What Is WiFi Calling & How Does It Work? (2024)

Do you have spots where your phone signal never seems to work? This is a common problem, whether it’s in a certain room at home, a basem*nt coffee shop, or another signal-blocking area. Wi-Fi calling can be a practical solution in these situations.

What is Wi-Fi calling?

WiFi calling isn’t some tech wizardry reserved for the experts; it’s a feature available on most smartphones that lets you make and receive calls and texts using a WiFi network, bypassing the need for cellular connection. This is especially useful in areas where your cell signal is playing hide and seek.

With Wi-Fi calling, your phone automatically switches to use the Wi-Fi you’re connected to, so you can keep chatting and texting without any hiccups, just like you normally would on your phone’s regular calling app.

How does Wi-Fi calling work?

Curious about how Wi-Fi calling works? It’s not as complex as it might sound. You just need three things: a reliable Wi-Fi connection, a smartphone with a Wi-Fi calling feature, and a service provider that offers it. Even with just 1Mbps of internet speed, you can enjoy decent call quality.

Here’s the lowdown: Wi-Fi calling uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) — the same tech that apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Facebook Messenger use for calls. This is different from the cellular network-based Voice over LTE (VoLTE). In simpler terms, Wi-Fi calling lets you make calls over the internet rather than through traditional cell phone networks, especially handy in areas where cellular signals are MIA.

So, while VoLTE munches on your monthly data allowance for calls, Wi-Fi calling uses your Wi-Fi network, saving you from burning through your data plan. In essence, Wi-Fi calling is your go-to for making calls and sending texts via Wi-Fi, boosting your call quality and expanding your coverage without dipping into your LTE data.

VoIP & Wi-Fi Calling: What is the difference?

If you’ve ever made a call over the internet, you’ve likely encountered VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and Wi-Fi calling. Though they might seem like tech jargon, they’re actually part of our everyday digital life.

VoIP is the granddaddy of internet calling, turning your voice into digital signals that travel across the web. This isn’t new tech; it’s been the force behind many apps we use daily. Think Skype, WhatsApp, and Google Meet. These platforms, along with business-focused ones like JustCall, RingCentral and Vonage, all operate on VoIP technology.
Wi-Fi calling, on the other hand, is VoIP’s mobile-friendly cousin, baked right into your smartphone. It’s what happens when phone carriers leverage VoIP technology to let your phone automatically switch to internet calls when connected to Wi-Fi. The best part? No separate app needed — it’s all integrated.

Unlike VoIP apps that require a download, Wi-Fi calling is requites nothing more than your smartphone. You toggle a setting on your phone, typically symbolized by the Wi-Fi icon, and you’re ready to dial up over the internet.

But if your phone or network service provider does not support WiFi calling, you may still make calls using a VoIP service.

Unlock Expert Insights on VoIP and Discover How It Can Help Your Business

Advantages and Disadvantages of Wi-Fi calling

Still wondering, is Wi-Fi calling worth it? Here are some of the best pros and cons to think about.

Advantages of Wi-Fi calling:

Improved Coverage: Wi-Fi calling is good because it extends your network reach, so you can make calls from places where cellular signals are weak or non-existent.
Cost-Effective: It can save you money, especially on international calls, as it avoids roaming charges and can be used with any Wi-Fi network.
Reliable Home Connection: The average U.S. home is 2,400 square feet, so if you’re calling from home, you’re probably within 50 feet or less of your Wi-Fi router. That’s often much closer than your nearest cellular tower, which could be up to 50 miles away in rural areas.
Seamless Transition: Your phone automatically switches between cellular and Wi-Fi networks, so your calls won’t drop even if you move around.
No Additional Apps: Integrated into your Apple or Android device, Wi-Fi calling doesn’t require downloading or setting up new apps.

Disadvantages of Wi-Fi calling:

Dependent on Internet Speed: If the Wi-Fi connection is poor or unstable, call quality can suffer, leading to dropped calls or low-quality audio.
Limited Availability: Not all mobile carriers or phones support Wi-Fi calling, so you might need to check compatibility.
Power Consumption: Using Wi-Fi calling can drain your phone’s battery faster, especially if you’re connected to Wi-Fi for long periods.
Emergency Services Limitation: In some places, emergency call services through Wi-Fi calling might not provide accurate location information, which can be crucial in emergencies.

How to enable Wi-Fi calling on your phone?

Whether you have an Apple or an Android device will change the exact steps you need to take. In either case, you can turn Wi-Fi calling on by going to the Settings menu on your phone.

For Apple mobile devices:

Go to the Settings app.
Tap Phone or Cellular.
Select Wi-Fi Calling.
Toggle the Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone switch to ON.

For Android devices:

Open the Settings app.
Look for and tap on Connections, Network & Internet, or Cellular Networks, depending on your device and operating system version.
Find the Wi-Fi Calling option and toggle it to ON.

In both cases, once you turn on Wi-Fi Calling, you’ll need to follow any additional prompts, which might include verifying your current location for emergency calls. It’s important to ensure that your device’s operating system is up-to-date, as the availability and specific steps to enable Wi-Fi calling may vary with different software versions.

When can I call someone using Wi-Fi instead of a cellular call?

You can use Wi-Fi calls instead of regular phone calls whenever you have a stable Wi-Fi connection, especially in situations where:

Poor Cellular Reception: If you are in an area with weak or no cellular signal, like a basem*nt, a building with thick walls, or a rural location.
Overseas Travel: To avoid roaming charges while traveling abroad, you can use Wi-Fi calling to make and receive calls as if you were in your home country.
Data Preservation: If you want to save your cellular data or have limited voice minutes, Wi-Fi calls can be a good alternative, as they use the internet connection rather than your cellular network.

The key is ensuring that your phone and your carrier support Wi-Fi calling and that you have it enabled on your device. Once set up, your phone can automatically switch to Wi-Fi calling when needed, or you can manually select Wi-Fi calling in areas with poor cellular coverage.

How do I know if I’m using a Wi-Fi call?

You can tell if you’re using a Wi-Fi call by looking for specific indicators on your phone’s screen or status bar. Here’s how you can check:

Status Bar Icon: During a Wi-Fi call, most smartphones display a Wi-Fi symbol or the words “Wi-Fi Call” in the status bar at the top of the screen. This icon is usually next to the signal strength indicator.
Call Screen: When you’re in a call, the call screen may show a label like “Wi-Fi calling” to indicate the type of connection being used.
Settings Verification: You can check in your phone’s settings under the Wi-Fi calling section to see if it’s enabled. If it’s activated, your phone will likely use Wi-Fi calling when the cellular signal is weak or unavailable.

The exact appearance and location of these indicators can vary depending on the phone model and operating system, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with your specific device’s indicators for Wi-Fi calling.

Can I choose what type of call I’m making?

Yes, you can influence what type of call you’re making, depending on your phone’s capabilities and settings. Here’s how you can manage this:

Enable or Disable Wi-Fi Calling: You can choose whether to use Wi-Fi calling by turning it on or off in your phone’s settings. When enabled, your phone will prefer to use Wi-Fi for calls when a suitable network is available. If you disable it, your phone will use the cellular service for calls.
Prefer Wi-Fi or Cellular Calls: Some phones allow you to set preferences for whether to prioritize Wi-Fi or cellular networks for calls. This setting can usually be found in the Wi-Fi calling section of your phone’s settings.
Manual Network Selection: In some situations, you can manually switch your phone to airplane mode and then reactivate Wi-Fi to force calls to go over Wi-Fi, especially if you want to avoid using the cellular network.
Using Airplane Mode with Wi-Fi: Turning on airplane mode and then re-enabling Wi-Fi can ensure that your calls use only Wi-Fi, as it disables cellular network connections.

By managing these settings, you can have more control over whether your phone uses Wi-Fi or cellular networks for your calls, helping you to make the most of the available services depending on your needs and circ*mstances.

Try JustCall for making business calls through the internet

JustCall, like any other VoIP service, uses Wi-Fi and other broadband connections to make and get phone calls over the internet. This means you can use JustCall on any device that connects to Wi-Fi, like phones, tablets, or computers. Here’s why it’s cool:

Work from anywhere: You can make calls whether you’re at home, in the office, or moving around.
Save money: Wi-Fi calls can cut down on costs, especially for talking to people in other countries.
Better call quality: Often, calls over Wi-Fi are clearer and more reliable than regular phone calls, especially in spots where cell service isn’t great.
Easy to use: Setting up Wi-Fi calling with JustCall is simple, so you don’t need to be a tech whiz.
Extra features: JustCall has handy tools like call forwarding and connecting with customer databases, all made better with Wi-Fi calling.

Try JustCall for making business calls through the internet

Conclusion

Wi-Fi calling lets you use the internet to make phone calls, especially when you don’t have good cell service. It’s easy to set up on most smartphones and helps you stay connected without extra costs, even in places where your phone usually can’t catch a signal.

If you’re looking for the best phone systems for your business, check out what JustCall has to offer.