coverage between cell towers.  I *do* want calls forwarded through my GV
number to use cellular to reach my phone because - other than at home -
cellular is more reliable than wifi.  It is only because cellular is
weak at my home and where wifi is strong that I looked into how to add
wifi calling to my smartphone.

I use Google Voice so I have just ONE phone number to dole out to
friend, family, coworkers, businesses, or anyone else to whom I want to
divulge my phone number.  That one GV number calls *all* my phones.  I
don't have to tell all those callers that my home is this number, my
work is that number, my smartphone is a different number, my flip phone
is another number, and yadda yadda.  Just one phone number for all of
them.  In fact, I usually don't even know what are my cell phone numbers
and usually I have to check what is my home phone (VOIP through my ISP).
I don't need to know what they are.  I don't give those out.  I just use
my one long-time phone number that I've had for over 40 years.  Everyone
that calls me often already has that number memorized or, well, the last
4 digits so they know it's me calling rather than have to rely on a
contacts list for lookup (which presumes their phone has a contacts list
since lots of callees have just dumb simple phones but they do have
Caller ID).  I grew weary of always having to port my number when I
change geographical location or change phone providers (telco or cell).
Having one number for one phone made it inconvenient when I started
adding more phones for others to contact me: home phone, second home
phone, work phones (1 desk, 1 lab), started with a flip phone, added a
smartphone, and now have a 2nd smartphone.  I really don't want to be
telling all my callers about 5, 6, or more phone number at which they
can reach me.  Just one number that is always the same to call however
many phones that will currently reach me.

Think about what a nuisance it would be if at every computer you got to
use that you had a different e-mail address.  At your home computer, you
would have one personal e-mail address.  On another home computer, you
had another e-mail address.  At work (assuming they let you connect to
your personal e-mail service), you would have another e-mail address.
At a different computer and maybe several at work, each would have a
different personal e-mail address.  When you used the computer at a
resort while travelling you would have another e-mail address.  That's
now you how do e-mail.  You have one or a fixed set of email addresses
to which you can connect from ANYWHERE.  Being mobile or just having
multiple places I occupy at a time doesn't mean I want a different
e-mail contact everywhere I go.  The same for a phone number.

I can dole out just ONE personal phone number no matter what is my
current situation regarding how many phones, what type of phones, or
where they are located.  I started with Google Voice because the
*account* (or their service) was free, not because calls forwarded
through them were free to me.  My ISP (Comcast) finally improved their
voice service to include many of the same features as Google Voice but I
get no advantage an only added expense (to port my old number to them)
by switching to the PBX voice features of my ISP.  So I'll just stick
with the PBX features of Google Voice until Google decides to terminate
that experiment.  So I'm sticking with one GV number to forward to all
my phones (whether that be via landlines, cellular, or wifi).  Family
members that have a Comcast account have been setup to use Comcast's PBX
voice feature to call that one number that then forwards via landline,
cellular, or wifi to all their phones, and they can port their old phone
number to their Comcast voice account so that one old and well known
number does all the forwarding.  So, like me, the only have to remember
one number to dole out to callers, not a slew of them for each and every
phone they have.

It looks like the melding of landline, cellular, and wifi is not yet
completely transparent.  The Hangouts Dialer only supports wifi (inbound
and outbound).  The Google Voice app only supports cellular.  My
smartphone natively only supports cellular (with hardware that other
apps can use for VOIP via wifi).  I'd like one dialer that would meld
them all together so I get just one notification for an inbound call no
matter over what channel the call arrived.  Still seems this is evolving
but not yet totally transparent.

So, for now, I'd like to figure out how to keep the Phone app when the
cellular call comes in from my GV account from oblitering the Hangouts
Dialer when the same call comes in via wifi.  If the call comes in via
wifi, I'd like to pick up the call using that communications channel.
Alas, the Phone app step atop the Hangouts Dialer's screen and I cannot
use the Recent button to toggle back to the Hangout Dialer's screen.  So
when the cellular-based call comes in, the Phone app appears and I'm
stuck taking the incoming call via cellular.  I only have 2-3 rings when
the Hangouts Dialer first appears for the incoming call to pick it up
that way before the Phone app for the cellular channel gets in the way.

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#33603

VanguardLH wrote:

> Android 4.4.4 KitKat
> 
> I installed the Google Hangouts app to give me wifi calling (in and
> out).  This lets me save on cellular talk and text minutes by using wifi
> to connect out via my Google Voice account.  Okay but there is an
> unwanted side effect: doubled ringing on inbound calls.
> 
> My Google Voice account is configured to ring my cell phones, home
> phone, and work phones.  This will use landlines or cellular services to
> connect to those phones.  Hangouts uses wifi for inbound and outbound
> calls (through my Google Voice account).  The result is I get 2 rings on
> inbound calls to my cell phones: one from my Google Voice account via
> cellular service and another via wifi using Hangouts.  It also means
> Hangouts will first pop up to notify me of an inbound phone call (since
> wifi connects faster) followed by the Phone app oblitering the Hangouts
> app when it pops up when the cellular based inbound call arrives (about
> 2-3 rings later since cellular is slower to connect).
> 
> I could leave configured but disabled my cell phone in my Google Voice
> account.  That means no cellular-based calls to my cell phone, only wifi
> via Hangouts.  No thanks.  Usable wifi hotspots have less coverage than
> cellular towers (in the areas that I visit).  So I need my Google Voice
> account to continue using cellular service to ring my cell phone.  Using
> only Hangouts to get inbound calls means losing all cellular-based
> inbound calls.
> 
> My home is in a weak cellular signal strength area.  I may miss some
> cellular-based inbound calls because my cell phone does not ring.  At
> home, most callers would end up getting redirected to my voicemail.  I'd
> rather pick up calls when I choose (which means I have to know there is
> an inbound call).  Callers would go to voicemail when I'm not available
> to answer or choose not to answer.  Because of weak cellular signal
> strength at home, I added the Hangouts app which uses wifi.  I have a
> strong private wifi network at home via the wifi cable modem.  This
> fixes 2 problems: no announcement of an inbound call (signal too weak)
> or a 2-3 ring delay between when home phone rings and when cell phone
> finally starts to ring.  The wifi connect is faster to start ringing
> than when using cellular service (as experienced by the caller who hears
> 2-3 rings before the first ring on my cell phone).
> 
> Hangouts lets me save on talk+text minutes by using free wifi connects.
> Plus, so far, the wifi calls are similar in quality to my ISP's VOIP
> home service: better quality with no cutouts that are experienced using
> cellular service.  So I want to continue using Hangouts to let me having
> faster and more reliable announcement of an inbound calls through my
> Google Voice account along with free wifi-based calling.  But there is
> the nuisance of multiple rings on inbound calls.
> 
> Hangouts via wifi detects the call first through my Google Voice
> account.  So it shows up on the screen to announce the inbound call.  If
> I don't answer within 2-3 rings (not likely unless I'm already holding t
> he cell phone) then the Phone app kicks in when the Google Voice account
> uses cellular service to connect to my cell phone.  The Phone app, when
> it appears, obliterates the Hangouts screen.  I use different ringtones
> for the Phone app's inbound call announce than for the Hangout's
> ringtone for inbound calls, so the double-ringing alternates between
> those ringtones.
> 
> If I disable the account in my Google Voice account then I don't get
> cellular-based connects to my cell phone to get inbound calls.  I won't
> always be connected to a wifi hotspot.  Cellular connects are more
> reliable simply because of greater coverage than wifi hotspots.  So
> disabling my cell phone in my Google Voice account is not going to
> happen.  I could disable Hangout's "Incoming phone calls" option and
> rely only on ringing for inbound calls using cellular service; however,
> when I'm in a weak cellular area, like at home, I'll miss many inbound
> calls.
> 
> I can't really see a good workaround to the double ringing when using
> both the Google Voice account (for cellular connect) and Hangouts (for
> free wifi connect) that doesn't kill a wanted or necessary function.  I
> want cellular-based inbound calls since I'm more likely to be in a
> cellular cell than connected to wifi when mobile but cellular only works
> when there is a decent cellular signal (which is not the case at my
> home).  Hangouts via wifi gives me earlier alert to an inbound call than
> does cellular.  Wifi-based inbound calls are better quality (probably
> due to the low cellular signal strength at home); however, when the
> cellular-based call from my Google Voice finally arrives (2-3 ring later
> than when Hangouts pops up), the Phone app obliterates the Hangouts
> screen so I'm forced to take the call using cellular instead of wifi.
> 
> I'd like to eliminate the double ringing (Hangouts followed 2-3 rings
> later by the obliterating Phone app).  If the Hangouts pops up (meaning
> there was a wifi connect for the inbound call), I'd like it to stay
> visible and have the following cellular connect (from Google Voice
> account) either ignored (ignore the Phone app, stay with wifi) or an
> option to let me choose between staying with Hangouts with the wifi
> connect or switching to the inbound cellular connect to the Phone app.
> 
> I've searched on this problem and the solutions are not solutions.  One
> has you disable the cell phone you add to your Google Voice account.
> That means not getting any cellular service to your cell phone for
> inbound calls to your Google Voice account.  Wifi isn't available
> everywhere and even less than is cellular coverage.  So I'd be reducing
> the reliability of getting inbound calls (i.e., most would end up as
> voicemail).  The other is to disable the "Incoming phone calls" option
> in Hangouts.  That means no wifi connect for inbound calls and relying
> on cellular service to get inbound calls (not reliable at my home due to
> low signal strength).  I'd still get free wifi-based outbound calls via
> Hangouts, though.
> 
> I might have to wait until Google gets around to updating/fixing their
> Hangouts app so it completely usurps the Phone app by taking over
> announcements for both cellular and wifi inbound calls.  I saw a
> response from someone projecting the image they were with the Google dev
> team for Hangouts in some forum (forget where now) saying they were
> going to do this but that was dated over a year ago.  Looks like users
> will have to find a solution or endure the side effects until Google
> decides to usurp the Phone app so Hangouts can handle both cellular and
> wifi inbound calls.
> 
> If there really is no good workaround to eliminating the double ringing
> (Hangouts first followed by cellular connect from Google Voice), might
> there be a way to keep the Phone app from obliterating the Hangouts
> screen?  That way, even when the cellular call arrives a little later, I
> can still elect to pickup the inbound call via wifi using Hangouts.

Okay, found a possible solution.

I wanted to get an inbound call to come in via wifi in case I was in a
weak or absent cellular service area, like at my home.  

I wanted to get an inbound call to come in via cellular service in case
I was in a weak or absent wifi hotpot area.  Coverage for wifi hotspots
is not nearly as pervasive as for cellular coverage.

When both cellular and wifi were available, I'd get 2 rings: first for
the wifi connection (VOIP works faster) and after 2-3 rings there was
the same call over the cellular connection.  Same call would generate 2
rings but that was tolerable.  If both services are available, I prefer
to take calls via wifi.

When both services were available, the problem was the cellular
connection opened the Phone app which would obliterate the wifi dialer
(Hangouts Dialer).  One the Phone app connected to the cellular call, I
could get back to the wifi dialer.  The Recent and Home buttons would
not toggle away from the Phone app.  I was stuck taking the cellular
based version of the incoming call.  No choice.

Then I read about how Android 5.1.x Lollipop changed to a floating
banner for incoming calls instead of taking over the entire screen as
before.  For incoming calls, you get a small banner, like:

http://tinyurl.com/hatky5p

Yeah, well my Tracfone-locked Samsung smartphone is at Android 4.4.4
KitKat and Tracfone is never going to supply the upgrade to Lollipop
(and I won't be rooting my smartphone for a year, or more).  I found
some apps that would provide Lollipop-like banners in versions of
Android before Lollipop.  That means a cellular-based incoming call
would only use part of the screen to announce the call with a Lollipop-
like banner leaving the rest of the screen to show the wifi dialer.
That meant I now had a choice since both apps would share the screen:
accept the call via cellular service (using the popup Lollipop-like
banner) or accept the call via wifi (using the wifi dialer).  Yay!

I don't like ad-ridden free Android apps.  There are some ad-free free
Android apps but not many, and unfortunately Google's Play Store does
not mention if a free app is riddled with ads (i.e., ad-sponsored).  I
found several apps that would Lollipop-like banner announcement of
incoming cellular-based calls but the free ones are polluted with ads.
I liked the L-Call app but the free version is ad-sponsored.  However, I
found via a review article that you can get a free and ad-free version.
You won't find it by doing a search on "l-call" at Google's Play Store.
That will find you only the free ad-ridden and payware versions of this
app.  The free and ad-free version is at:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.droidmate.callfree

The free version does not let you move the banner around.  This might be
needed if, for example, the buttons to accept or reject an incoming call
in the wifi dialer had been oblitered by the L-Call's banner that shows
on top.  Luckily the banner is at the top of the screen and the accept
and reject buttons along with caller ID are at the bottom of the
Hangouts Dialer app.  No Position option in the free version.  The
"Disable on Home" option (whatever that does) is also disabled in the
free version.  If the ad-free free version works okay for awhile, I'll
consider later whether or not to buy the payware version; however, I
don't yet need to reposition the new-call banner and I don't know what
the other option does.

If only wifi is available, I'll get the call that way.  If only cellular
is available, I'll get the call that way.  If both wifi and cellular are
available, I can choose which way to accept a call - because the damn
Phone app no longer completely obliterates the wifi dialer.  I get to
see enough of both dialers to pick which way to accept the call.

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