What is WiFi Calling?

Have you ever tried to hold the phone up to the ceiling or stick your arm out of the window to try to get more signal when you have a bad signal? Have you heard about Wi-Fi calling? Those bad experiences caused by bad signals can be solved quickly and easily with WiFi Calling.

 

What is WiFi Calling?

For years, we have been using apps such as Skype, WhatsApp, and WeChat to send messages or make calls over the internet; this is not only with the help of 3^rd party apps but also requires the person you are trying to call or text using the same apps.

But WiFi calling doesn’t have any of these restrictions. As its name suggests, WiFi calling is a feature that allows you to call or text over Wi-Fi. You do not need to install an app to use Wi-Fi calling, only need to enable a setting on your phone that turns on this feature.

 

How does WiFi calling work?

When Wi-Fi calling is enabled, your phone will automatically identify the strongest network available after you dial. It will then route the call through the cellular or Wi-Fi network – whichever is the strongest network at the time of the call. Enabling Wi-Fi calling does not mean you commit to routing calls only through Wi-Fi. Instead, your call will be routed over the Wi-Fi network only if the Wi-Fi network is stronger than the carrier’s cellular network.

In most cases, your cellular carrier will treat Wi-Fi calls as normal calls. This means that there is usually no additional cost to use this feature, and your Wi-Fi call minutes will be deducted from your monthly allotment on your phone plan.

 

What Does Wi-Fi Calling Require?

To use Wi-Fi calling, you need three main things – a working Wi-Fi connection, a compatible smartphone, and a carrier that supports Wi-Fi calling. While a faster Internet connection is always better for high-quality voice calls, a data transfer speed of 1 Mbps is sufficient for consistent call quality.

A few years ago, Wi-Fi calling was limited to certain high-end phones, but now it’s widely available. So if you buy a smartphone after 2018, there’s a good chance it will support Wi-Fi calling. However, not all carriers support Wi-Fi calling on all smartphones. So it’s a good idea to check with your carrier to see if it supports Wi-Fi calling on your phone. Your phone’s manufacturer can also tell you if your phone supports Wi-Fi calling and if it is available for your carrier.

 

How to Turn-on Wi-Fi Calling on an iPhone

Turn on Wi-Fi calling in Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling. You might need to enter or confirm your address for emergency services.

If Wi-Fi Calling is available, you’ll see Wi-Fi after your carrier’s name in the status bar. Then your calls will use Wi-Fi Calling.

 

How to Turn on Wi-Fi Calling on Android Phones

Turn on Wi-Fi calling in Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi Preferences > Advanced