While network coverage has been improving, many people still can’t get a decent phone signal in their homes because of gaps in the networks, especially in rural areas, as revealed by a quick glance at Open Signal’s coverage maps. Wi-Fi calling could be the solution to this problem.
Understanding Wi-Fi calling
Wi-Fi calling allows you to seamlessly use any Wi-Fi connection to make or receive calls when your network signal is weak. If there’s a dead spot in your home, or your phone signal drops, it can automatically switch to your home Wi-Fi network to make and receive calls.
This feature should work seamlessly, activating whenever your carrier supports it and you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network. Calls and messages made through Wi-Fi calling will appear as normal in your usual messages app and call logs, with only a small icon change in your notification bar to indicate a Wi-Fi or VoLTE connection.
However, Wi-Fi calling may pause or drop the call when you move out of range of the Wi-Fi router.
Should You Use Wi-Fi Calling?
Wi-Fi calling has its advantages, such as making up for poor cell signals in big buildings and offering higher call quality, but it also has disadvantages, including the need for a Wi-Fi connection and dependency on Wi-Fi quality.
Checking with Your Carrier
In order to set up Wi-Fi calling, you need to check with your carrier as different carriers have different policies. It’s important to read your carrier’s terms and conditions carefully. Make sure that calls and messages made using Wi-Fi calling are free according to your plan, and that the feature works overseas.
How to Turn on Wi-Fi Calling
After confirming that your carrier supports Wi-Fi calling for your phone and activating it on your account, you’ll need to turn on the feature on your phone. The process varies depending on the type of phone you have.
How to turn on Wi-Fi calling on an Android phone
For most Android phones, you can open the Phone app, tap the menu icon, select Settings, and turn on the Wi-Fi calling option.
How to turn on Wi-Fi calling for Samsung devices
For Samsung devices, go to Settings, Connections, More connection settings, and turn on Wi-Fi calling.
How to turn on Wi-Fi calling for Verizon
To activate Wi-Fi calling on Verizon, go to Settings, Advanced calling, and you should find an Activate Wi-Fi calling option.
How to Check If Wi-Fi Calling Is Working
To check if your Wi-Fi calling service is working correctly, look for the Wi-Fi symbol in the upper left-hand corner of your phone’s screen and follow the steps provided.
