Wi-Fi Calling is exactly what you’re thinking a feature that allows you to make and receive calls and send text messages over a Wi-Fi network instead of a traditional mobile network.
More specifically, with Wi-Fi Calling, cellular packets of a phone call or text message are transferred over the internet from your mobile device to your carrier. It’s a handy feature should you find yourself in an area with poor signal, because it lets you take advantage of Wi-Fi so your device is connected.
What happens when you get disconnected from Wi-Fi?
The major downside to Wi-Fi Calling is that ongoing phone calls cannot always transfer back to your mobile network when kicked off Wi-Fi.
So, if you start a call on Wi-Fi while at Starbucks, but then wander out of range, your mobile network won’t be able to pick up the call. That will only happen when everybody has VoLTE.
How to turn on Wi-Fi Calling?
Please visit your career website for a step-by-step guide to installation. In most cases, you need to switch to the option under “Settings” and the operator may be notified that you intend to use Wi-Fi for calling.
Once you’re set-up, simply use your phone as normal. You should see a new symbol. At the top of your phone when using Wi-Fi Calling. Keep in mind the other person/recipient doesn’t need a device that supports Wi-Fi Calling.
Setting up Wi-Fi calling on Android
Because Android devices vary so much, you might need to vary these instructions a little but the basics will be the same.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Network and Internet.
- Then go to Wi-Fi and then tap Wi-Fi Calling. You might need to go to Advanced to see this.
- If you can’t find it at all, tap the search icon at the top to look for the setting (so type in Wi-Fi and the setting should appear).
- Slide the toggle to turn Wi-Fi Calling on. Depending on the phone, you may also be able to choose whether Wi-Fi is preferable for calls when within range.
Setting up Wi-Fi calling on iOS
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on the Phone.
- Select Wi-Fi Calling.
- Toggle the ‘Wi-Fi Calling on This his iPhone’ switch to the on position.
- Confirm that you want to activate the feature.
After activating Wi-Fi calling, if you are connected to a Wi-Fi network, the network name in the status bar should now be “three WiFi calls” or the same, depending on your network.
Whenever you see the message in the status bar, your calls and text messages will be on Wi-Fi, which means you will get better call quality.
