Quick Answer
WiFi calling lets you make and receive phone calls and texts over a WiFi connection instead of mobile signal. It’s free, built into most modern phones, and works on all four major UK networks. On Samsung, enable it in Settings → Connections → WiFi Calling.
On iPhone, go to Settings → Phone → WiFi Calling. No app needed — it uses your normal phone number.
Updated March 2026 · Covers all UK networks and major phone brands
WiFi calling is one of the most useful features on modern smartphones, yet most people don’t know it exists. If you’ve ever struggled with poor mobile signal at home, in the office, or in a basement, wifi calling can solve the problem instantly — and it’s completely free.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what WiFi calling is, how to enable it on Samsung and iPhone, which UK networks support it, and how to troubleshoot common issues.
What Is WiFi Calling?
WiFi calling (also called VoWiFi — Voice over WiFi) is a feature that routes your phone calls and text messages through a WiFi network instead of a mobile mast. When enabled, your phone automatically switches to wifi calling when mobile signal is weak.
Key facts about WiFi calling:
- It’s free — calls and texts over WiFi are charged at the same rate as normal mobile calls (included in your plan allowance)
- It uses your normal number — the person you’re calling sees your regular mobile number, not a different one
- No app needed — it’s built into your phone’s operating system. You just need to enable it in settings
- It works with your existing plan — no need to change tariff or add a bolt-on
- Calls can seamlessly hand over — if you start a call on WiFi and walk outside, it can switch to mobile signal without dropping
- Emergency calls work — you can call 999/112 over WiFi calling, though location accuracy may be reduced
How to Enable WiFi Calling on Samsung
Samsung is the most popular Android brand in the UK, and WiFi calling setup is straightforward. These steps work on all recent Samsung Galaxy phones including the S24, S23, A-series, and Z Fold/Flip models.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap Connections
- Tap WiFi Calling
- Toggle WiFi Calling to On
- You may see a terms and conditions screen from your network — accept to continue
- Choose your preference: “WiFi Preferred” (recommended) or “Mobile Network Preferred”
Samsung WiFi Calling settings explained:
- WiFi Preferred — your phone will use WiFi for calls whenever connected to WiFi, even if mobile signal is available. Best for homes and offices with poor signal.
- Mobile Network Preferred — your phone only uses WiFi calling when mobile signal is too weak. Best if you have generally good mobile signal and only want WiFi calling as a backup.
Can’t Find WiFi Calling on Samsung?
If you don’t see the WiFi Calling option, check that: (1) your SIM card supports it (contact your network), (2) your phone software is up to date (Settings → Software Update), and (3) your network has enabled it for your account.
Some older Samsung models don’t support WiFi calling — check your network’s compatible device list.
For a more detailed Samsung walkthrough with screenshots, see our dedicated WiFi calling on Android guide.
How to Enable WiFi Calling on iPhone
Apple has supported WiFi calling since the iPhone 5c. All current iPhones (iPhone 12 and newer) support it on all four UK networks.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap Phone
- Tap WiFi Calling
- Toggle WiFi Calling on This iPhone to On
- You may be asked to confirm your emergency address — enter your home or office address
- If you have an Apple Watch, you’ll also see an option to enable WiFi calling on your watch
iPhone WiFi Calling tips:
- When WiFi calling is active, you’ll see “WiFi” in the status bar next to your network name
- If you have Dual SIM (physical + eSIM), you can enable WiFi calling for both lines independently
- WiFi calling works on FaceTime Audio calls too
- On iOS 17+, WiFi calling preferences are under Settings → Mobile Service → WiFi Calling
For a detailed iPhone walkthrough, see our WiFi calling on iPhone guide.
How to Enable WiFi Calling on Other Android Phones
The steps vary slightly by manufacturer, but the general process is similar:
Google Pixel
- Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → [Your SIM]
- Toggle WiFi Calling on
OnePlus
- Settings → WiFi & Network → SIM & Network → [Your SIM]
- Toggle WiFi Calling on
Xiaomi / Redmi
- Settings → SIM Cards & Mobile Networks → [Your SIM]
- Toggle Make Calls Using WiFi on
Huawei / Honor
- Settings → Mobile Network → WiFi Calling
- Toggle on
UK Network WiFi Calling Support
All four major UK networks support wifi calling, but there are differences in how they implement it:
| Feature | EE | O2 | Vodafone | Three |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi Calling Supported | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| iPhone Support | iPhone 5c+ | iPhone 5c+ | iPhone 6+ | iPhone SE+ |
| Samsung Support | Galaxy S7+ | Galaxy S8+ | Galaxy S8+ | Galaxy S8+ |
| Google Pixel Support | Pixel 3+ | Pixel 3+ | Pixel 3+ | Pixel 3+ |
| Extra Cost | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Calls Use Allowance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Seamless Handover | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Limited |
| International WiFi Calling | Free to UK numbers | Free to UK numbers | Free to UK numbers | Free to UK numbers |
International Travellers
WiFi calling is brilliant for international travel. When connected to hotel WiFi abroad, calls to UK numbers are charged at your normal UK rate (or included in your allowance) — not at expensive roaming rates. This can save you significant money on business trips.
WiFi Calling for Business
For businesses dealing with poor indoor mobile reception, wifi calling is particularly valuable — especially in buildings with thick walls, basements, or warehouses. Here’s why every business should enable it:
Benefits for Business
- Never miss a client call — even in basements, warehouses, or buildings with thick walls
- No additional cost — calls use your existing business plan allowance
- Works with existing numbers — clients call your normal mobile number
- Reduces need for desk phones — with reliable WiFi calling, many businesses can go mobile-only
- International savings — staff travelling abroad can call UK numbers at local rates over hotel WiFi
Setting Up WiFi Calling Across Your Business
- Ensure your WiFi can handle it — each wifi calling session uses about 1 Mbps. For 20 simultaneous calls, you need at least 20 Mbps dedicated bandwidth.
- Check router QoS settings — enable Qu
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wi-Fi Calling and how does it work?
Wi-Fi Calling lets your mobile make and receive standard voice calls and SMS over a Wi-Fi network instead of the cellular network. Calls use your normal mobile number, charges work exactly like normal calls (so inclusive minutes still apply), and the handover between Wi-Fi and 4G/5G is automatic. It is built into iOS and Android and is supported by EE, O2, Three and Vodafone in the UK on most modern handsets.
Is Wi-Fi Calling free on UK business mobile plans?
Yes — Wi-Fi Calling does not consume any extra data and is included free on all four UK MNO business plans. Calls deduct from your inclusive minutes exactly as a normal cellular call would. The only practical cost is the broadband bandwidth used (around 100 Kbps per call, negligible). For businesses with poor in-office signal, enabling Wi-Fi Calling on your fleet is usually the single highest-impact free productivity fix you can make.
How do I enable Wi-Fi Calling on iPhone and Android?
On iPhone: Settings → Mobile Service → Wi-Fi Calling → toggle on. On Android (Samsung/Pixel/most others): Settings → Connections (or Network) → Wi-Fi Calling → toggle on. Some networks require you to register an emergency address first (used if you call 999 over Wi-Fi). Once enabled, a “Wi-Fi” indicator appears in the status bar when active.
Why is Wi-Fi Calling not working on my business mobile?
Most common causes: (1) the feature is disabled on the handset, (2) your network plan does not yet have Wi-Fi Calling provisioned (request it from your account manager), (3) the office Wi-Fi blocks SIP traffic (some firewalls do — open ports 500/4500 UDP), (4) the handset is too old or running outdated firmware, or (5) you have not registered an emergency address with the network. EE, O2 and Vodafone all need a one-time provisioning step on the line.
Does Wi-Fi Calling work abroad on UK business plans?
It depends on the network. EE, Vodafone and O2 allow Wi-Fi Calling to UK numbers from abroad with no roaming charges — calls deduct from your UK inclusive minutes as if you were at home. Three currently restricts Wi-Fi Calling to UK Wi-Fi networks only. For travelling business users on EE/O2/Vodafone, this is a major saving — they can use hotel/airport Wi-Fi to take normal UK calls without roaming bolt-ons.
Is Wi-Fi Calling secure enough for business use?
Yes. Wi-Fi Calling uses IPsec encryption between the handset and the operator core network, so calls are encrypted regardless of how secure the local Wi-Fi is. It is safe to use over guest Wi-Fi, hotel Wi-Fi or public hotspots. For organisations with regulated data (legal, health, finance) we still recommend deploying an MDM-managed VPN profile alongside for the broader internet traffic, but the call audio itself is well-protected.
See also our guide on 03 Numbers Explained: The Complete UK Guide to 0300, 0333 & 0345 Numbers (2026) for more details.
Wi-Fi Calling vs VoIP — what should my business use?
They solve different problems. Wi-Fi Calling fixes mobile-signal blackspots for cellular numbers — quick, free, and per-handset. Hosted VoIP gives you a full business phone system: shared numbers, IVR menus, call recording, hunt groups, voicemail-to-email, desk phones, and softphones on laptops and mobiles. Most UK businesses end up using both: Wi-Fi Calling on individual mobiles for personal-line calls, and hosted VoIP on the company numbers for the main switchboard.
Will Wi-Fi Calling drain my battery?
No noticeable impact. Wi-Fi Calling actually tends to extend battery life because the handset stops hunting for weak cellular signal — searching for signal is one of the biggest battery drains on mobile devices. Modern iPhones and Android handsets transition seamlessly between Wi-Fi and cellular without any user-visible spike in power use.
Related Guides
- complete guide to Wi-Fi calling for business
- check mobile signal coverage in your area
- choosing the right mobile network for your business
- how to enable Wi-Fi calling on business phones
Related Reading
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