Wi-Fi calling is a communication feature enabling users to make phone calls and send text messages using a Wi-Fi connection rather than a cellular network. This technology is especially useful if you’re in an area with a weak phone signal or when travelling internationally to avoid hefty roaming charges. By leveraging the power of Wi-Fi, you can enjoy a seamless, cost-effective alternative for communicating with friends, family, or even work.
What is a Wi-Fi Call?
A Wi-Fi call occurs when your smartphone or another compatible device uses a Wi-Fi network to transmit voice and data instead of relying on a traditional phone network. It’s quite a simple process: your device connects to a nearby Wi-Fi network and uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to convert your voice into digital packets. These are then transmitted over the internet to the recipient, ensuring a clear and hassle-free conversation.
What is Wi-Fi Calling?
Wi-Fi calls are a revolutionary feature that has transformed the way we communicate with one another, by utilising wireless internet connections. The technology allows users to make calls and send text messages without relying on cellular coverage. With the growing popularity of Wi-Fi networks, this feature has become an indispensable tool for staying connected, particularly in areas with little to no cellular service. It’s crucial for those who live or work in areas with spotty coverage, and for travellers who want to stay connected without breaking the bank.
Making calls via Wi-Fi is an innovative solution to common connectivity problems. It’s a convenient, cost-effective alternative to traditional cellular calling. The technology helps ensure that you remain reachable, even in locations where it would be hard to get through on a traditional call, by harnessing the power of Wi-Fi networks. Simply put, it’s a game-changer that allows you to stay connected and enjoy seamless communication, wherever you are.
The Benefits of Wi-Fi Calling
Making calls with Wi-Fi brings a wide range of benefits to enhance your communication experience. Not only does this technology offer improved call quality, but it will also reduce instances of dropped calls in areas with weak reception. When you use Wi-Fi calling, you can avoid expensive roaming charges when travelling to other countries, and stay in communication seamlessly with loved ones, no matter where you are located. These benefits make it a practical solution to staying connected without any of the limitations of traditional cellular networks.
- Enhanced call quality: Wi-Fi calling generally offers better call quality. As long as your Wi-Fi connection is stable, you can enjoy a more reliable connection and clearer audio.
- Improved indoor connectivity: Wi-Fi calling can significantly boost your indoor connectivity, especially in buildings with thick walls or structures that may hinder cellular signals.
- Cost savings: Wi-Fi calling is often free of charge depending on your Wi-Fi network, meaning you’ll use fewer minutes from your phone plan, and avoid roaming charges when using it abroad.
- Extended battery life: Since Wi-Fi calling uses less power compared to cellular connections, you may notice that your phone’s battery life may last longer when you rely on Wi-Fi networks instead, which can be especially helpful during long journeys or when access to power sources is limited.
How to Turn on Wi-Fi Calling
Activating Wi-Fi calling on your smartphone or other compatible device is a simple process. In general, you will find the option within your device’s settings menu. It will typically be under the ‘Phone’ or ‘Connections’ category. Once you locate the Wi-Fi calling feature, simply toggle it on to enable it.
How to Enable Wi-Fi Calling on Apple iPhone
To activate Wi-Fi calling on your Apple iPhone, follow these simple steps:
- Update your iPhone: Make sure that your iPhone is running the most recent version of iOS. You can see if an update is available by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Follow the on-screen instructions to install an update if one is available.
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network: Make sure that you are connected to a Wi-Fi network. To do this, head to Settings > Wi-Fi and select a network to join.
- Verify network support: It’s important to ensure that your phone network supports Wi-Fi calling. Not all do, so check with your provider if Wi-Fi calling is available on your plan – if you’re with Lebara, you’re good to go.
- Turn on Wi-Fi calling: Go to the Settings menu and then head to Phone > Wi-Fi Calling and then toggle ‘Wi-Fi Calling on This Phone’ to the ON position. You may need to accept a prompt or agree to the terms and conditions.
Once Wi-Fi calling is enabled, your iPhone will automatically use Wi-Fi for calling when connected to a Wi-Fi network, or whenever cellular coverage is poor or unavailable.
How to Enable Wi-Fi Calling on Samsung Devices
To set up Wi-Fi calling on your Samsung smartphone, follow these steps:
- Update your device: Make sure that your Samsung smartphone is running the latest version of Android OS. To do this, go to Settings > Software Update > Download and Install. Follow the on-screen instructions to install any available updates.
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network: Head to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi and select a network to join. Enter the network password if required and connect.
- Verify network support: Make sure that your phone network supports this feature. As mentioned earlier, you can use Wi-Fi calling if your Samsung phone is on a Lebara plan.
- Enable Wi-Fi calling: To set up Wi-Fi calling on your Samsung phone, go to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi Calling and toggle the switch to the ON position. You may be asked to agree to terms and conditions or accept a prompt.
- Choose Wi-Fi calling preferences: Once Wi-Fi calling is enabled, you may have the option to choose your preferences. Typically, you’ll be able to select from ‘Wi-Fi preferred, ‘Cellular network preferred’, or ‘Never use cellular network’. Choose the option that fits your needs best.
Once you have switched the feature on, your Samsung phone will automatically use Wi-Fi when making or taking a call based on your preferences or when connected to a Wi-Fi network, and when cellular coverage is poor or unavailable.
What is Wi-Fi Calling and How to Get the Most from It
There are several things that you can do to get the most out of Wi-Fi calling. One of the most essential things to do is to optimise your Wi-Fi connection for the best performance. Start by ensuring that your Wi-Fi network is password protected to prevent unauthorised access and place your router in a central location to reduce any signal interference. Regularly keeping your router’s firmware updated and using a Wi-Fi extender can help to improve network coverage and keep your connection stable. By optimising your Wi-Fi network, you can maximise your Wi-Fi calling potential and enjoy an even better communication experience.
Things to Consider Before Setting Up Wi-Fi Calling
There are a few crucial things to consider before getting started with Wi-Fi calling:
- Network security: Make sure that you connect to a secure, password-protected Wi-Fi network to protect your privacy and prevent unauthorised access.
- Emergency services: Although Wi-Fi calling supports emergency calls, the location accuracy may be less precise. Always provide your current address when making an emergency call and update it in your device’s settings if required.
- Wi-Fi connection quality: The quality of your Wi-Fi calling experience will depend on the strength and stability of your Wi-Fi connection.
- Device compatibility: Bear in mind that Wi-Fi calling may not be supported on all devices, so make sure that yours is compatible.
Wi-Fi Calling Vs Cellular Calling
While Wi-Fi calling and cellular calling might seem similar, there are several notable differences between them. While cellular calling relies on phone networks, Wi-Fi calling uses your home, workplace, or a public Wi-Fi network to transmit voice and data. In terms of call quality, Wi-Fi calling will generally provide clearer audio, particularly in areas with weak cellular signals. Along with this, using Wi-Fi calling when abroad is often much cheaper compared to traditional cellular calling as there are no roaming charges involved.
Wi-Fi calling has been adopted all around the world, leading to a significant shift in the way that we communicate with one another via phone. And as Wi-Fi networks become more and more widely available, Wi-Fi calling is set to play an increasingly important role in our everyday lives. The technology not only offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional cellular calling but also helps to improve call quality and reliability. As our world continues to evolve, Wi-Fi calling is set to become a key part of the communication landscape, offering unparalleled convenience and connectivity.