Telecom operators Airtel and Jio have recently launched Wi-Fi calling services in India. The feature allows you to make and receive high-quality phone calls on VoLTE-supported smartphones over Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi calling is a built-in feature within the smartphone OS; you don’t need a separate app to use it. Once enabled, Wi-Fi calling works right from the native Phone app, just like any regular phone call.
But how do you turn on Wi-Fi Calling on Android smartphones? Depending on the handset’s manufacturer and model, the steps to enable Wi-Fi calling on different devices may vary. In this article, we’ve shown how to enable Wi-Fi calling on different Android smartphones.
Enable Wi-Fi Calling on Google Pixel, Pixel 2, Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel XL
On Google Pixel phones (any version), it’s rather easy to find the setting for enabling Wi-Fi calls. Here’s how to do it.
- Open the Settings app.
- Depending on your model, do one of the following to enable Advanced Calling:
– Go to Network & Internet >> Mobile Network >> Advanced, or
– Tap More to reveal Advanced Calling.
– If you already see the Advanced Calling option, you can skip this step. - Select Advanced Calling >> Activate Advanced Calling >> Activate >> Continue >> Okay.
- Restart your device.
- Do one of the following to enable Wi-Fi Calling:
– Go to Settings >> Network & Internet >> Mobile Network >> Advanced >> Wi-Fi Calling.
– Go to Settings >> More >> Wi-Fi Calling.
– Go to the Phone app >> Menu (three dots) icon >> Settings >> Calls >> Wi-Fi Calling. - Toggle the switch on to enable Wi-Fi Calling.
- Restart the device.
Wi-Fi calling should now be enabled on your Pixel smartphone.
Note: Depending on your device and software version, you might need to skip steps #1 through #4.
How to enable Wi-Fi Calling on Samsung smartphones
On Samsung devices, the option to enable Wi-Fi calling is hidden within the Phone app. Here’s how you can enable Wi-Fi calling on Samsung phones.
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap on the More icon (three dots) in the top-right corner, and then tap on Settings >> Wi-Fi Calling.
- Toggle the switch on to enable Wi-Fi Calling.
- Restart the device.
Depending on your model and carrier, in this menu, you may also be able to choose Cellular Network/Wi-Fi preference. If you select Cellular Network Preferred, Wi-Fi calling will only be used when the cellular network is unavailable. And, if Wi-Fi Preferred is selected, the cellular network will only be used when Wi-Fi is unavailable.
Wi-Fi calling should now be enabled on your Samsung smartphone.
Enable Wi-Fi Calling on Xiaomi Mi, Redmi and Pocophone devices
Follow the steps below to enable Wi-Fi calling on Mi, Redmi and Poco smartphones.
- Open the Settings app on your smartphone.
- Go to SIM & mobile networks >> [SIM Card Name] >> Make calls using Wi-Fi >> Turn on the toggle.
- Restart your device.
If you’re unable to see “Make calls using Wi-Fi” option under SIM settings, you may need to turn it on with a specific key code.
- Go to the Phone dialer, and dial the following: *#*#4636#*#*
- On the new page that appears, select Phone info 1.
- Find “Wi-Fi Calling provisioned” and turn the toggle on.
- If you’re unable to turn on “Wi-Fi Calling provisioned” in step #3, go back to the dialer and key in *#*#869434#*#*
- Repeat step #3 and you should be able to turn on “Wi-Fi Calling provisioned”.
Now, you should be able to see Make calls using Wi-Fi in your SIM settings. Turn it on and restart the device to enable Wi-Fi Calling on your Mi, Redmi or Poco smartphone.
How to enable Wi-Fi Calling on OnePlus smartphones
If you don’t find the Wi-Fi Calling option on your OnePlus smartphone, you may have to access some hidden settings to enable the feature. The steps below will guide you to enable Wi-Fi Calling on OnePlus smartphones.
If you have a OnePlus 6T or earlier device, you should be able to enable Wi-Fi Calling without installing additional third-party apps.
- Go to the Phone dialer and dial *#800#
- Select OnePlus LogKit >> Function Switch.
- Select the VoWifi Switch and restart the device.
If you’re using OnePlus 7, OnePlus 7 Pro or a more recent device, you might not be able to access the OnePlus LogKit directly and may need to install an additional third-party app.
- Download the latest version of OnePlus LogKit APK from here.
- Ensure you have “install apps from unknown sources enabled (Settings >> Apps >> Special Access >> Install unknown apps).
- Using your File Manager app, navigate to the downloaded APK file and install it.
- Now, open the Phone dialer app and dial *#800#
- Tap Enter on the Warning pop-up.
- Select OnePlus LogKit >> Function Switch.
- Select the VoWifi Switch and restart the device.
Your OnePlus device should now show Wi-Fi Calling option under Settings >> Wi-Fi & Internet >> SIM & Network.
Enable Wi-Fi Calling on Sony smartphones
If you have a Sony device, the steps below will guide you to enable Wi-Fi Calling on your smartphone.
- From your Home screen, open the Phone app.
- Tap on the More (three dots) at the top-right corner >> Settings >> Calls >> Wi-Fi Calling.
- Turn on the toggle to enable Wi-Fi Calling.
- Restart your device.
Wi-Fi calling should be enabled on your Sony smartphone.
Some other device or Can’t find the Wi-Fi Calling option?
Wi-Fi Calling is dependant on your device as well as carrier support. In general, the following requirements have to be met before you can use Wi-Fi calling on your smartphone.
- Your phone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network.
- Your phone should support Wi-Fi calling. Generally, if your device supports VoLTE, it should also support Wi-Fi calling. But do confirm the same with your device manufacturer (by visiting an authorized retailer/service center or through the official website).
- Your cellular service provider should support Wi-Fi calling for the device you’re using and in your area. Check with your network operator to know more.
- Depending on the network provider, you might have to use an operator-branded phone and/or need operator-customized software to enable Wi-Fi calling.
- Some network operators and smartphones require you to enable VoLTE to use Wi-Fi calling. Ensure that VoLTE is turned on in your device.
If you’ve purchased the device on contract with a specific network provider, perhaps the best way is to get in touch with your provider and seek help on the same. If it’s an independent device, any one of the methods above should work to enable Wi-Fi calling support on your phone.
If you think we should add the steps to enable Wi-Fi calling for any other smartphone brand, let us know in the comments below.