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What you need to know
Wi-Fi calling is a feature available on most newer smartphones.
It uses a Wi-Fi connection to let you make calls rather than your usual mobile network.
Wi-Fi calling is not available from all mobile providers in Australia, so if you would like access to it, make sure you check before you sign up to a new provider.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
Wi-Fi calling is a feature available on certain smartphones and networks that let you make and receive calls over a wireless internet connection instead of your regular mobile network.
It's ideal for situations when you're on strong Wi-Fi, but have weak phone network signals.
The Wi-Fi calling feature is available on the following phones:
iPhone 6 and newer
Apple Watch 3 and newer
Samsung Galaxy S6 and newer (except with Telstra, where it's S7 and newer)
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and newer
Phones in some Samsung A and J series
Google Pixel 3 and newer (unless you're with Telstra, then you can use Pixel 2 and newer)
Some other Android phones could potentially also offer Wi-Fi, but it varies and changes between telcos.
Which telcos offer Wi-Fi calling in Australia?
The following mobile providers currently offer Wi-Fi calling on their plans:
What's the difference between Wi-Fi calling, regular calling and VoLTE?
There are 3 ways to make a mobile phone call in Australia, and you've probably never noticed the difference.
When you make a regular mobile phone call, your phone will connect to the 3G, 4G or 5G network and make a good old-fashioned phone call with no internet involved.
VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution) uses your phone's 4G data connection to make a phone call, rather than the default 3G network. It's similar to how a phone service on the NBN uses the internet to make a call.
Wi-Fi calling just uses your home or office Wi-Fi to make the call instead of a mobile network or VoLTE. It barely uses any data. If you stayed on the phone without hanging up for an entire month, you might use around 30GB (but you're probably not going to do that).
How can I set up Wi-Fi calling on my phone?
It depends on which model phone you have, but generally speaking, you just follow these steps on the iPhone:
Go to Settings
Select phone
Look for the "Wi-Fi calling" toggle switch
Toggle the switch to on
Go about your business as normal, trusting that your phone will pick the best option for you.
This is the process for Samsung:
Open the phone app
Tap the 3 dots in the top-right corner
Tap settings
Tap Wi-Fi calling
Toggle the switch to turn on Wi-Fi calling
You now have Wi-Fi calling
Alternatively, just open your settings or system preferences app and search for Wi-Fi calling. This should take you to the right section.
Telstra Wi-Fi calling
Telstra has enabled Wi-Fi calling on all plans, both prepaid and postpaid. All you need to do is activate the feature on your eligible device and you're good to go.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
Optus Wi-Fi calling is also available across prepaid and postpaid. All you need to do is activate it on your eligible device, connect to a robust Wi-Fi network, and you're all set.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
Absolutely. But it's not something you need to think about once you've turned it on. Your phone will usually be able to determine which is the strongest network to make the call, so you don't need to do anything extra.
If you're in a building with spotty reception and great Wi-Fi, it just makes sense to take advantage of the better network.
It doesn't cost any extra and the person on the other end of the line won't be able to tell.
Why you can trust Finder's mobile plan experts
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Frequently asked questions
Yes. Wi-Fi calling is a free feature available from some mobile providers in Australia. It has no additional cost.
There aren't many disadvantages to Wi-Fi calling, but if you have weak signal strength, the quality of your phone call may be poor.
You'll also need to check that your smartphone supports Wi-Fi calling in the first place and that you're with a provider that has this feature (as it's not available from every mobile provider in Australia).
An easy way to know if you're using Wi-Fi calling is to check the top left or right corner of your mobile screen. It should indicate whether you're on your phone's regular mobile network, VoLTE or Wi-Fi.
No. If you're using Wi-Fi calling to ring someone, they don't need to be using Wi-Fi calling to receive your call.
No. Because Wi-Fi calling uses Wi-Fi to make your phone calls, it'll use data on the internet plan that's providing the Wi-Fi network rather than any mobile data on your phone plan.
Don't worry, it doesn't use much data at all. If you keep your Wi-Fi call going for an entire month without ever hanging up, you'd still only use about 30GB of data.
Yes, the Wi-Fi call you make will come from your regular phone number.
Yes. You can receive and make calls with Wi-Fi calling.
Alice Clarke is an award-winning freelance journalist, producer and presenter, as well as co-curator of the PAX Aus Together Lounge. In her 15 years as a journalist she’s appeared in The Age, Herald Sun Finder, Gizmodo, Kotaku, the ABC, Stevivor, Cracked, Curve and many other publications.
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