Wi-Fi Calling: What It Is, How It Works, and When to Use It

What is Wi-Fi calling?

You already use Wi-Fi to browse, stream, and message when you’re on the go – but did you know it can also handle your phone calls and texts? That’s the idea behind Wi-Fi calling (also known as VoWiFi, or Voice over Wi-Fi).

How is Wi-Fi calling different than regular calling?

Instead of relying solely on nearby cell towers, your phone can place calls and send texts through a Wi-Fi network – the same one you use to get online. The best part? It’s built right into your phone’s native calling and messaging features. No extra apps, accounts, or logins required – you need only be within range of a Wi-Fi network.

When Wi-Fi calling is enabled, your phone securely routes your voice calls and SMS messages over the internet rather than through a cellular signal. That means you can talk and text normally even in places where cell coverage struggles – like indoors, in basements, or in some remote or rural areas.

What Wi-Fi calling is not

Wi-Fi calling isn’t a third-party service like WhatsApp. It’s different from cellular calling technologies such as Voice over LTE (VoLTE) on 4G or Voice over New Radio (VoNR) on 5G. These services use your carrier’s network instead of Wi-Fi. While all of them transmit voice or video as data, Wi-Fi calling sends it over the internet rather than the cellular network.

How Wi-Fi calling works: 4 steps

1. Voice becomes data packets – Your phone converts your voice into small digital packets and sends them securely over a Wi-Fi connection.
2. Carrier routing – Those packets travel through the internet to your carrier’s network, where the call is processed and connected to the other person just like a regular phone call.
3. Network switching – If your Wi-Fi signal weakens and cellular service becomes available, many phones and carriers can seamlessly switch the call from Wi-Fi to the mobile network without dropping it.
4. Emergency services – Because Wi-Fi doesn’t always provide an exact physical location, you’re required to register an E911 address with your carrier.* This helps emergency responders locate you at the address on file if you call 911 over Wi-Fi. (Most newer phones can share GPS or satellite location automatically during emergencies, but this depends on your device and carrier.)

How to enable Wi-Fi calling for iPhone and Android

Enabling Wi-Fi calling takes just a few steps, but the exact process depends on whether you’re using an iPhone or Android. Below are detailed instructions.

How to enable Wi-Fi calling on iPhone

Extra tip for Dual SIM users: If you use multiple lines on your iPhone, make sure to select the line you want Wi-Fi calling enabled for under Settings > Cellular Plans.

How to enable Wi-Fi calling on Android

Steps may vary slightly depending on your phone brand (Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, etc.), but the process is similar:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Connections (Samsung) or Network & Internet (Pixel and most Android phones)
3. Look for Wi-Fi Calling
4. Toggle the feature On
5. Enter or confirm your E911 address when prompted
6. You’ll see Wi-Fi Calling or a small phone + Wi-Fi icon in the status bar when the feature is active

Pro tip: If you can’t find it, use the Settings search bar at the top and type “Wi-Fi calling.”

How to enable Wi-Fi calling with T-Mobile specifically

1. Ensure your T-Mobile account is active and that your device supports Wi-Fi calling. (Most modern iPhone and Android models do.)
2. Register your E911 emergency address through your device settings or T-Mobile account.
3. From there, T-Mobile offers guides that walk you through enabling the feature based on your phone type. You can find that information here: T-Mobile Device Support.

7 benefits of Wi-Fi calling

There are several advantages to enabling Wi-Fi calling:

1. Extra coverage – Stay connected in buildings or areas where cellular signals are weak or unavailable, but a Wi-Fi signal is present.
2. Clearer audio quality – Strong Wi-Fi connections can deliver higher-quality calls with fewer dropouts.
3. No extra cost – Calls and texts over Wi-Fi are typically included in your existing plan, with no additional charges for U.S. usage.
4. International advantage – When abroad, you may be able to call or text U.S. numbers over Wi-Fi without incurring international charges (depending on your carrier).
5. Battery savings – Your phone may use less battery power when connected to Wi-Fi compared to searching for a weak cellular signal.
6. Data savings – Calls and texts use Wi-Fi instead of cellular data, which can help reduce your mobile data usage.
7. Seamless experience – On supported devices and networks, calls may switch between Wi-Fi and cellular networks without dropping.

Is Wi-Fi calling free?

If you have a voice plan, Wi-Fi calling should be included in that plan. Calls and texts are billed as if they were made on the cellular network.

• In the U.S. – Treated like a standard call under your plan
• Abroad – Calls back to the U.S. are typically free; calls to non-U.S. numbers may incur charges

Should I leave Wi-Fi calling on or off?

It’s usually best to keep Wi-Fi calling turned on, especially if you often find yourself in areas with weak cellular coverage or when traveling internationally. Having it enabled ensures that your phone can automatically switch to Wi-Fi to keep calls and texts connected when cell signal isn’t reliable.

That said, there are times when you might want to turn it off. If you notice frequent call drops when your phone switches between Wi-Fi and cellular networks, such as when leaving your home or office, disabling the feature can provide a more consistent experience.

5 challenges of Wi-Fi calling

Wi-Fi calling is powerful but not perfect. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Troubleshooting common Wi-Fi calling issues

If Wi-Fi calling isn’t working, try these fixes:

1. Confirm E911 address is set – Without it, Wi-Fi calling may be blocked.
2. Ensure Wi-Fi is stable – Test with a speed test app or load websites.
3. Toggle Wi-Fi Calling off and on – A quick refresh can solve glitches.
4. Restart your phone – A reboot often clears temporary errors.
5. Update your software – Check for updates.
6. Switch Wi-Fi networks – Some routers or networks block VoIP traffic.
7. Reset network settings – Clears cached connections and profiles.
8. Check with your carrier – Confirm your plan supports Wi-Fi calling.

Wi-Fi calling: 5 FAQs

1. Is Wi-Fi calling free?
   Usually. Most carriers include it as part of your voice plan. It should be free when you use it with a U.S. number.
2. Will Wi-Fi calling use my cellular data?
   No - if the call routes over Wi-Fi, it doesn’t use your mobile data.
3. Should I keep Wi-Fi calling on all the time?
   Yes, especially if you’re often in areas with weak cellular coverage.
4. Can I make 911 calls via Wi-Fi?
   Yes, but only if your E911 address is registered. The emergency dispatch will see that address, not necessarily your precise location.
5. Does Wi-Fi calling work abroad?
   Yes, many carriers allow Wi-Fi calling while roaming internationally. Check your plan, as international calling may incur charges.

Is Wi-Fi calling right for you?

Wi-Fi calling extends your coverage and helps avoid roaming charges. It’s simple to set up, built into most modern phones, and generally free to use.

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^{*When you first enable Wi-Fi Calling on T-Mobile, you must provide us with the primary street address at which the Wi-Fi Calling service will be used (“Your E911 Registered Address”). If you call 911 over Wi-Fi we may transmit Your E911 Registered Address to the 911 Communications Center, who may use it to help emergency responders locate you, but you may need to provide your contact information and current location. You agree to update Your E911 Registered Address if you plan on using Wi-Fi Calling service at a location different from Your E911 Registered Address. You can update Your E911 Registered Address by accessing your MyT-Mobile.com account or by contacting T-Mobile Customer Care. Not available in countries where Wi-Fi Calling is prohibited by law, including North Korea, Iran, and Syria.}

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