What is WiFi Calling & How Does It Work?

WiFi calling, or VoWiFi calling, is a communication technology that allows you to make and receive calls over a WiFi network instead of relying solely on a cellular network. It enhances connectivity, especially in areas with poor cellular reception. Wifi calling ensures clear, reliable communication and is cost-effective for international and long-distance calls.

WiFi calling uses a wireless internet connection to transmit voice data instead of relying on cellular networks. When you make a call, your phone connects to a WiFi network and uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to send your voice data over the internet. The process involves the following steps:

1. Your device connects to a nearby WiFi network.
2. The call data is converted into digital packets and transmitted over the internet.
3. Your service provider routes these packets to the recipient’s carrier.
4. The recipient’s device converts the digital packets back into voice data, completing the call.
    

Wi-Fi calls are generally safe and secure - its robust encryption protocols protect your voice data during transmission. These calls use various security measures, such as Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP) and Internet Protocol Security (IPSec), to prevent unauthorized access and eavesdropping.

When making Wi-Fi calls, you must use a secure and trusted Wi-Fi network. Public Wi-Fi networks can be less secure, posing risks of data interception and cyberattacks. Moreover, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when connecting to public Wi-Fi to enhance security.

Firstly, note that your mobile device and cellular service provider must support Wi-Fi calling. You then need to turn WiFi calling manually on your phone system to enable internet calls. Enabling WiFi calls on iOS and Android phone devices differs from one another. You must ensure that your phone device is connected to WiFi to initiate the process. Network SIM cards must be in their place for service activation. Internet accessibility must be flexible and stable to maintain sturdy backup and resource mobilization.

A wider range of Apple devices iPhones supports WiFi calls, including iPhone SE (all three generations), X/XR/XS, and 11 through 14. Follow the steps below to turn on WiFi calling on iPhone devices.

1. Open the Settings.

2. Scroll down and tap on Phone.

3. Select Wi-Fi Calling.

4. Toggle On the slider for Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone.

5. Enable WiFi calling from a pop-up box that appears for confirmation.


Note: Some variants do not offer WiFi calling on iPhones.

Your Android phone and cellular service providers must support WiFi calls. Latest Android phones with software version 6/7/8 through 12 (and later) support calls over a Wi-Fi connection. You then need stable internet access. Follow the steps below to enable WiFi calling on Android devices.

1. Open your Phone system and click on the phone icon.

2. Tap three vertical dots at the top right corner of the screen. 

3. Tap on Settings.

4. Tap Calls.

5. Tap Wi-Fi calling.

6. Toggle Wi-Fi calling on.

Note: If you don’t see this option, your carrier or specific phone model might not support Wi-Fi calling.

WiFi calling comes with certain challenges such as network dependency, limited device compatibility, and potential security risks. Understanding the disadvantages of WiFi calling can help you better manage and utilize the feature effectively.

1. Network Dependency: WiFi calling requires a stable WiFi network. Poor or unstable WiFi connections can lead to dropped calls, poor call quality, and interrupted communication.
    
2. Limited Device Compatibility: Not all devices support WiFi calling. Older models or certain brands may not have the necessary technology.
    
3. Service Provider Restrictions: Some service providers may have specific rules or limitations on WiFi calling, such as additional charges for international calls or restrictions on certain plans.
    
4. Security Concerns: Public WiFi networks can be less secure, increasing the risk of data breaches and eavesdropping. You must use secure and trusted networks to ensure privacy and data protection.
    
5. Battery Drain: Using WiFi for calls can drain your device’s battery faster than using a cellular network, especially if the WiFi connection is weak and the device constantly switches between WiFi and cellular.
    
6. Data Usage: While WiFi calling can save cellular data, it still consumes WiFi data. If you have a limited data plan, heavy use of WiFi calling can lead to additional charges or reduced internet speed.

WiFi calling provides enhanced call quality, cost savings, and the flexibility to make calls wherever a WiFi connection is available. However, you should be aware of its challenges, such as dependency on internet quality, potential security risks, and limited device compatibility.

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Wi-Fi calling allows you to make and receive phone calls over a Wi-Fi network instead of relying solely on a cellular connection. It is particularly useful in areas with poor cellular reception, as it uses Wi-Fi to transmit voice data.

Wi-Fi calling is generally free and included in your existing voice plan. Calls made over Wi-Fi do not incur additional charges and do not consume cellular data. However, standard voice plan charges still apply.

Below are listed the downside of Wi-Fi calling.
 

• Call quality depends on the strength of the Wi-Fi connection.
• Not all devices and carriers support Wi-Fi calling.
• Using public Wi-Fi networks may result in data breaches.
• Wi-Fi calling can drain your device’s battery faster.
   

Whether you should keep Wi-Fi calling on or off depends on your needs and circumstances:

• Keep it On: If you often experience poor cellular reception or make frequent international calls, keeping Wi-Fi calling on can ensure better connectivity and potentially lower costs.
• Keep it Off: If you are concerned about security while using public Wi-Fi networks or if Wi-Fi calling causes battery drain, you might prefer to keep it off unless needed.