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Voice over Wi-Fi Calling

Wi-Fi Calling is the ability to make mobile phone calls using a Wi-Fi connection rather than the mobile cellular network. Wi-Fi Calling is useful when you are in an area that has weak cellular coverage.

  • AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon smartphones support Voice over Wi-Fi Calling for the best call coverage indoors and outdoors.
  • You can set Wi-Fi Calling as the default way for your phone to place a call, or if you lose phone signal, your phone will automatically switch to Wi-Fi Calling.

Supported devices

The following devices support the Wi-Fi Calling feature:

  • iPhone 6 and higher, running iOS 9.3 and higher
  • Samsung S5 and higher

Get started

To activate Wi-Fi Calling, follow the directions below for your smartphone.

iPhone

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Go to Cellular
  3. Go to Wi-Fi Calling
  4. Move the slider to turn on Wi-Fi Calling.
    • You will have to confirm your address for emergency services.  It is recommended that you use an address that you spend a majority of your time at for 911 services.

Samsung

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Go to Advanced Calling.
  3. Go to Activate Wi-Fi Calling.
  4. Move the slider to turn on Wi-Fi calling.
    • You might need to enter a provided verification code and confirm your address for emergency services.

When Wi-Fi Calling is available, you will see "Wi-Fi" after your carrier name in the status bar of your smartphone.

Additional information

Please note this additional information about using Wi-Fi Calling:

  • There is no additional charge for calls to U.S. numbers and other domestic calls.
  • Wi-Fi calls to international numbers incur international long distance charges.
  • "International calling plan rates" (if added) apply while calling from other countries.
  • Use of Wi-Fi Calling might be restricted in some countries.

Troubleshooting

If you are experiencing problems setting up or using Wi-Fi calling, verify that:

  • your smartphone model is supported
  • your iPhone is running iOS 9.3 or higher
  • Wi-Fi Calling is available in your area
  • the IMEI/Sim card in your device is updated in the carrier portal

Help and more information

To learn more about the Wi-Fi Calling feature, please visit the following web pages:

For additional support, please call the Stanford UIT Service Desk at 650-725-4357 (5-HELP), option 3.

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