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What is WiFi Calling & How Does it Work ? (+Detailed Guide)

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When you experience cellular service issues, try to hold your smartphone to the ceiling, avoid certain workplace areas, and stick your arm outside the window to receive more network bars. However, Wi-Fi Calling can fast and effectively resolve this issue. In addition, due to technological advancements, today’s internet users no longer need SIM cards to make and receive phone calls. So, what is Wi-Fi calling, and how does Wi-Fi calling?

Let us explore all the aspects of Wi-Fi calling in detail.

What is Wi-Fi Calling ?

It has been observed that the performance of mobile networks has declined during the past few years. As a result, call drop has become the new normal, and the inconsistent voice quality has ruined the user experience further. Wi-Fi calling can fix these issues.

Wi-Fi Calling lets your phone use your ISP’s landline high-speed internet network—your home’s WiFi—instead of your carrier’s 4G LTE & 3G service for phone calls.

The internet is used in place of a traditional phone line or network during a WiFi call. Wi-Fi calling allows you to avoid using your mobile provider’s data network. Instead, you will use the WiFi network to make voice calls. You can access a WiFi connection in a hotel, at home, in the office, or at a paid or free WiFi hotspot. Therefore, WiFi connectivity is required to access this service.

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Wi-Fi Calling means receiving incoming voice or video calls or making outgoing calls with an internet connection instead of a mobile network. Some network providers offer internet connection service, which allows you to make free WiFi calls to anyone, from anywhere, at any time.

WiFi calls do not require a high-quality internet connection, nor do they require a large bandwidth. It takes 1MB for a voice call and between 4 and 6MB for a video call.

What Makes Wi-Fi Calling a Popular Choice?

Wi-Fi Calling for several reasons, as it offers numerous benefits compared to traditional cellular calling. Here are some of the primary reasons why Wi-Fi Calling a Popular Choice ?:

  1. Improved Coverage: Wi-Fi Calling allows users to make calls and send texts in areas with weak or no cellular signal but a strong Wi-Fi connection. This is especially helpful in remote locations, buildings with poor reception, or rural areas.
  2. Enhanced Call Quality: Wi-Fi Calling often provides clearer and more reliable voice calls. It uses a stable Wi-Fi connection, reducing call drops and audio distortion.
  3. Cost Savings: When traveling internationally, Wi-Fi Calling can save users from exorbitant roaming charges. Calls made over Wi-Fi while abroad are typically treated as domestic calls, reducing international call expenses.
  4. Texting Over Wi-Fi: In addition to calls, Wi-Fi Calling allows users to send SMS and MMS messages over Wi-Fi, ensuring that text messages can be sent and received even when cellular signals are weak or absent.
  5. Seamless Handover: Wi-Fi Calling can seamlessly transition calls between Wi-Fi and cellular networks without dropping the call. This means users can move from a Wi-Fi area to a cellular area (or vice versa) during a call without interruption.
  6. Accessibility: Wi-Fi Calling is beneficial for individuals with disabilities who may have specialized equipment that works better over Wi-Fi, as well as for those who rely on video calls or other communication apps that benefit from a strong Wi-Fi connection.
  7. Reliability: Wi-Fi networks are often more stable and consistent than cellular networks, making Wi-Fi Calling a dependable option for important calls and business communication.
  8. Compatibility: Wi-Fi Calling is supported on a wide range of devices and operating systems, including smartphones, tablets, and even some laptops.
  9. Privacy and Security: Wi-Fi networks are typically encrypted and secure, which can provide users with a higher level of privacy and security during calls and text messages.
  10. Battery Savings: Using Wi-Fi for calls can be more energy-efficient than relying on cellular networks, potentially extending your device’s battery life.

Overall, Wi-Fi Calling offers convenience, cost savings, and improved communication capabilities, making it a preferred choice for many individuals, particularly in scenarios where cellular coverage is limited or costly.

How Does Wi-Fi Calling Work ?

Wi-Fi Calling works by allowing your smartphone to make voice calls and send text messages over a Wi-Fi network instead of relying solely on a cellular network. Here’s how it works:

  1. Connection to Wi-Fi: When your phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network, it can use that network to transmit voice and data.
  2. Initiating a Call: When you make a call or send a text message, your phone’s operating system and carrier software determine whether there’s a Wi-Fi network available.
  3. Switching to Wi-Fi: If a Wi-Fi network is available and Wi-Fi Calling is enabled on your device, your phone will automatically switch to using Wi-Fi for the call or message.
  4. Call Routing: The call or message is transmitted as data packets over the Wi-Fi network to your carrier’s servers.
  5. Carrier Integration: Your carrier processes the call or message over the Wi-Fi network as if it were on the cellular network.
  6. Seamless Transition: If you move out of Wi-Fi range during the call, your phone will seamlessly switch back to the cellular network without dropping the call.

Wi-Fi Calling is especially useful in areas with poor cellular coverage or when traveling internationally, as it can help you avoid high roaming charges. It also contributes to improved call quality, especially in places with a strong Wi-Fi signal.

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How Can You Make Wi-Fi Calls on Your iPhone ?

To Make Wi-Fi Calls on Your iPhone, Follow These Steps:

  1. Ensure Wi-Fi is Enabled: Go to your iPhone’s “Settings,” tap on “Wi-Fi,” and ensure it’s turned on.
  2. Enable Wi-Fi Calling: In “Settings,” select “Phone,” then “Wi-Fi Calling,” and turn it on.
  3. Add an Emergency Address: You may need to provide an emergency address for 911 calls. Follow the on-screen prompts to set it up.
  4. Check Carrier Support: Verify that your carrier supports Wi-Fi Calling. Most major carriers do, but it’s always good to confirm.
  5. Connect to Wi-Fi: Make sure your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi network.
  6. Make a Call: Simply make a call as you normally would, and if you’re connected to Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Calling is enabled, your call will use the Wi-Fi network.
  7. Check Wi-Fi Calling Indicator: During the call, you’ll see an indicator, such as “Wi-Fi” or your carrier’s name with “Wi-Fi” in parentheses, to confirm you’re using Wi-Fi Calling.

What Are the Advantages of Wi-Fi Calling?

Wi-Fi Calling offers several Advantages, including:

  1. Enhanced Coverage: It extends your network coverage in areas with weak cellular signals by using Wi-Fi.
  2. Improved Call Quality: Enjoy clearer voice calls and reduced call drops.
  3. Cost Savings: Reduce international call charges by making Wi-Fi calls when traveling abroad.
  4. Seamless Handover: Transition between Wi-Fi and cellular networks seamlessly during calls.
  5. Texting Over Wi-Fi: Send SMS and MMS messages even in low signal areas.
  6. Accessibility: Ideal for areas with poor network coverage, like basements or rural locations.
  7. Roaming: Stay connected without incurring high roaming charges when abroad.
  8. Compatibility: Most modern smartphones support Wi-Fi Calling.

Overall, Wi-Fi Calling enhances your communication experience and offers flexibility wherever you are.

What Is The Cost Of Wi-Fi Calling?

The Cost Of WiFi Calling

Traditionally, cellular phone calls are deducted from a user’s monthly allowance. The Wi-Fi calling functionality is comparable. Wi-Fi calls use your existing monthly voice plan at no extra cost.

You do not need to pay anything to use Wi-Fi calling. Users incur no additional costs in using this service, as it is provided at no cost. However, they need to check with their service provider to ensure the feature is active on their end and that their device is suitable.

It’s an excellent option for remote employees. When you make calls across borders, you won’t be subject to the exorbitantly high prices typical of international calls. You are simply making international long-distance calls using the data allotted to you from your plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How To Make Wifi Calls On An Android Or iPhone?

Wi-Fi calling is not activated on your iPhone by default; however, if you make the necessary changes to the settings, you will be able to use Wi-Fi calling whenever you are connected to an internet connection.

  1. Navigate to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling.
  2. On This iPhone, turn on Wi-Fi Calling.
  3. WiFi will appear next to your carrier’s name in the iPhone’s status bar when available.

The steps may vary somewhat based on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

  1. Navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Calls & SMS.
  2. Locate the Wi-Fi calling options at the bottom of the screen, tap it, and then enable Wi-Fi calling.
  3. Wi-Fi Calling will be displayed beside your carrier’s name in the notification shade on your phone when available.
  4. What Are The Distinctive Advantages Of Wi-Fi Calling?

Wi-Fi calling is advantageous for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the benefits of Wi-Fi calling.

  • It provides subscribers with so many benefits.
  • Calling is simple and requires no app installation.
  • It uses no talk time minutes.
  • LTE data is not used for WiFi calls.
  • Excellent call quality with clear sound
  • It allows for high-quality calls even in areas with poor connectivity.
  • No additional charges
  • No login details are needed.
  • Wi-Fi calling does not require a significant amount of bandwidth to work.
  1. How Can I Configure Wi-Fi Calling?

Connect a Wi-Fi-capable handset to a WiFi network, install the latest OS software update, and activate Wi-Fi calling. It is recommended to keep VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling activated so that your experience is consistent throughout.

  1. Does Wi-Fi Calling Have Technical Requirements?

For Wi-Fi calling to function, the following technical conditions must be met by the customer:

  • Capability to connect to the internet through a Wi-Fi router that supports a high-speed connection
  • A Wi-Fi calling-capable smartphone
  • It is required to upgrade to the latest software.
  • Wi-Fi Calling should be enabled.
  • For a smooth experience, VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling should be enabled.
  1. Is It Possible To Make A Call While In Airplane Mode Using Wi-Fi Calling? 

Unfortunately, no. This feature is unsupported by Wi-Fi Calling.

  1. Am I Able To Use Wi-Fi Calling While Roaming?

Yes, you may use Wi-Fi calling when traveling.

  1. Can I Use Wi-Fi Calling Services To Host A Conference Call?

Yes, you can. There are no restrictions on holding conference calls, and everything will function properly.