Ever been in a situation where you have to stand in a specific spot in your house just to make a call? It’s not because the spot is comfortable; it’s because that’s the only spot in the house with decent network coverage. Or you’re living in a rural part of Germany, and cellular network issues are a part of your daily life. It can be annoying when your phone cannot perform the basic function of making/receiving calls because of network issues. There is one way to handle this: Wi-Fi calling. Thanks to Wi-Fi calling, you can now make/receive calls regardless of the strength of your cellular network. Curious how that works? Dive right in!
What is Wi-Fi Calling?
Wi-Fi calling is a feature that comes pre-built in modern smartphones. It allows you to make/receive calls using your local Wi-Fi network instead of your cellular network. This way, a weak cellular network won’t be a hindrance when you’re making/receiving a call.
What are the Benefits of Wi-Fi Calling?
Making calls over Wi-Fi comes with numerous benefits. They are mentioned below.
- Excellent coverage without relying on cellular network.
- Better call quality.
- Significant improvement in call quality at no additional cost.
- Easy to set up.
- Needs to be enabled only once.
- Contributes to better battery life, as your device may consume more power while attempting to maintain a stable cellular connection.
What are the Disadvantages of Using Wi-Fi Calling?
As beneficial as it is, making calls over Wi-Fi does have its share of disadvantages. They are listed below.
- Range issues, depending on the type of Wi-Fi frequency used.
- Device incompatibility.
- Limitations on international calling, even if your current plan has the relevant benefits.
- Dropped calls and poor quality when making calls on crowded or public Wi-Fi networks.
- Security risks when using public Wi-Fi.
Most of the disadvantages of Wi-Fi calling can be tackled if you’re using your home Wi-Fi network. If you have one, consider enabling Wi-Fi calling and enjoy uninterrupted connectivity.
How Does Wi-Fi Calling Work?
Time for the core concept! In simple words, Wi-Fi calling works by using the internet as a medium to connect your call. But how does that happen? Wi-Fi calling relies on VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) technology. When you make a call using Wi-Fi, your voice is broken down into small chunks called data packets. These data packets are then sent to the internet through your router. The packets are then transmitted through the internet to the recipient’s device, connecting the call.
The best part about Wi-Fi calling is that it’s instantaneous. If you get a stronger and more stable cellular network during the call, your device automatically switches to it with no noticeable change in call quality.
How to Set Up Wi-Fi Calling on Android and iPhone
You’d think a cool technology like Wi-Fi calling would involve complex activation steps. That’s where you’re wrong! Enabling Wi-Fi calling on your device is a lot simpler than you think. The sections below deep dive into this topic.
What Do You Need for Wi-Fi Calling?
You only need four components for Wi-Fi calling.
- A compatible smartphone
- A stable Wi-Fi connection
- An active mobile plan
- Carrier support
Most mobile network providers in Germany support Wi-Fi calling. A majority of modern smartphones support Wi-Fi calling. So, you’ve met two requirements for making calls over Wi-Fi. This means that ideally, you only need a Wi-Fi connection and an active mobile plan for Wi-Fi calling.
How to Enable Wi-Fi Calling on iPhone
You can enable and start making calls over Wi-Fi in as little as three minutes!
Here’s what you should do to enable Wi-Fi calling on an iPhone.
Step 1: Open the Settings app.
Step 2: Tap Mobile Service. (This can also be “Cellular” or “Mobile Data” based on the location where the phone was purchased)
Step 3: Tap Wi-Fi Calling.
Step 4: Toggle the Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone slider.
You’ve successfully enabled Wi-Fi calling on your iPhone. If you use multiple SIM cards, then you’ll have to look for the Wi-Fi calling option after choosing the specific SIM card.
How to Enable Wi-Fi Calling on Android
Enabling Wi-Fi calling on Android is as straightforward as enabling it on iOS. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll be all set.
Step 1: Open the Settings app.
Step 2: Tap Connections.
Step 3: Toggle the Wi-Fi Calling option.
A couple of points to note when it comes to enabling Wi-Fi calling on Android. If you have multiple SIM cards, then the Wi-Fi calling option will be present inside the respective SIM card options. Also, the Connections menu might be named differently based on the make and model of your device.
Tips to Improve Wi-Fi Calling Quality
Wi-Fi calling might sound extremely beneficial on paper, but it does face issues from time to time. Here are some tips to ensure you enjoy a smooth Wi-Fi calling experience.
- Your Wi-Fi frequency has a say in the range. A 2.5 GHz connection has better range but lower bandwidth. A 5 GHz connection has better bandwidth but shorter range. Find out your connection’s frequency to enhance your Wi-Fi calling experience.
- Wi-Fi signals are subjected to several interferences inside a house. Thick walls, furniture, microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, and metal surfaces may block Wi-Fi signals. Position your router in an obstruction-free place to take maximum advantage of Wi-Fi calling.
- Updating routers and fiddling with QoS (Quality of Service) settings can help improve the quality of calls made/received over Wi-Fi.
Does Wi-Fi Calling Cost Extra?
No, Wi-Fi calling does not cost extra. It is a feature that, when enabled by your network carrier, allows you to make/receive calls over your Wi-Fi network. You only need a stable Wi-Fi connection, a compatible device, an active mobile plan, and support from your carrier to make Wi-Fi calls. Extra charges aren’t applicable, as calls made/received through Wi-Fi are based on the benefits of your current plan.
How to Use Wi-Fi Calling Easily with Your Mobile Carrier
Before you start using Wi-Fi to make/receive calls using your service provider, you first have to check whether you have enabled Wi-Fi calling. There are multiple ways to check whether Wi-Fi calling is enabled on your device.
- Look for the Wi-Fi calling symbol at the status bar of your device.
- Open the Settings app and search for Wi-Fi calling. If your carrier supports Wi-Fi calling, then you will be able to enable/disable the option.
If Wi-Fi calling has been enabled, then you can start making calls as usual. No special steps required!
Wi-Fi Calling FAQ
1.Which Devices Support Wi-Fi Calling?
Most modern devices support Wi-Fi calling. Here is a list of phones compatible with Wi-Fi calling from the top brands.
- iPhone: iPhone 6 and above.
- Samsung: S20 and above. “A” series devices, like A12, A23, A51, and A71, support Wi-Fi calling as well.
- Google: Pixel 6 and above.
- Honor:Â 8X, X8, View 20, Magic V series, and other similar devices.
- Huawei: Devices launched after Y6, Y7, and Nova 5T.
- Motorola: Devices launched after E6 Plus.
These are a few devices from popular brands that allow Wi-Fi calling. Check your device documentation for information.
2.How Do I Set Up Wi-Fi Calling?
You can easily set up Wi-Fi calling by navigating to the Wi-Fi calling option on your smartphone. Here is where you can find the option in Android and iOS devices.
- Android: Settings>Connections>Wi-Fi Calling
- iOS: Settings>Mobile Service>Wi-Fi Calling
If your device has multiple SIM cards, then you’ll have to choose the line you’d like to use Wi-Fi calling with and then enable the option.
3.Wi-Fi Calling is Simple and Convenient
Wi-Fi calling is the answer to those who experience dropped or poor-quality calls due to weak signals. Once enabled, you can make/receive calls over the internet, taking advantage of a Wi-Fi connection. Thanks to Wi-Fi calling, you also get to enjoy reliable and consistent connectivity wherever you go. You don’t have to worry about switching back to a cellular network when you leave the Wi-Fi network. Your smartphone automatically connects to a cellular network when it’s available. More power to you! If you’re on the receiving end of weak cellular network, either due to interference in your home or the location, then enabling Wi-Fi calling is a must. Turn on Wi-Fi calling and say goodbye to dropped calls!