What is Wi-Fi Calling - Which UK Networks Support It?

What is Wi-Fi calling?

Wi-Fi calling (also called Voice over Wi-Fi or VoWiFi) routes your calls and texts through a Wi-Fi connection instead of a mobile signal. When you are in an area with poor or no mobile reception but have access to Wi-Fi, your phone switches automatically to Wi-Fi calling if it is enabled. The person you are calling does not need to be on Wi-Fi. They receive the call normally on their phone.

Calls made over Wi-Fi use your standard monthly minutes allowance. They are not free calls and they are not separate from your plan. If a call would normally cost extra on your plan, it will cost the same whether you make it over Wi-Fi or mobile signal.

Why use Wi-Fi calling?

The main benefit is coverage. If your home or workplace has a weak mobile signal but a reliable broadband connection, Wi-Fi calling means you can make and receive calls without moving to find a signal. It is particularly useful in basements, thick-walled buildings, and rural areas where mobile coverage is inconsistent.

Voice quality over Wi-Fi is generally equal to or better than a standard mobile call, provided the Wi-Fi connection is stable. If the Wi-Fi signal is weak, call quality may suffer in the same way it would on a poor mobile signal.

Wi-Fi calling also works when travelling abroad if you are connected to Wi-Fi. However, not all networks support this. O2, for example, does not support Wi-Fi calling outside the UK. Check your network's specific terms before relying on this when travelling.

Which UK networks support Wi-Fi calling?

Most major UK networks and many MVNOs now support Wi-Fi calling. The following networks on SIM Only Finder offer it:

• 1pMobile
• Asda Mobile
• EE
• Giffgaff
• Honest Mobile
• iD Mobile
• Lebara
• Lycamobile
• O2
• Sky Mobile
• Smarty
• Spusu
• Talk Home
• Talkmobile
• Tesco Mobile
• Three
• Vodafone
• Voxi

Wi-Fi calling support can also depend on your specific device. Check with your network if you are unsure whether your handset is compatible.

How to turn on Wi-Fi calling

On an iPhone

Go to Settings, then Phone, then Wi-Fi Calling, and toggle it on. If prompted, confirm your address for emergency calls.

On Android

The exact steps vary by manufacturer. On most Samsung devices, go to the Phone app, then Settings, then Wi-Fi Calling. On other Android devices, search for Wi-Fi Calling in your phone's settings. If the option is not visible, your device or current plan may not support it.

FAQs

Does the person I am calling need to be on Wi-Fi?

No. Wi-Fi calling only applies to your end of the call. The person receiving your call does not need Wi-Fi and does not need to be on the same network. They receive the call as a normal phone call.

Is Wi-Fi calling free?

Wi-Fi calling uses your standard plan allowance. Calls to UK numbers are included in your minutes in the same way as mobile calls. International calls made over Wi-Fi are charged at the same rate as mobile international calls on your plan.

Is it safe to use Wi-Fi calling on public Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi calls are encrypted in the same way as standard calls, but as with any activity on public Wi-Fi, using a secured network is preferable to an open one. For routine calls this is unlikely to be a significant concern, but avoid sharing sensitive information on any unsecured connection.

Will my phone switch automatically between Wi-Fi and mobile calling?

Yes. When Wi-Fi calling is enabled, your phone will prioritise Wi-Fi when you are connected to it and switch back to mobile signal automatically if Wi-Fi becomes unavailable during a call.