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How to turn on WiFi calling on Android and iOS

WiFi calling is great for times where you have a solid internet connection but poor cell service.

iphone 13 in-hand

If you’re in a low-signal area but have access to a reliable internet connection, turning on WiFi calling may be the ideal solution.

When you enable WiFi calling on a compatible device, calls route through the internet instead of a cellular network, which provides a more reliable connection when service is weak or non-existent.

On top of that, a strong wireless signal and decent bandwidth allow you to make and take voice calls in super-clear HD.

With that said, using WiFi calling on a high-traffic public network is unlikely to yield good results. Also, most carriers apply normal charges to calls made via WiFi, which is something to keep in mind when calling internationally.

But if your cellular network has let you down and your wireless signal is strong, sending your voice through the internet may be the best solution. Let’s discuss how to enable WiFi calling on an iOS or Android device.

How to enable WiFi calling on iOS

If you are an iPhone or iPad user, this is for you. Here’s how to enable WiFi calling on iPhone:

  1. Go to Settings > Cellular
screenshot of ios settings with the cellular option highlighted
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Tap Wi-Fi Calling
screenshot of ios cellular settings menu with the wifi calling option highlighted
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Toggle on Wi-Fi Calling on This Phone
screenshot of ios wifi calling option with toggle highlighted
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Tap Enable
screenshot of ios wifi calling confirmation popup with enable highlighted
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Enter or confirm your address for emergency services when prompted

You might get a message saying: To allow Wi-Fi calling on this account, contact Carrier. That means your cellular carrier doesn’t support WiFi calling. If enough customers contact them, maybe they’ll enable WiFi calling.

Now your iPhone is set up to use WiFi calling on networks you’re connected to.

How to enable WiFi calling on Android

For the Android users among us, here’s how to enable WiFi calling on Android:

  1. Open the Phone app and tap the More (three dots) button in the top rightscreenshot of android phone app showing the more menu icon

  2. Select Settingsscreenshot of android phone app showing the link to settings

  3. Tap Calling accountsscreenshot of android phone app settings showing the calling accounts option

  4. Tap on your cellular carrier’s namescreenshot of android phone app settings showing google fi as the cellular provider

  5. Tap on Wi-Fi callingscreenshot of android phone app settings showing the wifi calling option

  6. Toggle the feature onscreenshot of android phone app settings with the toggle to turn wifi calling on

You may also see a prompt to register your address for emergency services, which you should do if you haven’t already.

If WiFi Calling doesn’t appear in your mobile device’s settings, your carrier may not support this feature.

When to use WiFi calling

WiFi calling is ideal when you live or work in an area with poor cell service. With a reliable connection, you can send your voice through the internet without wasting precious mobile data.

However, WiFi calling has one clear downside: you need access to a wireless network.

If you’re away from home and can’t make a call due to poor service, finding a reliable internet connection—or any connection at all— may not be easy. In these situations, you’d be better off searching for a landline, which apparently do still exist.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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