How to Enable Wi-Fi Calling on Android, Samsung, Xiaomi and iPhone

October 25, 2026 Fawad Ali Khan Utmanzai

Wi-Fi Calling is a useful smartphone feature that allows you to make and receive regular phone calls over a Wi-Fi network when mobile signals are weak or unavailable. If you experience dropped calls inside your home, office, basement, or other buildings, Wi-Fi Calling may help you stay connected.

In this guide, we explain the Wi-Fi Calling meaning, how to enable Wi-Fi Calling on Android, how to use Wi-Fi Calling on Samsung Galaxy phones, how to turn it off on Android and Xiaomi devices, and how to activate Wi-Fi Calling on an iPhone. We also discuss Wi-Fi Calling apps, common problems, and frequently asked questions.

What Is Wi-Fi Calling? Meaning and Benefits

Wi-Fi Calling, sometimes called VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi), is a technology that allows compatible smartphones to make and receive calls through a Wi-Fi connection using a supported mobile network operator.

Unlike internet calling applications, such as WhatsApp and Messenger, carrier-based Wi-Fi Calling generally uses your existing mobile number. You can call ordinary mobile and landline numbers without asking the other person to install a separate app.

How Does Wi-Fi Calling Work?

When Wi-Fi Calling is enabled and supported by your mobile operator, your phone can route voice calls through a Wi-Fi network instead of relying entirely on a cellular signal.

For example, if your mobile network has poor coverage inside your house but your Wi-Fi connection is reliable, your phone may use Wi-Fi Calling to connect your calls.

The main benefits include:

Better indoor coverage: Make calls in places where cellular signals are weak.
Use your existing number: Call contacts without switching to a separate internet calling service.
Potentially clearer calls: A stable Wi-Fi connection may improve call quality.
Convenience: Continue making and receiving calls in supported locations without depending solely on mobile signal strength.

However, Wi-Fi Calling is not available on every phone or mobile network. Your device, SIM or eSIM, mobile plan, and carrier must support the feature.

For more information, visit Google Phone Help: Make calls over Wi-Fi.

How to Enable Wi-Fi Calling on Android

If you want to learn how to enable Wi-Fi Calling on Android, start by checking whether your phone and mobile operator support the feature.

The exact steps depend on your smartphone manufacturer and Android version, but the process is usually straightforward.

Steps to Turn On Wi-Fi Calling on Android

Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
Select Network & Internet, Connections, or a similar option.
Tap SIMs, Mobile Network, or your active SIM card.
Look for Wi-Fi Calling.
Turn on the Wi-Fi Calling switch.
If prompted, follow the instructions to complete the setup.

On some phones, you may find the option by opening the Phone app, tapping the three-dot menu, and selecting Settings.

Once activated, connect your phone to a reliable Wi-Fi network and make a test call. Depending on your device and carrier, the status bar or call screen may indicate that Wi-Fi Calling is active.

Important: If the Wi-Fi Calling option is missing, your mobile operator may not support the feature for your device, SIM, or account. Updating your phone alone will not necessarily make it available.

How to Use Wi-Fi Calling on Samsung Galaxy Phones

Samsung Galaxy smartphones offer Wi-Fi Calling on supported devices and mobile networks. If you use a Galaxy A series, Galaxy S series, or another compatible Samsung model, try the following steps.

How to Turn On Wi-Fi Calling on Samsung

Open the Phone app.
Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
Select Settings.
Find Wi-Fi Calling.
Turn on the feature.
Complete any setup or emergency-address prompts if requested.

On some Samsung models, you can also open Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi Calling.

Another option is to swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick Settings panel and look for the Wi-Fi Calling shortcut. Its availability depends on your device and software version.

How to Check Whether Samsung Wi-Fi Calling Is Working

After enabling the feature:

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network.
Confirm that your SIM or eSIM has an active supported mobile service.
Check whether your phone displays a Wi-Fi Calling indicator.
Make a test call to a number you can safely reach.

If the feature does not appear, contact your mobile operator to confirm compatibility and activation.

For device-specific instructions, consult Samsung Pakistan’s official Wi-Fi Calling guide.

How to Turn Off Wi-Fi Calling on Android

If you no longer need Wi-Fi Calling or want your phone to rely on its regular cellular connection when available, you can disable the feature.

Follow these steps:

Open Settings.
Navigate to Network & Internet, Connections, or your SIM settings.
Select Wi-Fi Calling.
Turn the switch off.

On some Android phones, the setting is available through the Phone app under Settings.

Turning off Wi-Fi Calling does not normally disable your Wi-Fi internet connection. Your phone can still connect to wireless networks for browsing, messaging, and other internet services.

Keep in mind that calls may become less reliable in areas where cellular coverage is weak.

How to Turn Off VoWiFi on Xiaomi Phones

Xiaomi users may see the term VoWiFi instead of Wi-Fi Calling. Both terms refer to voice calls over Wi-Fi when supported by the device and mobile operator.

The easiest method is to check the phone’s standard network settings.

Method 1: Check Xiaomi Settings

Open Settings.
Select SIM cards & mobile networks or the equivalent option on your software version.
Select the SIM you want to manage.
Look for Make calls using Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Calling, or a similar setting.
Turn the feature off if the option is available.

Menu names may differ between MIUI, HyperOS, and individual Xiaomi models.

Method 2: Use the Phone App or Quick Settings

Check the Phone app settings or Quick Settings panel for a Wi-Fi Calling switch. If neither option is available, contact your carrier to check whether the feature is enabled on your account.

Some online guides suggest using hidden dialer codes to change VoWiFi settings. These codes are not universal, may vary by software version and carrier, and can stop working after updates. Avoid changing hidden network settings unless you understand their purpose and have verified the instructions for your specific model.

How to Enable Wi-Fi Calling on an iPhone

Apple also supports Wi-Fi Calling on compatible iPhones when the mobile operator offers the feature.

If you want to use Wi-Fi Calling on an iPhone, follow these steps.

Steps to Activate Wi-Fi Calling on iPhone

Open Settings.
Tap Cellular or Mobile Data, depending on your region and iOS version.
If you use multiple SIMs, select the mobile line you want to configure.
Tap Wi-Fi Calling.
Enable Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone.
Follow any instructions to confirm your emergency-service address.

Once the feature is available, your iPhone may display a Wi-Fi indicator alongside the carrier information.

If you cannot find Wi-Fi Calling in Settings, check whether your carrier supports the feature and whether your iPhone software is up to date.

For complete instructions, visit Apple Support: Make a call with Wi-Fi Calling.

Wi-Fi Calling App: Do You Need to Install One?

Many people search for a Wi-Fi Calling app because they want to make calls without a strong cellular signal. However, you do not necessarily need to download an additional application.

There are two different ways to make calls over Wi-Fi.

1. Carrier-Based Wi-Fi Calling

This feature is built into supported smartphones. It uses your mobile operator’s service and generally allows you to call using your existing phone number.

Examples include the native Wi-Fi Calling feature on supported Android phones, Samsung Galaxy devices, and iPhones.

You typically do not need a separate app, but your carrier must support the service.

2. Internet Calling Applications

Apps such as WhatsApp, Messenger, and other voice-calling services use the internet to connect users. Both parties may need the relevant app and a compatible account, depending on the service.

These applications are useful for internet-based calls but are not necessarily equivalent to carrier-based Wi-Fi Calling. They may not let you call ordinary phone numbers without an additional paid service.

Before installing a third-party Wi-Fi Calling app, check its permissions, privacy policy, fees, and availability in your country. Download applications from trusted sources such as Google Play or Apple’s App Store.

Wi-Fi Calling in Pakistan: What Should Users Check?

If you are using a mobile connection in Pakistan, do not assume that Wi-Fi Calling will work simply because your smartphone supports it.

Availability can depend on the mobile operator, your particular SIM or account, your device model, and the software configuration. Support can also differ between networks and countries.

Before troubleshooting your phone, contact your mobile operator and ask:

Does your network currently support carrier-based Wi-Fi Calling?
Is the feature available for your particular SIM, plan, and smartphone?
Does it need to be activated on your account?
Are there any additional charges for calls made through Wi-Fi?
Are there restrictions on international calls or using the service abroad?

These checks can save time if the setting is missing or remains inactive.

Common Wi-Fi Calling Problems and Their Solutions

Even when your phone supports Wi-Fi Calling, the feature may not work correctly. Try the following troubleshooting steps.

Wi-Fi Calling Option Is Missing

Check your mobile operator’s compatibility requirements. Install available software updates and confirm that your phone supports the feature on your network.

Wi-Fi Calling Is Enabled but Calls Fail

Check your internet connection, restart your phone, and try another reliable Wi-Fi network. Some networks may restrict the connections required for Wi-Fi Calling.

Calls Drop Frequently

A weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection can cause interruptions. Move closer to the router or try another network.

If your phone supports switching between Wi-Fi and cellular calling, check the available preferences. The exact options depend on the manufacturer and carrier.

Wi-Fi Calling Is Not Available on Your SIM

Your operator may need to enable the service or confirm that your SIM and plan qualify. A compatible phone alone is not sufficient.

The Feature Stops Working After a Software Update

Restart your phone, check the Wi-Fi Calling settings again, and install any further updates. If the problem continues, contact your carrier before resetting network settings.

For more help with Android connectivity, see Google Pixel Phone Help.

Is Wi-Fi Calling Free?

Wi-Fi Calling is not automatically free in every situation. Charges depend on your carrier, mobile plan, the number you call, and whether you are using the service domestically or internationally.

Some operators treat Wi-Fi calls like ordinary calls included in your plan, while others may apply different charges or restrictions.

Also, Wi-Fi Calling uses an internet connection, but that does not guarantee that your mobile operator will treat the call as a free internet call.

Check your operator’s current terms before making international calls or using Wi-Fi Calling while travelling.

Is Wi-Fi Calling Safe?

Carrier-based Wi-Fi Calling is designed to provide voice services through your mobile operator over an internet connection. However, its security and privacy depend on the service implementation, network, and provider.

Use trusted, password-protected Wi-Fi networks where possible, keep your phone updated, and avoid installing unknown applications that request unnecessary permissions.

You should also understand how emergency calls work on your device. Emergency-call routing and location information can vary by country and carrier. Do not assume that Wi-Fi Calling will always provide the same emergency access or location accuracy as a regular cellular connection.

Conclusion

Wi-Fi Calling can be a practical solution for smartphone users who experience weak mobile signals at home, at work, or inside buildings. Android and Samsung users can usually check the feature in their network or Phone app settings, while iPhone users can look under Cellular or Mobile Data.

Xiaomi users may find the same technology labelled VoWiFi. If the feature is missing, the first step is to confirm support with your mobile operator rather than immediately installing an additional application.

By following the instructions in this guide, you can check whether Wi-Fi Calling is available on your phone, activate it when supported, or turn it off when you no longer need it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Wi-Fi Calling?

Wi-Fi Calling allows compatible phones to make and receive regular phone calls through a Wi-Fi network using a supported mobile operator. It can help when cellular coverage is weak or unavailable.

2. How do I enable Wi-Fi Calling on Android?

Open Settings, go to Network & Internet or Connections, select your SIM or mobile network settings, and look for Wi-Fi Calling. Turn it on if your device and carrier support the feature.

3. How do I turn on Wi-Fi Calling on Samsung?

Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, select Settings, and enable Wi-Fi Calling. On some models, the option appears under Settings > Connections.

4. How do I turn off Wi-Fi Calling on Android?

Open your phone’s network or SIM settings, find Wi-Fi Calling, and turn off the switch. Menu names vary between manufacturers.

5. How do I turn off VoWiFi on Xiaomi?

Open Settings and check SIM cards & mobile networks for a Wi-Fi Calling or VoWiFi option. If the setting is unavailable, contact your carrier for device-specific guidance.

6. How do I enable Wi-Fi Calling on an iPhone?

Open Settings, select Cellular or Mobile Data, choose your line if necessary, tap Wi-Fi Calling, and enable Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone. Follow any additional setup instructions.

7. Do I need a Wi-Fi Calling app?

No, not for carrier-based Wi-Fi Calling. Supported phones generally include the feature in their settings. Third-party internet calling applications provide a different service and may have separate requirements.

8. Can I use Wi-Fi Calling without a SIM card?

Carrier-based Wi-Fi Calling generally requires an eligible mobile subscription and SIM or eSIM configuration, although requirements vary by carrier. Some internet calling apps can work over Wi-Fi without a SIM card.

9. Why is Wi-Fi Calling not showing on my phone?

Your carrier may not support the feature for your device or account. Other possible reasons include software limitations or carrier settings. Confirm compatibility with your mobile operator.

10. Does Wi-Fi Calling use mobile data?

Carrier-based Wi-Fi Calling routes calls over Wi-Fi when available, rather than using the cellular voice connection for that call. Your phone still uses internet bandwidth, and charges or fallback behaviour depend on your carrier and connection.

11. Can I make international calls using Wi-Fi Calling?

In many cases, international calling depends on your mobile operator’s policies and your plan. International calls may incur charges even when you are connected to Wi-Fi, so check the rates before calling.

12. Is Wi-Fi Calling better than normal calling?

It can be better when cellular coverage is poor and your Wi-Fi connection is strong. In areas with excellent mobile coverage, a normal cellular call may work just as well. The best option depends on signal quality, internet stability, and carrier support.