Imagine you need to make an important business call, and suddenly the mobile signal becomes non-existent. You keep wondering, how can your network be so spotty? This is where Wi-Fi calling can come in handy.

Before you decide if this phone feature is something useful to you, we need to answer some key questions including ‘How does Wi-Fi calling work?’ and ‘What are the pros and cons of Wi-Fi calling?’

Read on to find out everything you need to know about this nifty feature.

What Is Wi-Fi Calling?

As the name already suggests, Wi-Fi calling, or VoWi-Fi (Voice over Wi-Fi), is a smartphone feature that lets you make phone calls via a Wi-Fi connection. When your cellular network is weak, your phone will automatically switch to either your home internet network or any Wi-Fi network available if you’re outside. It functions on the same principle as a regular phone call – you just have to dial a phone number.

Wi-Fi calling is not a new invention, as the technology behind it has been present for years, and we’ve all used it at some point in our lives. The technology that powers Wi-Fi calling is known as VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol. 

VoIP allows sound and image transmission over an internet connection, which we can see in action every time we make calls using Viber, Messenger, WhatsApp, or Skype. 

Nevertheless, the Wi-Fi calling feature is built into your cellular device and does not require you to download an app, as is the case with VoIP applications. It should be noted that Wi-Fi calling supports only audio transmission, unlike VoLTE, which supports video as well. 

How Does Wi-Fi Calling Work?

The primary purpose of the Wi-Fi calling feature is to serve as a backup in case your cellular network is weak, the feature will allow you to make a call with Wi-Fi. Once you enable the feature on your phone, your device will connect to either a cellular or Wi-Fi network, depending on which one is stronger. 

As such, enabling the feature doesn’t mean that all your calls will be conducted through Wi-Fi calling. It will take over only when the cellular network is weaker.

When it comes to the cost of using this feature, generally speaking, Wi-Fi calling is free and you won’t be charged when using it. Nonetheless, the minutes spent on the call will be deducted from your phone’s monthly allotment. If you exceed your monthly minutes’ allowance while on Wi-Fi calling, you will be charged in the same way as you would for regular phone calls. 

Additionally, while Wi-Fi calling doesn’t use your mobile data by default, there is a feature that allows it to switch to data when necessary. This will happen only if both your phone and Wi-Fi networks fail to maintain a call. When this feature is activated it uses around 1-5 MB of data per minute.

To learn more about How much mobile data do you need and use read this article.

It should be noted that international calls made through Wi-Fi calling are not free of charge. Before making these calls make sure to check the basic international call rates.

Benefits of Wi-Fi Calling

As stated above, there are numerous benefits of Wi-Fi calling, so let’s discuss some of the most prominent ones.

  • It serves as a replacement for a spotty mobile network – it allows you to make calls from any place that has a wireless network;
  • No need to download an app – you can just enable the feature on your phone and it will automatically step up whenever there’s a need for a more stable connection;
  • There are generally no charges involved – the feature uses your monthly allotment of minutes;
  • It uses your phone number and all your phone contacts – you just have to dial the number and make a phone call;
  • High-quality phone calls – when both sides use either Wi-Fi or VoLTE calling, you get to enjoy high-quality calls.

Disadvantages of Wi-Fi Calling

While there are various benefits, there are some disadvantages of Wi-Fi calling as well.

  • Possible weak quality calls due to patchy public Wi-Fi – when the wireless network is weak or overburdened, you won’t experience the benefits of this feature;
  • Wi-Fi hotspots are not always available – not all public places offer free Wi-Fi
  • Older devices don’t support this feature – since this is a built-in feature, only newer smartphones are compatible. Nevertheless, most Android phones and newer iPhones do have it;
  • Some telcos don’t offer Wi-Fi calling as an option – consider switching to those that do;
  • Additional charges for international calls – you will be charged according to international roaming fees;
  • It may use mobile data to maintain the connection – this feature can be disabled to avoid any unnecessary data deductions.

Difference Between Wi-Fi and VoLTE Calling 

While both Wi-Fi calling and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution) calling are powered by the same technology, they differ in the type of network to which they connect. 

That being said, VoLTE uses the 4G LTE network, which provides high-quality audio and video calls. Additionally, it allows you to stay online on the high speed 4G network even during phone calls. 

Nevertheless, VoLTE calling can provide you with high-quality calls only when it’s found within the range of a 4G network tower. So, if an LTE network isn’t available, Wi-Fi calling can serve as a replacement, as it connects to the wireless network.

Another distinction between these two terms lies in the fact that VoLTE requires you to install an application, while Wi-Fi calling is a feature built into your phone and as such, only requires you to enable it.

What makes these two options great is the high quality of calls that they provide. When both sides use either VoLTE or Wi-Fi calling, users will experience an HD quality call.

How Do I Turn On Wi-Fi Calling on iPhones?

To enable the Wi-Fi calling feature on your iPhone, follow these easy steps:

You might be required to either write or confirm your address in case of emergency calls and services. After doing this, you will know that the Wi-Fi calling feature is enabled when you see Wi-Fi after your carrier name.

Go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling > Enable

  • Settings – First tap on the Settings icon where you can find all the phone setting options;
  • Phone – Find a green icon that looks like a phone handset;
  • Wi-Fi Calling – Find the ‘calls’ category under which Wi-Fi Calling is located;
  • Enable – Once you tap the Wi-Fi Calling, you will see the ‘enable’ option; just tap it.

You can even enable Wi-Fi calling on your other Apple devices and connect them to your iPhone. Before doing this, make sure your device is updated to the latest version. 

To enable this feature, follow these steps: 

How Do I Turn On Wi-Fi Calling on Android?

Although most Android phones support Wi-Fi calling, it should be noted that not all of them do. Once you confirm that both your phone and your carrier provide Wi-Fi calling, you will be able to use it. Android users need to enable this feature manually before being able to call with Wi-Fi. If you are an owner of a Google Pixel phone, you may follow the steps below:

Go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling

From there, you want to:

  • Add Wi-Fi Calling For Other Devices – Just tap on this option; it’s easily seen in the Wi-Fi Calling;
  • Calls on Other Devices – First go back to the previous screen; you will see this option available;
  • Allow Calls on Other Devices – Turn on this option; it will reveal a list of devices available;
  • Choose and turn on the device that you wish to use with Wi-Fi Calling.

Samsung phone users may follow these instructions:

Go to Settings > Network and Internet > Calls and SMS > Wi-Fi Calling

  • Settings – Find your phone’s settings;
  • Network and Internet;
  • Calls and SMS;
  • Wi-Fi Calling – Tap on this option; it will lead you to a ‘Use Wi-Fi calling’ option, just toggle on it.

Since finding and turning on Wi-Fi calling varies between Android devices, the best thing to do is open Settings, select the Search function, and type ‘Wi-Fi Calling’. Then you will be led to the correct setting. If there are no search results, it probably means that your device doesn’t support the feature. 

Go to Phone app > Settings > Wi-Fi calling

  1. Go to the Phone app

  2. Tap on the three dots to open the menu

  3. Select Settings

  4. Toggle on the Wi-Fi calling option or first select Calls and then toggle on the feature.

Telcos That Support Wi-Fi Calling in Australia

The number of Australians using mobile phones is growing, and there were 32.47 million mobile connections in January 2021 alone. The biggest telcos in Australia support the Wi-Fi Calling feature:

  • Telstra;
  • Optus;
  • Vodafone.

The telcos mentioned offer devices compatible with Wi-Fi calling, including tablets and smartwatches. Optus even offers a selection of non-smartphone devices. So when you make your purchase, you may find the official website of your telco and check which devices are compatible with Wi-Fi calling.

Bottom Line 

Wi-Fi calling can be a great backup to regular phone calls in case of a weak phone network. On top of everything, it’s free of charge and there’s no need to download an app to use it – enabling the feature should be enough. Take a look at the pros and cons of Wi-Fi calling and see what else Wi-Fi calling can offer.

1. Should I Have Wi-Fi Calling On or Off?

Wi-Fi calling activates automatically when the cellular network is spotty, not every time we make a call. Therefore, having it on most of the time won’t drain your phone’s battery too much. Consider having it on when you know that you might not have the best phone network in certain situations.

2. Can I Choose Total Wireless Wi-fi Calling?

You can definitely choose Total Wireless for Wi-Fi calling as it’s a lot cheaper than the pre-paid plans of other companies. Therefore, you will receive a good amount of data for a lower price. Total Wireless is powered by Verizon network and it offers packages that provide data, texts, mobile phone plans, family plans, etc. It’s available on Samsung and Apple devices.

3. Does Wi-Fi Calling Cost Money?

Generally, Wi-Fi calling doesn’t require any additional fees, but there are some instances in which they may occur. If both your carrier network and Wi-Fi network fail to provide a connection strong enough to maintain a phone call, your mobile data may be used. Additionally, while making international calls, a voice prompt will inform you that you might be charged some international fees. In case you’re still having second thoughts, check out the pros and cons of Wi-Fi calling to make up your mind.