In today’s digital age, staying connected with friends, family, and colleagues is more important than ever. One of the most convenient ways to do this is through Wi-Fi calling, a feature that allows you to make and receive calls using a Wi-Fi network instead of traditional cellular networks. If you’re an iPhone user, you’re in luck! Wi-Fi calling is built-in and easy to use, but did you know that you can also change your Wi-Fi calling preferences to suit your needs? In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of changing your Wi-Fi calling preferences on your iPhone.
What is Wi-Fi Calling, and How Does it Work?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of changing your Wi-Fi calling preferences, let’s take a quick look at what Wi-Fi calling is and how it works. Wi-Fi calling, also known as Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWi-Fi), is a technology that allows you to make and receive voice calls using a Wi-Fi network instead of traditional cellular networks. This feature is especially useful when you’re in an area with poor cellular coverage, such as in rural areas or in buildings with thick walls.
Wi-Fi calling works by using the Wi-Fi network to connect your iPhone to the internet, which then allows you to make and receive voice calls. Your iPhone automatically switches between Wi-Fi and cellular networks depending on the strength of the signal, ensuring that you have uninterrupted communication.
Why Change Your Wi-Fi Calling Preferences?
You may be wondering why you need to change your Wi-Fi calling preferences in the first place. There are several reasons why you may want to do so:
- Improve call quality: If you’re experiencing poor call quality or dropped calls, changing your Wi-Fi calling preferences can help improve the quality of your calls.
- Save data: By changing your Wi-Fi calling preferences, you can choose to use Wi-Fi calling only when you’re connected to a trusted Wi-Fi network, which can help you save data and reduce your phone bill.
- Enhance security: If you’re concerned about security, you can change your Wi-Fi calling preferences to use end-to-end encryption, which ensures that your calls are protected from eavesdropping.
How to Change Wi-Fi Calling Preferences on Your iPhone
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get started with changing your Wi-Fi calling preferences on your iPhone. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do so:
Method 1: Change Wi-Fi Calling Preferences from the Settings App
To change your Wi-Fi calling preferences from the Settings app, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on “Phone” or “Cellular” (depending on your iPhone model).
- Tap on “Wi-Fi Calling” or “Voice over Wi-Fi” (depending on your iPhone model).
- Toggle the switch next to “Wi-Fi Calling” to the on position (green).
- Tap on “Wi-Fi Calling Preferences” to open the preferences menu.
- From this menu, you can choose to:
- Use Wi-Fi calling for voice calls only: This option allows you to use Wi-Fi calling for voice calls only.
- Use Wi-Fi calling for both voice and video calls: This option allows you to use Wi-Fi calling for both voice and video calls.
- Ask to join Wi-Fi calls: This option prompts you to join Wi-Fi calls, giving you the option to decline or accept the call.
Method 2: Change Wi-Fi Calling Preferences from the Phone App
Alternatively, you can also change your Wi-Fi calling preferences from the Phone app. Here’s how:
- Open the Phone app on your iPhone.
- Tap on the “Keypad” tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap on the “i” icon next to the “Wi-Fi Calling” label.
- Tap on “Wi-Fi Calling Preferences” to open the preferences menu.
- From this menu, you can choose to:
- Use Wi-Fi calling for voice calls only: This option allows you to use Wi-Fi calling for voice calls only.
- Use Wi-Fi calling for both voice and video calls: This option allows you to use Wi-Fi calling for both voice and video calls.
- Ask to join Wi-Fi calls: This option prompts you to join Wi-Fi calls, giving you the option to decline or accept the call.
Troubleshooting Common Wi-Fi Calling Issues
While Wi-Fi calling is a convenient feature, you may encounter some issues along the way. Here are some common Wi-Fi calling issues and how to troubleshoot them:
Issue 1: No Wi-Fi Calling Option
If you don’t see the Wi-Fi calling option on your iPhone, it may be because your carrier doesn’t support Wi-Fi calling or your iPhone is not compatible with Wi-Fi calling. Check with your carrier to see if they support Wi-Fi calling and ensure that your iPhone is compatible.
Issue 2: Poor Call Quality
If you’re experiencing poor call quality while using Wi-Fi calling, try the following:
- Check your Wi-Fi signal strength: Make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi signal. If your signal is weak, try moving closer to the Wi-Fi router or switching to a different Wi-Fi network.
- Restart your iPhone: Sometimes, simply restarting your iPhone can resolve call quality issues.
- Check for software updates: Ensure that your iPhone is running the latest software. Sometimes, software updates can resolve call quality issues.
Conclusion
Changing your Wi-Fi calling preferences on your iPhone is a straightforward process that can help you improve call quality, save data, and enhance security. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can easily change your Wi-Fi calling preferences to suit your needs. Remember to troubleshoot common Wi-Fi calling issues and take advantage of this convenient feature to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues.
What is Wi-Fi Calling and How Does it Work?
Wi-Fi calling, also known as Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWi-Fi), is a feature that allows you to make phone calls using your iPhone’s Wi-Fi connection instead of your cellular network. This can be especially useful when you have a weak or no cellular signal. When you enable Wi-Fi calling, your iPhone will automatically switch to a nearby Wi-Fi network to make and receive calls.
Wi-Fi calling uses the internet to connect your calls, which means you can make calls from anywhere with a stable Wi-Fi connection. This includes public hotspots, home networks, and even foreign countries where international roaming rates may not apply. The call quality is generally better than traditional cellular calls, and it’s often treated as a regular call on your monthly bill.
Is Wi-Fi Calling Available on All iPhone Models?
Wi-Fi calling is available on iPhone 6 and later models, including iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. However, you’ll need to check with your carrier to see if they support Wi-Fi calling on your specific iPhone model.
Additionally, you’ll need to ensure that your iPhone is running iOS 9 or later to access Wi-Fi calling. If your iPhone is compatible and your carrier supports Wi-Fi calling, you can enable the feature in your iPhone’s settings.
How Do I Enable Wi-Fi Calling on My iPhone?
To enable Wi-Fi calling on your iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling. Toggle the switch next to “Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone” to the right to enable the feature. You may need to enter some additional information or agree to the terms and conditions of your carrier before the feature is activated.
Once you’ve enabled Wi-Fi calling, your iPhone will automatically connect to nearby Wi-Fi networks to make and receive calls. You can also go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling to see which Wi-Fi networks are available for calling.
Can I Use Wi-Fi Calling Abroad?
Yes, you can use Wi-Fi calling abroad, which can be a cost-effective way to make calls while traveling internationally. However, you’ll need to check with your carrier to see if they support international Wi-Fi calling and what the rates are.
When you’re abroad, your iPhone will automatically connect to nearby Wi-Fi networks to make and receive calls. Keep in mind that you may need to pay for international data roaming rates or purchase a local SIM card to access Wi-Fi calling in foreign countries.
Will Wi-Fi Calling Affect My Cellular Data?
Wi-Fi calling doesn’t use your cellular data, so you won’t be charged for data usage when making calls over Wi-Fi. However, if you’re using a public Wi-Fi hotspot, you may need to pay for internet access or have a data plan that supports Wi-Fi calling.
Wi-Fi calling only uses a small amount of data to connect the call, but the actual call itself is carried over the internet, not your cellular network. This means you can make calls without using up your cellular data allowance.
Is Wi-Fi Calling Secure?
Wi-Fi calling is a secure way to make calls, as it uses the same encryption as traditional cellular calls. When you enable Wi-Fi calling, your iPhone will establish a secure connection with your carrier’s network, ensuring that your calls are protected from eavesdropping and interception.
Additionally, Wi-Fi calling uses the same authentication and authorization procedures as traditional cellular calls, so you can be sure that your calls are secure and private.
Can I Use Wi-Fi Calling with My Carrier’s VoLTE Service?
Yes, you can use Wi-Fi calling with your carrier’s VoLTE (Voice over LTE) service. In fact, Wi-Fi calling is often an extension of VoLTE, allowing you to make high-quality voice calls over both LTE and Wi-Fi networks.
When you enable Wi-Fi calling, your iPhone will automatically switch between VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling depending on the availability of each service. This means you can enjoy high-quality voice calls whether you’re on a cellular network or a Wi-Fi network.