What is WiFi Calling? How It Works, and Its Benefits

Tired of dropped calls or weak mobile signals when you’re indoors or traveling? You’re not alone. 

Many people struggle to connect phone lines, especially in areas such as basements, large buildings, or remote locations. 

That’s where WiFi calling comes in. It is a feature built into modern smartphones that lets you make calls and send texts over a WiFi network instead of relying on a cellular signal. 

Whether for personal use or business, Wi-Fi calling ensures you stay connected with a clear and stable call quality even in places where cell signals fail.

In this blog, we’ll learn about WiFi calling, how it works, and its benefits and drawbacks.

What is Wifi calling?

Wi-Fi calling is a feature that allows you to make calls and send text messages using a WiFi network instead of a traditional cellular network.

This feature is useful in places with weak cellular coverage but a strong and stable internet connection. 

The WiFi calling feature is built into most modern smartphones, including iPhone and Android devices, so you don’t need extra apps or special equipment.

You can make a direct call from your dialer using your existing phone number.

WiFi calling simply routes calls and messages over the internet, but it appears to the receiver as a regular cellular call. It ensures reliable communication even in areas with poor mobile coverage, reducing dropped calls and missed texts.

How does wifi calling work?

WiFi calling utilizes Voice over IP (VoIP) technology to transmit your voice as data over a Wi-Fi network, rather than relying on a cellular signal.

When you make calls with WiFi calling, your phone converts your voice into small digital data packets. These packets are sent through your WiFi connection to your mobile carrier’s network, which then connects the call to the recipient.

On the other end, the data is converted back into sound, allowing the person you’re calling to hear you in real time.

Unlike VoIP apps like WhatsApp or Viber, WiFi calling works directly through your phone’s dialer and uses your existing mobile number. You don’t need to install a separate app or create a new account. 

Because the call travels over the internet instead of relying on cell towers, Wi-Fi calling is especially useful in places with weak or no cellular coverage, like underground areas, rural zones, or large buildings.

Pros and cons of wifi calling

WiFi calling can improve your ability to stay connected, but it also comes with some limitations. 

Let’s discuss both the advantages and potential drawbacks of WiFi calling:

Pros 

WiFi calling offers several benefits that can improve your communication experience. 

Let’s have a look at the pros of WiFi calling: 

• No additional app needed: The WiFi calling feature is built into most modern smartphones. It uses your existing phone number and dialer, so there’s no need to download additional apps or purchase additional equipment.
• Works where the cellular signal is weak: WiFi calling lets you make and receive calls even when the mobile signal is poor. If your phone is connected to a stable WiFi network, you can stay in touch from places with weak cellular signals.
• Clear call quality with stable network: Since Wi-Fi calling relies on an internet connection instead of a mobile network. When your phone is connected to strong and reliable WiFi, it provides clear and HD voice quality.  It also reduces disruptions like dropped calls, delays, and echoes.
• Avoid roaming charges: WiFi calling can help you avoid costly roaming fees when traveling internationally. You can make a phone call to your home country using a local Wi-Fi connection without incurring any extra costs from a monthly plan.
• Better network coverage: Wi-Fi calling extends your reach beyond cellular networks. It allows you to make and receive calls from locations where cellular coverage is unavailable, such as remote areas and basements. 

Cons

Although Wi-Fi calling offers several advantages, there are some downsides to consider before choosing it. 

Let’s learn the cons of Wi-Fi calling:

• Call quality depends on your internet connection: WiFi calling relies entirely on internet connection. This can cause delays, echoes, or dropped calls if the internet signal is weak or unstable.  
• Device limitation: The WiFi calling feature does not support all devices, such as laptops, desktops, or landline phones. It is limited to modern phones and some carriers. 
• Lack of advanced features: WiFi calling is limited to basic calling and texting features. It doesn’t support advanced features such as call forwarding, multi-level IVR, third-party integration, etc. 
• Security risk on public Wifi networks: Using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks for making WiFi calls can expose you to hackers. Without proper encryption, they might intercept calls or steal your sensitive data.
• Emergency calls may be less accurate: WiFi calling routes calls over the internet, which can make it challenging for emergency responders to determine a precise location.  

WiFi calling vs. traditional calling: What’s the difference?

Here is a comparison table between WiFi calling and traditional calling on the following aspects:

How to enable Wifi calling on your device?

Follow the steps below to enable WiFi calling on your devices: 

1. Enabling Wifi calling on Android

Here is a step-by-step process to turn on WiFi calling on Android:

1. First, open the Phone app, then select Settings. 

2. Tap on Calling accounts. 

3. Choose the SIM card you want to enable WiFi calling (if using a dual-SIM device).

4. Click on the WiFi calling option and toggle the switch to the on position. 

Once enabled, your phone will automatically use WiFi to make and receive calls when cellular coverage is weak or unavailable.

Note: Steps may vary slightly depending on your phone brand (Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus) and Android version.

2. Enabling wifi calling on iPhone (iOS)

Here is a step-by-step process to turn on WiFi calling on iPhone(iOS):

1. Go  to Settings

2. Scroll and tap the Phone. 

3. Click on WiFi Calling. 

4. Toggle the WiFi calling switch to on. 

5. When a confirmation pop-up appears, click Enable to confirm. 

After enabling, your iPhone will use Wi-Fi to place calls when the cellular signal is weak or unavailable.

How to use Wifi calling effectively?

Here are some key practices to use WiFi calling effectively to ensure clear, stable, and hassle-free calls with WiFi calling:

1. Connect to a strong and stable Wi-Fi network

The quality of your Wi-Fi network directly impacts your call experience. If the signal is weak, your calls will likely suffer from lag, echoes, distortion, or even disconnect entirely.

For a better experience,  always stay closer to the router and avoid networks that are slow, overcrowded, or inconsistent. 

2. Keep your device updated

Using an outdated operating system might not seem like a big deal, but it can quietly impact how well WiFi calling works.

Regular software updates often include improvements that boost phone call quality and security. By keeping your phone up to date, you ensure it has the latest tools to support smooth, uninterrupted messaging and calling over Wi-Fi.

3. Enable Wi-Fi calling in your settings

Even if your phone supports WiFi calling, it won’t work until you manually enable it. You can usually enable it from your network or SIM settings.

Once it’s on, your phone will automatically switch to Wi-Fi for calls whenever the cellular signal is weak. So you don’t have to worry about losing a call when you’re in a dead zone.

4. Avoid congested networks

Not all Wi-Fi networks are created equal. If you’re connected to a crowded public hotspot, such as a cafe or airport, where many users are competing for bandwidth.

You might experience dropped calls or delays in conversation. Whenever possible, try to use a less crowded or private network, especially if you’re making an important call.

Conclusion

WiFi calling is a convenient solution for making clear calls and sending texts using a Wi-Fi network instead of relying on cellular signals. It works in areas with poor mobile coverage without the need for additional apps. It also avoids roaming charges when traveling. 

Although it offers many benefits, it depends on a stable internet connection, is not suitable for emergency calls, has security risks, and supports a limited devices. 

To use WiFi calling effectively, you should utilize a strong network, update your device regularly, connect to a stable WiFi network, and enable the Wi-Fi calling feature.

With this, you can enjoy reliable and quality phone calls for both personal and business communication purposes.