What is WiFi Calling?
Unsure about what WiFi calling is or how it works? This article will answer your questions and tell you all you need to know about WiFi calling.
What is WiFi Calling?
A wireless router typically provides about 150 feet of range from where it is located. However, this range is subjected to factors such as building materials and so on. WiFi offers users the opportunity to make voice calls from their mobile phone via a wireless internet connection.
This means users won’t have to utilize conventional telecom providers (cellular service) such as Verizon to make calls.
The WiFi calling feature is particularly useful for business stability, as it can serve as a backup connection when the company network connection malfunctions.
How Does WiFi Calling Work?
The easiest way to make a call over Wi-Fi is via a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) system. The VoIP communicates with a carrier over the internet connection to set up a phone line.
This is just a simple definition, but it’s a little more complex than that. To the user, though, it seems like a simple process.
These days, several apps offer WiFi calling. Facebook Messenger, Skype, and WhatsApp utilize VoIP to make calls within the United States and other countries. With the currently available devices and their capability, you can easily get a strong network connection.
Some apps on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store allow users to make WiFi calls from their Apple or Android devices, even without a SIM Card or a cellular connection.
Essentially, enabled WiFi calling utilizes VoIP to offer an improved calling experience. As a business owner, you can choose the rate plan and phone number perfect for your business.
WiFi calling is also an excellent way to avoid spending a lot of money on cellular company services. Users can easily take advantage of the highly technologically advanced wireless routers without worrying about dropped calls.
How to Turn On Wi-Fi calling on iPhone
Say goodbye to old apps such as Skype and hello to easy WiFi calling. Whether you use an iPhone XS or iPhone 6, the call process is the same. All you have to do is go to your phone settings and tap on the Mobile Data option.
There, you will see a heading – WiFi calling. Click on the icon and slide the WiFi calling toggle to ‘On.’ Process completed. And now you can make calls using your WiFi connection.
However, if you want to use just WiFi to make calls on your iPhone instead of using the cellular network, you have to switch off the mobile data. To do this, go to your phone settings, then tap on Cellular Data, and slide the toggle to Off.
Whether you have an iPad, iPod, or iPhone, the process is the same because they are all iOS devices.
It is necessary to mention that several Apple devices automatically run on Wi-Fi connections. A common example of an iOS service that uses an automatic Wi-Fi connection is iMessage. This service utilizes WiFi instead of cellular data to send as well as receive text messages.
The messages all go through your U.S number; hence receivers won’t tell the difference. However, iMessage only works between Apple devices. If a Samsung phone, for instance, sends a text to an iPhone device, it will deliver as a regular text and not an iMessage.
How to Enable Wi-Fi Calling on Android Devices
Does the android operating system support call through Wi-Fi? Yes, the Android operating system supports calls via Wi-Fi just like iOS does.
To turn on Wi-Fi calling, go to your phone settings. Tap the Network & Internet button. Then, tap on Wi-Fi Preferences and click Advanced.
A toggle for Wi-Fi calling will show up. Slide the toggle to ‘On.’ Next, turn off your regular mobile data by turning on Airplane Mode. This Airplane Mode will disable cellular data usage on your device. Hence, outgoing and incoming calls will be done automatically through Wi-Fi.
Do You Get Charged For Wi-Fi Calling?
Typically, phone calls made with a cellular connection are charged from your monthly plan allowance. This applies to Wi-Fi calling as well. It is deducted from your voice plan without any extra charge.
For employees who telecommute, Wi-Fi calling is a great alternative. They won’t have to pay excessive international rates while making calls across borders. The calls are charged from the data plan.
Pros of Wi-Fi Calling
Wi-Fi calling lets you talk to people located in remote areas. With this mode of calling, you don’t have to be close to a cellphone tower. All you require is a strong internet connection.
Wi-Fi calls can prolong the life of your battery. With a cellular connection, your device is constantly searching for cellular networks to connect to. For Wi-Fi calls, your device sticks to one network till you decide to disconnect.
Cons of Wi-Fi Calling
An issue with Wi-Fi calling is the potential for interruption from your network, as well as other VoIP issues. These are all avoidable issues, yet echoes and delays can still happen if your network connection is faulty.
Video calls via Wi-Fi can also be affected by these network challenges. This is why it is not ideal for remote employees stuck in places like airports where the Wi-Fi connection is congested. Their cellular connection will likely be more stable and stronger.
The downside to Wi-Fi is that the connection might not be as strong as cellular data. If many people share one Wi-Fi hotspot at once, it may weaken the HD voice quality of the Wi-Fi call. This typically happens in congested areas like stadiums or shopping arenas.
FAQs
Can I make emergency calls with Wi-Fi?
It is advisable to use cellular data for emergency calls. When a call is made using cellular data, it pings the closest cell towers.
Emergency services can utilize this data to track your location and direct your call to the closest PSAP (public safety answering point).
Nonetheless, Wi-Fi calls can still be made during an emergency but ensure you tell the operator your precise location.
Is Wi-Fi calling safe?
Yes. When using a Wi-Fi connection to make a call, your voice is encrypted, even when the Wi-Fi network is not secure or protected by a password.
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Conclusion
Most Android and Apple devices support Wi-Fi calling. This calling mode allows you to bypass your traditional phone service provider (and the attendant cost). It is also an excellent backup
option in case your cellular network fails.
As long as your device supports Wi-Fi, you can easily make and enjoy Wi-Fi calling.
