In today’s digital age, staying connected with loved ones, friends, and colleagues is more important than ever. However, traditional cellular networks may not always provide the best coverage, especially in areas with weak signal strength. That’s where WiFi calling comes in – a feature that allows you to make and receive calls using your iPhone’s internet connection. If you’re an iPhone 8 Plus user, you’re in luck! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to enable WiFi calling on your device, ensuring you stay connected wherever you go.
What is WiFi Calling?
Before we dive into the enablement process, let’s take a step back and understand what WiFi calling is. WiFi calling, also known as Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi), is a technology that allows your iPhone to make and receive calls using a WiFi network instead of a traditional cellular network. This feature is particularly useful in areas with poor cellular coverage, such as basements, rural areas, or buildings with thick walls.
WiFi calling offers several benefits, including:
- Improved call quality: WiFi calling uses your internet connection to make calls, resulting in clearer audio and fewer dropped calls.
- Increased coverage: With WiFi calling, you can make calls from anywhere with a stable internet connection, without relying on cellular signal strength.
- Cost-effective: WiFi calling can help reduce your cellular data usage, saving you money on your monthly bill.
How to Enable WiFi Calling on iPhone 8 Plus
Enabling WiFi calling on your iPhone 8 Plus is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1: Check Compatibility
Before enabling WiFi calling, ensure that your iPhone 8 Plus is compatible with this feature. WiFi calling is supported by most major carriers, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint. Check with your carrier to confirm their WiFi calling policy.
Step 2: Update Your iPhone
Make sure your iPhone 8 Plus is running the latest version of iOS. WiFi calling is supported on iOS 10 and later versions. To update your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, download and install it.
Step 3: Enable WiFi Calling
Now, it’s time to enable WiFi calling on your iPhone 8 Plus. Follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data.
- Tap on “Wi-Fi Calling” or “WiFi Calling” (the exact label may vary depending on your carrier).
- Toggle the switch next to “Wi-Fi Calling” to the right to enable the feature.
Step 4: Configure WiFi Calling Settings
Once you’ve enabled WiFi calling, you can configure additional settings to optimize its performance. To do so:
- Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > Wi-Fi Calling.
- Tap on “Wi-Fi Calling Settings” or “WiFi Calling Preferences” (the exact label may vary depending on your carrier).
- In this section, you can choose to enable or disable WiFi calling for specific scenarios, such as when roaming or when on a cellular network.
Troubleshooting WiFi Calling Issues
While WiFi calling is a reliable feature, you may occasionally encounter issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Issue 1: Poor Call Quality
If you’re experiencing poor call quality while using WiFi calling, try the following:
- Restart your iPhone and modem/router to ensure a stable internet connection.
- Check your internet speed: A minimum upload speed of 1 Mbps is recommended for WiFi calling.
- Move closer to your WiFi router to improve signal strength.
Issue 2: Unable to Make or Receive Calls
If you’re unable to make or receive calls using WiFi calling, try the following:
- Ensure that WiFi calling is enabled on your iPhone (follow the steps outlined above).
- Check your carrier’s WiFi calling policy to ensure it’s supported in your area.
- Restart your iPhone and try making a call again.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve covered everything you need to know about enabling WiFi calling on your iPhone 8 Plus. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can take advantage of this convenient feature and stay connected with loved ones, friends, and colleagues wherever you go. Remember to troubleshoot any issues that may arise, and enjoy the benefits of WiFi calling on your iPhone 8 Plus.
What is Wi-Fi Calling and how does it work?
Wi-Fi Calling is a feature that allows you to make and receive phone calls using a Wi-Fi network instead of your cellular network. This means that even if you don’t have a strong cellular signal, you can still make calls as long as you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network. When you enable Wi-Fi Calling on your iPhone 8 Plus, your phone will automatically switch to a Wi-Fi network when available, allowing you to make high-quality calls.
Wi-Fi Calling uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to transmit your voice calls over the internet. When you make a call, your iPhone 8 Plus converts your voice into digital data and sends it over the Wi-Fi network to the recipient’s phone. The recipient’s phone then converts the digital data back into voice, allowing them to hear you. This process happens quickly and seamlessly, so you can make calls just like you would with a traditional cellular network.
How do I enable Wi-Fi Calling on my iPhone 8 Plus?
To enable Wi-Fi Calling on your iPhone 8 Plus, go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling. From there, toggle the switch next to “Wi-Fi Calling” to the right to enable it. You may be prompted to enter your emergency address and agree to the Wi-Fi Calling terms and conditions. Once you’ve enabled Wi-Fi Calling, your iPhone 8 Plus will automatically switch to a Wi-Fi network when available.
Note that Wi-Fi Calling may not be available in all areas or with all carriers, so you may need to check with your carrier to see if they support Wi-Fi Calling. Additionally, you may need to update your iPhone 8 Plus to the latest software version to access Wi-Fi Calling.
Will Wi-Fi Calling use my cellular minutes?
No, Wi-Fi Calling does not use your cellular minutes. Since Wi-Fi Calling uses a Wi-Fi network instead of your cellular network, your calls will not be deducted from your monthly minute allowance. This means you can make as many calls as you want over Wi-Fi without worrying about using up your cellular minutes.
However, keep in mind that Wi-Fi Calling may still use your data allowance, depending on your carrier and plan. Be sure to check with your carrier to see how Wi-Fi Calling affects your data usage.
Is Wi-Fi Calling secure?
Yes, Wi-Fi Calling is a secure way to make calls on your iPhone 8 Plus. When you enable Wi-Fi Calling, your phone encrypts your voice calls using advanced encryption protocols, making it difficult for hackers to intercept and listen to your conversations.
Additionally, Wi-Fi Calling uses the same level of security as your carrier’s cellular network, so you can rest assured that your calls are protected from unauthorized access.
Can I use Wi-Fi Calling internationally?
Yes, you can use Wi-Fi Calling internationally as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection. However, you should be aware that international rates may apply, and you may be charged for data usage when making calls over Wi-Fi.
Before using Wi-Fi Calling internationally, be sure to check with your carrier to see if they support international Wi-Fi Calling and what the rates are. You may also want to consider purchasing an international data plan to avoid high data roaming charges.
Will Wi-Fi Calling improve my call quality?
Yes, Wi-Fi Calling can improve your call quality in areas with weak cellular signals. Since Wi-Fi Calling uses a Wi-Fi network instead of your cellular network, you can experience higher-quality calls with fewer dropped calls and better audio.
Wi-Fi Calling can also provide better call quality in areas with heavy network congestion, such as stadiums or convention centers. By switching to a Wi-Fi network, you can avoid the congestion on your cellular network and enjoy clearer, more reliable calls.
Can I use Wi-Fi Calling with other Apple devices?
Yes, you can use Wi-Fi Calling with other Apple devices, including your iPad and Mac, as long as you have iOS 9 or later and macOS El Capitan or later. This feature is called “Continuity” and allows you to make and receive calls on any of your Apple devices, as long as they’re connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone 8 Plus.
Using Wi-Fi Calling with other Apple devices can be especially useful if you’re in a location with a weak cellular signal. For example, you can start a call on your iPhone 8 Plus and then transfer it to your Mac or iPad if you need to take notes or access other apps during the call.