Is it possible to have reliable calls on Wifi? (2024)

FAQs

Is Wi-Fi calling reliable? ›

Disadvantages of Wi-Fi calling:

Dependent on Internet Speed: If the Wi-Fi connection is poor or unstable, call quality can suffer, leading to dropped calls or low-quality audio. Limited Availability: Not all mobile carriers or phones support Wi-Fi calling, so you might need to check compatibility.

🎛 Check your internet speed

Most cell phone carriers recommend a minimum of 1 Mbps upload/download speed for Wi-Fi calling. However, speeds of at least 5 Mbps or higher provide better call clarity.

It can improve call quality, but Wi-Fi calling can also extend your phone's battery life, as weak cell signals cause your phone to use more power to boost the connection. Updated January 2023: We updated the instructions for Wi-Fi calling on Android phones.

Once you've set up Wi-Fi calling, you can make a call over Wi-Fi just as you would any other call. When you're connected to the Internet, you'll see 'Internet call' or 'Wi-Fi calling' on the notification screen. When you're not connected to Wi-Fi, your calls will use your mobile operator, if you have one.

The Cons. While Wi-Fi calling can be a great option for calls from home, it's considerably less reliable in public settings. If you're in a cafe or a hotel, think of all the bandwidth that is shared between multiple users all actively using the same network.

If you haven't had an update on your phone recently, you can also turn off Wi-Fi calling and Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) to protect from hackers. Wi-Fi calling allows you to make calls and send text messages when you aren't connected to cell service while VoLTE uses your LTE network instead of the usual network.

Should You Keep WiFi Calling on All the Time? To make sure you get the best possible signal during mobile phone calls, keeping WiFi calling on is a good idea. If you are using a public WiFi network (at a cafe or hotel, for instance), the network's signal strength might not be as strong as at your home.

WiFi calling allows you to call or text from any location with a WiFi connection. This can be a major benefit, especially if you are in an area that a cellular network doesn't reach. So, what are the advantages of WiFi calling? In addition, WiFi calling doesn't require a lot of bandwidth.

The service is available on most Android and iOS devices, and the user experience is similar to any other phone call. Wi-Fi calling will, by default, connect a user to a Wi-Fi network instead of using the individual's mobile data.

Wi-Fi calling can be used to call emergency services in the event cellular service isn't available. Even though wireless carriers often tout their beefy nationwide 5G networks, sometimes you might be somewhere without any cellular service.

Does Wi-Fi calling automatically switch to cellular? ›

When Wi-Fi Calling is available, “Wi-Fi” is displayed after your carrier name in the status bar, and all your calls go through Wi-Fi. Note: If the Wi-Fi connection is lost when you make calls, calls switch automatically to your carrier's cellular network using VoLTE (Voice over LTE), if available and turned on.

Tip: You can send texts over Wi-Fi even if you don't have cell service. Just use Messages as you normally would. If you're not connected to Wi-Fi, make sure cellular data is turned on: On your Android device, open the Settings app.

Extended coverage: As long as there is access to a WiFi network, WiFi calling allows making and receiving calls even in areas with poor cellular reception. Cost savings: If you have an unlimited or inexpensive WiFi internet plan, making calls over WiFi can help save on cellular minutes or long-distance charges.

Before you turn off your Wi-Fi, decide why you want to turn it off. Reasons to turn off Wi-Fi include the cost and affordability of the service, the need for a Wi-Fi connection, or the security issues with a Wi-Fi connection. You may not need to disable your Wi-Fi; hiding it from others could solve the problem.

You can use Wi-Fi calling without a service on some carriers. If your carrier doesn't offer Wi-Fi calling, you can still do so through a voice over IP service.