Today, telephony via the Global Network is developing at an increasingly rapid pace, since communication via the Internet improves every year while maintaining a relatively low cost. Also in the process of popularizing this technology, the availability of free WiFi hotspots plays an important role, which is especially important when traveling abroad, since this possibility completely eliminates the concept of “roaming.” At the same time, many users have a question: calls via Wi-Fi iPhone: what kind of service is this, and how does it save money?
An initial inconvenience was the fact that customers had to install a messenger app on their device to make calls. However, starting with the iPhone 5S model, software for making calls within the Internet is already built into the smartphone OS, and this article will answer the question: iPhone WiFi calls: what is this capability of a modern gadget.
It is advisable to use telephony via connection via WiFi access points in the following cases:
- the subscriber is located outside the home region with the condition of constant access to the WiFi wireless network;
- The owner of the smartphone finds himself in an area where there is no cellular coverage, but there is a wireless Internet access point.
How to Enable and Activate WiFi Calling Feature on iPhone
In order to enable and activate the ability to make voice communication with another subscriber via Wi Fi iPhone via a wireless access point, you need to complete just two steps:
- Open change settings.
- Go to the “Phone” menu - “WiFi Calls”.
After this, if this feature is supported by the cellular operator, the status bar informs the user about this with the inscription “WiFi”. From now on, all calls will be redirected through the wireless access point.
Additional Information! By default, the iPhone is configured in such a way that it uses mobile communications to dial short emergency numbers within the range of a cellular operator's network. In the event that there is no operator signal, but the “Wi-Fi Calling” function is turned on and activated, in the coverage area of a wireless point the connection will be redirected to it, while by law it is necessary to disclose information about personal data and the location of the device (this will significantly simplify the process providing assistance). In this regard, when setting up the described feature on your smartphone, you may need to specify the address of the installed WiFi signal repeater.
List of Best VoWiFi Phones:
Note: VoWifi service is universal and carrier-neutral—it is not tied to any one carrier, but can be used by anyone with a supported device with Wi-Fi access. By the way, here are the best phones with VoWiFi support:
Compatible iPhone
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
Compatible Samsung Phones
- Samsung Galaxy J6
- Samsung Galaxy On6
- Samsung Galaxy M30s
- Samsung Galaxy A10s
- Samsung Galaxy A50s
- Samsung Galaxy A71
Compatible Realme Phones
- Realme C1
- Realme 2 Pro
- Realme X2
- realme 5i
- realme 3
- realme 3i
- Realme 3 Pro
- Realme XT
Compatible OnePlus Phones
- OnePlus 7
- OnePlus 7 Pro
- OnePlus 7T
- OnePlus 7T Pro
Compatible Xiaomi Phones
- Small F1
- Redmi K20
- Redmi K20 Pro
- Redmi Note 7
Compatible Google Pixel Phones
- Google Pixel 3
- Google Pixel 3a
- Google Pixel 3a XL
Compatible Vivo Phones
- I live V11
- Vivo V11 Pro
- I live V15
- I live V15 Pro
- Vivo V9
- Vivo V9 Pro
- Live Y81
- I live Y81i
- I live Y91
- I live Y91i
- Live Y93
- Live Y95
- I live Y15
- I've been living for 17 years
- I live Y91
- I live Z1 Pro
Instructions for using the Wi-Fi calling function on iPhone
How to make and receive calls
To make and receive calls after setup, no additional actions are required; everything happens the same as when using a smartphone in normal mode within the cellular operator’s network. To dial a number, you need to select it from the log or enter it manually, then press the “Call” button; to answer the call, you need to press or slide on the notification.
Connecting iPhone to computer and laptop without cable via Wi-Fi
How to add a device
To add another device, you need to check for the latest OS update on it, otherwise perform it. After this, perform the following steps:
- Go to settings mode ("Settings" menu), submenu "Phone" and activate, along with the function of making calls via WiFi, the item "On other devices".
- Click the “Add to other devices” button, log in to other gadgets in the iCloud and FaceTime services with the same AppleID as your iPhone;
- To enable the ability to transmit voice data over WiFi, you must perform the following steps:
- iPad, oPod touch. Service settings menu (“Settings”) -> FaceTime -> “Calls from iPhone” and confirm your choice by clicking the “Update for WiFi calls” button.
- MacBook. Launch the FaceTime application, from the FaceTime menu select Settings -> Settings and iPhone Calls -> Update for Wi-Fi calling.
- After completing the steps, a six-digit code will appear on the screen of the added device, which must be entered into the iPhone dialog box and confirmed by clicking the “Allow” button.
For AppleWatch smartwatches, the communication function using a wireless WiFi network is activated automatically when the “Calls to other devices” flag is enabled.
Attention! In the case where it is impossible to add a device, you need to make sure the settings are correct:
- Both iPhone features “Wi-Fi Calling” and “Allow Calls” are active, and the connected device is available in the list of the “Allow Calls on Devices” submenu;
- iPhone device authentication in FaceTime and iCloud services is performed using an identical AppleID account.
How to remove a device
In the event that one of the gadgets previously used for communication via WiFi wireless channel no longer needs this function, it should be removed from the list:
- in the iPhone settings menu you need to open the “Phone” -> “Calls to other devices” branch;
- in the listed devices, you need to deactivate the “Wi-Fi Calling” function;
- disabling telephony capabilities via WiFi in the Apple Watch is done by switching the “Wi-Fi Calling” toggle switch to an inactive state through the Apple Watch application menu (installed on the iPhone) in the “My Watch” -> “Phone” settings branch.
Disadvantages of VoWi-Fi technology in MTS
The main disadvantage of this method of communication in MTS is that the use of VoWi-Fi is possible only in expensive lines of smartphones. Basically, this feature is available in some of the latest Samsung, as well as in devices from other premium brands. Also, the implementation of the standard requires a lot of expense and effort from mobile operators. Wireless networks are not as well organized everywhere as in Moscow and the region.
There are still a number of difficulties that MTS owners and other operators will face. You also need to take into account the fact that Wi-Fi coverage is not ideal in the capital itself. Therefore, subscribers may encounter communication problems. These issues are being resolved today. But in the future, we will probably be able to communicate conveniently over a local wireless network. Work is also underway to make it possible to send text messages via VoWi-Fi.
It is currently not possible to talk over Wi-Fi if you leave its coverage area. That is, there is no implementation of automatic transition from a wireless network to a cellular one. Although such a possibility would be quite relevant. So as not to be tied to a hotspot. If you leave the Wi-Fi broadcast area, the connection will immediately be interrupted. And you will need to return to the wireless network coverage location again to continue the conversation.
How to make calls via Wi-Fi on Apple devices from popular mobile operators
To use the technology of transmitting voice data via wireless WiFi communication, some cellular operators use specialized applications. They are installed from the AppStore.
"Megaphone"
Connecting Wi-Fi on an iPhone: setting up the Internet on a locked device
Today, the use of WFC technology by the mobile operator Megafon is rather in test mode. Residents of two capitals and a number of cities have access to the ability to make calls via WiFi Megafon iPhone. You can find out whether calls are available through a wireless access point using the eMotion application (https://apps.apple.com/ru/app/emotion/id460052649?ign-mpt=uo%3D8), which is the switch.
"MTS", "Beeline"
To carry out voice communication over the Internet channel, these providers do not provide additional applications (MTS, Beeline), it is enough to configure the device in accordance with the instructions above (calls via WiFi "MTS" iPhone and Beeline iPhone). When using, please note that the device must be included in the list of supported ones (for iPhone, these are versions SE and higher).
"Tele 2"
To communicate between subscribers, you will need to install the “Wi-Fi Calls” application (https://apps.apple.com/ru/app/wifi-zvonki/id1049322459?ign-mpt=uo%3D8). After that, if you have a WiFi connection, you can communicate without any complex settings.
Note! WFC technology does not work according to the messenger principle, i.e. it does not use familiar applications with the “client-server-client” scheme. Data processing occurs through cellular communication equipment, with redirection to transceiver devices of cellular towers. Therefore, providers charge a fee for making calls and sending SMS, the cost of which is usually set equal to the home tariff.
Advantages
Immediately after the service was activated, most operators reacted negatively to its appearance. No wonder. This option brought big losses to mobile operators. The service appeared in mid-2015. Immediately after this, manufacturers implemented it on gadgets.
Key Features:
- use WiFi to make calls or write SMS messages;
- it has good coverage in various rooms;
- allows you to save money for using services;
- Forwarding and synchronization are available.
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Making calls over Wi-Fi using other Apple devices
Using the ability to make calls via WiFi Calling Megafon iPhone and other operators is also available on other Apple devices with the exception of Mac Pro PCs released in mid-2012. To do this, you need to log in to iCloud and FaceTime services using the same AppleID account as your iPhone, after making sure that the latest software updates are installed.
MacBook Pro, iPad and iPod
How to share Internet from iPhone via USB to external devices
For PC MacBook Pro, iPad and iPod, you need to do the following:
- add a device according to the instructions described above;
- launch the FaceTime application;
- press the “Audio” button;
- enter contact information or phone number in numeric format in the input field;
- dial a number by pressing the call button via a WiFi network.
Note! Additionally, you can use the capabilities of WFC through communication applications (Contacts, SMS, Mail, Safari browser, etc.).
Apple Watch
To use the WFC feature on your Apple Watch, you need to take the following steps:
- launch the “Phone” application;
- select the number of the desired subscriber;
- press the button to start communication via WiFi wireless channel;
- confirm the number or contact information used.
Regions where calls via MTS Connect are available
- Moscow and Moscow region;
- Abakan and the Republic Khakassia;
- Arkhangelsk and Arkhangelsk region;
- Barnaul and Altai Territory;
- Belgorod and region;
- Blagoveshchensk and Amur region;
- Bryansk and region;
- Vladivostok and Primorsky Krai;
- Vladikavkaz and rep. North Ossetia;
- Voronezh and region;
- Ivanovo and region;
- Kaluga and Kaluga region;
- Kostroma and region;
- Krasnoyarsk and Krasnoyarsk region;
- Kyzyl and rep. Tyva;
- Magadan and region;
- Maykop and republic Adygea;
- Makhachkala and the Republic Dagestan;
- Murmansk and region;
- Naryan-Mar and Nenets Autonomous Okrug;
- Novosibirsk and region;
- Omsk and Omsk region;
- Eagle and region;
- Petrozavodsk and rep. Karelia;
- Stavropol and Stavropol Territory;
- Syktyvkar and the Republic Komi;
- Tver and region;
- Tomsk and region;
- Tula and region;
- Ufa and the Republic Bashkiria;
- Khabarovsk and Khabarovsk Territory;
- Chita and Transbaikal region;
- Yakutsk and rep. Sakha;
- Yaroslavl and Yaroslavl region;