Are you tired of dealing with poor cellular coverage and dropped calls? Do you often find yourself in areas with weak signal strength? If so, you’re in luck! WiFi calling on your iPhone can be a game-changer. This feature allows you to make and receive calls using your internet connection, eliminating the need for a strong cellular signal. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into how to use WiFi calling on your iPhone, its benefits, and some troubleshooting tips to get you started.
What is WiFi Calling?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of using WiFi calling on your iPhone, let’s start with the basics. WiFi calling, also known as Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi), is a feature that enables you to make and receive phone calls using your internet connection. This means that as long as you have a stable WiFi connection, you can make calls even if you don’t have a cellular signal.
WiFi calling is not the same as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services like Skype or Google Voice. With VoIP services, you need to use a specific app or software to make calls, whereas WiFi calling uses your iPhone’s built-in Phone app to make and receive calls.
How to Enable WiFi Calling on Your iPhone
Enabling WiFi calling on your iPhone is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
Check if Your Carrier Supports WiFi Calling
Before you start, make sure your carrier supports WiFi calling. In the United States, most major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint support WiFi calling. You can check with your carrier’s website or contact their customer support to confirm.
Enable WiFi Calling on Your iPhone
To enable WiFi calling on your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Phone
- Tap on “Wi-Fi Calling”
- Toggle the switch next to “Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone” to the right (it should turn green)
Once you’ve enabled WiFi calling, you’ll see a “Wi-Fi” indicator next to your carrier’s name in the status bar when you’re connected to a WiFi network.
How to Make a Call Using WiFi Calling
Making a call using WiFi calling is identical to making a regular call on your iPhone. Here’s how to do it:
Dial a Number or Select a Contact
Open the Phone app and dial a number or select a contact from your contacts list. You can also use Siri to make a call.
Wait for the Call to Connect
Once you’ve dialed a number or selected a contact, wait for the call to connect. If you’re connected to a WiFi network, the call will be routed through the internet instead of your cellular network. You’ll see a “Wi-Fi” indicator next to your carrier’s name in the status bar.
Benefits of WiFi Calling
So, why should you use WiFi calling on your iPhone? Here are some benefits:
Better Call Quality
WiFi calling can provide better call quality compared to traditional cellular calls. Since the call is routed through the internet, you’re less likely to experience dropped calls or poor audio quality.
Improved Coverage
WiFi calling is especially useful in areas with poor cellular coverage. If you live in a rural area or work in a building with weak signal strength, WiFi calling can be a lifesaver.
Data Savings
When you make a call using WiFi calling, you’re not using your cellular data. This means you can save data and reduce your monthly bill.
Increased Accessibility
WiFi calling can be especially useful for people with disabilities. For example, people who are hard of hearing can use WiFi calling to make video calls with sign language interpreters.
Troubleshooting Tips for WiFi Calling
Like any technology, WiFi calling can be prone to issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips to get you started:
Check Your WiFi Connection
Make sure you have a stable WiFi connection. If your WiFi connection is weak or unstable, you may experience poor call quality or dropped calls.
Check Your Carrier’s WiFi Calling Settings
Ensure that your carrier’s WiFi calling settings are enabled. You can check with your carrier’s website or contact their customer support to confirm.
Restart Your iPhone
If you’re experiencing issues with WiFi calling, try restarting your iPhone. This can often resolve connectivity issues.
WiFi Calling on Other Devices
Did you know that you can also use WiFi calling on other Apple devices? Here’s how:
iPad and iPod Touch
If you have an iPad or iPod Touch, you can use WiFi calling to make and receive calls. To enable WiFi calling on these devices, go to Settings > FaceTime and toggle the switch next to “Wi-Fi Calling” to the right.
Mac with macOS High Sierra or Later
If you have a Mac with macOS High Sierra or later, you can use WiFi calling to make and receive calls using your iPhone’s cellular connection. To enable WiFi calling on your Mac, go to FaceTime preferences and select “Wi-Fi Calling” as your calling preference.
Conclusion
WiFi calling on your iPhone can be a game-changer, especially if you experience poor cellular coverage or dropped calls. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enable WiFi calling on your iPhone and start making calls using your internet connection. Remember to check your carrier’s WiFi calling settings, ensure a stable WiFi connection, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. With WiFi calling, you can break free from poor coverage and enjoy better call quality, improved coverage, and increased accessibility.
What is WiFi calling on iPhone and how does it work?
WiFi calling on iPhone is a feature that allows you to make and receive phone calls using a WiFi network instead of your cellular network. This feature is particularly useful in areas with poor or no cellular coverage. When you enable WiFi calling on your iPhone, your device will automatically switch to WiFi calling when you’re connected to a WiFi network.
When you make a call using WiFi calling, your iPhone will uses the internet connection to connect the call. The call quality is often better than traditional cellular calls, and you can even make calls from areas where cellular signals are weak or non-existent. Additionally, WiFi calling is often included in your existing cellular plan, so you won’t incur any additional charges.
Which iPhone models support WiFi calling?
All iPhone models from iPhone 6 and later support WiFi calling. This includes iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. If you have an older iPhone model, you won’t be able to use WiFi calling.
Before you can use WiFi calling, you’ll need to ensure that your carrier supports WiFi calling and that you have a compatible iPhone model. You’ll also need to enable WiFi calling on your iPhone by going to Settings > Phone > WiFi Calling. If you’re unsure about WiFi calling on your iPhone, you can contact your carrier for more information.
How do I enable WiFi calling on my iPhone?
To enable WiFi calling on your iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > WiFi Calling. Then, toggle on the WiFi Calling switch to enable the feature. You may be prompted to update your carrier settings or agree to the terms and conditions of WiFi calling. Once you’ve enabled WiFi calling, your iPhone will automatically switch to WiFi calling when you’re connected to a WiFi network.
Note that you may need to check with your carrier to see if WiFi calling is available in your area and if it’s included in your existing plan. Some carriers may require you to activate WiFi calling on their website or through their mobile app before you can use the feature on your iPhone.
Will WiFi calling affect my cellular data usage?
WiFi calling does not use your cellular data, so you won’t incur any additional data charges when using the feature. Since WiFi calling uses a WiFi network to make calls, it won’t affect your cellular data allowance. However, if you’re using a public WiFi network, you may need to be mindful of your data usage when using apps or browsing the internet.
Keep in mind that some carriers may still charge you for WiFi calls, especially if you’re making international calls. It’s always a good idea to check with your carrier to understand their WiFi calling policies and any potential charges.
Is WiFi calling secure?
WiFi calling is generally a secure way to make calls, as it uses the same encryption and security protocols as your cellular network. However, as with any internet-based service, there is a risk of interception or eavesdropping when using public WiFi networks.
To minimize the risk, it’s recommended that you use a secure and password-protected WiFi network whenever possible. You should also be cautious when using public WiFi networks and avoid making sensitive calls or sharing personal information when using these networks.
Can I use WiFi calling when abroad?
Yes, you can use WiFi calling when abroad, as long as you have a WiFi connection and your carrier supports international WiFi calling. This can be a cost-effective way to make calls when traveling abroad, as you won’t incur international roaming charges.
However, you should check with your carrier to see if they support international WiFi calling and if there are any additional fees or requirements. You should also be aware that some countries may have restrictions or laws regarding WiFi calling, so it’s always a good idea to check local regulations before using the feature.
What are the limitations of WiFi calling on iPhone?
While WiFi calling is a useful feature, there are some limitations to be aware of. One limitation is that WiFi calling may not work during emergency calls, such as 911 calls in the US. Additionally, WiFi calling may not be available in all areas, and the quality of the call can be affected by the quality of the WiFi connection.
Another limitation is that some carriers may not support WiFi calling on all their plans or in all areas. You should check with your carrier to see if WiFi calling is available on your plan and in your area. Finally, WiFi calling may not work on all iPhone models or iOS versions, so you should ensure that your device is compatible with the feature.