Wi-Fi Calling – Game Changer for Remote Areas

[Deleted]

Wi-Fi Calling

Hi everyone,
Just wanted to share something that could be a real game-changer for anyone (or their clients) who struggles with poor mobile signal. It’s called Wi-Fi Calling, and it lets you make calls and send texts over a Wi-Fi connection instead of relying on the mobile network. It’s especially useful in rural areas, remote locations, or even indoors where reception can be patchy.

How to Enable Wi-Fi Calling​

The exact steps vary slightly by phone and network, but here’s the general setup:

On iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling
2. Toggle it ON

On Android:

1. Go to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi Calling
2. Toggle it ON

Things to Keep in Mind​

• Wi-Fi Calling is widely available in many countries, including the UK and USA, but support depends on your mobile provider.
• Most major networks support it, though some smaller networks may have limitations.
• For example, certain providers only allow Wi-Fi Calling within the UK or require an active plan.
• If you’re abroad, some networks allow Wi-Fi Calling internationally, while others restrict it to their home country—so it’s worth checking before you travel.

Why It’s So Useful​

• Ideal for homes or workplaces with weak mobile signal
• Great for rural or remote locations
• Can help reduce roaming costs (if supported abroad)
• Particularly effective for indoor calls where reception struggles

If this sounds useful, it’s well worth turning on—or sharing with someone who might benefit. It takes less than a minute to set up and can make a huge difference to staying connected.

 

[Gasman]

That option is not in my Galaxy A12

 

[bob fitz]

That option is not in my Galaxy A12

Nor on my A13. When I have a poor mobile signal and I'm calling a mobile number, I make the call with WhatsApp. It even allows me to call abroad for free

 

[Uncle Gizmo]

I make the call with WhatsApp.

With WiFi calling, you can receive incoming calls.

 

[Uncle Gizmo]

This website has a list of phones on which this Wi-Fi calling can be enabled:-

https://www.giffgaff.com/help/articles/wifi-calling

 

[Uncle Gizmo]

Nor on my A13.

I don't see the A12 listed on that website, but the A13 is listed ....

 

[moke123]

I've had Wi-Fi calling for over 10 years. Problem is, in rural areas with bad cell reception there's no Wi-Fi either.

 

[AccessBlaster]

I've had Wi-Fi calling for over 10 years. Problem is, in rural areas with bad cell reception there's no Wi-Fi either.

Exactly.

 

[Minty]

I've had it for years, it's almost a mandatory requirement in the house, as the Mobile signal is so flaky.
It is carrier specific, as it needs a hook into their phone specific software.

Vodafone's version of it was really annoying as if it got the tiniest hint of a mobile signal it would switch back to the mobile network, and then drop the call because it was such a poor connection. Since switching to the Three network it's pretty flawless.

 

[Uncle Gizmo]

Vodafone's version of it was really annoying

Yes I had that system for a short while!

 

[Minty]

My wife is on Vodafone for her works phone, and has to switch off the mobile network when she's at home as it drops calls continually.
Drives her mad, as she sometimes forgets to turn it back on when she goes out.

 

[Gasman]

There is a brilliant program called Tasker, if on Android, that can automate stuff like that.

 

[isladogs]

I've also had this feature for many years.
Although our mobile signal is good in this area (unlike the internet connection), using WiFi calling when at home is even better.

On my iPhone its Settings | Mobile Service | Wifi Calling

 

[Isaac]

Wi-Fi Calling

Hi everyone,
Just wanted to share some info that could be a real game-changer for those of us—or our clients—living in areas with poor mobile reception. It’s called Wi-Fi Calling, and it allows you to make calls and send texts over a Wi-Fi connection instead of relying on traditional mobile signals. This can be especially useful in remote or rural areas or even indoors where signal strength might be weak.

How to Enable Wi-Fi Calling

While steps can vary by phone and network, here’s a general guide:

For iPhones:

1. Go to Settings > Phone > WiFi Calling
2. Toggle it ON

For Android phones:

1. Go to Settings > Connections > WiFi Calling
2. Toggle it ON

Things to Keep in Mind

Wi-Fi Calling is widely available in many countries, including the UK, USA, and others. However, its availability depends on your mobile network. Most major carriers (e.g., AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Telstra, Vodafone, etc.) support it, but you’ll want to check with your provider.

If you’re using a specific network like giffgaff, Wi-Fi Calling may have restrictions, such as only being available in the UK or requiring an active plan.

Abroad? Some carriers allow Wi-Fi Calling internationally, but it depends on the network. Others, like giffgaff, only support it within their home country.

Why It’s Useful

Perfect for those working or living in remote locations with unreliable mobile signals.

Saves costs when traveling (if supported abroad by your network).

Great for making calls indoors where signals may struggle.

If this sounds useful, give it a go or share it with someone who could benefit. The setup is simple, and it could be a lifesaver for staying connected!

Cheers,
Tony

Or just install and use Google Voice, I've been doing this for years.

Requires no special setting, just always uses your wifi or data, which ever is available

I rarely use my phone's cell signal