If you value keeping your online activities private, a VPN (virtual private network) may be essential. Disguise your internet traffic and make it difficult for others to track your online activities. However, there is one popular phone feature that doesn’t always work well with VPNs. It’s a WiFi call.
WiFi calling is a savior in areas where cell phone signals are weak. Route calls through your WiFi network instead of relying on unstable cell towers. If you’re experiencing dropped calls or have trouble making calls even though you have a good Wi-Fi signal, there may be an issue with your phone’s VPN.
We spoke to Marijus Briedis, CTO at NordVPN, to find out why VPNs compete with WiFi calling and what you can do about it.
Why does a VPN conflict with WiFi calling?
latency
“A VPN can affect your overall connection speed,” Briedis explains. This slowdown, known as latency, can cause delays and dropouts in your WiFi calls.
ports and protocols
WiFi calling relies on specific communication channels (called ports) being open. A VPN can unintentionally block these or change your network settings in a way that prevents WiFi calling.
Carrier restrictions
Some carriers may have restrictions in place that complicate the simultaneous use of VPN and WiFi calling. This often has to do with how carrier networks manage IP addresses.
understand the basics: Learn how to get WiFi calls on your Android smartphone and how to get WiFi calls on your iPhone.
Troubleshoot WiFi calling on your smartphone
To confirm that the issue is with your VPN, first turn off your VPN and check if the WiFi calling issue is resolved. If your VPN is the culprit, it can be difficult to determine which of the potential causes listed above are to blame. You may need to try some troubleshooting fixes to see what works.
Change server location
In general, connecting to a VPN server that is geographically close to you can reduce latency and potentially prevent dropouts. Most good VPNs allow you to choose your server.
Experiment with different VPN protocols
Try different protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, etc.) in your VPN app’s settings. Certain protocols may handle real-time voice traffic better than others.
read more: NordVPN doubles speed with new WireGuard-based VPN protocol
Bypass VPN for WiFi calling using split tunneling
“Split tunneling allows you to access certain services as if you were using WiFi instead of a VPN connection,” Briedis said. Enable this on your VPN and tell your phone’s calling app to bypass the VPN.
Check for carrier-specific workarounds
If you think your carrier is the culprit, search online for .[carrier name] + VPN + WiFi calling issues to see if there are known provider-specific workarounds.
When to quit your VPN
If your VPN doesn’t offer these troubleshooting options, it’s probably time to upgrade to a better service. First, look for a VPN that protects your privacy with a third-party audited no-logs policy. Then narrow it down to ones with all the must-have features, such as fast connection speeds, a large number of servers to prevent network congestion, and split tunneling. Two VPNs I consistently recommend are NordVPN and Surfshark. NordVPN offers a large selection of servers, fast speeds, and a relatively affordable price of $4.49 per month (if paid annually). For a cheaper option with fewer (but still significant) servers, SurfShark costs $3.99 per month, paid annually.
conclusion
It’s very important to use a VPN on your smartphone to protect your privacy, but make sure it doesn’t interfere with your calls. By adjusting your VPN settings and understanding your carrier’s potential quirks, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: online security and reliable WiFi calling. If your current VPN isn’t suitable for your purpose, ditch it and choose one of the options I recommend.
Is your VPN also causing problems streaming Netflix? Learn how to use a VPN with Netflix.
[Image credit: Screenshot via Techlicious, phone mockup via Canva]
For over the past 20 years, Techlicious founder Suzanne Cantra has been researching and writing about the world’s most exciting and important science and technology issues. Prior to joining Techlicious, Suzanne served as technology editor at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and senior technology editor at Popular Science. Suzanne has been featured on CNN, CBS, and NBC.
