What Is Wi-Fi Calling and How Does It Affect Your Phone Calls?

Reading Time: 6 minutes

When Cell Signals Drop, Wi-Fi Calling Keeps You Talking

Mobile signals bouncing between dead zones, walls too thick, or travelling abroad? Your Android phone might already have the solution: Wi-Fi Calling.

It lets you make calls over Wi-Fi, not just your mobile network. The call connects through your internet, not a cell tower. That means you can call someone while you’re in a rural cabin or at the back of a metal-clad warehouse. As long as your Wi-Fi is stable, your voice stays clear.

Whether you’re looking to call over WiFi Android, place a phone call through the internet, or simply need a free wifi phone call app, this feature bridges your device and the network better than you think.

What Is Wi-Fi Calling?

A Quick Redefinition of the Phone Call

Wi-Fi calling is the ability to make phone calls using the internet, specifically, your Wi-Fi network. Your voice gets transmitted using VoIP (Voice over IP), the same core that powers modern communication apps.

In simple terms, you don’t need signal bars; you just need a solid Wi-Fi connection.

If you’re asking, “What does WiFi call mean?”, it means freedom. It turns any location with internet into a fully functional calling zone.

Here’s what it does:

• Routes your call over the Wi-Fi instead of the cell tower
• Works just like a regular call, same phone number, same contacts
• No need to install anything extra if your device supports it
• You can still text and send multimedia when Wi-Fi calling is enabled

How to Turn On Wi-Fi Calling on Android

Enabling Wi-Fi calling is simpler than it sounds. If you’ve been asking, “How do I make a call on WiFi?”, start here:

• Open Settings
• Tap Connections or Network & Internet
• Find Wi-Fi Calling
• Toggle it on
• Enter your emergency address for 911 services
• Make sure you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network

Done. Now you’re ready to call using the internet, even with zero signal.

On some Android devices, you can set preferences like “Wi-Fi preferred” to force the phone to make calls over Wi-Fi whenever available.

Wi-Fi Calling Android vs. Cellular Calling

So, does Wi-Fi calling cost money? For most users, no. If your cellular plan includes unlimited minutes, Wi-Fi calling usually draws from that bucket. It won’t add unexpected charges. That’s why it’s often used for free calling over the internet, especially abroad.

Where Does Wi-Fi Calling Work Best?

If you’ve ever noticed your phone won’t call out in elevators, basements, or concrete buildings, this is where Wi-Fi calling shines. It also works great in:

• Homes with patchy coverage
• Offices with dense walls
• Airports and public transit areas
• International hotels (no roaming fees)
• Apartment buildings

Whether you’re making phone calls over Wi-Fi or trying to set up Wi-Fi calling iPhone or Android, location plays a role, but Wi-Fi strength plays a bigger one.

Devices That Support Wi-Fi Calling

Wondering “What is Android WiFi Calling” or whether your phone supports it? Here’s a short list of compatible device categories:

• Android 6.0 and above (Samsung, OnePlus, Pixel, Motorola)
• Most phones from 2015 onward
• iPhones running iOS 10 or later (yes, iPhone Wi-Fi calling exists)
• Devices with eSIM or physical SIM cards

Your device manufacturer and carrier must support this feature to make a phone call via the internet.

How to Make a Call on Wi-Fi

Once Wi-Fi calling is enabled, your phone doesn’t change how you dial. Open your regular dialer. Call like you always do. The phone automatically switches to a call via the internet if the Wi-Fi signal is stronger than your mobile network.

There’s no need to open a separate app, and no special number format is required.

1. Spotting the Difference

You might see icons like:

A phone symbol with a Wi-Fi signal
A small label “Wi-Fi Call” near the contact name
Network name changes showing “Wi-Fi Calling”

These visual cues tell you your call is running through your internet—not your cell tower. You’re now making phone calls via WiFi, and unless you’re deep in a blackout zone, that call isn’t dropping.

Is Wi-Fi Calling Free?

Let’s settle it. Does Wi-Fi calling cost money? For most U.S. carriers and users—no. You’re billed just like a regular voice call if you’re using a postpaid or prepaid plan. No extra fees. If you’re calling internationally, charges may vary based on your carrier’s international rates, even if the call flows through Wi-Fi.

But if you’re:

• On public Wi-Fi
• Travelling abroad and connected to hotel Wi-Fi
• Inside a rural office with satellite internet

Then yes, you could be saving big. Many users activate aeroplane mode, keep Wi-Fi on, and call phone using internet back home, without triggering roaming charges.

Vitel Global’s VoIP platform follows a similar model. We help businesses activate free Wi-Fi calling and VoIP-based calls on any Android or desktop device, reducing dependency on SIM-based services and minimising cost.

What Does “With Wi-Fi” or “Wi-Fi Calling” Actually Mean?

It means your voice doesn’t rely on mobile towers anymore. When you see “with Wi-Fi” or “Wi-Fi Call” next to a contact, that’s confirmation that your phone is using your internet for the connection.

This is especially useful when you’re:

• Inside elevators or underground
• In metal-heavy structures where mobile signals vanish
• Trying to call from international airports

What If You Don’t See Wi-Fi Calling?

Not all phones or carriers support it out of the box. If your Wi-Fi calling Android toggle doesn’t appear, try this:

• Go to Settings > Connections
• Use the search bar and type Wi-Fi Calling
• If still not found, update your phone software
• Confirm with your carrier that your plan includes it
• Reinsert or activate your SIM/eSIM
• Connect to a high-speed Wi-Fi network

Still missing? You may need to enable it via your carrier account dashboard or contact customer support to activate the feature.

If you’re running a business and facing issues with call work via Wi-Fi, Vitel Global’s solutions work around these limitations. Our cloud-based VoIP system allows free calling over the internet, even on devices without native Wi-Fi calling.

Wi-Fi Calling vs. Free Calling Apps

There’s a big difference between Wi-Fi calling and a free phone app WiFi service.

If you’re looking for free Wi-Fi phone call app experiences, sure, apps like WhatsApp or Viber work well, but they require the other person to use the same app.

On the other hand, you can call landlines, mobiles, and businesses, just like a regular phone, using wifi calling

Troubleshooting: When Wi-Fi Calling Doesn’t Work

Even with everything set up, Wi-Fi calling can sometimes fall short. Here’s what to check when things don’t go as planned:

1. No Option to Enable Wi-Fi Calling?

• Confirm your Android version is up to date
• Make sure your carrier supports Wi-Fi calling
• Reinsert your SIM or activate your eSIM
• Try using the dialer code provided by your carrier

2. Poor Call Quality Over Wi-Fi?

• Switch to a different Wi-Fi network
• Disconnect other devices hogging bandwidth
• Move closer to the router
• Avoid public networks with heavy traffic

3. Calls Dropping Mid-Conversation?

Your phone may be switching between Wi-Fi and mobile networks. To fix this:

• Go to Settings
• Set Wi-Fi as your preferred calling method
• Or turn on Airplane Mode and manually re-enable Wi-Fi (forces calls over Wi-Fi only)

If the issue continues and you rely on calling over WiFi, Android, a VoIP-based business line through a provider like Vitel Global offers far more control, reporting, and call stability.

Activating Wi-Fi Calling Only (Force Wi-Fi Calls)

Need to force your phone to use Wi-Fi only for calling? Here’s how to do it:

• Activate Aeroplane Mode
• Then manually enable Wi-Fi
• Open your dialer and place your call

This method is handy when travelling internationally or when your mobile signal constantly interrupts your Wi-Fi connection.

For advanced setups, many users also explore using internet phone call apps in tandem with native Wi-Fi calling for specific contacts or call types.

For businesses managing call centres, support teams, or remote staff, Vitel Global’s enterprise-grade UCaaS platform handles call routing, tracking, and call quality through their employees’ smartphones, having wifi calling.

Final Thoughts: Should You Be Using Wi-Fi Calling?

If you’re tired of dropped calls, broken voice, or weak signals in your workspace, Wi-Fi calling is not a backup. It’s the fix.

Whether you’re chatting with friends from a subway or running a remote sales team across five time zones, calling a phone using the internet is no longer a luxury. It’s the new baseline.

And when you’re managing calls across departments, remote employees, or distributed support teams, using native Wi-Fi calling alone may not be enough. That’s where Vitel Global comes in, merging Wi-Fi calling, VoIP power, and cloud PBX control into one intelligent calling system. You’ll get call logs, routing rules, CRM integration, and full-device compatibility, whether you’re on Android, iPhone, desktop, or IP phone.

Smart businesses don’t drop calls; they use Vitel Global’s cloud business phone system.

Request a Free Demo

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Wi-Fi calling on Android?

Wi-Fi calling is a feature in Android phones that allows users to make and receive calls using a Wi-Fi connection instead of a cellular signal.

2. How do I make a Wi-Fi call?

To make a wifi call, enable “Wi-Fi calling” in your phone settings. Then connect to Wi-Fi and dial like you normally do.

3. Is calling over Wi-Fi free?

Yes. Technically, if you make wifi calls using mobile data or cellular towers, no extra fees are charged, unless international charges apply and are billed the same as normal calls.

4. Does Wi-Fi calling use my data?

No. Wifi Calling uses your Wi-Fi and doesn’t use your mobile data.

5. What does Wi-Fi calling mean?

Wifi calling will automatically route calls over the internet if the Wi-Fi connection is stronger than the mobile signal.

6. Should I keep Wi-Fi calling on or off?

Leave it on. It helps in low-signal areas and improves call quality indoors.

7. Can I call 911 using Wi-Fi?

Yes, but make sure your emergency address is updated in your phone settings for accurate service location.

8. Why is Wi-Fi calling not working?

It may be due to a weak Wi-Fi network, outdated software, missing SIM activation, or unsupported carriers.

9. Is Wi-Fi calling better than cellular?

Yes, the call will often sound clearer and stay connected longer if you’re in an area with weak mobile reception but strong Wi-Fi.

10. Can I use Wi-Fi calling while traveling?

Absolutely. Turn on Airplane Mode, connect to Wi-Fi, and you can call home with no roaming charges, perfect for staying connected abroad.

Published: August 6th, 2025