I want to let everyone know that I have had a bad experience with “magicJack”, that others ought to beware so that they don’t lose money, and experience the aggravation that I have had.
The internet phone service that calls itself “magicJack” charges $20 per year to call around North America. I decided to try their service because it sounded like something that would work for me; I found that the $20 annual fee is added to another $20 for the device, another $6 is added to mail the device that is inserted into a USB port, a regular telephone jack is put into that; everything proceeds automatically from there……Except that it wouldn’t work, calls I placed became one-sided, calls were chopped up so that words were not started or ended, or the service would stop entirely for various lengths of time.
They have an online chat technical service that I tried to help solve my problems, used this service about eight separate times; spent about twelve hours in total trying to make this work. It wouldn’t.
I finally asked for and received a return goods number and address, was told that upon receipt of the USB gadget my money would be refunded. The email address for that transaction has now disappeared; the tech service chat service now has no connection to the sales department. I am out $46, 12 hours of my time, and promises broken. Five weeks gone by with no sign of refund.
If anyone is considering this service think again.
If you know of anyone who is considering magicJack tell them of my experience.
Tell everyone you come across that magicJack is to be avoided, and why.
Roger Johnson Weblog 
Roger,
I work for magicJack and I will make certain we take care of your refund. More importantly, we’re very sorry to hear the magicJack did not meet your needs.
As you may know, our official product launch was on January 7, 2008. Over the last 12 weeks, magicJacks sales have soared and our product has been very well embraced by a huge majority of our customers and has received glowing reviews by many Tier One media outlets.
As a rapidly growing start-up company, we’re keenly focused on doing our very best to save our customers hundreds, even thousands of dollars per year on local and long distance phone bills. As we continue to grow, the magicJack team will strive to improve upon all facets of our business and to deliver a revolutionary product that saves families money each and every month, while providing a voice quality experience that people have come to expect from their phone company.
Also, I’d like to clear up your confusion regarding our retail price. Please know that from the very beginning, our price point has been $39.95 to purchase the magicJack, and that price includes the 1st year of local and long distance calls anywhere in the US & Canada. Additional years can be bought for only $19.95 per year. The standard Shipping & Handling cost of a magicJack is $6.95. This price offer is very clearly stated on our website and in all of our product advertising.
With good wishes,
Jim Donlon
I approve the publishing of his comment.
What I wanted to come through in my initial statement is that being ignored was not right; I understand and empathize with a new company and a new product going through startup, I expected bumps along that road. Perhaps now there will be fewer frustrated users in the future.
I had always hoped that the gadget would work, still hope that it will do so.
I too have had the terrible experience that Roger has had in almost precisely the same order. Went thru all he did and returned the defective item to magicjack only to have them act as if they have never received it.Website states a 30 day trial which is a lie and the customer service is the worst I have encountered in all my dealings on the internet.
I too have bought magicJack and had installation issues – ALL MY FAULT. I got ahead of myself and didn’t use the supplied USB Plug and used my own external port. As soon as I reconnected it worked like a charm. After about 16 years with my same tel number, I am officially getting rid of the other phone co and using magicJack full-time. I though it was great that Jim D. responded. I have heard that the owner or inventor of magicJack always responds to emails. I guess it shows they are legit and in this for the long haul.
I purchased magicjack about a couple weeks ago and got it in the mail a couple days ago. It is a fantastic device. It isn’t as clear as my my house phone which i pay almost $50 a month WITHOUT long distance but hey, it works and it’s free so why not! Happy customer right here.
I think I need put a few words here in response:
I didn’t say that the magicJack gadget was worthless, nor that phone service via the internet should be avoided; I have used Skype in the past, it worked well. It’s just that this gadget and my machine didn’t play well together, for whatever reason. No product is going to work right in every situation, that just doesn’t happen, won’t ever happen.
What got me on my high horse was how this outfit reacted when they had a problem, not how they act when things work well, but when it didn’t. Every business in the world is going to have times when the customer is dissatisfied; the character of the business comes through then, how do they react when a customer is unhappy.
That is all that I was bitching about, I tried to be specific about the problem and their reactions, or lack of actions. The future of any business depends on their character, how they handle the tough stuff, whether people can do business with them in good times and not so good times. That is all I was yammering about.
I purchased my magicJack from an online company http://www.directpage.com after a friend recommended them. The big difference is that directpage has a toll free phone number clearly listed and magicjack.com does not. I asked a few questions before I ordered, it arrived as promised and fortunately it worked fine when I received it. A rep at Directpage was pretty straight forward before I ordered it, he said some people have issues with the magicJack and if they are unable to get them resolved after using the magicfix program on the magicJack website, they can return it within 30 days. He said they had about 4 units returned since they started selling them which was only a fraction of what they sold. He also said in a matter of fact tone, for $20/year don’t expect every bell and whistle, it is what it is. Use it as a 2nd phone line to make long distance calls and you will save a bundle. period. Don’t expect it to take the place of a phone service that runs $600/year plus long distance. I am very satisfied and I set my expectations accordingly.
Perhaps I didn’t make myself clear; I didn’t go public with my problem because of how the gadget performed, it was how the company handled my problem, the unprofessional response of the technical service people when their fixes didn’t fix; that they discontinued their web address without forwarding; that they promised responses and a refund, then failed to follow through.
Every company and every product is going to have some problems, that is the nature of things, how one handles problems shows the nature of the people running the business. I didn’t wish to go public with this problem, hadn’t done it before and hope never to do it again; I went public because that was the only response open to me.
They stopped responding when I asked for the refund, they only responded after several hundred people started reading about my problem here.
I hope that this clarifies my issue.
i just installed magic jack. No one knows why i can’t dial area 443 (local to me in areas). Two techs told me they would follow through. Two hours later–nothing
Yes, I am familiar with that promise.
I hope that they are able to fix it for you.
Roger
Well i ordered this magicjack
and tested fora week
canceled one of my cell phones now its working great
However there tec support has to be the worst around
on install i had an issue with virtual rom devices i lost all cdrom drives and all virtual drives
after about an hour on with tech chat it was going nowhere
I told them the issue even gave error codes and they were trying to get me to troubleshoot the magicjack program even after telling them its not installing i cant access the software
i gave up googled the error found a vista issue on the error
deleted 2 reg keys reboot and fixed
annyoing thing theyhave not fixed is it pops up when i am playing WOW so i use the 4t tray minimizer to keep it hidden 🙂
the voice does get choppy when something else starts using more of my cpu so agood pc lots of ram or a seperate box for phone is probally the way to go
I just hooked up the MagicJack drive and have made several local and long distance calls with it and i worked great, much clearer than my past two VOIP services. I also use Skype and have for the last two years. This is better for clarity and speed.
I would like to see email or chat tech support on their website, when I went to purchase it I could get live chat but now that I actually have it I’ve not been able to access the live chat. (could be it’s down for the moment).
I appreciate you posting your problems with the customer service, it allowed me to know what I was getting into when I ordered and I could decide to take the risk of losing my investment in the product.
Kris
When I orderd mine I asked if they could combine the shipping. (USPS will do 2 pounds for $5 right?). They said no. Guess what I got my 2 jacks in 1 padded envelope with a $1.78 postage sticker on it. What IRKED me was they did combine the orders and the way I figure it I over paid through the nose on shipping. If they really cared about there image, they would not look like a Ebay scum with outrageous shipping policys. I mentioned this in a review at dsl reports too.. They responded that is costs them to ship. USPS has free first class envelopes and what else could be involved other than tape a sticker with my address on it. I mean I did pay $14 ea to ship 2, the least they could have done was to be honest with the shipping costs. That policy left a bad taste in my mouth.
With all the TV ads and the Flashy web site that contain no real contact info , makes me wonder if they will be around in a year. When ever I see infomercials, I get worried. I have had dropped calls, but the price is right. I have sold about 5 of my friends on them, I just wish they were not so stuck on the shipping scam. I dont like paying $6 extra ea on shipping. Lets face it it is not $40, its its $47. The quoted price is almost %20 off.. If they had actual shipping charges I may have orderd more for my friends at x-mass, but like I said their image has been tarnished..
Hi, i am a magicjack user, i love this product and it work well for me, as long as everything is compatible and it’s fine. Regarding refunds, it was processed, coz i had a frnd that he return his mj and got his refund, we have to consider that YOU are not the only person helping and processing those refunds, so be an open minded person… thanks. love mj.
and Also, do not buy mj’s anywhere, there are a lot of piracy nowadays.. Thanks to Dan, he created mj for us!!!!!!!!!!!
I bought mj and it didn’t complete calls within Maryland all the time. So I switched the number from Baltmore to Rockville MD and it works. Customer service is a joke. I still use a corded telephone since the cordless seems to be 2nd rate with their service–brand new cordless phone. Now 3 weeks later and no one has called me back from Florida. THet need to fine tune the product and get qualified sales people and a customer service staff that has an idea of what the phone is.
I ordered ONE, but received TWO for 92$. After many days of live chat, them trying to convince me of keeping one, i finially received 53$ back!!!!..they are refusing to send the rest of my money. This site is a rip off!! i will keep trying and now going to the better bussiness bureau!! Good luck for all those who have made the same mistake i have!!
It is very difficult to believe in any company that is blatantly committing Credit Card fraud.
Magicjack overcharges for shipping on every order of two units.
This is a fact verified all over the Internet.
Their system will provide you with a receipt stating the $6.95 shipping includes the first two units, but your Credit Card will be billed for shipping twice.
They do not honor there own receipts, so why would anyone think they are a legitimate company?
Wow, I’m so surprised at all the people who have had bad experiences. I feel fortunate that the only problems I had they were able to help me with and get me on my feet extremely quickly.
It seems like most of the problems everyone has commented on here is a product of a business growing too quickly. I hope you all are able to stay patient and hold on long enough to reap the benefits. Otherwise just try and get your refunds and join back up later once magicJack has all the kinks smoothed out.
Mine worked great but found we weren’t using it. I got my R.O. and they received it back 8 days ago (delivery conformation) and no refund. I will give it another week before checking again. They have what must be a typo on their site. It says “free 30 day trial” and your credit card will not be charged for 30 days unless using PayPal. They must have meant to say, “30 seconds” instead of 30 days. My credit card was hit for $53.00+, before the product arrived to me and I even paid the extra money for expedited shipping.
My refund came yesterday with no additional contact. Not bad at all, other than charging my card when they said they would only charge my card for shipping for the first 30 days.
Well — it’s been an experience. Ordered and received MJ and aside from sound quality problems, it worked—-and cheap! After about three months, I would get a error message. Did everything they asked on voice chat ( I don’t believe they are real ) twice, three times, nothing. The final verdict was that my ISP was to blame. They had blocked my ports to use MJ. Why Time Warner would do this overnight still escapes me. I installed MSN messenger, which I don’t use, but uses the same ports, it works. I can no longer return the device for a refund, but you know, you get what you pay for—or less. Cheap enough to know that it’s a scam, he’s a snake-oil salesman, and if a bit richer, will pay for it in self-esteem.
hello,
I am trying to get thru to magicjack live chat. Everytime i hit order billing live chat it wants to put me through magicfix. I ordered item 30 days ago. I got thru once to live chat and the shipped it to wrong address in different state. They advised I needed to check with post office? I did now I cant get back with a person. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Susan:
I am sorry that I don’t have any suggestions, my relief can not because I kept trying to contact them but when I started posting this problem on my blog.
Perhaps if you were to detail your problem on your own blog it might get their attention, but there are no secret buttons with this organization.
As Dr. Frazier Crane would say “I feel your pain”.
Good luck: Roger
I just got off of live support and they were totally ineffectual. I’ve been receiving complaints from outside sources that they can’t reach me on my magicjack number. Live support had me disconnect my gizmo, turn off my firewall, reconnect, upgrade, check that the blue light was on, on the gismo, try different usb outlets and do the performance check, only to tell me that it must be the other people’s carriers that are at fault. Nice!
Magicjack, is not magical. It still has a lot of bugs. I get dropped calls, choppy calls, and voicemail doesn’t alwasy kick in as well, as the number itself not work at times. it may be cheap but it seems a high price to pay when you can’t receive what may be important calls.
I just started using the magicjack. It is important to understand there are a plurality of variables, such as your internet connection speed and ISP. There have been a few times where the conversation has been a little choppy, but overall it is a trade-off between the low cost of the magicjack on one side, and the infallibility of a much more expensive landline on the other side. It is a trade I am willing to make.
Overall, the quality hasn’t been too bad. Compared with Vonage, I like the magicjack better. I tried Vonage, and the Vonage modem alone cost more than one year’s worth of magicjack service. Furthermore, what I like about the magicjack is that it plugs into the USB port, rather than being between your cable modem and the computer (i.e., it doesn’t feed the internet connection to the computer, as does Vonage). I like that because the trouble I had with Vonage is that the Vonage modem kept dropping, which caused my internet connection to go out, and then I would have to completely disconnect the Vonage modem in order to get back online. This happened frequently with Vonage. Not only that, by removing the Vonage modem my network configuration changed, too, so that took more time.
My only disappointment with the magicjack so far is that sending and receiving faxes hasn’t worked for me. With VOIP, faxing is going to be hit and miss.
I think that you may have missed the point of our complaints; it is not that the gadget has problems, nor that those who tried to use it were lazy or ignorant of how to run a computer. Our problem is the ethic of the people who are running the company, our problem is the attitude towards customers as shown in dozens of examples.
No one is looking for nor expecting a perfect gadget, just a sense of being treated fairly.
Rodger I did the same thing you did bought majic jack it works fine with a telephone I use a portable or seems to work best that way without echo. Incoming calls initiallize right away but on out going you do have to open hand set and get a dial tone before you dial a call. Ie you have to initiallize it if you have been doing something else on CP and the MJ is on the bar. Now the chopped audio yes I got that to when I first got it especially when using a standard portable phone which is what I used. The thing there is a regular phone requires 64 KBps going each way in and out a total of 126 KBps much more than with a head set and mike that a standard computer uses. Now depending on what else is running in the back ground you can wind up short of band width since this type of system requires more than a say MSN messanger. When that happens voice is chopped severely. I was using a adsl router modem which narrows band width for channel allocation and also as a fire wall aspect. I used that primarily to put in lap top using the wifi part. I just switched back to the strait open single pc adsl modem and a fire wall on the pc only allowing majicjack to go through. That of course increases band width to a maximum depending on what else you have running. Now I talk to my girl in boardman ohio on her cell very clearly every day using it. She also calls me on it. I am in toledo ohio so it saves me considerable on long distance charges.
Rodger if you still have unit unit try it with an open modem. I do know a router dosen’t work well with something like that. A regular phone uses much more band width than the standard pc set such as msn, team speak and so on.
Jim
Hi!
I have the best results from Magic Jack since I have it, but today I tried to put money in my account in order to call to my country. I put $5 and it was discounted from my money bank but I don´t see in my website this quantity. Then I tried to talk personally with someone in Magic Jack and all time bring me back to answers and I couldn´t talk to someone.
Please, can you help me to speak to Magic Jack.
Sincerly,
Armando J. Caballin
(786) 768 6492
Miami
I have not ordered one yet, but I would like to. The issue is that I am watching an infomercial right now, which has an 800 #. I called the # and get a computer generated response voice asking questions. My point is that I want to ask a question. It is, I have ATT DSL. In order to have DSL, I have a phone number attached to it, which is the ATT number. How do I get rid of that number? Can I? No sense in having MJ if I have to keep the ATT #.
Mark
“This is a great way for work at home small business owners to control cellphone expenses. Will save over $400 a year due to the magicJack and is cheaper than Vonage. Herschel Everett owner of B & E Gifts LLC http://www.bandegifts.com you can reach us on our magicJack phone# 214-230-0855 for more information.”
We are also selling the magicJack at our store B & E Gifts LLC so if you are unsure please give us a call at the number above.
For magicJack tech support contact Rikard Bone. His e-mail address is rikard.bone@ymaxcorp.com
I have not ordered one yet, but I would like to. The issue is that I am watching an infomercial right now, which has an 800 #. I called the # and get a computer generated response voice asking questions. My point is that I want to ask a question. It is, I have ATT DSL. In order to have DSL, I have a phone number attached to it, which is the ATT number. How do I get rid of that number? Can I? No sense in having MJ if I have to keep the ATT #.
Mark
The magicJack USB unit has its own phone number. Once you attach it to your desktop or laptop the software will auto run once loaded follow the online prompts. Here our website link to the magicJack.
http://www.bandegifts.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=273&products_id=1591&zenid=2442cadf9cddeeb3581dfba14005f76a
Thanks, Herschel Everett
Herschel Everett
I have not ordered one yet, but I would like to. The issue is that I am watching an infomercial right now, which has an 800 #. I called the # and get a computer generated response voice asking questions. My point is that I want to ask a question. It is, I have ATT DSL. In order to have DSL, I have a phone number attached to it, which is the ATT number. How do I get rid of that number? Can I? No sense in having MJ if I have to keep the ATT #.
Mark
The phone companies don’t promoted it but you can cancel your phone line and have what they call naked DSL I don’t know what the cost is but that is what it is called.
We still kept our land line phone number but drop the service down to measured line which give you unlimited inbound calls coming in but you can only make Free 25 outbound calls which is cost us $20 mo. and our Elite DSL is $39.95
I hope this help if you still have issues you can reach us at 214-230-0855
Why when I ordered your product that i was support to get a 30 day trail and not be billed a dime until the 31st day as it saids on your web site but after I give my credit card info I was not only billed but billed 93.90 where the on line help support argued w/me that ,that was false until I showed him directly from my bank statement its self…still after canceling that order 4 those reasons they are still saying i will only be refunded back the 40 some-odd dollars…had the transaction not automatically went thru b4 I finished reading and pushing accept I would have never agreed to even the 40 sum-odd dollars coming from my account right then because of the beliefs as stated i will not be bill a thing for 31 days….too bad I really wanted to try this product as I’ve been a vonage costumer for years.
I have had my magicjack for about 3 monts. I told my in-laws and a couple of friends and they too have ordered the device. First of all, I will NEVER go through any other phone company again! The Magicjack company/device is not perfection, but is NOT $600+ a year. I have internet service through the cable company, and my mother-in-law has DSL. It seems as if she has a few more problems with the “choppy voice thing” and other small issues, than I do. I do have some of the same problems occasionally, but not as many as she. All we do is re-start our computers, and the problem usually ceases. She experiences more of these small problems when she has too many windows open, on the internet, or is downloading from the internet when she is on the phone. So, basically, she just closes the extra windows or downloads when she is not going to be on the phone. This does not mean everytime she has these problems. Sometimes there are no problems and she can download and/or have many windows open at the same time she is on the phone. I do not have these problems, as I believe it it because I am with the cable company for my internet service. The problems are NEVER longer than a few phone calls in a row one after another. We just hang up and call right back. BIG DEAL! BOO HOO! The glitchs are NOT any reasons to say “NO” to Magicjack! It AMAZES me that my own family won’t listen to me when I tell them about how INCREDIBLY wonderful this device actually is! Oh well, their loss!
As for customer service, well, it’s not the best….. You get what you pay for. When I ordered the device, I only ordered one year of service for $19.95, but the company charged me for 2 years of service. After an hour of going back and forth via instant message with the same customer service agent, who INSISTED the company had yet to even charge my credit card, while the whole time I was sitting there staring at it on my on-line bank statement, she FINALLY got someone else to help me from, I believe, technical support. I actually had to cut the debit from my on-line bank service and paste to the instant message ,and tell her I was in tears to get her to believe me and then, FINALLY transfer me. Once I was transferred, the gentleman on the other end of the chat was EXTREMELY HELPFUL and professional! Needless to say, the extra $19.95 that was debited from my account, was proptly credited back into my account within a few days. The whole ordeal took about 2 hours, but IT WAS ALL WORTH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In summary, MAGICJACK IS NOT A GIMMICK, IT WILL SAVE YOU MONEY! IT IS DEFINATELY WORTH THE MEESELY $40 BUCKS! It’s a new company, and they’ll figure it all out, and if they don’t, well that’s okay. IT IS STILL WORTH IT!
i found a customer service phone number for magicjack.com:
for billing or customer service: 281-404-1551
and for tech support: 561-594-2140
hope this helps some people…
mine finally works, but only when i dial using the software and a mouse..when i pick up the phone to make a call, i get a dial tone but after dialing, nothing happens.
they said i should try a corded phone not cordless…
i still havent been able to test if i receive incoming calls or not…
willl let people know what i find out.
I installed majicJack a week ago and have been unable to access AOL from my computer, so I now have to go to the Library to manage email. Secondly, the sound on my PC is gone, I have disconnected the device from my computer but nothing changed. I have tried everything that I know. Would someone please give me a solution?
@Romania – wish I could’ve been lucky enough to have been locked out of AOL back in the day. ;>)
Don’t know what the problem could be there, but you may been hijacked by MJ as far as your sound being muted is concerned. Don’t know what OS you’re running, but in XP it’s Control Panel-> Sounds…-> Sounds and Audio Devices -> Audio tab at the top.
For the “default device for playback”, you’re likely going to see “USB Internet phone by TigerJet,” instead of what was there previously when you had sound. Change that entry to whatever else is available there (which varies depending on your sound card), and try again. (Make sure you turn down your speakers so you don’t get blasted.)
And as you’re headed home from the library, stop and pick up some kite string to attach between two tin cans – you’ll have yourself a better phone system than the MagicCrap would’ve been. I’m speaking from a year’s worth of experience with this unreliable piece of junk, which will eventually make it’s way into the wastebaskets of the world along with all those Telezappers.
I am a very Happy customer my magic jack worked just as they said I am recomanding it every day to all my frinds associates family members I have sent Mass email around the worl to let them know of this great Inventor Thank you MagicJack.
I too have had a lot of frustration with the product. I am not happy with it, it does not suit my needs. My problem is I threw away the envelope it came in and I went to the website to get an RMA number to return it, and guess what, no luck. Can anyone tell me how to send this back? Roger, I feel your pain.
Does anyone have MagicJack’s Corporate address?
I would like to send this dam thing back!
It does not work well.
Rick
I got mine a couple of weeks ago….and found the clarity for outgoing calls as good as Verizon but I could not make calls from Cell phone,landlines, or payphones to the magicjack. I am a computer nerd Microsoft certified and think if I have to struggle for weeks the average user will struggle longer. I caved and used the online chat, 3 techs and hours later, they told me they would call me with a follow up 5 days later nothing! I built a dedicated PC to handle the MJ, shut off the firewall, hooked straight through the modem and still no Incoming calls. Customer service is hit and miss…half the time chat doesn’t work or is down. I squirm at the thought of returning it! Don’t buy it as a permenet replacement for your current phone system. For $67 for 2 years of service it’s only good as a backup for calling out!
Two weeks after getting my magicjack, I was bombarded with telemarketing calls from who knows where. After a couple weeks of this, I contacted the magicjack support to change the phone number, which they did. But they NEVER disconnected the old number, so now I have two incoming phone numbers that ring my magicjack device. I have made three requests through the chat support service.I was promised a FIX on three different occasions. I documented all the chat windows for evidence. What a waste of time that was. I am going to abandon the service and go back to my Cox internet phone for 25.00/mo. You can keep the $19. I’ll put my MJ device on craigslist and sell it off to some unsuspecting person. Cox costs more, but at least there is a number I can call for support, not some lame chat window to the other side of the world. Shame on you, magicjack, for offering such a pathetic support mechanism and falling on your face instead of helping the customer and blaming him for your errors.
I have the magicjack have had it 6 six months now I did have a problem with it about three weeks ago . but now it works great this is what I did to fix it . remove from usb port and uninstall software . I had pland to give it back but thought I would try it again . after installing it and doing updates it has been working great.
Walter kirkwood
http://www.boingboing.net/2008/04/14/magicjack-netphone-s.html
I was going to get this BUT not now. WOW. Glad I read all the bad things that could happened. It isn’t worth the hassle…as least NOT for me.
Thanks for sharing all the things that happened to each of you. I helps other people from making a mistake.
I was going to get this, BUT no way now.
Thank you all for sharing. I could not afford to waste my time or money on a thing like this. It is people like you that help other people out by letting us know how it works.
thank you for posting all your comments good and bad so i can make the informed decision not to go down the bumpy road others have already traveled. just like the good old days where your neighbor will help inform you about what they encountered. so thank you again
It takes lots of tries to dial a # that connects. It goes right back to dial tone. But the biggest problem is that everybody sounds clear to me but my voice is garbled on their end. Ive tried everything and then some. I have DSL. Will try at my friends house with new pc and cable net. But not looking good. Guess what? The so called support is just looking thru the faq’s
by the way, you can all dispute the charges on your credit cards. The vendor will lose
I actually just ordered magicjack yesterday. after reading the numerous comments from everyone, I decided to try and cancel my membership. not only because of the comments from this site, but many other sites. so the actual confirmation page that I got, which clearly states to reply if I need to make changes. I reply and tell them I want to cancel my order. and gave them all the lengthy reasons. and the email came back to me saying, This email address has been discontinued. so now I have to fight the battle so many others have done on here, go on their site and attempt to contact some form of life within their chat program. I wish I would have looked up these sites before I ordered. my mistake, I’ll know better next time
i just purchased my magicjack and it is on its way. i can’t wait to kick this phone company to the curb. i am sure there will be problems, but the company is fairly new, and maybe being that so many people are jumping on it, they may need a bigger infrastructure.
I bought a magicJack, and have had SEVERAL problems already. I have downloaded the updates the techs told me to, which eliminated the annoying “warning, must plug MJ in” that kept popping up, when it was already plugged in. I still have issues; when I plug MJ into my PC, everything slows down, and it takes way too long to run a task. I got a 3.4 quad core, and 4 gigs of ram, so i dont think its my PC performance. When i unplug MJ from my PC it runs great again. Also I have a dial tone, but when i enter the numbers to call, MJ doesnt recognize the numbers being pushed, the dial tone doesnt stop. Online Tech told me to buy an AC-powered usb hub, so I ordered one, and will update this site, see if it works like it should.
my powered usb hub arrived today, i pluged it in, and it STILL slows my PC down, i also STILL have a dial tone, but it does not recognize the numbers as i enter them in the phone.
Just want to thank all of you for your comments. I WAS thinking about purchasing MJ, but think I will wait on that. There seems to be more negative than positive comments. Maybe in a couple of years they will iron out the bugs!
Roger, thanks for the information regarding the MagicJack customer service issues. I ordered MagicJack from QVC a few months ago, but just got to setting it up with a PC and hi speed internet. Installation went smoothly with the USB. So far it seems to work well in terms of call clarity. I hope that they improve their customer service and will continue to advance the product. It seems like a decent deal overall as compared to Vonage or the phone companies.
I purchased a MagicJack a couple of months ago and had nothing but problems with it I spent over 6 hours trying to get the thing to make a clear call. I have a extremely fast internet connection and have no problems with skype or vonage. Tech support has you run a update that will supposedly fix the call problems, it did not. After wasting way to much time trying to get this device to work I sent it back. One of the worst purchases I ever made. Just do your research into this product before buying it. Check the better business Bureau.
I purchased the MagicJack several months ago as well. It has caused very few problems. A couple dropped calls – but I get that with my cell all the time. I have even taken it and my small multi set phone on a 3 week trip and set it up in my hotel rooms. Worked great.
Sorry for all on you who are experiencing such difficulty. I have no problem with my computer as I took an old laptop I was no longer using, reinstalled the operating system so no other programs are installed on it, set it up to with my DSL, connected to MagicJack and it works beautifully. Good use of an old computer that was just sitting around being unused. I have an 8 phone Uniden system hooked to it and all handsets work fine.
I had the same problem dont buy the magicjack it doesnt work, and they will keep giving you the run around if you want a refund.
After reading about the over billing on the MJ website, I found out that Radio Shack sells these things.
They also had them on sale for $29.95 on Black Friday. I paid cash and kept the reciept. They can’t over bill you and they will refund the price if you return it to your local store within 30 days.
So, didn’t get ripped-off or have hassles with billing and shipping.
I installed it once home and it fired up perfectly. I was making calls within a few minutes. We will be discontinuing Vonage and just using MJ from here on out.
I would suggest, just going to Radio shack and getting one. If you can’t get it to work, take it back.
Peace!
I bought a magic Jack when it was still in beta and was just some novelty written about on http://www.engadget.com
I bought an mJ because my gf loves to call all her relatives out of state. At first, the mJ worked great, even though at first, even though I live in 561, all I could get was a San Francisco area code. After about five months, the quality of the calls degraded. I wrote via email to their customer support and got no help. Recently (this past week), I decided to try my magic Jack again. I saw they added better customer support with 24-7 chatting with a support person. This time, when I complained about the problem I was having, I got a resolution in two days. I knew when I got it, that because it was in beta, and because I was an early adopter, that there would be problems. There still are funny clickings on occasion, the sound quality is not as good as Vonage or my cell, but given that my monthly cell bill is about $80. $60 for two years of phone service on the mJ is worth it. I am going to change my cell service to a cheaper plan, and enter my cell number as the forwarding number for my magicJack, give out the mJ number. I have a small netbook, an S-10 Lenovo. I was able to make calls on the mJ from a Starbucks using their WiFi. It looked goofy using a standard phone connected to a laptop, but it worked.
It has worked for 3 days but their ‘service’ is TERRIBLE, or worse. If I had a problem, I am certain they would be worst-than-worthless – a time-wasting exercise on my part, apparently at the joy of their so-called Live Chat personnel. I wish Jim Donlon would provide HIS email address.
Their website is full of review-links that are broken. (BIG WARNING LIGHT should go off)
Their “One Day Only Ends ___(today’s date)___” has gone on for several months, always with the “only 20,000 units left”. ANOTHER big warning light.
And there is no actual contact method – everything is cloaked and looped around. This is what Scam Companies do.
Not good ones. The product looks interesting, but the business practices appear to be one lie after another cloak after another deflection after another broken, unworking link.
Warning, warning, Will Robinson!
“Most users that are having “trouble” with their magicJack® dongel are usually having connection problems with their computer’s USB ports and its power supply to those ports!”
This is the best telephone service that I have EVER used!
This service ONLY costs $19.95 per year!
Don’t believe any of the BAD PRESS you may hear about the service. I discovered what the “technical” problem was, because it actually happened to me. I was having audio and connection problems until I solved the technical problem of my computer’s USB bus drawing over 500 mA, actually 580 mA, with everything plugged into the bus.
My eMachine computer, Model T2882, only has a 250 Watt power supply and that was working at its limits with all the computer cards and USB devices that I had plugged into the machine were demanding current. The attached article is how I solved the problem for less than $20.00!
http://drbray.blogspot.com/2008/12/magicjack-reality.html
I ordered my MJ from QVC. I just installed MJ last night, I have to admit there were few issues to get the phone working properly. I kept getting the restart MJ error even though i can hear a dial tone on the phone. After couple online chat with the customer rep, the problem has resolved. I think the item works great, i’ve already put money in the acct to make international calls and it works. i think for $20 bucks a year, its a great item as a secondary phone. I am still using my cell phone as my primary phone.
Occasionally I get dial tones only after i tried to dial out a number. But i am wondering if its b/c i am using a cordless phone. but its simple, all i had to do was to restart the MJ and it works fine and perfect!
Also, I just tested out the voice mail and that works too! It sents you an email message with the time stamp, phone number it was calling from and it also attached a .wav file for you to listen to while you are away from home.
I think its a neat product, it has its own little glitches but for $20 bucks a year, its worth the few restarts you have to do to get the calls out.
Sounds like a typical scam to me. I just saw the commercial on TV and, as I always do now, I just did a Google search for scam reports for the product. Glad I did. I’ll be sure to spread the word of the questionable billing practices and almost non-existent customer support to everyone I can.
Greatest thing I’ve every had! Some minor setup problems. Had to use a power usb hub. Nearly a year later and savings of more than $500.00! Just signed up for 5 more years at $60.00. Full phone service for a buck a month, GREAT DEAL!!!!!
I purchased a majicjack at my local best buy. I talked to the salesman about returning it. He said no problem, I have 30 days to use it and if I dont like it I can go downtown to best buy and get my money back.
I didnt loose a thing on the deal. The best part is IT WORKS !!! Try it, but buy it local and make sure they have a return pollicy
I was wondering how you can eliminate your phone service with majic jack i would think the only way is if you had cable i have sprint package with phone internet and satelitte how would this product help me? Jim Donlon could you reply since you work for them any answers are welcome thank you
I read Jim Donlon’response and does not agree with what he said. I got MJ from one of the retail (Computer Liquidator) in London Ontario. They told me I can try it for 3o days and if I am not satified with the product I can return and get the refund back. I was concerning about the trial period and confirm with sale rep. few times. After a week and a half try, I keep get echo, cut-off sound, try to log into the chat many times to solve the proplem, but it does not get better. I bring MJ to the store and want to return MJ. The Sale Rep. do not accept the return and told me that I opened the package and used it (register). He cannot accept the return and want me to talk to the owner of the store. Next day, I came and want to talk with the owner and the Sale Rep. told me that he already talked with him and he only give me the store credit. I went to the MJ chat and ask for help with the return but conversation keeps pass to the higher level, but no one help me with the return and told me that I have to deal with the retail store. Many products I bought, I have no trouble return to manufacture if it is under warranty. MJ delare that “they warranty for 30 days and accept return with no question ask”. These sentense is not true. I am now have to keep a store credit which I don’t know what to but from the store that is not trusted.
If Jim Donlon read this, can you do some thing with this.
Magic Jack works. I’ve had mine for over a year now, and just saw this site, and am suprised at the number of people that “bad mouth” it because of technical issues with their internet service provider, or because of something they read that happened — TO SOMEONE ELSE. There will always be individual problems – as with any service. You’re getting UNLIMITED FREE LONG DISTANCE CALLS FOR $19 A YEAR. Gezus, people, do you want them to pay YOU for making phone calls? Read the instructions, and be happy there’s an alternative to $60/month local wired phone service. I’m happy with Magic Jack, as are the other users that followed installation instructions and realize the excellent tradeoff. And the customer support does have issues, but hey, anyone called COMCAST customer support lately? Still better. LOL. Great deal, great product, great alternative. Thanks MagicJack and wishing you all the luck in the world (I’ve already pre-paid for 5 years).
magicJack service is awful. The device I have must be defective but they are UNWILLING to send me another at no cost to me. magicJack SUKS and I plan to spread the word!
I have had MagicJack running flawlessly for 18 months. I live in a remote area where the next nearest town is long distance. I have hooked it to a cordless phone and have dropped my long distance costs by Verizon to below $1.00 /month.
The only disadvantages are, you must leave the computer on 24/7, and it pops up a MagicJack screen on the computer if someone is using the computer and another makes a call with MagicJack.
Sounds to me like you have SLOW INTERNET, or a bug infested SLOW MACHINE. The product works fine. I think it’s actually a better quality than my verizon fios phone line.
I haven’t written anything about MagicJack for some time.
Obviously you did not read what I had written previously,
my concern was for the way that MagicJack was handling ordinary problems.
We have canceled our MagicJack service due to issues with jack due to upgrade by MagicJack. We signed up with Vonage.
Top of line mac and phone system. Had to get it in order for magicjack to work. Great for 1-2 years. Now, phone doesn’t ring and there’s no dial tone. Conatcted customer service. Nothing but lies and end arounds. I’m apparently the only one with this complaint. The when I refer them to their frequently asked questions board they backtrack when both issues are listed there. They want me to get another phone system to test phone. Ya,,,,okay let me borrow and buy phones to see if that’s the problem…. when they can’t veirfy what your doing on your end anyway. No solutions, piss poor customer service, faulty product. Even if your a loyal and renewed customer. I had two customer service reps, while telling me they were reading transcripts, not know what type of computer I had…uhhh maybe that’s important to run through troubleshooting issues. “Mandy” has to be straight out of high school. Their reps. are insulting with their double talk bs instead of just sending out a new magicjack for defective one…. christ they get the bad one back and get to study what went wrong so they can improve upon thing. Makes too much sense so they’re not going to do that. They want you to run to Best Buy get new phone and test it first. Ya….okay!!!! I spent 200 on this sytem because it had to work with magicjack…… all of a sudden phone isn’t ringing, there isn’t a dial tone,…but when it’s hooked to a land line all is good……. and it’s been working with magicjack for two years……. all of a sudden it must be the phone that’s an issue…… they insult you treat you like a monkey or dog, putting you through hoops, never giving in, cheating customers all the way to the bank with their bs!!!!!!!……… good policy!!!!!!! Can anyone say class action LAWSUIT!!!!!!!!! Count me in!!!!!!!!!!! Come one come all. I’m more than happy to copy transmission with rep to anyone who requests!!! Hope I run into mr. magic at soccer fields here in FLA. this weekend.
I’m having the same problem and am equally frustrated!! I just posted the text from my chat. I’m all for a class action lawsuit too and am doing my best to spread the word about this horrible company. Tracy A.
I have had a problem all day today with the magicjack. I tried to purchase international minutes three times and it said that it didn’t work but my visa was charged three times. 6 idiots couldn’t fix the problem on that online chat that’s there for help. Looks like the only way to get things fixed is to go to the media and better business bureau which i intend to do if i dont get my refund by next week
One Beotch of an agent by the “Therese” had the balls to tell me to check my visa…as if it would be over limit. I’d like to know what a$$hole to write to for a complaint of who to mention to the media as owner and operator of the business of magicjack
I can’t agree more with the suggestion “avoid MagicJack” and wish I had read it earlier.
The magicJack company always advertises “100% risk free, try before you buy” on their website.
Misled by that false advertisement, I signed up a magicTalk preferred plan on May 12, 2011, paying about $30. However, after chatting with their customer service agents for about 8 hours (most of which were waiting time), I realized that product is defected, because unlike other Voip products on the market, the magicTalk doesn’t allow the customer to freely use the account from different computers of his/her own. If you want to use the service on another computer, you have to pay another $10. The situation is just like you buy a DVD movie but you can only watch it on one DVD player, say, the one in your living room. When you want to watch it on the DVD player in your bedroom, you have to pay $10 for the relocation. Once I understood how it works, I decided to get rid of this moneysucking Voip product.
Then, I instructed an agent by the name of Mandy to cancel my plan on the same day. She did so without saying any word. However, when I tried to make sure I would receive a refund of $30 in full, she said there is a non-refundable charge of $10 for the Canadian phone number. In the end, I spent hours for trying to set up the service and also paid $10 but for nothing.
Therefore, I believe that MagicJack indeed is a ripoff with false advertisement and deceptive communication.
I have used it now for 3-4 years and love it. When I travel to Korea or Germany I am able to cal home without any issues. The service is no worse than any other voip provider i have used. My only complaint is there really is no way to get someone phone number other than the automated service. What do you expect for $20 per year?
I am very happy and ready to purchase the magic jack plus as soon as it out.
I have had the most horrible experience with magicJack and have contacted Clark Howard for help. Next I’m going to the BBB. I bought the device in June and had nothing but problems since then. Phone calls are dropped all the time; callers can’t hear me or I can’t hear them; I can’t make calls or others can’t call me. The technicians at the company used up the 30 day free trial period by pretending they could fix the problems I had by having me click this and that, go here and there, do this and that. Now they say the trial period is over and they are unwilling to make me whole. I plan to bash them to everyone I know and don’t know.
I also recommend that people avoid Magic Jack. I was told I have a defective device–no dial tone, yet Magic Jack can’t fix problem and wants to charge $10 for shipping and handling to send me a new device. Here’s my chat:
Please wait for a site operator to respond.
You are now chatting with ‘Imarie’
Your Issue ID for this chat is LTK554099728488X
Imarie: Hello, how may I help you?
Tracy: Hi! Where is the blue light? I don’t seem to have one
Tracy: No dial tone on phone, but we do seem to receive voice mail messages.
Can’t call out and I don’t think the phone rings in..
Imarie: Let me assist you with that.
Imarie: Is this your exact magicJack phone number: 518-###-####?
Tracy: yes
Imarie: Will it work fine when connected into the usb port or not at all?
Tracy: Unfortunately, the magic jack plus is made in such a way that it
doesn’t fit in my computer (Dell XPS 400)
Tracy: I tried to connect it (1/2 way) and it still doesn’t work. I see
references to a blue light, but can’t figure out where the blue light is
supposed to be so I’m assuming it’s not on
Tracy: I tried plugging it into a few different outlets and surge
protectors, still no luck
Imarie: Thank you. Do you have an iPhone adapter?
Tracy: yes, I believe so… looking for that now.
Imarie: Thank you.
Tracy: how do I use that?
Tracy: Not sure if what I have is correct…
Imarie: Okay, click on the link below:
Imarie: http://aid.magicjack.com/MJPLUSsetup.png
Tracy: ok, I was able to find another usb plug in and used that… still
doesn’t work
Imarie: Okay, thank you.
Imarie: One moment please…
Imarie: I am transferring you to one of our top 10% agents as rated by our
customers. Please hold while I transfer you.
Please wait while I transfer the chat to the best suited site operator.
You are now chatting with ‘Ray’
Your Issue ID for this chat is LTK554099728488X
Tracy: Hi Ray.
Ray: Welcome to the Highest Level of Support.
This is “Ray” and I am here ready to help you with your magicjack concern.
Kindly hold for a second as I review your previous chat to continue.
Ray: Thank you for waiting, where is the device now connected?
Tracy: I plugged it back into the outlet
Ray: Is there a blue light on the MJ device?
Tracy: I had tried double clicking the MJ icon through my computer; no luck.
I tried another troubleshooting thing–ran a program, but it didn’t
recognice the device
Tracy: I don’t see a blue light anywhere; can’t even figure out where the
light would come from
Ray: Is the blue light on when connected to the stand alone connection?
Tracy: No
Tracy: I also tried control/alt/delete and ended UTSCST (Newnet_set up and
Magic Jack; Magic Jack Load didn’t appear on the list); unplugged for 15
seconds and tried again… no luck
Tracy: This happened suddenly… No changes to anything with our computer
Ray: Please unplug your magicjack device and after 10 seconds plug it back
on a different USB port and if you are using the USB extension cord please
don’t use it with the magicjack as of the moment if you plug it in your
computer. Please tell me after the procedure if the dial pad pop-up with
stock symbol call message on the center screen.
Tracy: ok…
Ray: Thanks
Tracy: no dial pad appeared; but i did find the blue light and it’s on.
still no dial tone
Ray: Please click the link to download and run the magicJack upgrade:
Ray: http://upgrades.magicjack.com/upgrade/magicJackSetup.exe
Ray: tell me if that loads now
Tracy: McAfee doesn’t like this… ok to download? Says
Tracy: viruses…
Tracy: little scary sounding.
Ray: Would you like us to log onto your computer remotely and resolve this
issue for you? If yes, I will transfer you to a higher level of support that
will take care of this for you.
Tracy: Sure!
Ray: Download latest java at http://www.java.com and tell me if its done
Tracy: Download complete
Ray: Thanks
Ray: One moment please…
Please wait while I transfer the chat to the best suited site operator.
You are now chatting with ‘Felix’
Your Issue ID for this chat is LTK554099728488X
Felix: Hello. My name is Felix. To better assist you, let me put you on hold
while I read your previous chat/s. Thank you.
Felix: May I know where did you plug in the device?
Felix: Your magicJack is not working, right?
Felix: May I know where did you plug in the device?
Tracy: I typically plug it into outlet; with previous tech he had me try usb
port and I did get the blue light; blue light isn’t on when unit is plugged
into outlet
Tracy: Unfortunately, Magic Jack unit keeps coming unplugged from usb port
so I’m trying to fix that now,…dealing with all of the mess of the wires
Felix: Okay.
Felix: Is it working fine when plugged into the computer?
Tracy: No–it won’t work when plugged into computer or outlet; difference is
that i get blue light when plugged to computer.
Tracy: We prefer to plug into outlet so that would be how I wish to make the
fix–that’s why we purchased MJ plus. The USB connections also aren’t
convenient
Felix: Did you see the magicJack Icon or Start magicJack?
Tracy: I did go to the start up menu and tried starting MJ, but that diedn’t
work
Felix: I know, it is just temporary.
Felix: We have to reset your Device Manager drivers. Please perform the
following steps. Are you ready?
Tracy: sure
Felix: Click start menu/start button then click RUN. Type devmgmt.msc and
press Enter key on your keyboard or click start menu/start button then click
Control Panel and double click device manager.
Felix: Let me know once Device Manager is open.
Tracy: open
Felix: At Device Manager window, click + to the left of Disk drives. (Do you
see YMAX MagicJack USB Device or Tigerjet Harddisk USB Device?)
Tracy: no
Tracy: I have TEAC USB HS-CF Card USB Device several times
Tracy: WDC WD3200KS-75PFBO
Tracy: Hitachi HDS721075KLA330
Felix: Click + to the left of DVD/CD drives. (Do you see YMAX MagicJack USB
Device or TigerJet CD-ROM USB Device?)
Tracy: Hi see YMaxCorp magic Talk CD-ROM USB Device
Felix: Oh, you did see magic Talk?
Tracy: yes, YMzxCorp magic Talk CD-ROM USB Device is listed under DVD/CD Rom
drives
Felix: Okay, the device is defective.
Felix: Would you like us to replace it?
Tracy: sure; no charge, right?
Felix: We will replace the device for FREE. You will be charged $9.95 only
for the shipping. Everything will be transferred, the phone number as well
as the year of service. No need to return the device. You will receive it
within 3-5 business days. Is that fine with you?
Tracy: So let me get this straight, the device is defective, but I have to
pay for shipping? That’s crazy!
Tracy: I think Magic Jack should ship it to me overnight FOR FREE. I have to
say that I’m not inclined to fix it and am inclined to cancel on both this
line and my other line and tell my parents and friends who I referred to
Magic Jack to go with something else too.
Tracy: My frustration is not with you, Felix, it’s for the wonderful company
that you work for.
Felix: Would you like us to log onto your computer remotely and resolve this
issue for you? If yes, I will transfer you to a higher level of support that
will take care of this for you.
Tracy: I thought that’s what was being done earlier. Does that involve
downloading and running the executable that Macafee warned against due to
viruses and malicious spyware, etc. If so, no thank you–I would prefer to
have Magic Jack send a replacement device.
Please wait while I transfer the chat to the best suited site operator.
You are now chatting with ‘Felix’
Your Issue ID for this chat is LTK554099728488X
Tracy: I apologize for being difficult. It’s just that I’ve spent over an
hour on this and don’t have the time, nor patience. To now hear that the
device is defective irritates me further. Please send me a new device. I
don’t have much more time to work on this and my patience (as you can tell)
is running thin.
Felix: Thank you for patiently waiting.
Felix: There is no person who can access your computer at this time.
Felix: Can you bear to wait or will chat us back?
Tracy: so, can you get authorization from someone to send me the replacement
device, free of charge, including no charge for shipping? That would satisfy
me. I’m afraid to say that I don’t have much more time to want and will
cancel before I start from scratch again at another time.
Felix: We can replace the device for FREE but you need to pay for the
shipping.
Felix: What we offer you is the best and the cheapest we can offer.
Tracy: Sorry, that’s not acceptable. Thanks for your time. I’ll cancel and
spread the word about Magic Jack
Tracy: Sorry, that’s not acceptable. Thanks for your time. I’ll cancel and
spread the word about Magic Jack
Felix: Thank you for waiting. I’ll be with you in just a moment.
Felix: I will be right with you.
Felix: I’m sorry for the delay. I’ll be right with you.
Felix: I’m sorry for the delay. I’ll be right with you.
Felix: I will be right with you.
Felix: Thank you for waiting. I’ll be with you in just a moment.
Felix: I’m sorry for the delay. I’ll be right with you.
Felix: Okay.
THEN… approximately 15 minutes or more later (11 PM) I tried to chat to
figure out how to cancel subscription. Here’s what I get…
You have just reached one of our super agents. These agents are graded in
the top 10% by our customers and will fix your problem now. They are here to
make sure you are satisfied. We are also giving you a one year free warranty
to make sure you stay as a customer.
All operators are currently assisting others. Thanks for your patience. An
operator will be with you shortly.
All operators are currently assisting others. Thanks for your patience. An
operator will be with you shortly.
All operators are currently assisting others. Thanks for your patience. An
operator will be with you shortly.
All operators are currently assisting others. Thanks for your patience. An
operator will be with you shortly.
All operators are currently assisting others. Thanks for your patience. An
operator will be with you shortly.
I give up!