Are you frustrated because your WiFi calling feature is not working on your iPhone? You’re not alone! Many iPhone users have experienced this issue, and it’s more common than you think. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the possible reasons why WiFi calling might not be working on your iPhone and provide you with solutions to get it up and running again.
What is WiFi Calling, Anyway?
Before we dive into the troubleshooting process, let’s quickly cover what WiFi calling is and how it works. WiFi calling, also known as Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi), is a feature that allows your iPhone to make phone calls using a WiFi network instead of a cellular network. This feature is particularly useful when you’re in an area with weak or no cellular signal, such as in a basement, a rural area, or a building with thick walls.
WiFi calling uses your iPhone’s WiFi capability to connect to a nearby WiFi network and then routes your phone calls through that network. This means that as long as you have a stable WiFi connection, you can make high-quality phone calls even when your cellular signal is weak or non-existent.
Reasons Why WiFi Calling Might Not Be Working on Your iPhone
Now that you know what WiFi calling is, let’s explore the possible reasons why it might not be working on your iPhone. There are several reasons why WiFi calling might not be functional, and we’ll cover each one in detail.
Incompatible Carrier or Plan
Carrier compatibility is crucial for WiFi calling. Not all carriers support WiFi calling, and even if they do, it might not be available on all plans. Check with your carrier to see if they support WiFi calling and if it’s included in your plan. In the United States, for example, all major carriers except for US Cellular support WiFi calling.
To check if your carrier supports WiFi calling, go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling and look for the “Wi-Fi Calling” toggle switch. If the switch is grayed out or unavailable, it might indicate that your carrier doesn’t support WiFi calling.
Wrong iPhone Model or iOS Version
Not all iPhone models support WiFi calling. WiFi calling is available on iPhone 6 and later models, including iPhone 6S, iPhone 7, iPhone 8, iPhone X, iPhone 11, and iPhone 12 series. If you have an older iPhone model, you might not be able to use WiFi calling.
Additionally, you need to be running iOS 9 or later to use WiFi calling. If you’re running an older version of iOS, you’ll need to update to a compatible version.
WiFi Network Issues
A stable and strong WiFi connection is essential for WiFi calling. If your WiFi network is unstable, slow, or weak, it might not support WiFi calling. Here are some common WiFi network issues that might affect WiFi calling:
- Weak WiFi signal strength
- Slow internet speeds
- Interference from other devices
- Incorrect WiFi network settings
To troubleshoot your WiFi network, try resetting your WiFi router, moving closer to the router, or switching to a different WiFi network.
Device Settings Issues
Make sure your iPhone is set up correctly for WiFi calling. Here are some device settings that might affect WiFi calling:
- WiFi calling toggle switch: Ensure that the WiFi calling toggle switch is enabled in Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling.
- Do Not Disturb mode: Ensure that Do Not Disturb mode is not enabled, as it might block WiFi calling.
- Airplane mode: Ensure that Airplane mode is not enabled, as it disables all wireless communications, including WiFi calling.
Third-Party App Interference
Certain third-party apps might interfere with WiFi calling. Some apps, especially those that use voice-over-IP (VoIP) technology, might conflict with WiFi calling. Try closing or uninstalling suspicious apps to see if they’re causing the issue.
Troubleshooting Steps to Fix WiFi Calling on Your iPhone
Now that we’ve covered the possible reasons why WiFi calling might not be working on your iPhone, let’s go through some troubleshooting steps to fix the issue.
Step 1: Restart Your iPhone and WiFi Router
A simple yet effective troubleshooting step is to restart both your iPhone and WiFi router. This can resolve connectivity issues and refresh your WiFi network.
Step 2: Check Your Carrier and Plan
Verify that your carrier supports WiFi calling and that it’s included in your plan. Contact your carrier’s customer support if you’re unsure.
Step 3: Update Your iPhone’s iOS Version
Ensure that your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for updates.
Step 4: Check Your WiFi Network Settings
Reset your WiFi network settings by going to Settings > General > Reset and selecting “Reset network settings.” This will reset your WiFi network settings to their default values.
Step 5: Disable and Re-enable WiFi Calling
Try disabling and re-enabling WiFi calling by going to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling and toggling the switch off and then back on.
Step 6: Reset Your iPhone’s Network Settings
If the above steps don’t work, try resetting your iPhone’s network settings by going to Settings > General > Reset and selecting “Reset all settings.” This will reset all your iPhone’s settings, including network settings, to their default values.
Conclusion
WiFi calling is a convenient feature that allows you to make phone calls using a WiFi network. However, it can be frustrating when it doesn’t work as expected. By identifying the possible reasons why WiFi calling might not be working on your iPhone and following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve the issue and enjoy seamless WiFi calling.
Remember to always check your carrier’s compatibility, ensure you have a compatible iPhone model and iOS version, and troubleshoot your WiFi network settings. If none of the above steps work, you may want to consider visiting an Apple Store or contacting your carrier’s customer support for further assistance.
Why can’t I make Wi-Fi calls on my iPhone?
Wi-Fi calling, also known as Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWi-Fi), allows you to make phone calls using a Wi-Fi network instead of a cellular network. However, not all iPhone models support Wi-Fi calling. If your iPhone doesn’t support Wi-Fi calling, you won’t be able to make Wi-Fi calls. Additionally, your carrier must also support Wi-Fi calling and have it enabled on your account.
If your iPhone model supports Wi-Fi calling and your carrier supports it, ensure that Wi-Fi calling is enabled on your device. Go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling to turn it on. If you’re still having trouble, try restarting your iPhone or resetting your network settings.
What iPhone models support Wi-Fi calling?
Wi-Fi calling is supported on iPhone 6 and later models, including iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, and later models. If you have an older iPhone model, you won’t be able to make Wi-Fi calls.
Keep in mind that even if your iPhone model supports Wi-Fi calling, your carrier must also support it and have it enabled on your account. Contact your carrier to check if Wi-Fi calling is available in your area and if it’s enabled on your account.
Why is Wi-Fi calling not working on my iPhone?
There could be several reasons why Wi-Fi calling is not working on your iPhone. First, ensure that Wi-Fi calling is enabled on your device by going to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling. If it’s already enabled, try restarting your iPhone or resetting your network settings. If you’re still having trouble, check if your Wi-Fi connection is stable and working properly.
Another reason Wi-Fi calling might not be working is if your carrier doesn’t support it or hasn’t enabled it on your account. Contact your carrier to check if Wi-Fi calling is available in your area and if it’s enabled on your account. Additionally, ensure that your iPhone is connected to a compatible Wi-Fi network that meets your carrier’s Wi-Fi calling requirements.
How do I enable Wi-Fi calling on my iPhone?
To enable Wi-Fi calling on your iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling. Toggle the switch next to “Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone” to turn it on. You might need to enter your emergency address to comply with local emergency calling regulations. If you’re asked to enter your emergency address, enter a valid address where you’ll be making Wi-Fi calls.
Once you’ve enabled Wi-Fi calling, you’ll see a “Wi-Fi” indicator in the status bar when you’re making a Wi-Fi call. Keep in mind that you need a stable Wi-Fi connection and a compatible iPhone model to make Wi-Fi calls. Additionally, your carrier must support Wi-Fi calling and have it enabled on your account.
What’s the difference between Wi-Fi calling and VoLTE?
Wi-Fi calling, also known as Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWi-Fi), allows you to make phone calls using a Wi-Fi network instead of a cellular network. On the other hand, VoLTE (Voice over LTE) allows you to make phone calls using a 4G LTE cellular network. Both Wi-Fi calling and VoLTE provide high-quality voice calls, but they use different networks to make calls.
Wi-Fi calling is useful when you have a weak or no cellular signal, but a stable Wi-Fi connection. VoLTE, on the other hand, provides a more reliable and consistent experience than traditional voice calls. Not all carriers support both Wi-Fi calling and VoLTE, so check with your carrier to see what options are available in your area.
Can I make Wi-Fi calls internationally?
Yes, you can make Wi-Fi calls internationally if your carrier supports international Wi-Fi calling. However, not all carriers support international Wi-Fi calling, so check with your carrier to see if it’s available in your area. Additionally, you need a stable Wi-Fi connection and a compatible iPhone model to make international Wi-Fi calls.
When making international Wi-Fi calls, you’ll be charged according to your carrier’s international rates. Make sure to check your carrier’s rates and fees before making international calls, as they can add up quickly.
Is Wi-Fi calling free?
Wi-Fi calling is not always free, and the rates vary depending on your carrier and plan. If you have a compatible iPhone model and a carrier that supports Wi-Fi calling, you might not incur additional charges for Wi-Fi calls made within your country. However, international Wi-Fi calls are typically charged according to your carrier’s international rates.
Check your carrier’s rates and fees for Wi-Fi calling to see how much you’ll be charged. Even if Wi-Fi calling is free, you might still incur data charges if you’re using a public or metered Wi-Fi network.