WiFi Calling Explained: Better Calls, No Extra Costs – What’s Not to Love?

Remember the good old days when making a phone call meant stretching that curly cord to its limits just to get some privacy in the kitchen?

Well, times have changed, folks!

Now we’re talking about making calls over something called “WiFi.” Think of it as giving your phone a secret passage to make calls even when your cell signal is MIA.

Let’s dive into the world of Wi-Fi calling and see how it can save you money and maybe even your sanity.

What in the World is WiFi Calling?

Picture this: you’re sitting in your favorite armchair, sipping tea, when suddenly you realize you forgot to call your sister about next week’s bingo night.

But oh no! Your cell signal is weaker than a decaf coffee.

Well, have to fear! You no longer have to wander the house doing the Infamous Cell Signal Dance to make a call.

You can just use WiFi calling – your new best friend in the world of communication.

WiFi calling is like a magic trick for your phone. Instead of relying on those mysterious cell towers, your phone uses your home’s internet connection to make calls.

It’s like your phone is saying, “Cell signal? Who needs it? I’ve got WiFi!“

How Does This Wizardry Work?

When Wi-Fi calling is enabled, your phone automatically decides whether to route your call using a Wi-Fi network or a cellular network. It all depends on which one is stronger.

If your Wi-Fi signal is better than your cellular signal, your call will go through Wi-Fi.

Best part? This feature is seamless so you can use your phone as you normally would without any special apps or complicated setups.

Setting It Up: Easier Than Programming Your VCR

Now, don’t run away screaming “TECHNOLOGY!” just yet. Setting up WiFi calling is easier than you think. Here’s how to do it:

For iPhone Users:

1. Find the “Settings” app (it looks like a gear)
2. Scroll down and tap “Phone”
3. Look for “WiFi Calling” and tap it
4. Toggle the switch next to “WiFi Calling on This iPhone” to turn it on

For iPads, iPods, or Macs connected to your iPhone:

1. Settings on iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling, and toggle on “Add Wi-Fi Calling for Other Devices.”
2. Allow Calls on Other Devices: Go to Settings > Phone > Calls on Other Devices, and toggle on “Allow Calls on Other Devices.”
3. Configure Devices: Toggle on the devices you want to enable for Wi-Fi calling. For iPads or iPods, go to Settings > FaceTime and toggle on “Calls From iPhone.” For Macs, open the FaceTime app, click FaceTime > Preferences, and toggle on “Calls from iPhone.”

For Android Users:

1. Open the “Settings” app
2. Look for “Network & Internet” or “Connections”
3. Find “WiFi Calling” and toggle the switch to turn it on

If you can’t find these options, don’t fret! Just type “WiFi calling” in the search bar at the top of your settings. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!

The Good, The Bad, and The WiFi

Like everything in life (except maybe chocolate), WiFi calling has its pros and cons. Let’s break it down:

Pros:

• Works great when your cell signal is weaker than your morning coffee
• Could save you money on your phone bill
• No need to do the “cell signal dance” around your house
• Your phone uses less power to maintain a Wi-Fi connection compared to a weak cell signal so this can help improve your phone’s battery life.
• Wi-Fi calling is built into your phone, so no need to download extra apps.

Cons:

• Might not work well in crowded places (like that all-you-can-eat buffet)
• Depends on having a good internet connection
• Might make you too available to chatty relatives
• Some countries or carriers may not support Wi-Fi calling

Show Me the Money (or Lack Thereof)

Now, here’s the million-dollar question (or hopefully, the money-saving question): How much does WiFi calling cost?

Good news, penny-pinchers! In most cases, WiFi calling won’t cost you an extra dime. Your phone company usually treats these calls just like regular ones.

So, if you have unlimited minutes, you’re golden. If you have a limited plan, WiFi calls typically count towards your monthly allowance.

However, international calls over Wi-Fi might still incur charges (or they might not!). So be sure to double-check with your carrier so you don’t get any rude surprises on your next cell phone bill.

If you frequently travel or call abroad, consider using apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime. These apps use data and can be cheaper or even free.

Stop Doing the Cell Signal Dance!

So there you have it, folks! Wi-Fi calling is a handy feature that can save you money and improve your call quality, especially in those pesky dead zones at home.

With a few taps, you can turn on Wi-Fi calling and start enjoying clearer calls and potentially lower phone bills. So, stop doing the cell signal dance and start chatting smoothly, no matter where you are in your house.