What is WiFi Calling? How does it work?

What is WiFi Calling?

WiFi Calling allows you to seamlessly use any WiFi connection to make or receive calls when the network signal is weak. If you're at home and there's a dead spot in the back bedroom or your smartphone's signal drops once you get into the bathroom, your phone can automatically switch to your home WiFi network and use it. Use that network to make and receive calls.

The advantage of WiFi Calling is that it has the ability to operate smoothly. Assuming your carrier supports it, you've enabled the appropriate settings on your phone, and you're connected to a WiFi network, the feature will automatically activate whenever you need it. All the calls you make and messages you send via the WiFi Calling feature will appear as usual in your regular messages app and call log.

The icon in your notification bar may change to a small phone with a WiFi or VoLTE (short for Voice over LTE) icon on top, but, other than that, you won't notice any difference. What's the difference between WiFi Calling and regular calls over your mobile network?

Remember, although WiFi Calling must be able to switch to the network if you move out of range of the WiFi router, there is a possibility that it will pause or drop the call.

Should I use the WiFi Calling feature?

WiFi Calling clearly has its advantages but this feature is not enabled by default. If it's good for everyone in every situation then of course it will always be on.

Figuring out whether you should use WiFi Calling or not lies in balancing its benefits…

1. Compensates for poor cellular signal in large buildings
2. Higher call quality
3. Usually free

…and the disadvantages that WiFi Calling brings:

1. Cannot be used everywhere (WiFi required)
2. Depends on your WiFi quality (you may need to upgrade your router)
3. In public, your data may be used

In other words, in a busy office building or a basement with low cell reception, WiFi Calling is great, but if you're using public WiFi with an unstable connection it may not be. useful.

How to turn on WiFi Calling feature

Now that you know what the WiFi Calling feature is and whether your phone can use it, the only thing left to do before you start using it is to enable the feature. It's a pretty simple process, but the steps depend on the type of phone you're using. Reference: Steps to make calls on Wifi Calling and Activate Wifi Calling on Android phones? For more details.

How to see if the WiFi Calling feature is working

There's really only one tried and tested way to see if your WiFi Calling service is working correctly. Users should see the WiFi icon located in the upper left corner of their phone screen. The small icon is usually next to your service provider's name. Be sure not to confuse it with the inverted cone WiFi symbol; That cone icon usually just indicates how strong the signal is.

Also, follow these steps to see if your WiFi Calling feature is working or not.

Step 1: Turn on Airplane mode.

Step 2: Turn your WiFi service back on and connect to a secure local network.

Step 3: You will see the WiFi icon appear and from there, you can make or receive calls via WiFi.

You will find this feature very useful in places where the mobile coverage of the provider you subscribe to is not very good. By using this feature, you'll also prevent your phone from constantly searching for a stronger cellular signal. Therefore, it will put less strain on your phone and battery life.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 23 February 2024