WiFi calling is a feature that has been around for a while, however not all phones — and indeed, not all telcos — support WiFi calling. So, if you’re wondering what is WiFi calling and how does it work, read on to find out all you need to know about this useful feature and whether you should start using it.
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What is WiFi calling?
WiFi calling is what it sounds like — when a mobile phone (or other device) can make calls via a WiFi connection, such as your home internet. This is useful if you’re in an area, such as your home, where mobile reception is a bit patchy or weak, but you have access to a WiFi network. Keep in mind that WiFi calling is different to video calling, such as Apple’s FaceTime, and only audio is supported, not video.
To access this feature, you’ll need an eligible device, such as a smartphone, an eligible telco and of course, a WiFi network that your device is connected to — and with a good signal. After all, you don’t want your call to cut out because your WiFi connection is weak.
WiFi calling is also free of charge to use, excluding the cost of the internet being used for the WiFi connection, such as your home internet bill. This means you won’t get an additional charge from your telco for using the service, minus any costs that you are usually charged for regular calls — that is, if you don’t have unlimited calls on your plan.
Is WiFi calling the same as VoLTE calling?
WiFi calling and calling with VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution) are two different things. While WiFi calling uses a WiFi network to make calls, VoLTE allows you to call over a 4G or 5G network, which does require access to a mobile network.
Accessing VoLTE calling may also be limited by device and telco, and in some instances, having VoLTE calling enabled may be required to enable WiFi calling. Having VoLTE enabled on your device might automatically enable WiFi calling on your device, or visa versa.
Using VoLTE for calls is usually a free service and not charged additionally on your phone bill, and it might not even count as part of your mobile data usage. If you have unlimited standard national calls on your phone plan, you likely won’t need to worry about being charged. However, it’s worth checking this directly with your telco if you’re concerned about additional costs.
Pros and cons of WiFi calling
WiFi calling can be really useful, but it is by no means a perfect solution. Here are some of the pros and cons of using WiFi calling.
Pros:
- Useful in mobile blackspots or areas with weak mobile signal as long as you have a strong WiFi connection
- Might be a more reliable connection in the home, as WiFi modem/router signal will most likely be closer and some parts of your house could have patchy network coverage
- No need to download apps to access the function (just enabling the feature may be enough)
- Telcos do not typically charge for this service (beyond any standard call, SMS or MMS costs on your plan)
Cons:
- Calls may be patchy or poor quality if WiFi signal is weak, or if using a network with lots of other devices connected, such as public WiFi networks
- Not all devices support the feature
- Feature is only offered by some telcos
- Using WiFi calling will count towards your internet usage (if using your home internet to make calls), so if you have limited data, you’ll need to monitor usage
How to set up WiFi calling
Android devices and iPhones will have different ways of setting up WiFi calling and it may even be turned on by default. Also, because not all devices support WiFi calling, it might not even be available on your phone.
Enabling iPhone WiFi calling:
If you’re an iPhone user, to access iPhone WiFi calling, you simply need to go to Settings > Phone > WiFi calling, and turn this feature on.
Enabling Android WiFi calling and WiFi calling Samsung:
For Android users, turning on Android WiFi calling may differ between devices. If you have a Google Pixel, you’ll need to go to your Phone app > More ⋮ > Settings > Calls > WiFi calling and enable it — if the feature isn’t there, it’s likely because your device doesn’t support it.
WiFi calling on Samsung and Android devices may find the feature by going to your Settings app, finding a section such as ‘Network’ or ‘Network and Internet’, which could lead you to a section for ‘Calls and SMS’ or ‘Mobile Network’, then it could appear in that menu or under more advanced settings. Another option is under Settings, then find a ‘WiFi’ menu, and it could be in that section or under advanced settings. Because this varies between devices, if your settings has a search function, you might need to use that and search ‘WiFi calling’ to find where the feature is kept. If you still can’t find a WiFi calling option, it’s possible that your device doesn’t have the feature available.
Telstra WiFi calling
Telstra offers WiFi calling to a range of compatible devices, including smartphones, tablets and smartwatches. If your device and plan is compatible, all you’ll need to do is make sure the feature is switched on. Currently, Telstra lists the following devices as WiFi calling compatible:
Telstra Wifi compatible devices
- Apple iPhones from iPhone 6 and onwards
- Apple Watch 3 and onwards
- Samsung Galaxy S devices from S7 and onwards, and Note 5 and onwards
- Google Pixel 2 devices and onwards
- LG devices G6 and onwards
WiFi calling is available to Telstra mobile customers with postpaid and prepaid plans. You can also use WiFi calling with your Telstra plan when you’re overseas, however you can only use it to call numbers in Australia.
Telstra also offers WiFi SMS, which allows you to send SMS over a WiFi network. Like WiFi calling, it’s handy for moments when you’re in an area with weak or no mobile reception, but easy access to WiFi. As this technology is still in the roll out phase, not all devices will be compatible.
The following table shows a selection of published Telstra postpaid plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
Telstra WiFi calling for MVNOs
Telstra offers WiFi calling for customers of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) using the Telstra network, such as Boost Mobile, Tangerine and Belong. If you’re looking for phone plans with WiFi calling from a Telstra MVNO, the below tables compare a range of prepaid and postpaid plans.
Postpaid plans on the Telstra network
The table below shows a selection of postpaid plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard advertised monthly cost, lowest cost first, then by data allowance. Use our phone plan comparison tool to see a wider range of plans from other providers. These are products which may contain links to referral partners.
Prepaid plans on the Telstra network
The table below shows a selection of prepaid plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard advertised monthly cost, lowest cost first, then by data allowance. Use our comparison tool to see a wider range of plans from other providers. These are products which may contain links to referral partners.
Optus WiFi Calling
Optus offers WiFi calling to customers across a wide range of devices — including a wider range of Android brands than Telstra offers. In addition, Optus supports WiFi calling on a selection of non-smartphone devices. You may be required to have purchased your device from Optus, and for it to be bundled with an Optus postpaid phone plan. The current list of WiFi calling compatible devices from Optus includes:
Optus Wifi compatible devices
- iPhone SE, iPhone 6 and onwards
- Samsung Galaxy S6 and onwards, Note 5 and onwards, plus a range of A series, Flip and Fold devices, along with a range of Galaxy Tab and other devices
- Google Pixel 3 and onwards
- OPPO Find X2 Lite, Find X3 Pro and Find X3 Lite, R11s and R15 Pro, Reno Z and Reno 5G, A53s and A54, plus the OPPO Compass Pro
- Other devices from Android brands include the LG G5, Realme C3 and C21, Motorola Moto G8 Power Lite, Optus X Delight, Optus X Tap and more
Optus states that you need to have the latest Optus firmware installed.
In order to use WiFi calling from Optus, you’ll need to activate VoLTE on your device which will apply WiFi calling to your device. Once you’ve checked if VoLTE is enabled, you can then look to switch on WiFi calling.
Optus will not charge any additional charges for WiFi calling, along with WiFi SMS and MMS, as this is treated the same as regular call, SMS and MMS services in your plan. Any mobile data used to connect the call will not count towards your data usage. It’s also worth noting that Optus doesn’t allow for using WiFi calling when overseas.
The following table shows a selection of published Optus postpaid plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers.
Optus Wifi calling for MVNOs
For customers using an MVNO on the Optus network, WiFi and VoLTE calling has been enabled for Optus’s wholesale partners which offer postpaid phone plans (prepaid MVNOs are currently not supported).
If you have or are looking at a phone plan with providers such as Moose Mobile, Southern Phone, Dodo and Vaya, and you have a compatible device, WiFi calling might be available to you. You’ll likely need to take the same steps to enable WiFi (and VoLTE) calling on your device, however, you might also want to check with your telco if they support the feature or for any additional steps you might need to take.
Want a phone plan from an Optus MVNO? The below tables compare a range of prepaid and postpaid phone plans from Optus MVNOs.
Optus network postpaid plans compared
The table below shows a selection of comparable postpaid plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard advertised monthly cost, lowest to highest, then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Please use our mobile phone plan comparison tool to see a wider range of postpaid plans from other providers. These are products with links to referral partners.
Optus network prepaid plans compared
The table below shows a selection of comparable prepaid plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard advertised monthly cost, lowest to highest, then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to see a wider range of prepaid plans from other providers. These are products with links to referral partners.
Vodafone WiFi calling
Vodafone also offers WiFi calling to customers and has a wide range of compatible smartphones supporting the feature, including other devices such as smart watches and tablets. Not only will Vodafone WiFi calling be supported if you buy your device from Vodafone, but it may also be available if you have a compatible iPhone purchased from a third party retailer and have a SIM-only prepaid or postpaid plan with Vodafone.
However, Android devices purchased from third party retailers may not support the feature. Here are a range of devices from Vodafone that support WiFi calling:
Vodafone Wifi compatible devices
- iPhone SE (both older and 2020 models), iPhone 6 and onwards
- Apple Watch SE, Watch 3 and upwards
- Samsung Galaxy S6 and onwards, Note 5 and onwards, Galaxy Fold and onwards, Galaxy Flip and onwards, Galaxy J2 and J5 Pro, along with a range of A series phones
- Samsung Galaxy Tab devices including A series and S4 and onwards
- Google Pixel 3 and onwards
- OPPO Find X2 Lite, Reno Z, R15 Pro, R17 Pro, A16s, A91 and AX5
- Other Android devices include the TCL 20 Pro 5G and 20 R 5G, Motorola devices including the Moto Edge 20 Fusion and Moto g50, Vodafone Smart E9, Vodafone Smart N10 and a range of devices from Alcatel, HTC, Huawei, LG and Nokia
In order to enable Vodafone WiFi calling with your compatible device, Vodafone recommends you update your device software, enable VoLTE and then activate WiFi calling. Using Vodafone WiFi calling won’t cost you anything extra, as postpaid and prepaid customers are charged the same standard rates for calls and SMS/MMS as on your plan (and if your plan has unlimited calls, SMS and MMS, you won’t need to worry about being charged for these services). Vodafone does not allow you to use its WiFi calling services when overseas.
The following table shows a selection of published Vodafone postpaid plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
Vodafone WiFi calling for MVNOs
Vodafone offers WiFi calling for customers with plans from MVNOs using the Vodafone mobile network. You can compare a range of phone plans from Vodafone network MVNOs in the below tables.
Postpaid plans on the Vodafone network
The table below shows a selection of postpaid plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard advertised monthly cost, lowest cost first, then by data allowance. Use our comparison tool to see a wider range of plans from other providers. These are products which may contain links to referral partners.
Prepaid plans on the Vodafone network
The table below shows a selection of prepaid plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard advertised monthly cost, lowest cost first, then by data allowance. Use our comparison tool to see a wider range of plans from other providers. These are products which may contain links to referral partners.
Should I start using WiFi calling?
Ultimately, it doesn’t hurt to have the feature enabled on your device ‘just in case’. Considering the telcos typically won’t charge you any extra for using the service, it doesn’t hurt to have it as a complementary service to standard calls.
Telstra, Optus and Vodafone also state that WiFi calling can be used to call emergency numbers, so in critical situations it can also be a lifesaver. So, in areas with mobile blackspots, but a reliable internet connection, it may be a good solution to keep you connected.
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