Wi-Fi calling behaves just like a regular phone call — users dial a number, and typical features such as three way calling and speakerphone are available. But behind the scenes, something very different is happing.

How does it work?

When you make a call with Wi-Fi calling enabled, your phone will automatically route the call through the strongest network available when you dial, whether that is a mobile or Wi-Fi network. Typically, mobile networks treat Wi-Fi calls as if they are regular calls — they will count towards your phone plan’s monthly minutes allowance, not your data usage.

Is it worth it?

There are many benefits to enabling Wi-Fi calling:

  • It’s a great backup solution in case you temporarily lose signal
  • At home, you’re almost certainly closer to your Wi-Fi router than the nearest mobile phone tower, so you’re likely to get a more reliable connection
  • Since you don’t have to install any additional apps, it doesn’t use any of your phone’s precious storage

However, there are a few limitations to consider:

  • If there are many devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network, such as in a large office, call quality may suffer as devices compete for bandwidth
  • While Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has been around for many years, Wi-Fi calling is still relatively new. Although most major networks offer this feature, some networks and some devices, particularly older models, don’t support Wi-Fi calling.