VoWiFi or WiFi Calling is a Voice over IP (VoIP) based telephony service that allows calls on devices over WiFi. Opposed to cellular calls, VoWiFi offers superior coverage and better voice quality in urban areas for which they have become a more popular option among modern-day smartphone users. We explain everything about what VoWiFi is, how to enable it on Android / iOS, its advantages, disadvantages, etc. in detail below. Keep reading.
What is VoWiFi?
In essence, VoWiFi uses data for the transmission of calls, SMS, and MMS. Just like VoLTE, it is different from cellular calls placed over the traditional mobile network. However, it requires network-level support, a compatible SIM card, and a handset. The operator must have IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) core in its network while the device also must have VoWiFi toggled on.
To place a call using VoWiFi, you don’t need a third-party app. You can use the default dialer app that comes with your phone but ensure that your device is connected to an active WiFi network. And even if WiFi gets disconnected during a WiFi call, it switches to VoLTE.
If you have VoWiFi on or making such a call, you will see an icon as shown above. Depending on brands and models, different phones may show different icons however, this would mean that WiFi Calling service is on your device.
Benefits of VoWiFi
Being different from a traditional cellular call, VoWiFi does come with its fair share of advantages.
- No need for a mobile network.
- VoWiFi offers superior call quality.
- Since it uses data, the indoor call will always be of higher quality due to signal reception.
- It’s supported by most smartphones, and more carriers around the world have begun rolling out their support for it.
- You also don’t need another person to be on VoWiFi. The recipient can be on any network (2G, 3G, 4G, VoLTE, VoWiFi) but they will receive a call even if it’s done over WiFi.
- Easier to set up.
Read also: Evolution of Mobile Technology (1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G)
Disadvantages of VoWiFi
However, there are some caveats to using VoWiFi (WiFi Calling):
- It’s internet reliant so won’t work without WiFi.
- Can get disconnected or provide poor voice service if the WiFi network is unstable or of a low-speed package.
- It’s not free.
- Not all phones and carriers support VoWiFi.
- VoWiFi or WiFi calling doesn’t support international calls or roaming.
- It doesn’t work when the device has its Flight mode turned on.
VoWiFi Compatible devices
Most flagship devices these days, whether Android or iOS, come with VoWiFi support, especially flagship ones. If you own a device that is not older than two years, you are still likely to have the feature on it. The gist is regardless of any smartphone platform, you are more likely to have the option of a WiFi Calling feature than not.
Just like with VoLTE, carriers also need to work with phone makers and regulators to optimize VoWiFi so that it works smoothly on its network on different devices.
Now, let’s talk about how you can activate VoWiFi Calls on different smartphone platforms.
Also recommended: Types of 5G Network With Different Variants, and Releases
Steps to activate VoWiFi on Android phones
Below are the steps to activate VoWiFi on Android:
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to network settings.
- Turn on VoWiFi Calling.
- In case of a dual-SIM phone, first, tap the SIM of your choice and then enable the WiFi calling feature.
Steps to activate VoWiFi on iPhones
Enabling VoWiFi or WiFi Calling on iOS iPhones is easy. Find the steps below:
- Go to your iPhone’s Settings.
- Tap Phone.
- Check the WiFi Calling option.
Should I use VoWiFi?
VoWiFi is ideal when the mobile network is not available or low in coverage. But whether you should prefer VoWiFi calls is entirely dependent on your need and choice as well as its availability. Cellular calls are still the default choice in mobile phones as they are more readily available for all. However, WiFi Calling provides better audio calls especially if you are indoors where the WiFi coverage, calls over the WiFi are always better. Or you can also use it in combination with VoLTE and regular calls. Having an option only adds to more productivity for you when you need it.
But you should find out if your carrier charges you any differently for WiFi calls from regular calls. We suggest that if you are in need to convey vital information or are in a meeting where you must ensure better audio delivery, you may want to place WiFi calls to be good on your part.