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Make and Receive a Phone Call

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Andrea B.
Overview:

This document provides info regarding making and receiving phone calls, voicemail forwarding, 3-way calling, caller ID, and troubleshooting calls.

Note: If your phone is currently running KitKat, you can find the instructions for making and receiving phone calls in Make and Receive a Phone Call (KitKat 4.4.4).

Understand What Different Icons Mean

Throughout this document, we reference several icons. Use the table below to familiarize yourself with them and learn what each one does.

Icon Name

What It Looks Like

(Icons vary slightly by phone) 

 What It Does
Phone Icon Icon_List-1.png Icon_List-2.pngIcon_List-3.png  Icon_List-4.png   Opens the phone menu where you can make calls, access call history, and listen to voicemails.

Dialer Icon

 Icon_List-5.png Icon_List-6.png Opens the phone's dial pad within the phone menu so that you can dial a phone number.

Green Phone Icon

 Icon_List-7.png Icon_List-8.png  Icon_List-10.png Calls the number that has been dialed or the contact that has been selected.

Red Phone Icon

 Icon_List-11.png Icon_List-12.png  Icon_List-13.png Ends your current phone call.

Respond with Text Icon

 Icon_List-14.png Icon_List-15.png Allows you to respond to an incoming call with a text message from Motorola or Nexus phones.

Add Call Icon

 Icon_List-16.png Icon_List-17.png  Icon_List-18.png Allows you to add an additional person to your phone call (3-Way Calling).

Merge Call Icon

 Icon_List-19.png Icon_List-20.png  Icon_List-21.png Allows you to merge two active calls (3-Way Calling).

Manage Conference Call Icon

 Icon_List-22.png Icon_List-23.png  Icon_List-24.png Allows you to manage participants of a conference call (3-Way Calling).

Mute Icon

 Icon_List-25.png Icon_List-26.png  Icon_List-27.png Allows you to mute yourself while on a phone call.

Speaker Icon

 Icon_List-28.png Icon_List-29.png  Icon_List-30.png Places a phone call on speakerphone.

Apps

 Icon_List-31.png Icon_List-32.png Takes you to a list of all of your apps.

Settings

 Icon_List-33.png Icon_List-34.png  Icon_List-35.png Takes you to the main settings menu.


Please note that the icons you see on your phone may vary slightly from the ones in the following instructions.

Make a Phone Call

Call a Saved Contact

Google, Motorola, and Nexus Phones Samsung Phones Huawei Phones
  • Google Pixel and Pixel XL
  • Moto E (1st and 2nd Gen.)
    Note: These phones no longer supported for activation as of 9/29/21
  • Moto G (1st and 3rd Gen.)
    Note: These phones no longer supported for activation as of 9/29/21
  • Moto X (1st and 2nd Gen.)
    Note: These phones no longer supported for activation as of 9/29/21
  • Moto G4, G4 PLUS, and G4 PLAY
  • Moto G5 Plus
  • Moto X Pure Edition
  • Moto Z and Z Play
  • Nexus 5X, 6, and 6P
  • Samsung Galaxy J3, S6, S7, and S7 edge
  • Huawei Ascend 5W
    Note: This phone no longer supported for activation as of 8/12/21
ClickHereForInstructions.png ClickHereForInstructions.png ClickHereForInstructions.png

Google, Motorola, and Nexus Phones: The following info refers to the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, Moto E (1st and 2nd Gen.), Moto G (1st and 3rd Gen.), Moto X (1st and 2nd Gen.), Moto G4, G4 PLUS, and G4 PLAY, Moto G5 Plus, Moto X Pure Edition, Moto Z and Z PLAY, Nexus 5X, 6, and 6P phones only.


Call a Saved Contact

  1. Tap the Icon_List-1.png Phone icon.
  2. Type the name of the person you would like to call in the search bar at the top of the screen.
  3. Tap on their name when it pops up. If multiple numbers are listed for the same contact, tap the number you would like to call.

Samsung Phones: The following info refers to the Samsung Galaxy J3, S6, S7, and S7 edge phones only.

Call a Saved Contact

  1. Tap the Icon_List-2.png Phone icon.
  2. Tap Contacts in the top right of the screen.
  3. Type the name of the person you would like to call in the search bar.
  4. Tap on their name when it pops up.
  5. Tap the number you would like to call.

Huawei Phone: The following info refers to the Huawei Ascend 5W phone only.
Note: This phone no longer supported for activation as of 8/12/21

Call a Saved Contact

  1. Tap the Icon_List-3.png Phone icon.
  2. Tap Contacts in the top right of the screen.
  3. Type the name of the person you would like to call in the search bar.
  4. Tap on their name when it pops up.
  5. Tap the number you would like to call.

Call a Number That Isn't Saved as a Contact

Google, Motorola, and Nexus Phones Samsung Phones Huawei Phones
  • Google Pixel and Pixel XL
  • Moto E (1st and 2nd Gen.)
    Note: These phones no longer supported for activation as of 9/29/21
  • Moto G (1st and 3rd Gen.)
    Note: These phones no longer supported for activation as of 9/29/21
  • Moto X (1st and 2nd Gen.)
    Note: These phones no longer supported for activation as of 9/29/21
  • Moto G4, G4 PLUS, and G4 PLAY
  • Moto G5 Plus
  • Moto X Pure Edition
  • Moto Z and Z Play
  • Nexus 5X, 6, and 6P
  • Samsung Galaxy J3, S6, S7, and S7 edge
  • Huawei Ascend 5W
    Note: This phone no longer supported for activation as of 8/12/21.
ClickHereForInstructions.png ClickHereForInstructions.png ClickHereForInstructions.png

Google, Motorola, and Nexus Phones: The following info refers to the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, Moto E (1st and 2nd Gen.), Moto G (1st and 3rd Gen.), Moto X (1st and 2nd Gen.), Moto G4, G4 PLUS, and G4 PLAY, Moto G5 Plus, Moto X Pure Edition, Moto Z and Z PLAY, Nexus 5X, 6, and 6P phones only.

Call a Number That Isn't Saved as a Contact

  1. Tap the Icon_List-1.png Phone icon.
  2. Tap the Icon_List-5.png Dialer icon.
  3. Type the number you would like to call.
  4. Tap the Icon_List-7.png Green Phone icon.

Samsung Phones: The following info refers to the Samsung Galaxy J3, S6, S7, and S7 edge phones only.

Call a Number That Isn't Saved as a Contact

  1. Tap the Icon_List-2.png Phone icon.
  2. Tap the Icon_List-6.png Dialer icon.
  3. Type the number you would like to call.
  4. Tap the Icon_List-8.png Green Phone icon.

Huawei Phone: The following info refers to the Huawei Ascend 5W phone only.
Note: This phone no longer supported for activation as of 8/12/21

Call a Number That Isn't Saved as a Contact

  1. Tap the Icon_List-3.png Phone icon.
  2. Type the number you would like to call.
  3. Tap the Huaweigreenphone.png Green Phone icon.

Receive a Phone Call

Answer a Call

  • If your phone is unlocked
    • For Google, Motorola, Nexus, and Samsung phones: Answer a call by tapping Answer.
    • For the Huawei phone: Answer a call by tapping the Icon_List-10.png Green Phone icon.
  • If your phone is locked
    • For Google phones: Press, hold, and swipe the GoogleGreenPhone.png Phone icon up.
    • For the Huawei phone: Press, hold and swipe the Answer_Dot.png Round icon to the right toward the GreenPhoneLockedHuawei.png Green Phone icon.
    • For Motorola and Nexus phones: Press, hold, and swipe the motNexuslockedPhone.png Phone icon to the right.
    • For Samsung phones: Press, hold, and swipe the Samsunglocked.png Green Phone icon to the right.

Ignore a Call

  • If your phone is unlocked
    • For Google, Motorola, and Nexus phones: Ignore a call by tapping DISMISS.
    • For the Huawei phone: Ignore a call by tapping the HuaweiRedPhoneIgnoreUnlocked.png Red Phone icon.
    • For Samsung phones: Ignore a call by tapping REJECT.
  • If your phone is locked
    • For Google phones: Press, hold, and swipe the GoogleGreenPhone.png Phone icon down.
    • For the Huawei phone: Press, hold and swipe the Answer_Dot.png Round icon to the left toward the HuaweiRedPhoneLocked.png Red Phone icon.
    • For Motorola and Nexus phones: Press, hold, and swipe the motNexuslockedPhone.png Phone icon to the left.
    • For Samsung phones: Press, hold, and swipe the SamsungRejectCall.png Reject call icon to the left. 

Silence an Incoming Call

Press either the Volume Up or Volume Down button. 

Respond With a Text Message

  • If your phone is unlocked
    • For Motorola and Nexus phones: Ignore the call, then send a separate text message.
    • For the Huawei phone: Tap the Icon_List-15.png Respond with Text icon, then tap one of the pre-set messages or tap Custom message.
    • For Samsung phones: Tap REJECT CALL WITH MESSAGE, then tap one of the pre-set messages or tap Compose new message to write your own.
  • If your phone is locked
    • For Motorola and Nexus phones: Press, hold, and swipe the motNexuslockedPhone.png Phone icon up, to the Icon_List-14.png Respond with Text icon.
    • For the Huawei phone: Tap the Icon_List-15.png Respond with Text icon, then tap one of the pre-set messages or tap Custom message to write your own.
    • For Samsung phones: Press, hold, and swipe REJECT CALL WITH MESSAGE up, then tap one of the pre-set messages or tap Compose new message to write your own.

End a Call

Tap the Icon_List-11.png Red Phone icon.

Voicemail Forwarding

Call/voicemail forwarding will transfer any call ignored or not answered on one phone to another phone, where it can be answered or allowed to go to voicemail.

This is different from traditional call forwarding, where all calls to one phone are immediately forwarded to the second phone without ringing on the first phone.

Note: Forwarding from one Republic phone to another Republic phone is currently not supported.

  

See Voicemail for instructions on how to set up voicemail forwarding.

Caller ID

Change Your Caller ID Name

Your caller ID name can be displayed as one of the following options:

  • First Name Last Name (John Smith)
  • First Initial Last Name (J. Smith)
  • Last Name, First Name (Smith, John)
  • Last Name, First Initial (Smith, J)

You can only change your caller ID name twice.

To change your caller ID name, you'll need to submit a help ticket to Republic Help.

Caller ID Blocking

You can now block your caller ID from being displayed on calls that you make. This is done by dialing *67 before you dial a number when making a call. 

Note: You will need to dial *67 before each call you want to block.

3-Way Calling

Note: 3-Way calling works over both cell and WiFi, but call quality is diminished when using WiFi. WiFi to cell handover will result in the third-party being dropped when handover takes place.

Google, Motorola, and Nexus Phones: Samsung Phones: Huawei Phone Motorola Phones
  • Google Pixel and Pixel XL
  • Moto G4, G4 PLUS, and G4 PLAY
  • Moto G5 Plus
  • Moto X Pure Edition
  • Moto Z and Z Play
  • Nexus 5X, 6, and 6P
  • Samsung Galaxy J3, S6, S7, and S7 edge
  • Huawei Ascend 5W
    Note: This phone no longer supported for activation as of 8/12/21
  • Moto E (1st and 2nd Gen.)
    Note: These phones no longer supported for activation as of 9/29/21
  • Moto G (1st and 3rd Gen.)
    Note: These phones no longer supported for activation as of 9/29/21
  • Moto X (1st and 2nd Gen.)
    Note: These phones no longer supported for activation as of 9/29/21
ClickHereForInstructions.png ClickHereForInstructions.png ClickHereForInstructions.png ClickHereForInstructions.png

Google, Motorola, and Nexus Phones:

The following info refers to the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, Moto G4, Moto G4 PLUS, and G4 PLAY, Moto G5 Plus, Moto X Pure Edition, Moto Z and Z Play, Nexus 5X, 6, and 6P phones only.

Start a 3-Way Call

  1. Call the first person you would like to add to the 3-way call.
  2. Tap the Icon_List-16.png Add Call icon.
  3. Call the second person you would like to add to the 3-way call.
  4. Tap the Icon_List-19.png Merge Call icon.

Tip: If you would like to drop one of the people on the call, or remove them from the 3-way call but still have them connected to you, tap Icon_List-22.png Manage conference call.

Note: You cannot remove someone from a 3-way call and still have them connected to you with the Google Pixel and Pixel XL.

  

Note: If you hang up while on the 3-way call, it will end the call for all participants.

Samsung Phones:

The following info refers to the Samsung Galaxy J3, S6, S7, and S7 edge phones only.

Start a 3-Way Call

  1. Call the first person you would like to add to the 3-way call.
  2. Tap the Icon_List-17.png Add Call icon.
  3. Call the second person you would like to add to the 3-way call.
  4. Tap the Icon_List-20.png Merge Call icon.

Tip: If you would like to drop one of the people on the call, or remove them from the 3-way call but still have them connected to you, tap Icon_List-23.png Manage.

  

Note: If you hang up while on the 3-way call, it will end the call for all participants.

Huawei Phone:

The following info refers to the Huawei Ascend 5W phone only.
Note: This phone no longer supported for activation as of 8/12/21

Start a 3-Way Call

  1. Call the first person you would like to add to the 3-way call.
  2. Tap the Icon_List-18.png Add Call icon.
  3. Call the second person you would like to add to the 3-way call.
  4. Tap the Icon_List-21.png Merge Call icon.

Tip: If you would like to drop one of the people on the call, or remove them from the 3-way call but still have them connected to you, tap the Icon_List-24.png Manage conference call icon.

  

Note: If you hang up while on the 3-way call, it will end the call for all participants.

Motorola Phones:

The following info refers to the Moto E (1st and 2nd Gen.), Moto G (1st and 3rd Gen.), and Moto X (1st and 2nd Gen.) phones only. 

Start a 3-Way Call

  1. Call the first person you would like to add to the 3-way call.
  2. Tap the Icon_List-16.png Add Call icon.
  3. Call the second person you would like to add to the 3-way call.
  4. Tap the Icon_List-19.png Merge Call icon.

Note: Once you're in a 3-way call that you initiated, the only way to drop one of the participants is for them to hang up. If you end the 3-way call and you were the one that initiated it, it will end the call for all participants.

Other Calling Options

Google, Motorola, and Nexus Phones Samsung Phones Huawei Phones
  • Google Pixel and Pixel XL
  • Moto E (1st and 2nd Gen.)
    Note: These phones no longer supported for activation as of 9/29/21
  • Moto G (1st and 3rd Gen.)
    Note: These phones no longer supported for activation as of 9/29/21
  • Moto X (1st and 2nd Gen.)
    Note: These phones no longer supported for activation as of 9/29/21
  • Moto G4, G4 PLUS, and G4 PLAY
  • Moto G5 Plus
  • Moto X Pure Edition
  • Moto Z and Z Play
  • Nexus 5X, 6, and 6P
  • Samsung Galaxy J3, S6, S7, and S7 edge
  • Huawei Ascend 5W
    Note: This phone no longer supported for activation as of 8/12/21
ClickHereForInstructions.png ClickHereForInstructions.png ClickHereForInstructions.png

Google, Motorola, and Nexus Phones:

The following info refers to the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, Moto E (1st and 2nd Gen.), Moto G (1st and 3rd Gen.), Moto X (1st and 2nd Gen.), Moto G4, G4 PLUS, and G4 PLAY, Moto G5 Plus, Moto X Pure Edition, Moto Z and Z PLAY, Nexus 5X, 6, and 6P phones only.

 Mute Yourself While on a Call

  • Tap the Icon_List-25.png Mute icon.

Put a Call on Speakerphone

  • Tap the Icon_List-28.png Speaker icon.

Return to Your Current Call

  • If you leave the call screen by pressing the Home or Back button, you can return to the call screen by pressing, holding, and swiping the notification bar down and tapping on the current call notification.

Use an Already Paired Bluetooth Device

  1. Tap Icon_List-33.png Settings from the app drawer.
  2. Tap Bluetooth.
  3. Make sure Bluetooth is on, if not, tap the slider on the right side of the screen.
  4. Tap the device you want to use.

Samsung Phones:

The following info refers to the Samsung Galaxy J3, S6, S7, and S7 edge phones only.

 Mute Yourself While on a Call

  • Tap the Icon_List-26.png Mute icon.

Put a Call on Speakerphone

  • Tap the Icon_List-29.png Speaker icon.

Return to Your Current Call

  • If you leave the call screen by pressing the Home or Back button, you can return to the call screen by pressing, holding, and swiping the notification bar down and tapping on the current call notification.

Use an Already Paired Bluetooth Device

  1. Tap Icon_List-32.png Apps.
  2. Tap the Icon_List-34.png Settings icon.
  3. Tap Bluetooth.
  4. Make sure Bluetooth is on, if not, tap the slider on the right side of the screen.
  5. Tap the device you want to use.

Huawei Phone:

The following info refers to the Huawei Ascend 5W phone only.
Note: This phone no longer supported for activation as of 8/12/21

 Mute Yourself While on a Call

  • Tap the Icon_List-27.png Mute icon.

Put a Call on Speakerphone

  • Tap the Icon_List-30.png Speaker icon.

Return to Your Current Call

  • If you leave the call screen by pressing the Home or Back button, you can return to the call screen by pressing, holding, and swiping the notification bar down and tapping on the current call notification.

Use an Already Paired Bluetooth Device

  1. Tap the Icon_List-35.png Settings icon.
  2. Tap Bluetooth.
  3. Make sure Bluetooth is on, if not, tap the slider on the right side of the screen.
  4. Tap the device you want to use.

Troubleshooting

Most Common Reasons for Issues

  • The Republic Wireless app needs to be updated
    See Republic Wireless App for instructions on how to check which version of the app is installed on your phone and update it to the latest version.
  • Dialing
    Make sure you're using 10-digits for the phone number. Republic Wireless doesn't support 7-digit dialing.
  • Third Party Call Recording Apps
    If you have a call recording app installed, you may be unable to make calls via WiFi. Uninstall any third party call recording apps and retry your call.
  • Verify Data
    Our service uses cellular data connections when making calls and sending SMS and MMS. Make sure the following settings are as follows:
    • Background Data
      Background data is needed and will cause issues if restricted. To check this setting:
      1. Tap Icon_List-33.png Settings from the app drawer.
      2. Tap Data usage.
      3. In the top right corner of the screen, tap the Three_Vertical_Dots.png three vertical dots or MORE.
      4. Make sure that Restrict background data is the first option in the list. If you see Allow background data, tap it.
        Note: Phones with Android Nougat installed will not have the "Restrict background data" option.
    • WiFi Calling
      Make sure you can make calls on WiFi. If both WiFi and Cell calling have issues, this may point to an activation issue.

If the Republic Wireless App is Crashing

If you experience any of the following issues, see the Troubleshooting section of Republic Wireless App.

  • "Republic Wireless has stopped" Error Message
    This notification window may appear while calling, texting, or using the Republic app. Your phone should restart the app if it crashes, but sometimes it may continue to function incorrectly.
  • App-related or WiFi Service Issues
    The Republic Wireless app, is one of the main components that make our service work on the phone. If the app is having issues and crashing, calling, texting, visual voicemail, or other app-related features may not work.
  • Cellular Service Issues
    • Outbound calling and texting over cell may show the underlying cellular phone number assigned to the phone instead of your regular Republic phone number.
    • When calling or texting a contact, the call or text does not go through and immediately calls or texts you back from yourself.

If Your Phone is Still Not Able to Make or Receive Calls on Cell

  1. Restart
    Restart your phone by turning it off and then back on again.
  2. Reset Republic Credentials

    Note: Make sure your phone is connected to WiFi.

    To see a video of this step, see How to VOIP Your Phone
    1. Tap the Icon_List-1.png Phone icon.
    2. Tap the Icon_List-5.png Dialer icon.
    3. Dial *#*#8647#*#*
      • For Samsung phones only, tap the Icon_List-8.png Green Phone icon.
    4. The dialer will disappear. If an activation screen appears, wait for the process to finish, then tap GREAT THANKS!.
    5. The Republic Wireless notification icon may disappear briefly then reappear. If the icon does not reappear after one minute, Restart your phone.
  3. Check Your Outgoing Number Settings

    For Google, Motorola, and Nexus Phones:
    1. Tap the Icon_List-1.png Phone icon.
    2. Tap the Three_Vertical_Dots__White_Background_.png three vertical dots.
    3. Tap Settings.
    4. Tap Calls.
    5. Tap Additional settings.
    6. Wait for the settings to load, then tap Caller ID.
    7. Make sure Network default is selected, if not, tap it.

    For Samsung Phones:
    1. Tap the Icon_List-2.png Phone icon.
    2. Tap the MORE in the top right corner.
    3. Tap More settings.
    4. Tap Show my caller ID.
    5. Make sure Network default is selected, if not, tap it.

    For the Huawei Phone:

    1. Tap the Icon_List-3.png Phone icon.
    2. Tap the Phone_menu__lines_.png three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner.
    3. Tap Settings.
    4. Tap Additional settings.
    5. Tap Caller ID.
    6. Make sure Network default is selected, if not, tap it.
    Republic 1.0 and 2.0 Phones:

    The following info refers to the Moto E (1st and 2nd Gen.), Moto G (1st and 3rd Gen.), and Moto X (1st and 2nd Gen.) phones only. 
    1. Update the PRL (Preferred Roaming List)
      Perform a PRL update by following the instructions here: Update the PRL.
    2. Wipe Cellular Settings
      1. Tap the Icon_List-1.png Phone icon.
      2. Tap the Icon_List-5.png Dialer icon.
      3. Dial ##72786#
      4. A SCRTN screen will display. Tap YES to continue (you won't lose any data).
      5. Your phone will restart and go through cellular activation, then restart again.
        Note: Once this step is complete, you must complete Step 3 below or your phone will not work over Cell.
    3. Update the Profile
      Note:       You'll need to be connected to WiFi in order to update the Profile.
      1. Tap Icon_List-31.png Apps.
      2. Tap Icon_List-33.png Settings.
      3. Tap System Update.
      4. Tap Update Profile.
      5. Once the process finishes, tap Complete.
      6. Your phone will restart.

    If Your Phone Is Still Not Able to Make or Receive Calls on WiFi

    1. Check to see if the Republic arc in the notification bar is solid.
    2. If you're on a public WiFi hotspot, check to make sure you've accepted any terms and conditions.
    3. If you're on a work or personal WiFi network, check your network and router's WiFi settings, or contact your IT department for help.
    4. Follow the steps above to Reset Republic Credentials.

    When Should You Open a Ticket?

    • If callers are getting a busy signal when calling you.
    • If all settings and troubleshooting steps were taken and you’re still unable to make and/or receive calls over the Cellular network.
    • If the Profile Update and/or PRL fails on applicable phones.

    Please see Getting Help from Republic for instructions on how to open a Help ticket.

Having trouble finding the answer you’re looking for? Ask an Expert Member.
(Our Experts are not staff, but their knowledge of our service and phones is outstanding!)

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