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Senior Writer: Supriya Bajaj
Date: November 28, 2023Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to make an urgent call but could not find any cellular service? With wifi calling, this is no longer a problem. Wi-Fi calls allow users to make and receive calls using Wi-Fi networks instead of cellular connections, making it easier and more reliable than ever before to stay connected.
In this article, we’ll answer the question “What is Wifi Calling?” and provide an overview of how to use it on an iPhone and Android.
So, let’s get started.
What is Wi-Fi Calling?
Wi-Fi calling is a technology for making phone calls over the internet. It works similarly to regular cellular network Calling, but instead of using a cell tower, it routes the call through your home Wi-Fi network. This allows users to make and receive calls in areas with weak or no cell coverage.
Additionally, many services provide one or more free VoIP applications that use wifi calls to make free or inexpensive international calls. Wi-Fi calling is becoming increasingly popular, especially as data plans become more expensive and networks experience congestion during peak hours.
Its versatility and ease of access make it an attractive alternative to traditional phone services.
So now you know what WiFi is calling, but you must wonder how it works. Let’s get into the details.
How Does WiFi Calling Work?
As mentioned above, WiFi Calling harnesses the power of your Wi-Fi network to make and receive phone calls and text messages, providing you with a reliable cellular experience even when cellular networks are unreliable or unavailable. But how does WiFi calling work on iPhone or Android?
It works by connecting your device to a WiFi network connected to the internet, using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology to send and receive voice transmissions via audio packets sent over the same secure Wi-Fi network.
This streamlined connection provides clear, crisp audio with minimal latency – so you can easily stay in touch regardless of where you are.
And if you ever find yourself without WiFi access, no problem – as long as your device has an active cellular connection, it should automatically switch to an available carrier connection.
Advantages and Disadvantages of WiFi Calling
By reading above, you must be thinking about switching to WI-FI Calling. But it might only be the best decision with knowing the advantages and disadvantages.
So, let’s first discuss some advantages and disadvantages of WiFi calling first.
Advantages of WiFi Calling
Advantages of WiFi Calling include:
1. Increased Reliability:
With traditional cellular networks, reception can often be unreliable in certain areas due to poor signal strength or environmental obstructions. With Wi-Fi calling, however, calls are routed through a secure and reliable WiFi connection that is free from interference or disruptions. This ensures clear and consistent audio quality no matter where you are located.
2. Lower Costs:
Because wi fi connection calls do not rely on carrier services, they tend to be much cheaper than traditional cellular network plans. Additionally, many services provide one or more free VoIP applications that allow users to make inexpensive international calls over wifi connections.
3. Greater Coverage:
Wi-Fi calling offers greater coverage than traditional cellular networks, allowing users to make and receive calls even in areas with weak or no cellular service coverage.
4. Improved Quality:
Wi-Fi connections offer clear, crisp audio with minimal latency – so you can easily stay connected without worrying about dropped calls or poor sound quality.
5. Greater Compatibility:
Wi-Fi calling can be used on most smartphones, regardless of their network provider, making it more versatile and accessible than other options.
6. Easy To Set Up:
Setting up Wi-Fi calling is often a simple process that requires only a few taps and clicks on your device. Additionally, many services provide step-by-step instructions for activating their Wi-Fi calling service.
7. Reduced Roaming Costs:
Because Wi-Fi calling does not rely entirely on carrier services, users can make and receive calls from abroad without incurring expensive roaming fees, but the additional charges still apply.
8. Management of Mobile Data Usage:
Wi-Fi calling allows users to manage their mobile data usage by choosing when they want to use a connection with better coverage but higher data costs or one with weak coverage but no additional cost.
9. Increased Privacy:
Wi-Fi Calling is encrypted using the same security protocols used for other internet communications, ensuring your conversations remain private and secure.
10. International Calls:
With Wi-Fi calling, international calls can be made easily and at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. Additionally, many VoIP applications allow users to call landlines or mobiles in other countries for free. This makes it an ideal solution for anyone who needs to make frequent overseas calls.
Disadvantages of WiFi Calling
Disadvantages of Wi-Fi Calling include:
1. Limited Coverage Areas:
Wi-Fi calling is limited to certain geographic areas and may only be available in some places. Additionally, even if it is available, you will need access to a reliable WiFi connection.
2. Interference and Network Congestion:
Wi-Fi calls are vulnerable to interference from other wireless devices and network congestion in heavily populated areas. This can lead to dropped calls or poor audio quality.
3. Security Concerns:
Wi-Fi calling is encrypted, but some users may still be concerned about their data security when calling over an unsecured WiFi connection.
4. Data Usage:
Although Wi-Fi calling is generally cheaper than traditional cellular network plans, it requires data, which could result in additional costs for heavy users who exceed their monthly limits.
5. Limited Handset Compatibility:
Not all handsets are compatible with Wi-Fi calling, so users may purchase a new device to take advantage of this technology. Additionally, some handsets may require specific settings to be enabled before you can use Wi-Fi calling.
Overall, Wi-Fi calling is a great tool for staying connected in areas with poor cellular coverage. Still, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages before deciding if this technology is right for you.
It can be a cost-effective method of communication, but users should be aware of the potential risks involved and make sure they take necessary precautions to protect their privacy.
How to set up Wi-Fi calling?
As you can see, there are a lot more advantages of WiFi calling as compared to disadvantages. So, everyone in the world should try it at least once. Or you can also try it for emergency services.
And to help you, the following are some simple and easy-to-follow steps to help you set up WiFi calling on your iPhone or Android.
How to set up Wi-Fi Calls on iPhone?
Setting up Wi-Fi calling is usually simple, requiring only a few taps and clicks on your device.
All you need to do is follow the steps given below and enable WiFi calling:
Step 1. Open the Settings app and select “Phone.”
Step 2. Tap the “Wi-Fi Calling” option and follow the on-screen instructions to turn it on.
Step 3. Enter your address to enable emergency services access in case of an emergency.
Step 4. Agree to the terms of service, then tap Enable to confirm your Wi-Fi calling is active.
Now all the calls made through your device will use the Wi-Fi connection instead of your cellular plan.
How to use Wi-Fi calling on Android?
Using Wi-Fi calling on Android is a bit more complicated than on iPhone, but it can still be done with just a few clicks.
Step 1. Open the Phone app and select “Settings.”
Step 2. Tap the “WiFi” option and select “Wi-Fi Preferences.”
Step 3. Here you will see the WiFi-Calling option. All you have to do is, turn it On.
Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to turn Wi-Fi calling on, then enter your address to enable emergency services access in case of an emergency.
Step 5. Agree to the terms of service, then tap Enable to confirm your Wi-Fi calls are active.
Now you can make and receive calls through your device using a Wi-Fi connection instead of your cellular plan.
You can also adjust the settings to prioritize your WiFi connection or use only a particular network for calls.
You May Also Read : Best WiFi Texting Apps for Android, IOS, and PC
WiFi Calling Vs. Cellular Calling
Before switching from the traditional calling method to WiFi Calling, it’s important to understand the difference between WiFi and cellular Calling. While both technologies allow you to make calls using your mobile device, there are a few key differences, such as:
- WiFi Calling is usually cheaper than traditional cellular plans because it uses data instead of minutes.
- WiFi Calling only works in areas with adequate signal strength, while Cellular Calling will work almost anywhere.
- Wi-Fi Calling can be vulnerable to interference or network congestion in heavily populated areas, leading to dropped calls or poor audio quality.
- Wi-Fi Calls are encrypted for security but use unsecured networks, so users may have privacy concerns when making a call over Wi-Fi.
- Cellular Calling is usually more reliable than Wi-Fi Calling but can also be more expensive.
- Wi-Fi Calling allows for higher quality audio and video calling than cellular plans.
- With WiFi Calling, you can make calls from anywhere worldwide as long as there is an available network connection.
- WiFi Calling offers better call clarity compared to traditional cellular plans.
- Cellular plans usually have more features such as voicemail, caller ID, and call forwarding, which may not be available with Wi-Fi Calling.
- Some mobile carriers may limit or even block Wi-Fi Calls depending on their terms of service.
Knowing these differences allows you to decide which type of call is best for your needs and ensure you get the most out of it while protecting your privacy.
WiFi Calling Vs. VoIP
Besides WiFi Calling, you might have also heard about VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol. VoIP is similar to WiFi Calling, but instead of using your device’s cellular connection, it uses the internet to make calls.
VoIP services usually offer more features than WiFi Calling, such as conference calls, video conferencing, and enhanced audio quality. They are also generally cheaper than traditional cellular plans.
However, VoIP requires a dedicated internet connection with adequate bandwidth for good call quality and may not be available in some areas. Additionally, VoIP calls are encrypted for security but rely on unsecured networks, which can pose privacy concerns for users.
In conclusion, WiFi Calling and VoIP have advantages and disadvantages depending on your needs. It’s important to research each option carefully before making a decision. Knowing the differences between these two technologies and their respective advantages can help you make the best choice for your calling needs.
FAQs
So WiFi calling is a great feature, but some common questions come into everyone’s mind. Following are some of them.
1. Should Wi-Fi calling be on or off?
It depends on your needs. If you are in an area with poor cellular reception but a strong Wi-Fi signal, it is a good idea to turn on Wi-Fi calling so that you can make and receive calls without interruption.
2. Is Wi-Fi calling free?
It depends on your carrier and plan. Some carriers offer Wi-Fi calling for free, while others may charge a fee for this service. But wi fi calling feature is mostly free of cost between the same cellular networks like t mobile to t mobile calling.
3. Is WiFi calling safe?
Yes, most Wi-Fi networks are secure and encrypted as compared to cellular voice calls. However, it is important to know that some unsecured public networks may still pose a security risk when using Wi-Fi Calling.
4. Does WiFi Calling Always Need to stay Activated?
It depends on your needs and location. If you are in an area with good mobile reception, it may be optional to activate Wi-Fi Calling. However, activating it for better call quality and reliability can be beneficial if you are in an area with poor cell reception or frequently travel abroad.
5. Is WiFi calling considered VoIP or the same thing as VoIP?
No, WiFi Calling is different from VoIP. While both technologies use the internet to make calls, WiFi Calling relies on your device’s cellular connection, while VoIP uses a dedicated internet connection. VoIP has more features than WiFi Calling and is more affordable than traditional cellular plans.
6. Can I use WiFi Calling overseas?
Yes, you can make and receive calls using Wi-Fi when traveling overseas. However, it is important to note that some carriers may limit or even block this service depending on their terms of service. It is also important to be aware that unsecured networks in some countries may pose a security risk when using Wi-Fi Calling.
Conclusion
Now that you know everything about wifi calling, from how it works to the advantages and disadvantages, as well as how to set it up on your iPhone or Android device, you can decide whether or not this is a feature you want to take advantage of.
If you frequently have trouble getting good cellular service in your home or office, wifi calling may be a great solution. However, if you have strong cell service everywhere and don’t mind using data when making calls, there’s no need to turn on this feature.
Supriya is a highly skilled content writer with over 8 years of experience in the SaaS domain. She believes in curating engaging, informative, and SEO-friendly content to simplify highly technical concepts. With an expansive portfolio of long-format blogs, newsletters, whitepapers, and case studies, Supriya is dedicated to staying in touch with emerging SaaS trends to produce relevant and reliable content.
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