Staying connected doesn’t always require a cellular signal. With Wi-Fi calling and texting, you can make and receive calls and send and receive texts over a Wi-Fi connection. It’s an easy way to stay connected when cellular service not strong, whether you’re in a basement, inside a large building, in a rural area, or traveling abroad. All you need is a Wi-Fi connection, and Wi-Fi calling enabled on your phone compatible phone. So, how does Wi-Fi calling work, when should you use it, and how do you turn it on? It’s actually very simple. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Wi-Fi Calling and Texting?
Wi-Fi can be used for much more than offloading your data use and getting on the internet. It can also help your phone stay connected when it comes to calls and texts. Wi-Fi calling and texting allows you to make and receive calls and send and receive text messages using a Wi-Fi network instead of relying solely on a traditional cell phone connection.
You may hear the feature referred to simply as Wi-Fi calling, but it can do more than make phone calls. With Twigby Mobile, you can make calls and send and receive text messages over Wi-Fi. Think of Wi-Fi as another network your phone can use to help you stay in touch.
How Does Wi-Fi Calling Work?
Normally, your phone uses a cellular network when you make a call or send a text. With Wi-Fi calling and texting enabled, your phone can use a connected Wi-Fi network when your cellular signal is weak or unavailable.
For example, imagine you’re in the basement of your home. Your Wi-Fi connection is strong, but your cellular signal is barely there. With Wi-Fi calling turned on, your phone can use Wi-Fi to help you make calls and send texts. The same can happen inside buildings with thick walls, in remote areas, or anywhere cellular signals have trouble reaching your phone. A reliable Wi-Fi connection gives your phone another way to connect.
When Should You Use Wi-Fi Calling and Texting?
There are plenty of situations where Wi-Fi calling can come in handy. And because Twigby supports texting over Wi-Fi, you can keep your conversations going, too.
When You Have a Weak Cell Signal
Weak cellular service can happen for all kinds of reasons. You might be inside a building, underground, surrounded by dense construction materials, or simply in an area with limited coverage. If your cellular signal is weak but you have a reliable Wi-Fi connection, Wi-Fi calling and texting can give you another way to stay connected.
That means you can make a call, answer a call, send a text, or respond to a message without relying entirely on your cellular signal.
At Home
Does your cellular signal disappear in certain rooms of your house?
You shouldn’t have to walk around looking for the perfect spot to make a call or send a text. If your Wi-Fi reaches those areas, Wi-Fi calling and texting can help you stay connected.
In Large or Modern Buildings
Thick walls, metal construction, underground spaces, and other building materials can interfere with cellular signals. Your Wi-Fi connection may still work perfectly well, making Wi-Fi calling a useful option.
In Rural or Remote Areas
Cellular coverage can vary depending on where you live, work, or travel. If you’re in a rural or remote area with limited cellular service but have access to Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi calling and texting can help you stay connected.
While Traveling Abroad
Wi-Fi calling and texting can also be helpful when traveling internationally. When you’re outside the U.S. and connected to Wi-Fi, you can use Wi-Fi calling and texting to stay in touch. You can use your phone as you would normally do without an additional surcharge from Twigby.
What Are the Benefits of Wi-Fi Calling?
Wi-Fi calling gives your phone another way to stay connected when cellular service isn’t available or reliable.
Some of the biggest benefits include:
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- Stay connected with a weak cellular signal: Wi-Fi can provide another connection when your cellular service is limited.
- Call and text over Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi calling isn’t just for phone calls. You can also send and receive text messages.
- Use your existing phone number: There’s no need to change numbers when calling or texting over Wi-Fi.
- Stay connected while traveling: Wi-Fi calling and texting can be especially useful when traveling internationally.
- Help avoid dropped calls and unsent texts: A reliable Wi-Fi connection can help when cellular service is unreliable.
- No additional Twigby charge: Wi-Fi calling and texting is available to Twigby customers at no additional charge.
How to Enable Wi-Fi Calling and Texting
Getting started is easy if you have a compatible phone.
The exact steps can vary depending on your phone, manufacturer, and software version. Here’s where to start.
How to Turn On Wi-Fi Calling on Android
Android settings can look different depending on your phone model.
To find Wi-Fi calling:
- Open Settings on your phone.
- Use the Settings search bar and search for Wi-Fi Calling.
- Select the Wi-Fi Calling option.
- Follow the prompts to turn it on.
- Make sure your emergency address information is up to date.
If you don’t see the option, check areas such as Connections, Internet, or Mobile Networks. Once Wi-Fi calling is enabled, you can use the feature for both calls and texts when supported by your phone and connected to Wi-Fi. Here is more information about Wi-Fi calling for Androids.
How to Turn On Wi-Fi Calling on iPhone
On compatible iPhones:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Phone.
- Select Wi-Fi Calling.
- Turn on Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone.
- Follow any prompts that appear.
- Make sure your emergency address information is accurate and up to date.
Once enabled, your iPhone can use Wi-Fi for calling and texting when appropriate.
What to Know Before Traveling
If you’re heading somewhere with little or no cellular coverage, turn on Wi-Fi calling before you leave. For Wi-Fi calling and texting to work when you don’t have a cellular connection, the feature must be enabled while you’re still within network coverage.
Before you leave the U.S. or head into a remote area, check your phone settings and make sure Wi-Fi calling is turned on. Then, when you arrive, connect to Wi-Fi and stay connected.
Is Wi-Fi Calling the Same as Calling Through an App?
No. While apps can let you make calls and send messages over the internet, Wi-Fi calling is built into your compatible phone’s calling functionality.
With Twigby Wi-Fi calling and texting, you can use your existing phone number and your phone’s standard calling and messaging features. That means you don’t need a separate app or account just to make a call or send a text over Wi-Fi. Which means you have one less account login and password to worry about.
What If My Wi-Fi Connection Is Weak?
The quality of your Wi-Fi connection matters. A strong, reliable Wi-Fi connection will generally provide a better experience than a weak or unstable connection. If you’re having trouble with Wi-Fi calling or texting, try moving closer to your router or connecting to a more reliable Wi-Fi network.
Wi-Fi calling gives you another connection option, but it doesn’t guarantee perfect service on every Wi-Fi network.
Stay Connected with Twigby
Staying connected should be simple. That’s why Twigby offers Wi-Fi calling and texting at no additional charge. Whether you’re dealing with a weak signal at home, working inside a large building, exploring a rural area, or traveling abroad, Wi-Fi calling and texting gives you another way to stay connected.
Have a compatible phone? Check your settings and turn on Wi-Fi calling today.
If you’re not already a Twigby customer, now is a great time to see what Twigby has to offer.
Have questions about Wi-Fi calling or need help getting started? Our Twigby support team is here to help.