Have you come across the term “Wi-Fi calling” and are asking what this is? Do you want to understand how it works? Or, more to the point, how can I activate it? Well, calling using Wi-Fi may look complicated, but we will explain everything to you. Wi-Fi calling is a feature supported by both Apple and Android smartphones. It is an excellent choice for making high-quality calls inside.
In the recent past, employers have been shifting to remote work setups. Therefore, knowing how to use the Wi-Fi calling feature may be a great advantage for you. You will learn more about its limits. This will prepare you psychologically for the disadvantages of using it. The greatest highlight is that you can use HD Voice over a cloud phone system to talk to your team. This is more useful if you can access a reliable Wi-Fi network. In comparison to cellular connections, WIFI calling provides better sound quality and clarity. In this article, we will address more that you need to know about WIFI and some of its frequently asked questions.
Purpose Of WiFi Calling
In the past, people used cellular networks to call one another. However, today we have Wi-Fi calling, which is an alternative to cellular networks. Wi-Fi calling allows callers and receivers to communicate using Wi-Fi. It enables users to make and receive calls in areas where there is no strong cellular connection.
So if you are in a region where there is poor strength of a cellular network, you can opt for switching to it. It is a good alternative because it also allows you to make international calls. The feature is available for both Android and iPhone users.
Charged For WiFi Calling
One may say it is free or there are charges when using Wi-Fi calling. However, this will depend on your carrier and where you are making calls from. Here is the breakdown of the charges imposed on this feature.
- When you make calls or text to or from US numbers, you will not get charged.
- There are charges for users who make calls or text to other countries when they are in the United States. You are normally charged according to the distance of the international location plan. If you do not have a plan, then there are rates known as pay-as-you-go rates that they will charge you with.
- There are charges on you even when you are using Wi-Fi calling while you are outside the United States. Calling back to the country is normally free of charge. However, there are charges when making calls in a country outside the US to another country. The same applies to when you send texts. Your standard rates for making long-distance calls abroad will apply. If you do not have a plan, you will be charged the standard per-minute cost for international long-distance calls.
So, you get charged for Wi-Fi calling depending on your location and where you are making calls to or from. Otherwise, for users, making calls within the country is free of charge.
Way To Know If My Phone Supports Wi-Fi Calling
Do you want to buy a phone and you are wondering whether it supports Wi-Fi calling or not? Do not worry again; the process is very simple. To find out whether your phone supports Wi-Fi calling, here is the process:
- Go to the phone’s settings.
- Search WiFi calling in the search bar. This applies to both Android and iPhone users. If the phone supports the feature, the search will appear there.
Additionally, you may verify this information with your cell phone carrier. Consult with the manufacturer of the brand that you intend to buy or already have. You can get their customer service links on their official websites.
iPhone Wi-Fi Calling (Set-up)
Here is the process of setting up.
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap the Mobile Data option.
- You will find the Wi-Fi calling section.
- Tap the button and slide it to switch on and begin using the Wi-Fi calling feature.
Your iPhone may now make and receive calls over Wi-Fi. However, you must disable mobile data before you use the feature.
To do this,
- Go to the Settings menu on your smartphone.
- Tap Cellular Data.
- Turn the toggle off.
Android Phone WiFi Calling (Set-up)
Can an Android phone still make Wi-Fi calls? Yes! Here is a step-by-step process on how to set it up.
- Go to your Android settings.
- Navigate to Network & Internet.
- Click Preferences to enable you to navigate to Wi-Fi settings.
Here you will find the Wi-Fi calling toggle button.
- Click the button to put it in an “on” state.
- Disable your regular mobile data plan. You can do so by activating the airplane mode on your Android device. This automatically disables its use of cellular data.
Do All Phones Support Wi-Fi Calling
This is a new technology that is not found in old phones. If your phone is old, you will probably not find this feature there. So, not all phones support Wi-Fi calling. This means that for you to enjoy this feature, you will have to get a new phone with the new technology.
Why Is My Wi-Fi Calling Not Working
There are several reasons why Wi-Fi calling is not working on your phone. Once you experience these issues, you need to troubleshoot to solve your problem. Here are some of them:
- The Wi-Fi calling setup is not activated in the Settings section.
- There is a problem with your router and the phone.
- Check for new software updates.
- Your phone and carrier might not be offering Wi-Fi calling.
- Maybe your Wi-Fi is not working.
How Do I Turn Wi-Fi Calling On or Off
Turning off depends on the smartphone that you are using. For iPhone users, here is the process of turning it off.
- Go to the settings on your iPhone.
- Click the Mobile Data option.
- Locate the Wi-Fi calling option.
- You will find the toggle button activated; click it off to deactivate the Wi-Fi Calling option. You can now activate the mobile data option.
If you are an Android user, here is the process of turning off Wi-Fi calling on your device.
- Find settings app on your Android.
- Navigate to the Network & Internet section after clicking Settings.
- Click Preferences and you will be able to navigate to Wi-Fi settings.
- Here you will find the Wi-Fi calling toggle button when in the “On” state. Click the button to put it in an “Off” state. You will have turned Wi-Fi calling off. To use the feature again, you will need to activate it again. If you do not want to use Wi-Fi calling, activate mobile data.
Can I Use Wi-Fi Calling To Make International Calls
Yes. It is possible to make calls internationally using Wi-Fi Calling. You will hear a voice prompt that alerts you to the possibility that you could be charged for the overseas call. Additionally, there is a Wi-Fi symbol on the call button to show that the call is through Wi-Fi.
It is now up to you to allow the call to proceed or hang it and avoid the risk of incurring fees. Note for iOS device users; you must connect your smartphone to the Verizon network in the United States for you to activate your WIFI calling. After leaving the nation, it will not be possible to enable Wi-Fi Calling.
Why Isn’t My Wi-Fi Calling Working On My iPhone
Just like on Android phones, Wi-Fi calling may not be working properly with the iPhone. Here are some of the reasons why the Wi-Fi calling is not working.
- The iPhone you are using is not compatible with the feature. Only new phones have this new technology.
- The place that you are does not have strong WiFi to support the service.
- Maybe it is not enabled.
Those are reasons that may be making your phone not allow Wi-Fi calling. So you can diagnose and check if it will resolve your problem.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Wi-Fi Calling
Here are the disadvantages.
- The feature is not supported in all phones because it is a new technology.
- It needs strong Wi-Fi for you to achieve HD voice quality.
- You are normally limited to making international calls.
- There is a slow data transfer as compared to cellular calls.
Is There An APP To Enable Wi-Fi Calling
There is an Android app known as VoWiFi that enables users to enable the Wi-Fi calling feature. If that does not help you, you can try to use the apps that enable Wi-Fi calling. However, keep in mind that the other users should have that app for the communication to succeed. Such apps include Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Skype, among others.
What Happens If I Keep My Mobile Data And WiFi Both On At The Same Time
When you have both mobile data and Wi-Fi turned on, it means both connections interchange. This will depend on the strength of the router signal to your phone. This may affect the call charges, especially if you want to use Wi-Fi to call and the signal is poor. Your phone may choose to use cellular data and not Wi-Fi. So, if you want the features, you can choose to use one and disable the other.
Does Wi-Fi Call Work Without Cellular Service
Wi-Fi calling does operate without cellular coverage. Optimal Wi-Fi signal strength is normally required. After that, use your phone’s Wi-Fi calling function to make and take calls.
As mentioned earlier, Wi-Fi calling is an alternative to calling using cellular data. This answers the question of SIM cards that you do not need to have on your device to make calls via Wi-Fi.
Can I Make Wi-Fi Calls In Airplane Mode
Yes, you can make and receive calls when your phone is still in airplane mode. However, you need to remember to turn off the airplane mode when moving out and enable cellular data. This will allow you to not miss any calls in case you are out of strong Wi-Fi access.
Is WiFi Calling Better Than Cellular
Wi-Fi calling is a better option than cellular in regions with low cellular coverage. Wifi calling also gives you HD voice quality. Although not all phones support Wi-Fi calling, but if yours does, it is a better option.
Can You Text With WiFi Calling
You can make calls and send text messages while connected to a wireless network. You may use it to access your visual voicemail as well. As we have aforementioned, Wi-Fi calling is available on both the iPhone and Android. Therefore, texting works the same way it does while using a mobile data plan.
Should I Turn Off WiFi At Night
Turning off Wi-Fi at night has a number of benefits. First of all, it is very economical for everybody. It first reduces the exposure of people with bad intentions. Turning off the WiFi can also improve your health. It does so by reducing a lot of radiation emitted in data transmission. Leaving your WIFI is equally important because you won’t get some important updates while sleeping. Therefore, you can compare the advantages of leaving it on and off and decide whether you should turn your WIFI at night.
How Do I Enable Wi-Fi Calling On My Samsung Android
The process is as follows:
- Navigate to and launch the Phone app.
- Tap more options then click Settings.
- To activate Wi-Fi calling, press it. A window may appear asking you to input your emergency contact information. Kindly examine and enter the information, then tap Save.
Does WiFi Calling Drain Your Battery
Wi-Fi calling is mostly meant to improve the battery life of your smartphone. It may sometimes extend the battery life of your phone by routing calls over the internet. Therefore, WIFI calling is contrary to cellular calls that may drain batteries when making calls via the internet.
