WiFi calling is a crucial feature for anyone who deals with spotty cellular reception—especially in buildings where signal struggles to penetrate, or in remote areas where tower coverage is weak. It uses a connected WiFi network to make and receive calls just like you would over a regular mobile network. But like any technology, it can sometimes fail.
TLDR: If WiFi calling isn’t working on your Android or iPhone, it could be due to a disabled setting, poor WiFi signal, outdated software, or issues with your mobile carrier. You can usually fix this by enabling WiFi calling in your settings, restarting your device, or resetting network settings. Make sure your device supports WiFi calling and that your carrier allows it. If all else fails, a call to your mobile provider may be necessary.
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Understanding How WiFi Calling Works
Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand what WiFi calling actually is. When enabled, WiFi calling allows your device to place calls using an internet connection instead of connecting to your mobile network. This can be essential in areas with poor or no cellular signal, and it doesn’t use your talk minutes if you’re on an unlimited plan. Mobile carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others support WiFi calling in many regions.
However, despite being a valuable feature, WiFi calling can fail due to a variety of reasons. Let’s look at common problems and how to fix them on both Android and iPhone devices.
1. Confirm WiFi Calling Is Enabled
It might sound obvious, but many users forget to enable WiFi calling after they’ve set up their phones or performed a software update. Here’s how to check:
For iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Phone.
- Tap Wi-Fi Calling.
- Turn on Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone.
For Android:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet or Connections.
- Tap Mobile Network.
- Select WiFi Calling and turn it on.
Different Android phone brands may call these options slightly different things or place them in varied locations, so consult your device manufacturer’s support site for more specific directions if you don’t see it immediately.
2. Check Your WiFi Connection
A strong and stable WiFi connection is essential for the feature to work. If the WiFi signal is weak or inconsistent, your phone may revert to using poor cellular service—or fail to make calls altogether.
Check your connection by opening a browser or app that requires internet. If pages are slow to load or don’t load at all, your WiFi likely isn’t strong enough to support a call. Try switching to a different network or resetting your router.
Also, be aware that some public networks, like those in hotels or cafes, may have firewalls blocking VoIP (Voice over IP) traffic, which includes WiFi calls. If you’re using a public connection and WiFi calling isn’t working, that could be the reason.
3. Restart Your Device
Sometimes, all your phone needs is a restart to re-establish system functions. This can clear temporary glitches and reset background services, including those responsible for call routing and data connections.
Power off your phone completely, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on. Once it boots up, give WiFi calling another try.
4. Make Sure Airplane Mode Isn’t Blocking Connections
Airplane Mode disables all wireless functions, including cellular and WiFi—although the latter can be re-enabled manually. If WiFi calling fails after you’ve recently used Airplane Mode, check to ensure that WiFi is back on and cellular functions are appropriately restored.
To avoid conflicts or confusion when relying solely on WiFi calling (especially in a zero-signal area), you can enable Airplane Mode and then manually turn on WiFi. This ensures the phone doesn’t attempt to route calls through the mobile network.
5. Update Your Software
WiFi calling is tightly integrated with your phone’s operating system. If your OS is out-of-date, connectivity issues may emerge, preventing the feature from working properly. Both Android and iOS users should regularly check for and install software updates:
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
On Android:
- Go to Settings > System > Software Update (this may vary).
- Tap Check for Updates.
Keeping your apps and firmware up to date can also prevent conflicts that interfere with WiFi calling services.
6. Reset Network Settings
If none of the above steps work, resetting your device’s network settings may help. This will erase saved WiFi networks and passwords, paired Bluetooth devices, and VPN settings, but it can resolve deep-seated connection issues interfering with functions like WiFi calling.
To reset on iPhone:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Select Reset > Reset Network Settings.
On Android:
- Go to Settings > System > Reset Options.
- Select Reset WiFi, Mobile & Bluetooth.
Keep your WiFi passwords handy—you’ll need to re-enter them after the reset.
7. Confirm Carrier and Device Support
Not all carriers and not all regions support WiFi calling. It’s essential to ensure that your mobile service provider offers the feature and that your specific phone model supports it.
Most modern smartphones from Apple and Samsung support WiFi calling, but some unlocked or international phones might lack the required firmware or certifications. Visit your carrier’s support page to check your phone’s compatibility.
Additionally, some carriers require activation or registration for WiFi calling. Make sure you’ve followed any prerequisites laid out by your provider.
8. When to Call Your Carrier’s Support
If you’ve tried everything so far and WiFi calling still isn’t working, your last resort might be reaching out to your mobile carrier’s customer service. They have access to your account-level settings and can identify whether the issue is something on their server-side—such as a blocked feature or provisioning error.
Be sure to have your phone’s model number and current OS version ready when you call or chat with support, as it will streamline the diagnosis process.
Preventative Best Practices
To ensure WiFi calling continues to work effectively:
- Keep your phone’s OS and carrier settings up to date.
- Regularly restart your device to maintain optimal performance.
- Avoid joining public WiFi networks that are overly restrictive or unsecured.
- Use a strong and stable home WiFi network with a reliable ISP.
In Conclusion
WiFi calling is a lifeline when cellular reception disappoints, but occasional hiccups are bound to happen. Whether you’re using an iPhone or Android device, there’s a clear checklist of things you can try to get it working again—from checking settings and signal strength to updating software or resetting network configurations.
By following the steps above methodically, you can often resolve the issue yourself without needing professional support. But if problems persist, don’t hesitate to contact your provider and clarify that everything on your end is up to spec. With the right setup, WiFi calling can be a dependable tool in your connection arsenal.