WiFi calling

WiFi calling (also known as VoWiFi, voice over WiFi) is a feature that allows you to make calls over a WiFi network. This enables you to make and receive calls even when there is no network coverage. On this page, we will explain more about the benefits of WiFi calling, the steps taken to access the service, and how to activate it on your mobile phone.

Today, most providers offer the possibility of WiFi calling in some form, and virtually all newer mobiles support the feature. Once you have activated the feature on your mobile phone, you can make and receive calls via WiFi. This can be useful when you are in a location with little or no network coverage from your ‘normal’ network, but where you have access to WiFi. It should also work when you have aeroplane mode activated on your mobile.

Please note! Not all providers offer WiFi calling for every contract or mobile. In most cases, the feature is available for pay monthly customer with a specific mobile brand (or model). Please check if the feature can be used if you purchased a mobile from another provider. The exact details should be available on each provider’s website.

It costs nothing extra to use WiFi calling. You also save the data included in your contract or pay as you go SIM. Additional benefits of WiFi calling include often improved call quality and, through a combination of WiFi calling and 4G calling, calls can be connected more quickly.

Pros of WiFi calling

  • Better network coverage
  • Improved call quality
  • Incur no additional costs

Cons of WiFi calling

  • Relies on a WiFi network
  • There are some security risks when using public WiFi networks
  • Limited emergency call capabilities

What is the difference between WiFi calling and 4G calling?

4G calling is a feature that allows you to make and receive calls via 4G (instead of the mobile phone automatically switching to 3G or 2G) while maintaining the speed of your internet. WiFi calling, on the other hand, means you make calls via a WiFi network instead of through the network. 4G calling is, however, a requirement for WiFi calling usage.

What happens to the call if you lose WiFi network coverage?

If the WiFi connection is lost due to unreliable or lost network coverage, the call will, in most cases, seamlessly switch to the 4G network via VoLTE. 

As long as your provider and mobile supports 4G and WiFi calling, the phone should be able to switch seamlessly between WiFi and the network without losing connection.

Can you use WiFi calling on both iPhone and Android?

Yes, almost all newer mobile models of both iPhone and Android support WiFi calling. For iPhone, all models from iPhone 6 onwards with the iOS 12.1 software update or later should support WiFi calling. For mobile brands using the Android operating system, most models launched after 2018 should support the feature, but there may be exceptions.

Tip! To ensure the smooth activation of new features, such as WiFi and 4G calling, it’s advisable to keep your mobile operating system up to date.

Below, we explain how to activate WiFi calling on iPhone and Android phones. As there are several different mobile manufacturers using Android as the operating system, the various menu options may vary slightly. That’s why we’ve chosen to show how to activate WiFi calling on three different Android brands: Samsung, Sony, and Xiaomi.

Each provider may offer specific instructions to enable WiFi calling, so please double-check with your provider or their website.

Enable WiFi calling on iPhone

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Choose Mobile Data.
  3. Proceed to WiFi calling.
  4. Tick WiFi calling on this phone.
  5. Click on Activate if a pop-up message appears on the screen.
  6. Enter or confirm your address for emergency calls if prompted.

Enable WiFi calling on Samsung Galaxy

  1. Open the phone app and click on More options (three dots).
  2. Click on Settings.
  3. Tap the switch next to Wi-Fi Calling to enable the feature.
  4. If a pop-up box appears prompting you to enter emergency contact details, you can review the message, enter the requested information, and then click Save.

Enable WiFi calling on Sony

  1. Open Settings and select Network & Internet.
  2. Select your SIM card and click on WiFi calling.
  3. Tap the toggle next to Use WiFi calling to enable the feature.

Enable WiFi calling on Xiaomi

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Choose SIM card and mobile networks.
  3. Select the SIM card in question.
  4. Activate Call via WiFi.

Once WiFi calling is enabled in your phone’s settings, you may need to restart your phone to activate the feature. This is required regardless of the mobile brand or model you use. 

Are calls via WhatsApp and Viber WiFi calling?

Yes, messaging and call services such as WhatsApp and Viber allow you to make calls via WiFi, just like WiFi calling. Please note, to use such a service, you need to download an app and create a profile, which you can avoid with the WiFi calling feature which you just need to activate in your phone’s settings.