Wi-Fi Calling

Free calls & Texts (within limits of your phone plan)

This was an interesting one! When I mentioned Wi-Fi calling to people very few knew what I actually meant. At least not those I spoke with, and some of those were younger people too!

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* This is not to be confused with using Wi-Fi to make calls from an app such as WhatsApp, Facetime or Messenger. It's different to that.

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What is Wi-Fi Calling?

Wi-fi calling is a feature on your phone that permits you to make calls and send/receive texts as per your provider’s plan at home, or overseas - with no additional charges (providing the calls are within your regular plan allowance).

For example, if you are using an eSIM for your data overseas, which gives you access to the internet, you can of course contact people via messenger, FaceTime, WhatsApp etc but you won't have access to receive or send regular text messages or phone calls. This is where Wi-Fi calling comes in!

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Tip: You need to have a phone that's VoLTE enabled and has the WiFi calling feature activated. To check this google search "Is my phone VoLTE capable" or ask your local phone store/provider.

 

For me, I pay for a monthly phone plan that includes unlimited free phone calls within NZ and Australia. Then there are set charges per minute for overseas places.

With Wi-Fi Calling enabled whilst overseas, whenever I had access to good quality Wi-Fi, such as at the accommodation, or in cafés etc, I could then send or receive texts and calls to/from numbers in NZ or Australia for free. And any charges to call other countries were as per my phone plan.

Basically, on WI-FI calling, my phone charges are the same as they would be if I was using it in NZ, no extra costs, but you do have to have the Wi-Fi calling set to the ‘on’ position in your phone.

With that done and a good quality Wi-Fi connection you will be good to go!

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Why Use Wi-Fi Calling?

Using Wi-Fi Calling in combination with an eSIM when overseas is heaps cheaper than paying International Roaming charges, at least in many cases. You may be in a country where there are better options but for those of us who pay a significant amount per day, or maybe your phone provider has a limited amount of countries you can use roaming in then this, to me, is the perfect answer! Combine eSIM with Wi-Fi Calling.

Wi-Fi Calling enabled helps you at home too. It acts as a back up for phone calls if you temporarily loose cellular coverage.

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How to Enable Wi-Fi Calling

This depends on whether you have an Apple or Android device. Either way, you can enable Wi-Fi calling by going to your phone’s Settings menu. From there, look for options such as Connections, Cellular, or Network & Internet—the specific wording will depend on the system version your device is running on. Either way, there should be a clear option to turn Wi-Fi Calling on and off. Turn on Wifi Calling and leave it on at all times. 

Once in a Wifi area turn off your eSIM line. Connect to the local Wifi. Turn on your own Primary Line (the one that holds your own phone number). Once it connects you will then see, in the top left corner of your phone (on iPhone at least) the words 'Wifi Calling'.

I'll add some images too at some point to help with the visual on how to switch this on.