Wi\u2011Fi Calling lets your phone place and recieve calls over Wi-Fi network while keeping your usual mobile number. For most users, calls made over Wi-Fi are billed the same way as regular cellular calls, according to your plan. However, international travelers should be cautious: enabling Wi-Fi Calling abroad may still result in roaming or international charges, depending on your carrier\u2019s policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read further to understand how Wi-Fi Calling works, how much it costs and steps to enable it on your iPhone or Android phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wi\u2011Fi Calling, also known as Voice over Wi\u2011Fi or VoWiFi, lets you make and receive voice calls over available Wi-Fi network rather than using cellular network. Yet, calls made via Wi-Fi use the same phone number and plan as your cellular calls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most modern iOS and Android devices support it, provided your mobile operator suports Wi-Fi Calling feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Wi\u2011Fi Calling feature is turned on and your phone is connected to Wi\u2011Fi, your phone turns your voice into data that travels over the Wi\u2011Fi and the internet to your carrier through a seure pathway. Then, it routes the call to the other person\u2019s phone, keeping your original number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If Wi\u2011Fi connection degrades mid\u2011call, capable phones can switch to mobile data or to standard cellular voice to avoid dropping, and that is the point where your data plan and roaming policy may start to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wi\u2011Fi Calling securely routes voice calls over the internet so you can stay reachable where cellular signal is weak, often indoors or in remote areas. Wi-Fi Calling feature also keeps your original number and doesn’t require downloading additional apps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The main downsides come from Wi\u2011Fi quality variations, possible handovers to mobile data mid\u2011call, and differing support by device, carrier, and country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Emergency services and 911 calls can be made using Wi-Fi Calling when cellular signal is weak, but Wi-Fi connection is strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To assist first responders, your location is determined using your registered emergency address (if required), your device’s GPS or location services, nearby Wi-Fi access points, and cell-tower data. However, location accuracy may vary and responders may still ask you to provide your exact address and nearby landmarks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you make or receive calls over Wi-Fi or cellular network, same rules apply in both situations. If your cellular plan includes unlimited calls, Wi-Fi calling will not cost you anything. If you have a capped plan, a call made over Wi-Fi will use your normal per-minute rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When travelling abroad, charges depend directly on your roaming plan and country. <\/strong>To avoid roaming fees, check your carrier’s rules beforehand. For alternative options that don’t break the bank, read our article about how to make free international calls<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wi-Fi calling was not designed to help you avoid roaming fees, and many carriers will charge you for international calls the same way they would on a regular cellular network. To avoid roaming surcharges, we generally advise to keep Wi\u2011Fi Calling disabled while traveling<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check our guide on how to stay connected while traveling<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nShould Wi\u2011Fi Calling be on or off when traveling abroad?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Choose Orange Travel eSIM to avoid roaming charges abroad<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n