What is Wi-Fi Calling and How to Enable it on iPhone

Wi-Fi calling is fast catching up, but the technology isn’t exactly new. People often confuse this with Wi-Fi calling, as apps like Facebook Messenger use VoIP to make calls over Wi-Fi. But there are subtle differences. See, network coverage is improving every day, but it’s still not ubiquitous. This is where Wi-Fi calling can save the day. So what exactly is Wi-Fi calling and how do you enable it on your iPhone?

Wi-Fi calling lets you fix a call using the internet, but it’s different from apps like Skype. You don’t need an app for Wi-Fi calling. Let’s understand why mainstream carriers and even private companies like Google are promoting Wi-Fi calling and how it’s better than VoIP calls over apps that enable them.

What is Wi-Fi Calling?

Wi-Fi calling lets you make voice calls over the internet using a Wi-Fi network with your current carrier plan. You can use it to make and receive calls over the high speed internet of your Wi-Fi. Calls will be made on the same number you received from the operator. No need for a separate or special international card or number.

One advantage of Wi-Fi calling is that you can use your Wi-Fi network to make higher quality voice calls. The best part is that you can make Wi-Fi calls even when the cellular network is extremely weak.

The transition happens automatically, so you don’t have to do anything. When there is no Wi-Fi, your phone uses the GSM or VoLTE network to make calls. When you connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network, calls are made over Wi-Fi instead.

Wi-Fi calling is different from VoIP calls made through apps like Skype, Messenger, and WhatsApp. The main difference is that you don’t need a separate app to make Wi-Fi calls. This feature is built right into your phone and you will be using the default dialer app which is the same one you use to make carrier calls. You don’t need the carrier’s app either. Also, you don’t need to fiddle with contact permissions or save a number before viewing it, as with WhatsApp to make calls. Just dial a number directly.

Note that video calling using dialer app is not supported when using Wi-Fi call. For this you will need a separate chat app that works like the VoIP apps currently provided by carriers like Verizon and Jio. Other carriers do not yet offer this feature or dedicated apps for video calling. This is one reason why Wi-Fi calling is also called VoWi-Fi or Voice over Wi-Fi. You need ViLTE (Video over LTE) to make video calls over Wi-Fi, but iPhones don’t currently support ViLTE.

Why Do You Need Wi-Fi Calling?

As mentioned earlier, it can be very useful when the signal is absent or weak. Most of us have encountered this problem at some point. It is even more true when traveling to or living in a rural area. Some of us have encountered signal problems while talking or working in the bathroom. Others cannot connect when in the basement or underground parking lot.

Another benefit is the elimination of dropped calls, which seems like a big problem where I live. It’s frustrating when you’re talking to someone and suddenly realize that no one is listening. This ruins the fun of talking to someone on the phone.

When you make a call and the signal is absent or weak, your smartphone automatically switches to Wi-Fi calling or connects.

How to Enable Wi-Fi Calling on iPhone

Enabling Wi-Fi calling on iPhone is very easy, but I wish it was enabled by default. Open Settings and scroll a little to find the Phone app. Select Wi-Fi Calling below.

Toggle the Wi-Fi Calling On This iPhone option inside to enable it.

That’s all you have to do. Now you need to make sure that the feature is available through your local carrier. Contact the operator you subscribe to for more details.

Supported Devices, Carriers and Wi-Fi Call Cost

Wi-Fi calling is currently supported by iPhone 5C and later. Not every phone that can connect to a Wi-Fi network supports Wi-Fi calling. It is a feature built into your phone and not dependent on software.

Most major carriers support Wi-Fi calling, but I recommend contacting your carrier. Different carriers around the world are in the process of spreading it. Yours may or may not support it. A lot will also depend on your location.

Wi-Fi calling is free and doesn’t cost you extra. What this really means is that the minutes will count towards your regular carrier plan. Unless you’re using something like WhatsApp or Skype, there’s no escaping it. There is no separate carrier plan that you have to purchase. Note that since the call is made using the internet, every call you make will be added to your phone’s data plan or Wi-Fi plan. Other than that, there is no shipping fee.

Domestic calls are completely free. However, calls to private numbers and international calls may incur additional charges. This will depend on your carrier. Here are links to the four major carriers in the US. You can find out more about their fees and terms and conditions on the respective mobile operator’s pages.

• AT&T Wi-Fi Calling
• T-Mobile Wi-Fi Calling
• Verizon Wi-Fi Calling
• Fast Wi-Fi Calling

Looking Beyond Carriers

Carriers like Verizon and AT&T aren’t the only ones jumping on the Wi-Fi search wagon. Tech giants like Google have also been working on it for a while. Google Fi is available in limited areas at a small number of OEMs, but it already claims to offer cheaper plans than your favorite carrier.

I expect other tech companies to join the market soon. More competition simply means better services and lower prices.

Security and Privacy

The single biggest question is whether calls made using Wi-Fi calling over public Wi-Fi hotspots are safe. Are they encrypted? Can they be transcribed?

There are cases and reports where Wi-Fi calling is vulnerable to hacks. I guess there is a reason why Google Fi offers its users a free VPN for Wi-Fi calling.

Unless you’re using a reliable private (paid and non-free) VPN service like ExpressVPN, I recommend avoiding public networks altogether. Using your Wi-Fi network should be more secure. If you’re using two smartphones, you can use one as a mobile hotspot and connect the other to it to make Wi-Fi calls.

When it comes to call recording, Wi-Fi calls can be recorded, just like carrier calls, as discussed in this Reddit thread. I’m still waiting for the shuttle to return to my area. However, it’s a hit or miss.

seeking paradise

Wi-Fi calling is a godsend for anyone who spends the better part of their day on the phone. This means better connectivity, lower bills, less reliance on third-party apps like Viber, no need to drop calls and share contacts with apps. What else could you want?

Next: Want to save calls on your iPhone? Click on the link below to learn more about the 3 apps that let you do just that.