In today’s digital age, staying connected is more important than ever. With the rise of smartphones, we’re no longer tethered to our landlines, but what happens when you’re in an area with poor cellular reception? That’s where WiFi calling comes in – a feature that allows you to make calls and send texts over a WiFi network. In this article, we’ll explore how to set up WiFi calling on your Samsung S8, so you can stay connected no matter where you are.
What is WiFi Calling?
Before we dive into the setup process, let’s take a step back and understand what WiFi calling is and how it works. WiFi calling, also known as Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi), is a technology that allows you to make voice calls and send texts using a WiFi network instead of traditional cellular networks. This means that even if you’re in an area with poor or no cellular reception, you can still make calls and send texts as long as you have a stable WiFi connection.
WiFi calling uses the internet to connect your calls, bypassing traditional cellular networks. This means that you can make calls from anywhere with a WiFi connection, including your home, office, or even a public hotspot. WiFi calling is especially useful in areas with poor cellular coverage, such as rural areas or buildings with thick walls.
The Benefits of WiFi Calling
So, why should you bother setting up WiFi calling on your Samsung S8? There are several benefits to this feature:
Improved Call Quality
WiFi calling offers improved call quality compared to traditional cellular networks. Since the call is made over the internet, the audio quality is often clearer and more reliable.
Increased Coverage
As mentioned earlier, WiFi calling allows you to make calls from anywhere with a WiFi connection, even if you don’t have cellular reception. This is especially useful for those who live or work in areas with poor cellular coverage.
Cost-Effective
WiFi calling can be more cost-effective than traditional cellular calls, especially for international calls. Since the call is made over the internet, you can avoid expensive roaming charges.
Setting Up WiFi Calling on Your Samsung S8
Now that we’ve covered the benefits of WiFi calling, let’s dive into the setup process. Setting up WiFi calling on your Samsung S8 is relatively straightforward, but it does require a few steps.
Check if Your Carrier Supports WiFi Calling
Before you start, check if your carrier supports WiFi calling. Not all carriers offer this feature, so it’s essential to check with your provider first. In the United States, major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile support WiFi calling.
Enable WiFi Calling on Your Samsung S8
To enable WiFi calling on your Samsung S8, follow these steps:
- Go to the Settings app on your Samsung S8.
- Scroll down and select Connections.
- Select Wi-Fi.
- Toggle the switch next to Wi-Fi Calling to the On position.
Configure Your WiFi Calling Settings
Once you’ve enabled WiFi calling, you’ll need to configure your settings. To do this, follow these steps:
- Go back to the Settings app.
- Scroll down and select Connections.
- Select Wi-Fi Calling.
- Select Wi-Fi Calling Settings.
- Toggle the switch next to Allow Wi-Fi Calling to the On position.
Make a Test Call
Now that you’ve set up WiFi calling, it’s time to make a test call. Find a WiFi network with a stable connection and make a call to a friend or family member. If everything is set up correctly, the call should connect, and you should be able to hear the other person clearly.
Troubleshooting WiFi Calling Issues
If you’re having trouble setting up or using WiFi calling on your Samsung S8, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
Poor Call Quality
If you’re experiencing poor call quality, try the following:
- Check your WiFi connection speed. A slow connection can cause poor call quality.
- Check for interference from other devices. Other devices on the same network can cause interference.
- Try restarting your router or modem.
WiFi Calling Not Working
If WiFi calling is not working, try the following:
- Check if your carrier supports WiFi calling.
- Check if WiFi calling is enabled on your device.
- Check your WiFi connection speed. A slow connection can prevent WiFi calling from working.
Conclusion
WiFi calling is a powerful feature that can improve your overall calling experience. By setting up WiFi calling on your Samsung S8, you can make calls and send texts from anywhere with a WiFi connection, even if you don’t have cellular reception. With its improved call quality, increased coverage, and cost-effectiveness, WiFi calling is a must-have feature for anyone who wants to stay connected on the go. So, what are you waiting for? Set up WiFi calling on your Samsung S8 today and experience the power of WiFi calling for yourself.
What is WiFi Calling and how does it work on my Samsung S8?
WiFi Calling is a feature that allows you to make and receive calls, as well as send and receive texts, using a WiFi connection instead of your cellular network. On your Samsung S8, WiFi Calling uses the phone’s settings to automatically switch to a WiFi network when available, providing a more reliable and cost-effective calling experience. This feature is especially useful when you’re in an area with poor cellular reception or when you’re traveling abroad.
To use WiFi Calling on your Samsung S8, you need to ensure that it’s enabled on your device. Go to Settings > Connections > WiFi > Advanced > WiFi Calling, and toggle the switch to the right. You’ll also need to have a stable WiFi connection and a supported cellular plan from your carrier. Once enabled, your phone will automatically switch to WiFi Calling mode when a WiFi network is available, and you’ll be able to make calls and send texts as you normally would.
Do I need a specific plan or carrier to use WiFi Calling on my Samsung S8?
To use WiFi Calling on your Samsung S8, you’ll need a carrier that supports this feature. Most major carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint, offer WiFi Calling plans. However, it’s essential to check with your carrier to ensure that WiFi Calling is available on your specific plan. Some carriers may require you to have a specific phone plan or add-on to access WiFi Calling.
Even if your carrier supports WiFi Calling, you may need to check your plan details to ensure that it’s included. You can do this by logging into your carrier’s website or mobile app, or by contacting their customer service. Additionally, some carriers may have specific requirements or settings for WiFi Calling, so it’s a good idea to check their website or documentation for more information.
Will WiFi Calling use my data allowance or affect my internet speed?
WiFi Calling uses your internet connection to make and receive calls, but it doesn’t use your cellular data allowance. Instead, it uses the internet bandwidth provided by your WiFi network. This means that you won’t be charged for data usage when making calls over WiFi.
However, it’s worth noting that WiFi Calling can affect your internet speed, especially if you’re using a slower or congested WiFi network. The quality of your WiFi connection will impact the quality of your calls, so it’s essential to ensure that you have a stable and fast internet connection. If you’re concerned about the impact on your internet speed, you can try using a wired Ethernet connection or upgrading your internet plan.
Can I use WiFi Calling abroad, and will it cost extra?
Yes, you can use WiFi Calling abroad, but the costs and availability will depend on your carrier and plan. Some carriers offer international WiFi Calling, which allows you to make calls and send texts over WiFi when traveling abroad. However, this feature may not be available in all countries or with all carriers, so it’s essential to check with your carrier before traveling.
When using WiFi Calling abroad, you may be charged for international rates or roaming fees, depending on your carrier’s plan. To avoid surprise charges, it’s a good idea to check your carrier’s website or documentation for international WiFi Calling rates and fees. You can also consider purchasing an international add-on or plan to reduce costs.
Is WiFi Calling secure, and are my calls and texts encrypted?
WiFi Calling uses the same encryption and security protocols as your cellular network, which means that your calls and texts are encrypted and secure. When you’re making a call or sending a text over WiFi, your phone uses the same encryption protocols as it would over a cellular network, ensuring that your communications are protected from interception or eavesdropping.
However, it’s essential to ensure that you’re connected to a secure and trusted WiFi network. Public WiFi networks, such as those in coffee shops or airports, may not be secure, and using them to make calls or send texts could potentially compromise your security. When using WiFi Calling, it’s best to stick to secured and private networks, such as your home or office WiFi.
Can I use WiFi Calling on other devices, or is it exclusive to the Samsung S8?
WiFi Calling is not exclusive to the Samsung S8, and many other devices support this feature. In fact, most modern smartphones, including iPhones and Android devices, offer WiFi Calling capabilities. However, the availability of WiFi Calling on other devices may depend on the carrier and plan, so it’s essential to check with your carrier to ensure that it’s supported on your device.
If you have a different device, you can check the settings to see if WiFi Calling is available. On most Android devices, you can find WiFi Calling settings in the Connections or Advanced settings menu. On iPhones, you can find WiFi Calling in the Settings app under the Phone section.
Will WiFi Calling drain my battery faster, and how can I conserve power?
WiFi Calling can potentially drain your battery faster than traditional cellular calling, especially if you’re using a poor or congested WiFi network. This is because your phone needs to maintain a constant connection to the WiFi network, which can consume more power than a cellular connection. However, the impact on battery life will depend on various factors, such as your WiFi network quality, phone usage, and battery health.
To conserve power when using WiFi Calling, you can take a few precautions. First, ensure that you’re connected to a stable and fast WiFi network, which can help reduce power consumption. You can also adjust your phone’s power settings to reduce screen brightness, turn off location services, and limit background data usage. Additionally, consider using a power-saving mode or feature, such as Samsung’s Power Saving mode, which can help extend your battery life.