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Firstly, it's crucial to note that Wifi Calling is not an app or software; it's a feature added by networks or some supported devices. This means that not all devices have this capability. In fact, the term Wifi Calling has been around for a while and is associated with some apps like Zalo, Viber, or Skype. However, making calls on Zalo or similar services is not entirely Wifi Calling, even though you're aware that calling on Zalo is entirely free.
To gain a deeper understanding of Wifi Calling, including its concept, functionality, and activation, the following article provides the most fundamental insights into Wifi Calling and its surrounding issues.
Decoding Wifi Calling: What is it and How Does it Operate?
Understanding Wifi Calling
Simply put, Wifi Calling is a feature that enables making calls and sending texts for free via Wifi. The condition for using Wifi Calling is that your phone must be connected to Wifi. Android and iPhone phones support this feature, but not all models, and this feature is primarily added to phones by networks.
For Android, when connected to Wifi, you can use calls through Google Hangouts, Voice, and Skype. Additionally, Wifi Calling depends on the network's specific policies.
Activation and Usage of Wifi Calling
Let's reiterate that Wifi Calling is not available on all phones by default; you'll find this feature on some U.S. networks like T-Mobile, Verizon. Of course, a few devices not tied to a network can still utilize this feature.
1. Activate Wifi Calling on Android
If your device supports Wifi Calling, follow these steps:
To start, open Settings, then choose Advanced Calling. If you don't find Advanced Calling, it could be your device doesn't support it or it's under More networks.
Here, you'll see the option Activate Wifi Calling as shown in the image. To activate, click on Activate Advanced Calling, then proceed to click Activate Wifi Calling.
Note: This process is being carried out on the Verizon network; other networks might have it in different sections.
2. Activate Wifi Calling on iPhone, iOS
Similar to Android, to activate this feature, you need to go to Settings, then scroll down and select Phone. Turn on the Wifi Calling feature in it.
Note: Not all iPhones have the Wifi Calling feature under the Phone section.
Finally, just confirm turning it on by Enable and proceed with the terms provided. Wifi Calling also notifies that this feature is best used for emergency services like calling the police or necessary services such as an ambulance. Currently, Wifi Calling is not operational in Vietnam and is only applicable in the United States.
After that, you can make calls, FaceTime, or perform various tasks on your phone through Wifi Calling.
Important notes for using Wifi Calling
- When successfully connected to Wifi Calling, the network name will appear next to Wifi. To use it, switch your phone to airplane mode, then turn off and on Wifi to use Wifi Calling.
- Both iPhone and iPad support Wifi Calling, but require iOS 9 or later.
- Apple Watch requires watchOS 2 or higher.
- Macbook must use OS X El Capitan or later.
- FaceTime is not applicable in some countries and regions, so this feature is also limited.
While there are many advantages, Wifi Calling also comes with various limitations. Therefore, there are many small projects or individual initiatives from giants to improve services related to Wifi Calling.
In addition, the concept of making free calls from a computer or phone faces several challenges and opposition from network providers. Hence, Wifi Calling technology has not truly attracted a large user base. Although the function of making calls from a computer to a phone is helpful for making free calls, it is not flawless, and the number of devices applying it is not extensive.
