Jio recently introduced the much-awaited Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWi-Fi) feature. It is also called Wi-Fi Calling. It’s in the news and all over social media, but why would anyone use Wi-Fi Calling when apps such as WhatsApp, Skype and Facebook Messenger let us make voice and video calls over Wi-Fi. The simple answer to this question is that you need these apps installed on your phone, whereas Wi-Fi Calling feature works on any compatible smartphone. All you need is a Wi-Fi connection. It sounds interesting, but what is Wi-Fi Calling and how is it any good? More importantly, how do you enable it on your phone?
What is Wi-Fi Calling?
Wi-Fi Calling lets you make or receive calls over any Wi-Fi network in an area with poor or no cellular network. The best part is that it uses your existing phone number. All you need to do is connect to a Wi-Fi network, at home, at work or a public place. Then, place a call like you normally do. The simplest way to know if Wi-Fi Calling is available on your phone is by looking for the ‘Wi-Fi’ tag next to your carrier name in the status bar.
Traditional Calling vs. Wi-Fi Calling: What is the difference?
Normally, the phone calls we make are managed through different cellular networks. In case of poor connectivity, we often notice call drops and interrupted voice, resulting in poor call reception. Jio Wi-Fi Calling is a simple concept. Every call you make, goes over the broadband network using Wi-Fi. This means high-speed and faster data transmission, resulting in uninterrupted and clear voice in every call.
What are the benefits?
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Stable and clearer voice and video calls |
Make calls anywhere in India |
Extended indoor coverage |
Works on any Wi-Fi network
Uses your existing number
How much does it cost?
Jio Wi-Fi Calling feature is available at zero extra cost and it works on your existing voice plan. Calls made are not counted against any plan, except the calls to international numbers are billed under ‘International Calls’, which are also known as ISD calls. So, all you need is a phone that supports HD Voice Calling and a cellular carrier that supports the Wi-Fi Calling feature. Jio supports it and the feature is available to all subscribers. You can call people on any network and also while roaming anywhere in India.
How do I start Wi-Fi Calling?
To use Wi-Fi calling, you need a smartphone that supports Wi-Fi Calling. Smartphone brands such as Apple, Samsung, Google, Vivo, Xiaomi, Motorola and others are compatible for free Wi-Fi Calling feature. To check a full list of phones supporting it, click here.
Enabling Wi-Fi Calling on Android phones
Go to your phone’s Setting menu, then tap on Connections > Enable Wi-Fi Calling
Enabling Wi-Fi Calling on iPhones
Open your iPhone’s Settings, click on Phone and then, Wi-Fi Calling option. Toggle the switch to enable.
Right below is the setting to update your address for emergency services. In the event if your cellular service isn’t available and Wi-Fi Calling is enabled, your phone may be able to place emergency calls through Wi-Fi. The reason you are asked to enter your address is for the immediate help to your emergency call, in case if your phone’s location isn’t enabled.
There is also an option to allow Wi-Fi calls on other devices that are signed into your iCloud account.
Turn on ‘Add Wi-Fi Calling To Other Devices’ option. Go back to the previous screen, then tap ‘Calls On Other Devices’.
Turn on ‘Allow Calls On Other Devices’. This will display a list of devices added to your account. Enable devices you want to use with Wi-Fi Calling.
The next step is to ensure the devices you added receive calls from your iPhone. If it is an iPad or iPod Touch, go to Settings > FaceTime > Turn on ‘Calls from iPhone’. On Mac, open the FaceTime app > Go to Preferences > Turn on ‘Calls from iPhone’.
If you don’t want to use Wi-Fi Calling on other devices, you can choose to remove devices or completely disable the ‘Add Wi-Fi Calling To Other Devices’ option.
Wi-Fi Calling is a blessing for people residing in areas with poor mobile connectivity. Users can use their home or public Wi-Fi networks. Jio has made the Wi-Fi service available across India and it can be accessed over any broadband connection. If you haven’t subscribed to Jio yet, here’s another reason to. Click here to get your own Jio SIM delivered to your doorstep.
