Sometimes we find ourselves in certain places where mobile coverage is weak or completely non-existent. The result: we are left without communication and our mobile phone suddenly becomes a useless device. Fortunately, there are ways to save these uncomfortable situations thanks to technological solutions such as Wi-Fi calls.
Of course, for this alternative to work we need to have a stable Internet connection nearby. Thanks to this we will be able to communicate with text messages, instant messaging applications such as WhatsApp and Telegram… And also making phone calls.
In this article we are going to see what WiFi calls are and how to activate them on our mobile phones and how we can use them.
WiFi or VoWiFi calls
This is probably the first time you've heard of Wifi or VoWifi calls (an acronym for Voice over Wi-Fi). This is because these types of calls are not particularly popular and are not used very often. However, it is about incredibly practical functionality. To use them we only need a smartphone and connection to a home Internet network.
In other words, the difference between conventional calls and WiFi calls (or WiFi calls) is that the former use the coverage provided by the operator's towers, while the latter use the user's wireless network.
The result is a stable and free telephone connection (as long as there is compatibility between the mobile and the operator). Thus, they work without the need for mobile network coverage and offer very good audio quality.
To all this we must add one more advantage of this type of calls: since the smartphone is not permanently connected to the telephone towers, it needs less energy to work, which translates into a considerable savings in battery consumption.
Apart from the WiFi icon that will be activated on the screen, the interface of our phone will have the same appearance when we use this type of calls. On the other hand, when we call someone through this system, the recipient of the call will not notice any difference either: our number will be displayed and they will receive our SMS without having to activate the Wi-Fi calling option on their phone. In any case, what you will notice is a clearer and higher quality sound.
How to turn on Wi-Fi calling
As long as our phone and carrier support this feature, Activating WiFi calls is very simple. Among the phone brands, it should be noted that practically all Samsung models and iPhones offer this functionality; In terms of telephone operators, Orange is the best in this field, although practically all of them already offer this type of service.
The steps to follow to proceed with the activation may vary slightly depending on the brand and model of each phone, although the steps are usually always the same. Also in the case of iPhones, as shown in the image above:
- First, go to the menu Configuration o Settings of the mobile.
- From there we go to the section of Connections.
- If our mobile is compatible, we will find the function there Wi-Fi calls. To activate it, you have to move the switch. From that moment on, all the calls we make will be made through the WiFi network to which we are connected.
If following these steps the activation option does not appear, it means that our mobile is not compatible with WiFi calls, or that the operating company is not offering this service. The solutions to this are to change the operator or buy a more modern smartphone that does offer this option.
Differences between WiFi, VoIP and VoLTE calls
The concept of WiFi calls or VoWiFi should not be confused with others that sound similar but actually have nothing to do with it, such as VoIP or VoLTE. Let's see the differences:
VoIP calls
All the VoIP calls (Voice over IP) use a method similar to that of calls over WiFi, although with some notable differences.
The main difference is the way the Internet is used to make the call. With VoIP you can use both mobile data and a WiFi connection, while VoWiFi calls will only be possible through a WiFi network. In other words, VoWiFi can be said to be included in VoIP.
VoLTE calls
Volta means Voice over Long Term Evolution (voice over long-term evolution). Unlike VoWiFi, this system bases calls on our carrier's data connections instead of on a WiFi network.
In addition to this, a VoLTE connection can also be applied to establish communications through other applications such as Skype or WhatsApp.