WiFi Calling: what it does and how to use it

Good news – here at SMARTY, you can use WiFi Calling on all of our plans. Unfamiliar with this feature or how you can make use of it? Let’s take a look at how it all works and how you can reap the benefits.

What is WiFi Calling?

WiFi Calling allows you to use a WiFi internet connection to make and receive calls, instead of a mobile network. This can help to improve call quality in areas where you get poor or no signal.

How does WiFi Calling work?

Here at SMARTY, WiFi Calling is available on all our plans to help supercharge your signal. Whether you’re at home, in a train station or doing the weekly shop – anywhere you can connect to WiFi. The person you’re calling doesn’t even need to have WiFi Calling enabled for it work. As WiFi Calling is built-in to most phones, there’s no need to download an app. Also, your phone should be able to interchange between WiFi calling and regular network calling should you move out of range of the WiFi, so you’re not fixed to one place when making a call this way.

Is WiFi Calling free?

WiFi Calling on SMARTY is charged in the same way as standard calls and texts, so you won't pay anything extra for it. You are already covered by your unlimited calls and texts (unless you are using it for premium numbers or international calls, of course).

Bear in mind that WiFi Calling only works in the UK, so if you’re looking to make calls abroad and keep costs down, a better option may be to do so via a messaging app like WhatsApp or Messenger over wireless internet connection.

How to turn on WiFi Calling

Firstly, although our network has supported WiFi Calling for a few years now, it is not available on every phone and so you will need to make sure your device is compatible if you plan to use it. We have prepared a list of devices compatible with WiFi Calling which you can use to check if the feature is available on your phone.

Also, make sure that your phone’s software is up-to-date. You will be able to check this in its settings. The steps you will need to take to find your phone’s WiFi Calling settings will depend on its make and operating system it runs on. If you have an iPhone or Samsung phone, the steps are as follows:

WiFi Calling on an iPhone

1. Go to your Settings
2. Tap the option for Mobile Data
3. Then tap the option for WiFi Calling

The setting to enable WiFi Calling will be available here.

WiFi Calling on a Samsung phone

1. On your home screen, tap the Phone app
2. Tap the Menu button (this may be symbolised by three dots)
3. On the drop down menu, tap Settings
4. You should see the setting for WiFi Calling here

You can now enable WiFi Calling.

If you have a different make of phone, our support article on how to use WiFi Calling includes simple steps on how to find WiFi Calling settings on phones from a further range of manufacturers.

If WiFi Calling is not working

Assuming your phone is WiFi Calling compatible, if you are having issues using the feature there are a few things you can try.

Firstly, make sure you have set up WiFi Calling on your phone using the instructions provided for your make of phone.

Next, it sounds obvious, but make sure you have WiFi turned on and that you are connected to a network. Look out for the stair-step symbol Wi-Fi icon at the top of your phone screen. If you see this, you have a connection to a network.

Bear in mind that if the symbol is showing less than three lines, you do not have a full strength signal and this might impact your ability to use WiFi calling. Some simple ways of improving your signal strength could be to move closer to the Internet router or by moving the router to an unobstructed central location, so that it can cover a large area without things blocking its signal.

Similarly, it is possible to connect to a WiFi network but find it is not connected to the Internet. This is indicated with an exclamation mark appearing alongside the WiFi symbol. If this is happening while you are connected to a private network, it may be resolved by restarting the router. If you are having this problem when connected to a public network, you may need to create an account and sign in to access the Internet.

SMARTY SIM only deals

With superfast 5G, up to 12GB of EU roaming included and no annual prices, WiFi Calling is just one of many reasons to love SMARTY, that are all available on our range of flexible one month rolling plans. Why not try award-winning simple, honest mobile for yourself?