Wi-Fi Calling — Definition

Wi-Fi calling lets your phone make and receive calls and texts over a Wi-Fi connection instead of the cellular network.

It's a lifesaver when you've got weak signal but solid Wi-Fi, like in a basement, a thick-walled building, or a rural home. Calls hand off between Wi-Fi and cellular as you move, usually without you noticing.

In practice

You enable Wi-Fi calling with a toggle in your phone's settings, though some carriers require a one-time setup step first. If it won't turn on, the usual culprits are an out-of-date carrier setting or a plan that doesn't include it. Our troubleshooting guide walks through the fixes.