Pros and Cons of Wi-Fi Calling

WiFi calling allows you to make and receive phone calls over a WiFi network instead of a traditional cellular network. It enables your phone to use a WiFi connection to create a virtual cell tower, routing calls and messages through the internet.

When you dial a number, your phone converts your voice into digital data packets. These packets are transmitted over your Wi-Fi connection to the Internet and then routed through your mobile carrier's servers. The packet is converted back into sound at the receiving end, allowing the recipient to complete your call.

You can make clear, uninterrupted calls through Wi-Fi calling even in areas with weak cellular signals. It works like a regular phone call—you dial a number and talk as usual. The only difference is that the call is transmitted over the Internet.

WiFi calling requires a WiFi connection, making it a great option when cellular signals are weak or unavailable. It can be particularly beneficial for those who are frequently on calls, as it helps reduce phone call costs.
 

WiFi calling does not incur additional costs for domestic calls - the cost is included in your monthly voice plan. However, making international calls via WiFi calling may involve minimal charges, depending on your carrier’s rates.

Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of Wi-Fi calling can help you determine if it suits your communication needs. Wi-Fi calling offers a reliable alternative when cellular signals are weak and can be a cost-effective solution. However, it may provide inconsistent signal strength in public areas.
 

WiFi calling provides various benefits such as reliability, mobility, and high-quality phone calls. Below are discussed some of its significant advantages.
 

1. Backup Cellular Coverage
 

While cellular networks are not available everywhere, WiFi calling acts as a backup when you don’t have access to the cellular signal or have weak cellular signals. It helps you make phone calls via the internet. Nowadays, you can get a WiFi connection or use your personal WiFi hotspot in most parts of the world, meaning you can call from anywhere you want without cellular coverage.
 

2. No Need for Additional Apps
 

WiFi calling is an in-built feature of most advanced smartphones. So, you don’t need any type of additional application to utilize this feature. All you need to do is enable this feature on your smartphone, and you are ready to make WiFi-based calls. No type of application or hardware is required for it to function.
 

3. Offers More Reliable Connection From Home
 

In today's world, almost every home has an internet connection, which is generally more reliable than cellular coverage. This is especially true in most rural areas; there is only one cell tower that doesn't provide strong or consistent service. Physical barriers like buildings can also disrupt cellular signals. As a result, making phone calls over WiFi from home can be a more reliable option.

4. Cost savings
 

As mentioned above, Wi-Fi calling uses an internet connection instead of cellular networks, which helps to avoid roaming charges and carrier fees. It mainly benefits travelers, remote workers, or businesses with global clients. Since it does not require additional apps or hardware, there are no extra costs for setup. So, it can significantly reduce communication calls, especially for long distances.
 

5. Seamless Integration
 

One key benefit of Wi-Fi calling is its seamless integration with smartphone functionality. Phones are designed to switch between Wi-Fi and cellular networks automatically. This feature integrates directly into your phone's native dialer, allowing you to make and receive calls normally using your phone number.
 

6. Battery Life Improvement

WiFi calling can help improve your phone's battery life by reducing the energy it uses to stay connected. Instead of struggling to find a weak or unstable cellular signal, your phone relies on a steady WiFi connection, which requires less effort. This is especially useful in areas with poor network coverage, where your phone would otherwise work harder and drain the battery faster.
 

Along with many benefits, WiFi calling also has some limitations, including inconsistent signal strength in public areas and limited availability of WiFi hotspots. 
 

1. Unreliable Signal Strength in Public Places
 

Although WiFi calling is the best option for your home, public places with many people sharing the same internet connection may interrupt Wi-Fi calls. Places like restaurants, hotels, airports, etc., have a common internet connection, which slows the speed of the internet. Additionally, the public internet connection may not be as secure as your home WiFi connection. So, a Wi-Fi connection may not be the best option in public places, as it can provide unreliable signal strength.
 

2. Wi-Fi Hotspots Aren't Always Available
 

You will need a WiFi connection for Wi-Fi calling, but WiFi connections may not be available in every possible place. You may not find a Wi-Fi hotspot in most places, even though the number of public WiFi hotspots has increased by 73% over the years from 2018 to 2023. Using a personal WiFi hotspot may temporarily solve this problem, but it may also not give you a reliable connection for Wi-Fi calls. You may switch to the cellular phone system if you cannot find a stable WiFi hotspot.
 

3. Wi-Fi Calling From Carriers is Still a Relatively New Technology
 

WiFi calling is a relatively new technology compared to cellular calling. Most people still don’t know this feature exists in their smartphones, as WiFi call feature is still unavailable in some countries.

WiFi calling has been better than cellular calls, especially when you have weak cellular coverage and access to the internet. It is more advanced than the traditional cellular telephone system.

Choosing between Wi-Fi calling and cellular calling depends on various situations. Both WiFi and cellular calling have their own advantages and disadvantages. WiFi calling is the better phone communication option if you have a stable internet connection.
 

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Wi-Fi calling can be better than mobile calling in areas with poor cellular coverage. However, mobile calling is more reliable in areas with strong cellular signals.

Wi-Fi calling has some disadvantages, such as unreliable signal strength in public places, increased battery consumption, and dependency on the availability of a Wi-Fi network.

It is safe to enable WiFi calling. It uses encryption to protect your calls, ensuring your conversations remain private and secure.

You can leave Wi-Fi calling on all the time. It automatically switches between Wi-Fi and cellular networks. However, leaving it on may increase battery consumption.

A weak or unstable Wi-Fi signal, network congestion, or interference from other devices could be the reasons for your Wi-Fi calling is not good. Ensure you have a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection for the best experience.

It is generally better to have Wi-Fi calling on, as it can improve call quality in areas with poor cellular reception. However, if you experience increased battery drain or issues with call quality, you may turn it off.

You might turn off Wi-Fi calling if you experience poor call quality due to an unstable Wi-Fi connection, increased battery drain, or if you prefer to rely solely on your cellular network.

Well, It depends on your usage patterns and network conditions. Wi-Fi calling can save battery life if the Wi-Fi signal is stronger than the cellular network. However, it can drain your battery if your phone constantly switches between Wi-Fi and cellular signals while searching for a stable connection.

WiFi calling is generally free for domestic calls and is included in your regular voice plan. However, international calls may incur charges depending on your carrier’s rates.