Missing or dropping out of phone calls due to no mobile service, but you have full Wi-Fi strength? Wi-Fi calling lets you make phone calls even without mobile service.
Wi-Fi calling uses your Wi-Fi connection instead of searching for a mobile tower, so a weak mobile signal no longer means no phone calls.
For households in rural and regional Australia where mobile coverage can be unreliable, it's a practical way to stay connected using the internet you already have (and pay for).
How Wi-Fi Calling Works
When you make a ‘Wi-Fi calling’ call, your smartphone routes the call over your Wi-Fi connection rather than through the nearest mobile tower.
The process happens automatically in the background, and the person you're calling won't notice any difference. The call still uses your regular phone number and appears as a normal mobile call on both ends.
Once Wi-Fi calling is enabled in your settings, your smartphone will switch to Wi-Fi automatically when the mobile signal is weak, and it will prioritise Wi-Fi to maintain call quality. You don't need to do anything manually once the feature is enabled.
Why Wi-Fi Calling Is Useful in Areas With Poor Mobile Coverage
For many Australians in rural and regional areas, mobile reception at home can range from inconsistent to non-existent. Building materials like brick and concrete can also block the signal indoors, even when a mobile signal exists outside.
As long as you have a working home internet connection, you can make and receive Wi-Fi calls and messages reliably, regardless of how strong the mobile signal is in your area.
This solution makes it particularly valuable for households on satellite or fixed wireless internet who may have little to no usable mobile coverage nearby. Rather than stepping outside to make a call or missing calls altogether, Wi-Fi calls let you use your home connection as a backup.
Wi-Fi Calling vs Internet Calling
It's worth understanding the differences between Wi-Fi calling and other ways to make calls over mobile data. Apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Zoom let you make calls over the internet, but they require both parties to have the same app installed.
A wifi call made through your phone's built-in “WiiFi Calling” feature uses your regular mobile number and works just like a standard phone call. The person you're calling doesn't need a smartphone, a specific app, or even internet access.
The type of call routing in Wi-Fi calling is also the technology behind VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) plans.
How to Enable Wi-Fi Calling on Your Phone
Enabling Wi-Fi calling varies slightly by device, but the process is straightforward on most smartphones:
- iPhone: Navigate to Settings> Mobile Service (or Phone)> Wi-Fi Calling, then toggle it on.
- Android: Navigate to Settings > Connections (or Network & Internet) > Wi-Fi Calling, then toggle it on
- Other devices: Some may list it under Call Settings, depending on the manufacturer.
Wi-Fi calling must be supported by both your device and your mobile provider.
Do You Need a Special Phone for Wi-Fi Calling?
The majority of smartphones released in the last few years support Wi-Fi calling, including iPhones and most Android handsets from major manufacturers. However, support also depends on your mobile carrier enabling the feature on your account and your specific plan.
If you're unsure whether your phone supports Wi-Fi calling, checking your phone's settings is the quickest way to find out. If the option isn't visible, your device or carrier may not support it.
Upgrading to a newer handset and/or switching to a carrier that supports Wi-Fi calling are the most straightforward ways to access Wi-Fi calling.
Does Wi-Fi Calling Cost Extra?
Wi-Fi calls are charged the same way as standard mobile calls and draw from your existing call allowance, so there's no additional fee from your mobile provider for using Wi-Fi calling.
Wi-Fi calling uses a small amount of data from your home internet connection, typically around 100 Kbps, and is unlikely to have any noticeable impact on your home internet usage.
International Wi-Fi calls are treated differently depending on your carrier, so it's worth confirming the details with your service provider before you travel.
When Wi-Fi Calling Works Best
Wi-Fi calling is useful in rural or regional areas where mobile towers are few and far between, in properties with thick walls, multiple storeys, or layouts that naturally block mobile signal, and in offices or buildings where reception is consistently unreliable.
If you're continuously losing mobile signal the moment you step inside, it's worth switching on.
The stronger and more stable your home internet connection, the better your call quality will be. For households on our home phone plans, combining a reliable internet connection with Wi-Fi calling can significantly improve day-to-day connectivity. It can also be a practical way to reduce your overall phone bill by making the most of the connection you already have.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Calling
What is Wi-Fi calling?
A feature built into most modern smartphones that lets you make and receive calls over Wi-Fi instead of a mobile signal. It uses your regular phone number like a standard phone call.
What Services does Wi-Fi calling work on?
Wifi calling works on all Activ8me internet services, such as nbn Fibre, Opticomm, Fixed Wireless and even Sky Muster satellite services.
How do I enable Wi-Fi calling?
On iPhone, go to Settings> Mobile Service (or Phone)> Wi-Fi Calling. On Android, look under Settings, then Connections or Network settings. The feature must be supported by both your device and your mobile carrier. If the option doesn't appear, check with your provider.
How to call by Wi-Fi
Calling over Wi-Fi is simple once the feature is enabled. Connect your phone to a Wi-Fi network, ensure Wi-Fi calling is turned on in your settings, and make calls as you normally would. Your phone will automatically use the Wi-Fi connection when the mobile signal is weak or unavailable.
What is a Wi-Fi phone call?
A Wi-Fi phone call is a standard voice call made using your internet connection rather than a mobile tower. It uses your existing phone number, costs nothing extra in most cases, and works with regular contacts, including landlines.