What is WiFi Calling?
WiFi Calling lets you make and receive calls and texts using WiFi, even if there isn't mobile network coverage.
All you need is a phone that supports WiFi Calling and a WiFi connection in the UK.
Who can use WiFi Calling?
WiFi Calling is available to anyone with EE who has a compatible device. To see if your phone supports WiFi Calling, check the device specifications in our device guides.
How do I set up WiFi Calling?
It's easy to set up - just two steps. The process is slightly different for each phone.
- Connect your phone to a working WiFi network. Read our article on how to do so if you're not sure.
- Turn on WiFi Calling in you phone settings. Use our device guides to find out how it's done on your device.
How does WiFi Calling work?
Calling and texting with WiFi Calling
You don’t need to download an app or plug anything in. Just call, text and send picture messages as normal. Whenever you see the WiFi Call indicator in the top left of your screen, you are using WiFi Calling.
Leaving WiFi coverage
Even during a call, your phone will automatically switch to 4G Calling as you move out of range of your WiFi coverage to allow your call to continue. The 4G indicator at the top of your phone screen will show during a call when you are using 4G Calling.
If you leave WiFi coverage and your phone cannot find a 4G mobile signal, your call will drop and you will need to restart the call somewhere with WiFi or Mobile coverage.
Remembering the WiFi network
Once you’ve connected to a private WiFi network and saved the password, your phone will reconnect automatically next time you’re in range. So you only need to connect once at home. If you're using public WiFi, you may need to reconnect each time you visit, as they don't normally keep you logged in.
Calling 999 with WiFi Calling
You can still call emergency services on 999 with WiFi Calling - we will try to send them your location but this is not guaranteed due to limitations of some older phone models where a GPS position may not be detectable.
How much does WiFi Calling cost?
Your existing call and text charges are the same when you use WiFi Calling. Calls and texts still come from any allowances or packs you may have. For usage beyond your allowances, charges will be at your standard rates – for details, see mobile phone price plans.
Why calls over WiFi are part of your monthly allowance
Although WiFi and the internet are used to connect your mobile phone to the EE network, EE still makes it work by connecting the call or delivering the text for you.
Data allowance
WiFi Calling won’t use any of your mobile data allowance. It will use a small amount of WiFi internet data to make and receive calls, if you have unlimited WiFi access this won't be a problem. If you use a metered WiFi connection, a half hour call uses about 10MB, compared to 700MB to download a film.
Having problems with WiFi Calling?
For WiFi Calling to work well, the WiFi connection you are using needs:
- good WiFi coverage
- a reliable internet connection
- enough internet bandwidth available
We’ve covered some of the more common questions and problems below to help.
Get in touch if you still need help
I can’t see the WiFi Calling indicator on my phone
If you can still make and receive calls and texts, this means your phone has enough mobile network coverage without using WiFi Calling.
If you cannot make and receive calls and texts, you can check the following:
- check your phone is connected to a WiFi network with internet access - you can use another device to check the WiFi connection you are using is working
- check WiFi Calling is switched on in your phone’s settings
If WiFi Calling still isn’t working, and you still can't see WiFi Call on your screen, your phone might not be getting a strong enough WiFi signal, or the internet connection might not have enough capacity to get a reliable connection to the EE network.
Poor audio quality when making or receiving calls with WiFi Calling
This is likely due to the WiFi connection you are using not having enough bandwidth for WiFi Calling to work well.
Bandwidth is impacted by how many devices are connected to the network, and streaming services like Netflix or Zoom. Stopping a streaming service or disconnecting another device might help improve the quality of your calls.
If you’re using a public WiFi network, high usage and low bandwidth could also cause poor audio quality.
Dropped calls while making or receiving calls with WiFi Calling
Dropped calls are likely due to poor WiFi coverage where you are using WiFi Calling and there not being any 4G coverage for your phone to fall back on. Staying close to your router while making calls should help keep you connected.
You should have your WiFi router as close to the middle of your home as possible.
Find out how to improve your wireless internet connection