What is Wi-Fi Calling?

Have you ever experienced spotty cellular service and haven’t been able to make a call? Has your mobile carrier even had an outage and left you without cell service? Well, Wi-Fi calling can solve that issue – as long as you are connected to a Wi-Fi network, you can make calls with ease.

Wi-Fi calling allows you to make voice calls via a Wi-Fi network instead of your mobile carrier’s cellular connection. It’s just like making a regular phone call, you’re just doing it over a Wi-Fi connection rather than a cellular one.

Why use Wi-Fi calling?

Wi-Fi calling can come in handy if you’re in an area with weak cellular coverage or if your carrier is experiencing an outage. In this case, you can connect to a Wi-Fi network or hotspot to make your calls.

How does Wi-Fi calling work?

Wi-Fi calling works similarly to other VoIP services, but VoIP services usually refer to the standalone applications that require installation on your device, like Skype or WhatsApp. Wi-Fi calling is automatically available on your phone, you just need to enable it in your device settings.

Once you enable Wi-Fi calling, your phone will route the call through a Wi-Fi network instead of a cellular one if that network is stronger. Your call will function as normal, but when enabled, the Wi-Fi calling feature will be used automatically when your device is connected to a Wi-Fi network.

Advantages and disadvantages of Wi-Fi calling

Useful when your cellular signal is weak
Easy to enable
Calls function as normal

Wi-Fi isn’t available everywhere
Can be unreliable in public spaces with heavy Wi-Fi network use
May still use your mobile data

How to turn on Wi-Fi calling

Apple

Go to settings > Phone > Wi-Fi calling
Toggle the Wi-Fi calling button to turn it on

Android

Open the Phone app
Tap the three-dot button in upper right corner of your screen
Select ‘Settings’
Select ‘Calls’
Select ‘Wi-Fi’ calling
Turn on ‘Use Wi-Fi calling’

If you cannot find the appropriate menu, search ‘Wi-Fi calling’ in your settings app search bar.

Explore mobile carriers and plans at our mobile phone resource hub.

Wi-Fi calling FAQs

How much does Wi-Fi calling cost?

Typically, Wi-Fi calling has no additional costs and is a part of your monthly phone plan. Mobile carriers usually treat Wi-Fi calling the same as any other call, but be sure to check your mobile plan’s international calling guidelines since you could get charged for making calls overseas.

Does Wi-Fi calling use data?

No, Wi-Fi calling routes calls through a Wi-Fi network, which does not use cellular data from your mobile plan.

Can Wi-Fi calling save me money?

Wi-Fi calling does not use your cellular data, just Wi-Fi, so it could end up saving you money.

Written by:

Camryn Smith

Camryn Smith started writing for Allconnect in July 2022 and has developed broadband expertise across the landscape, including home internet providers, plans, pricing and equipment, as well as internet technolog… Read more

Edited by:

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband Content

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