Having trouble making calls over Wi-Fi on your Android phone? Don’t worry, this guide will help you troubleshoot the issue and get Wi-Fi calling working again.
If you’re experiencing issues with Wi-Fi calling on your Android device, this troubleshooting guide can help you get it working again. Let’s walk through some steps to identify and fix the problem.
How to Fix the WiFi Calling Not Working (Android)
Wi-Fi calling is a convenient feature that allows you to make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi network instead of relying on a cellular signal. This can be especially beneficial in areas with poor cellular reception or when you have limited data usage.
Fix 1: Enabled Wi-Fi Calling
I verify Wi-Fi calling is activated in my phone’s settings. In my experience, the specific location of this setting varies depending on my device model, but I typically find it under “Wi-Fi calling” or “Calling” options within the Settings menu.
Switch Between Wi-Fi Calling Settings
In my experience with Wi-Fi calling settings, I’ve found that there are typically three main options to choose from, as shown in this screenshot:
- Wi-Fi preferred: When I select this option, my phone tries to use Wi-Fi for calls whenever possible. I find this useful when I’m at home or in areas with strong Wi-Fi but weak cellular signal.
- Mobile network preferred: If I choose this, my phone prioritizes the cellular network for calls. I tend to use this when I’m out and about, where cellular coverage is generally good.
- VoIP preferred: This is the option currently selected in the image. When I use this setting, my phone prefers to route calls over an internet connection using Voice over IP (VoIP) technology (And if Volte not showing or working). I’ve found this particularly useful when I’m using internet-based calling apps or when I want to ensure the best call quality over an internet connection.
In my case, I often switch between these options depending on my location and the strength of available networks. For instance, when I’m traveling internationally, I might set it to “Wi-Fi preferred” to avoid roaming charges.
Fix 2: Reset Network Settings
I’ve reset my network settings a few times to clear up corrupted network configurations. Here’s a pro tip I learned: before doing this, I take screenshots of my Wi-Fi settings, including any static IP configurations or DNS settings I’ve customized. It saves me a lot of time when reconfiguring afterward.
Fix 3: Active Wi-Fi Connection
I double-check that my Wi-Fi is turned on and my phone is connected to a strong Wi-Fi network. I’ve found that a weak signal can hinder Wi-Fi calling functionality.
Try These 3 More Fixes for Connection Issues
If the basic checks don’t resolve my issue, I look at my connection:
- Restart Frenzy: Sometimes I find that a simple restart can work wonders. I restart my phone and my Wi-Fi router. In my experience, powering them off completely for a few seconds and then restarting them can clear up temporary glitches.
- Alternative Wi-Fi Network: I try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network to see if the issue is specific to the current network I’m on.
- Carrier Confirmation: I know that not all carriers support Wi-Fi calling, and some may require specific plans or configurations. I check with my carrier to confirm if Wi-Fi calling is available on my plan and if any additional steps are needed to activate it.
Device and Carrier Compatibility For Wifi Calling Stopped
- Software Update: An outdated Android version might cause compatibility issues in my experience. I check for software updates on my phone (Settings > System > About Phone > System updates).
- Compatible Phone: Not all Android phone models support Wi-Fi calling, as I discovered the hard way. I once bought a budget phone, assuming all modern devices had this feature. Big mistake! Now, I always consult my carrier or phone manufacturer to confirm if my phone model is compatible with Wi-Fi calling before purchasing.
- Carrier Provisioning: Even when my phone model supports Wi-Fi calling, I’ve found that my carrier might need to provision my SIM card for it to work. In one frustrating instance, I spent hours troubleshooting before I contacted my carrier’s customer support and learned my SIM wasn’t properly provisioned for Wi-Fi calling. Now it’s one of the first things I check.
Advanced Troubleshooting
When the above steps haven’t solved my problem, I try these advanced troubleshooting options:
- Reinsert SIM Card: This might sound basic, but I once solved a persistent Wi-Fi calling issue by cleaning my SIM card with a bit of isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab. Just be sure it’s completely dry before reinserting!
Beyond Common Sense: My Unusual Fixes
Fix 1: VPN Interference
Once, I couldn’t figure out why my Wi-Fi calling stopped working after a trip abroad. Turns out, the VPN I had installed was interfering with the service. Now, I always disable my VPN when troubleshooting Wi-Fi calling issues.
Fix 2: Router Channel Congestion
In my apartment complex, I discovered that router channel congestion was affecting my Wi-Fi calling quality. I used a Wi-Fi analyzer app to find less congested channels and adjusted my router settings accordingly. The difference was night and day!
Fix 3: Faraday Effect
I once realized that my Wi-Fi calling issues only occurred in my home office. After some investigation, I found that the metal filing cabinet next to my desk was creating a mini Faraday cage, blocking signals. Moving my workspace solved the problem instantly.
Fix 4: Firmware Rollback
In a particularly frustrating case, a router firmware update actually broke Wi-Fi calling for my device. I had to rollback the firmware to get it working again. Now, I always check online forums before updating my router’s firmware.
Fix 5: DNS Shenanigans
I’ve found that sometimes, changing my DNS server can impact Wi-Fi calling. I experimented with using Google’s DNS (8.8.8.8) and Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), and found that one worked better for Wi-Fi calling on my network than my ISP’s default.
Remember, these are based on my personal experiences. While they worked for me, your mileage may vary. Always consult with your carrier or a professional if you’re unsure about any steps!
Additional Tips
- Some carriers allow you to set Wi-Fi calling preferences, such as prioritizing Wi-Fi calling over cellular data. Explore your phone’s Wi-Fi calling settings to see if such options are available.
- If you’ve exhausted all these troubleshooting steps and Wi-Fi calling remains inoperable, consider contacting your carrier’s customer support for further assistance. They may have access to additional tools and diagnostics to pinpoint the issue.
Conclusion
So that is it for today’s blog post. In today’s blog, we have dedicatedly shown you practical tips and tricks for fixing Wi-Fi calling not working on any Android device, whether you have a Samsung, Motorola, or any particular device or model. I hope you found the information helpful. If it does work for you, please tell others about it in the comments section. It would be helpful for me and for other people too. I hope you found the information helpful.
