Most of us experience places where our phones lose signal, such as certain rooms at home, a favorite basement coffee shop, or other areas with poor reception. In these situations, Wi-Fi calling can be a lifesaver. Instead of relying on the cellular network, Wi-Fi calling and texting utilize a Wi-Fi connection to make and receive calls over the Internet.
Wi-Fi calling is particularly useful when you have no cell signal or when it’s weak. However, there are other reasons why Wi-Fi calling is beneficial. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about Wi-Fi calling.
What Is It Wi-Fi Calling?
Wi-Fi calling, also known as VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi), enables you to make calls or send texts over a Wi-Fi connection.
ad
While making calls over Wi-Fi and the internet is nothing new, with services like Skype and WhatsApp offering such capabilities for years, Wi-Fi calling remains significant. The distinguishing factor of Wi-Fi calling from these apps lies in the last-mile connection; otherwise, there are no substantial changes.
When using Wi-Fi calling, your phone utilizes Wi-Fi instead of cellular service to connect voice calls with the carrier’s network. You continue to utilize the same phone dialer, texting app, and contacts list seamlessly. Once Wi-Fi Calling is set up on your smartphone, it automatically engages when your cellular service is weak or unavailable.
Wi-Fi facilitates all your calls and texts through the internet. Depending on your carrier, your phone may even maintain the Wi-Fi calling feature when you’re in an area with good cell service but connected to a Wi-Fi network. This practice aids carriers in optimizing their networks for improved voice service.
How Does Wi-Fi Calling Work?
To use Wi-Fi calling, you need three things: a working Wi-Fi connection, a smartphone compatible with Wi-Fi calling, and a carrier that supports this feature. While a faster internet connection is better for high-quality voice calls, a minimum data transfer speed of 1Mbps is sufficient for good call quality.
Wi-Fi calling uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) instead of Voice over LTE network (VoLTE) for calls made over Wi-Fi. This makes it different from apps like WhatsApp and Skype, which also use VoIP but over the internet. The main difference is that Wi-Fi calling relies on a Wi-Fi network, whereas VoLTE requires a cellular network, which may not be available in remote areas.
With VoLTE, cell phone providers use data from your monthly allowance for calls over LTE. On the other hand, Wi-Fi calling uses data from your Wi-Fi network, so you don’t have to worry about using up your LTE data.
In summary, Wi-Fi calling allows you to make calls and send messages over a Wi-Fi network instead of a cellular network, improving call quality and coverage while saving cellular data.
If you’re wondering about Wi-Fi calling and whether you need it, here’s a simple breakdown:
- Make sure your device supports Wi-Fi calling and connect it to a Wi-Fi network.
- Send call or message requests through Wi-Fi to your carrier’s servers.
- The carrier’s servers connect the call or message to the recipient.
- The recipient’s device receives the call or message through their cellular network.
- The response is routed back to you through Wi-Fi, completing the connection.
What Is The Difference Between VoIP & Wi-Fi
Recently, mobile devices have been highlighting the “Wi-Fi calling” option more prominently. If you’ve ever made a call while your device was connected to a network, chances are you’ve already used Wi-Fi calling. This feature operates on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), a technology that has been around for a long time.
VoIP might sound complex, but you’ve probably used it before, whether for personal or professional purposes. Popular platforms and mobile applications like Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook Messenger, and Google Meet all utilize VoIP. Similarly, for business applications, platforms such as RingCentral, Vonage, Avaya, and Ooma are widely recognized.
VoIP is known for its ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and reliability, which has prompted phone companies to take action. They’ve utilized VoIP technology to introduce a competitive feature called “Wi-Fi calling,” which automatically activates on a user’s smartphone when connected to a wireless network.
In traditional usage, VoIP refers to a standalone application or platform that requires installation, as seen with the consumer or business applications mentioned earlier. However, when someone talks about Wi-Fi calling, they are referring to the carrier-branded calling feature that comes pre-installed on your phone. Notably, Wi-Fi calling does not require the installation of a separate app.
To activate Wi-Fi calling, simply enable the feature in your phone’s settings by toggling the Wi-Fi symbol.
Pros & Cons of Wi-Fi Calling
Pros
- Reliable Backup for Spotty Cellular Coverage: Wi-Fi calling acts as a reliable backup plan for making phone calls when cellular service is unreliable or unavailable. Having a backup plan is beneficial during interruptions in cell phone service.
- No Need for Additional App Downloads: Unlike VoIP apps, Wi-Fi calling doesn’t require installing any extra apps or software. The feature is already integrated into your phone, eliminating the need for additional downloads.
- Enhanced Reliability for Home Connections: Wi-Fi calling provides more dependable connections when calling from home, especially considering the proximity to the Wi-Fi router compared to distant cellular towers, particularly in rural areas.
- Facilitates Free Calls Over Wi-Fi: Strong Wi-Fi connectivity allows for immediate, cost-free calls using Wi-Fi calling, even without traditional phone service.
- International Roaming Capabilities: Wi-Fi calling offers the advantageous feature of international roaming, enabling calls and messages while traveling abroad without incurring high roaming charges.
Cons
- Unreliable Signal Strength in Public Places: While useful for home use, Wi-Fi calling may suffer from decreased reliability in public areas due to shared bandwidth among multiple users, potentially leading to degraded call quality.
- Limited Availability of Wi-Fi Hotspots: Despite the increasing number of public hotspots globally, access to Wi-Fi hotspots is not guaranteed everywhere you go.
- Newness of Carrier-Based Wi-Fi Calling: Wi-Fi calling through carriers is a relatively recent addition, and compatibility may vary, especially with older devices. While major carriers offer this feature, some devices and networks may not support it.
- Data Usage Charges May Apply: Wi-Fi calling can activate automatically if the Wi-Fi connection is lost, consuming mobile data and potentially incurring additional costs. It’s essential to monitor your connection status while using Wi-Fi calling to avoid unexpected charges.
How to Use WiFi Calling on Your Phone
You might not often use a WiFi connection to make calls instead of relying on your mobile carrier. It’s important to note that not every carrier supports WiFi calling. Before you start making WiFi calls, you need to ensure that certain options are enabled in your phone settings:
- Open the phone app.
- Tap on “More”, then go to “Settings”.
- Select “Calls”.
- Choose “WiFi Calling”.
If you’re unable to find this option, it means your service provider doesn’t support WiFi calling. Some carriers offer WiFi calling at no extra cost. If your carrier doesn’t support WiFi calling, you can still make calls using a VoIP service.
Once you’ve successfully enabled WiFi calling on your phone, you can easily make calls using WiFi. When connected to the internet, your notification screen will display “WiFi Calling” or “Internet Call”.
How to Enable WiFi Calls on Android
To activate WiFi calling on your Android device, adhere to these steps:
- Open the device “Settings” menu by pulling down the notification shade.
- In the search bar, input “WiFi Calling”.
- Alternatively, you may find the option in the advanced section of “WiFi Settings”.
- To enable WiFi Calling, select the option and toggle the switch to the right.
How to Enable WiFi Calls on iPhone
To enable WiFi calling on your Android device, here’s what you need to do:
- Open the Settings menu.
- Select the Phone option.
- Choose WiFi Calling.
- Toggle the switch to the right to allow WiFi Calling.
WiFi Calling Vs Cellular Calling
In some situations, you might find it difficult to decide whether to use Cellular or WiFi for your phone calls.
The quality of video and voice calls over a WiFi network can often be unsatisfactory in crowded places like shopping malls, sports stadiums, and airports. This is because many users are vying for the same bandwidth on the network, resulting in weakened signal strength. In such scenarios, Cellular network coverage tends to be more reliable than WiFi calling.
WiFi calling becomes particularly useful when traveling abroad, as it typically incurs no additional roaming costs or international charges, aside from regular data usage.
While most carriers usually don’t charge for texting and calling within the United States, it’s always a good idea to verify with your network service provider for any potential restrictions when making calls to other countries. Additionally, it’s important to note that WiFi calling may not be available in several countries, including Singapore, China, and Australia.
WiFi Calling Vs VoIP
| Aspect | VoIP Calling | Wi-Fi Calling |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Delivers telecommunications services via the Internet. Anyone with an internet connection can make calls. Voice is routed from device to digitizing gateway via router before being transferred as a data packet. | A unique experience allowing calls without a mobile connection when enabled. Wi-Fi systems replace cell towers, providing calling service with regular internet connection. |
| Benefits | Allows international and long-distance calls without talk time limitations or hefty phone bills. Users pay fixed monthly charges to their carrier. Convenient and flexible across various devices. | Enables calls without cellular connection. Wi-Fi networks substitute for cell towers, offering calling services using regular internet connection. |
| Usage | Users can make calls via VoIP application or directly from phone. Computer-to-Phone apps allow free calls from Mac or PC to telephone numbers. | Can make calls on mobile devices via application or phone. Computer-to-Phone apps enable free calls from Mac or PC to telephone numbers, operating differently from Wi-Fi phone calls. |
Best Wi-Fi Calling Providers
Here are some of the leading Wi-Fi calling providers:
- Skype: Skype is widely recognized as a top Wi-Fi calling service provider. Offering free calling and texting worldwide, it supports multiple operating systems and provides affordable pricing options. These features contribute to its widespread use for Wi-Fi calling.
- WhatsApp: While primarily known as a messaging app, WhatsApp is also a major player in Wi-Fi calling. It offers a variety of group call and video calling features, making it a popular choice among users for Wi-Fi calling.
- Google Duo: Google Duo delivers high-quality calls with minimal disruptions. Users can make free, high-quality video calls from almost any device. Additionally, Google Duo allows group calling for up to 32 users, enhancing its appeal.
- Talkatone: Talkatone is a free Wi-Fi calling app that allows users to make free calls. It has garnered a dedicated fanbase, especially among Android users. Talkatone maintains performance even when used abroad, providing users with flexibility and reliability.
FAQ’s
How does Wi-Fi calling work?
Wi-Fi calling allows you to make calls over the internet using a Wi-Fi connection instead of relying solely on the cellular network. Your phone routes voice calls through the Wi-Fi network, providing seamless communication even in areas with poor cellular reception.
What are the advantages of Wi-Fi calling?
Wi-Fi calling offers several benefits, including improved call reliability in areas with weak cellular signals, cost savings on international calls, and the flexibility to make calls over Wi-Fi without using cellular data.
Is Wi-Fi calling compatible with all devices?
While most modern smartphones support Wi-Fi calling, compatibility may vary depending on your carrier and device model. It’s recommended to check with your carrier to ensure that your device is compatible with Wi-Fi calling.
Are there any additional charges for Wi-Fi calling?
Wi-Fi calling itself is typically free, but it’s important to monitor your data usage if you’re not connected to Wi-Fi, as data charges may apply when using cellular data for Wi-Fi calling.
Can I make emergency calls using Wi-Fi calling?
Yes, most carriers support emergency calls through Wi-Fi calling. However, it’s advisable to verify with your carrier to ensure that emergency services are available in your location when using Wi-Fi calling.
How can I enable Wi-Fi calling on my device?
To set up Wi-Fi calling, navigate to your device settings, locate the “Calls” or “Phone” section, and enable the Wi-Fi calling option. Specific instructions may vary depending on your device and carrier.
What should I do if Wi-Fi calling is unavailable on my device?
If Wi-Fi calling is not available on your device, it may be due to compatibility issues or carrier restrictions. Contact your carrier’s customer support for assistance and information on Wi-Fi calling options for your device and account.
Can I use Wi-Fi calling while traveling internationally?
Yes, Wi-Fi calling is particularly useful when traveling abroad, as it allows you to make calls over Wi-Fi without incurring high roaming charges. Ensure that you have access to a reliable Wi-Fi network for uninterrupted calling.
Is Wi-Fi calling secure?
Wi-Fi calling typically employs encryption to secure voice data transmitted over the Wi-Fi network. However, it’s essential to use secure Wi-Fi networks and keep your device software up to date to minimize security risks.
Can I conduct conference calls using Wi-Fi calling?
Yes, most Wi-Fi calling providers support conference calls, enabling you to connect multiple participants for group discussions over Wi-Fi. Check with your carrier or Wi-Fi calling app for specific conference call features and capabilities.
Conclusion
Wi-Fi calling offers a reliable and cost-effective solution for making calls over the internet, especially in areas with poor cellular coverage. With its compatibility across devices and support from carriers, Wi-Fi calling has become an essential feature for modern communication. As technology advances, Wi-Fi calling will continue to play a crucial role in keeping us connected, regardless of network limitations.
ad
Comments are closed.