Wireless carriers often tout strong nationwide 5G networks, but in some cases, you may be in places where there is no cellular service at all. AT&T’s February outage was so widespread that the carrier advised customers to rely on Wi-Fi calling as a backup. This feature is something that both Verizon and AT&T offer to their subscribers.
Despite its name, Wi-Fi calling also includes text messages and video calls, effectively extending your mobile carrier’s services using your home Internet connection. In addition to iPhones and Android smartphones, many basic flip phones now also include Wi-Fi calling support, making it a widely available feature. Once set up, you can also send and receive SMS and MMS texts over Wi-Fi.
read more: The dangers of using your smartphone as your primary means of connectivity
Wi-Fi calling doesn’t even have to be a fallback, just for emergencies. If your home Internet connection is fast enough, you can default to Wi-Fi for your phone service and switch to your cellular connection when your network is out of reach. This is especially useful if you live or travel in an area where reception is spotty. When I recently vacationed in California, a hotel in the mountains had very limited signal from most major carriers, so I had to ask guests to use his Wi-Fi network for their cell phones. recommended.
These Wi-Fi calling services provided by your carrier can be used in addition to other chat and calling apps that are already available on your phone. For example, if you are connected to Wi-Fi while using your iPhone, you can also take advantage of FaceTime calls and iMessage text messages with other iPhone users. On Android, you can still use RCS text messages from Google Meet calls and Google Messages while using Wi-Fi. The latter will also be supported on iPhone later this year. Also, no matter which phone you prefer, other installed calling apps like WhatsApp, Skype, etc. will also work while connected to Wi-Fi.
Turning on Wi-Fi calling allows you to send SMS and MMS texts over Wi-Fi.
Turn on Wi-Fi calling on iPhone
You can turn on Wi-Fi calling from within the Settings app on your iPhone. The options you see may vary slightly depending on the carrier you use your phone with.
To enable Wi-Fi calling, within the Settings app, mobile phone. If you’ve set up multiple SIM cards or eSIM cards, select the line on which you want to enable Wi-Fi calling.Then tap Wi-Fi callingTurn on the Wi-Fi calling on this iPhone. You will then be asked to enter your address for emergency services. This is used when you call 911 and cell phone service is not available, but Wi-Fi is available. According to Apple’s Wi-Fi Calling support documentation, your device’s location information may also be used for emergency calls to assist with response efforts.
Your phone’s status bar will update to reflect that calls and text messages are being routed over Wi-Fi. For example, my carrier is T-Mobile, so my iPhone says: T-Mobile Wi-Fi When connected to Wi-Fi calling.
You can also let other Apple devices make Wi-Fi calls even when your iPhone isn’t nearby.Within that Wi-Fi calling menu, turn it on Add Wi-Fi calling for other devices You’ll see other Mac computers or iPad tablets that you can make calls to as well. You can then turn on this feature for each individual device. Turning on this feature automatically enables Wi-Fi calling on your Apple Watch.
Wi-Fi Calling is available on Android smartphones, but the steps to turn on Wi-Fi Calling may vary depending on your device.
Turn on Wi-Fi calling on Android
The exact steps to turn on Wi-Fi calling from your Android smartphone vary by device, but as a general rule of thumb, you can also turn on the feature from your device’s Settings app.
Once you open Settings, tap connection.This option may be labeled as network and internet. If you see the Wi-Fi calling option, tap it.You may need to tap first mobile network before seeing it. You can also search for “Wi-Fi calling” using the search box in the Settings menu.
You can turn on the Wi-Fi calling option if your device supports this feature.
Turn on Wi-Fi calling on basic phones
Basic phones that work on 4G networks often also include Wi-Fi calling, but the steps will vary depending on the phone you’re using. However, broadly speaking, you should be able to find the option in your phone’s settings menu. For example, on the Kazuna eTalk flip phone sold by Verizon, use the navigation pad to Tools and settingsafter that call settings and Wi-Fi calling Set.
Map of Wi-Fi hotspots set up for Optimum internet service provider subscribers in Long Island, New York.
What do you do when you have to leave home?
If your cell phone malfunctions, you may need to get creative to stay connected. Some internet service providers have set up their Wi-Fi hotspots throughout their service area, which you can access by logging into their portal. For example, in Long Island, New York, the Optimum internet service provider includes access to hotspots that cover much of the area.
Alternatively, a local library or coffee shop that offers Wi-Fi access to customers could be the next best way to stay connected to needed calls while waiting for cell phone outages.
Although it’s still new technology, both the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 product lines support emergency SOS via satellite in case you need assistance when you don’t have access to cellular service. This is provided through a text message interface. There is no Android replacement product with satellite connectivity yet, but Samsung announced last year that it plans to develop a satellite connectivity option for future phones.
Look at this: I tried emergency SOS via satellite on iPhone 14
