WiFi Calling: How to Make Calls Over WiFi

WiFi calling lets you make and receive phone calls over a wireless internet connection instead of a cellular network. It is built into most modern smartphones and is useful in areas with poor cell signal but a good internet connection. This guide walks you through enabling and using WiFi calling on both iPhone and Android devices.

What You’ll Need

• A smartphone that supports WiFi calling (most iPhones and Android phones from the last several years do).
• An active account with a carrier that offers WiFi calling (most major US and international carriers support it).
• A WiFi network with a stable internet connection. A broadband connection with at least 1 Mbps upload and download speed is generally sufficient for voice calls.

Step-by-Step

1. Check carrier support. Before you start, confirm that your carrier supports WiFi calling on your specific phone model. Most carriers list this information on their website or in their support documentation. If your carrier doesn’t support it, the option will not appear in your settings.
2. Enable WiFi calling on iPhone:
   1. Open the Settings app.
   2. Tap Phone.
   3. Tap WiFi Calling.
   4. Toggle WiFi Calling on This iPhone to the on position.
   5. If prompted, confirm your emergency address (this is used for 911 calls, not for billing).
3. Enable WiFi calling on Android (Samsung, Pixel, etc.):
   1. Open the Phone app (the dialer).
   2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top right corner.
   3. Select Settings or Call Settings.
   4. Look for WiFi Calling or Calls over WiFi and tap it.
   5. Toggle the switch to On.

   Note: On some Android phones, the option is under Settings > Connections > WiFi Calling (Samsung) or Settings > Network & Internet > Calls & SMS (Pixel). The exact path varies by manufacturer and Android version.

4. Connect to a WiFi network. Make sure your phone is connected to a WiFi network. You don’t need to do anything special—once WiFi calling is enabled, your phone will automatically route calls over WiFi when the cellular signal is weak or unavailable.
5. Make a test call. Dial a number as you normally would. Look at the status bar during the call. On most phones, you’ll see a phone icon with a WiFi symbol or the text “WiFi Call” next to it. This confirms the call is being routed over WiFi.
6. Check your status bar. When WiFi calling is active, your phone will typically show “WiFi” or a WiFi icon in the status bar, often next to the signal bars. If you see this, your calls are using WiFi.

Common Mistakes

• Not checking carrier compatibility. Some smaller or prepaid carriers don’t support WiFi calling, or only support it on certain plans. The option won’t appear in settings if your carrier doesn’t offer it.
• Expecting it to work on all WiFi networks. Some public or corporate WiFi networks block the ports used for WiFi calling. If calls fail on a specific network, try a different one.
• Forgetting to update the emergency address. When you enable WiFi calling, you’ll be asked for a physical address. This is used for 911 calls. If you move, update this address in your phone’s settings.
• Assuming WiFi calling uses your data plan. WiFi calling uses your internet connection, not your cellular data. However, some carriers treat WiFi calling minutes the same as cellular minutes, so check your plan details.
• Leaving WiFi calling on when you travel internationally. While WiFi calling can be a great way to avoid international roaming charges, some carriers charge for international WiFi calls. Check your plan before relying on it abroad.

Tips

• Use a strong WiFi signal. For best call quality, be close to your router or access point. A weak WiFi signal will cause choppy audio or dropped calls.
• Prioritize your router. If you have many devices on your network, consider setting your router’s quality of service (QoS) settings to prioritize voice traffic, if available.
• Keep your phone’s software updated. WiFi calling relies on the phone’s firmware and carrier settings. Updates often fix bugs and improve call stability.
• Enable “Prefer WiFi” if available. Some phones have an option to prefer WiFi calling over cellular. This is useful if you’re in an area with weak cellular signal but strong WiFi.
• Use it on airplane mode. You can turn on airplane mode and then re-enable WiFi. Your phone will then use WiFi calling exclusively, which is handy when you have no cellular signal at all.

Troubleshooting

• WiFi calling option is missing. This usually means your carrier or phone doesn’t support it. Contact your carrier to confirm. Also, make sure your phone’s software is up to date.
• Calls drop or have poor audio. Check your WiFi signal strength. Move closer to the router. Restart your router and phone. If the problem persists, try a different WiFi network to isolate whether it’s your network or your phone.
• WiFi calling doesn’t activate even though I’m on WiFi. Your phone only uses WiFi calling when the cellular signal is weak. If you have a strong cellular signal, your phone will prefer that. To force WiFi calling, enable airplane mode and then turn WiFi back on.
• Calls fail on a specific WiFi network. Some networks (like hotel or office WiFi) have firewalls that block the ports WiFi calling uses. You can’t usually fix this from your phone; try a different network.
• Text messages aren’t working over WiFi. WiFi calling typically supports SMS and MMS, but not all carriers support this. Check with your carrier. Also, make sure your phone’s messaging app is set to use the default messaging service.
• Emergency calls (911) don’t work. WiFi calling does support 911 calls, but the call is routed based on the address you registered when you enabled the feature. If you’re not at that address, tell the dispatcher your location immediately. If you have any cellular signal at all, the phone will usually prefer that for 911 calls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does WiFi calling use my data plan?

No. WiFi calling uses your internet connection, not your cellular data. However, your carrier may count the minutes against your plan’s voice minutes, so check your plan details.

Will WiFi calling work internationally?

Yes, in most cases. WiFi calling can be used internationally to call back to your home country, often at no extra charge. However, some carriers charge for calls made to international numbers while on WiFi calling. Check your carrier’s policy before traveling.

Can I use WiFi calling without a SIM card?

No. WiFi calling requires an active SIM card and an account with a carrier that supports the feature. It’s not a replacement for a cellular plan.

Is WiFi calling secure?

Yes. Calls made over WiFi are encrypted between your phone and your carrier’s network, similar to standard cellular calls. The security is comparable to a regular phone call.

Why does my phone sometimes not use WiFi calling even when I’m on WiFi?

Your phone is designed to prefer the cellular network when the signal is strong enough. WiFi calling kicks in automatically when the cellular signal is weak or unavailable. You can force it by enabling airplane mode and then turning WiFi back on.

Does WiFi calling work for all types of calls?

WiFi calling works for regular voice calls, and most carriers also support SMS and MMS messaging over WiFi. It does not affect data usage—your phone will still use WiFi for internet data when connected.

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