Imagine you’re on a long trip to Europe, you’ve run out of your cellular balance halfway through, and you don’t have access to roaming right now. Then you remember that you could make calls using Wi-Fi instead of your cell service. But is wifi calling free internationally?
Well, as it turns out, Wi-Fi calling can be free internationally. However, you should know some things beforehand. First, you must ensure that your carrier has enabled the feature for free. Second, you need a reliable internet connection. And third, make sure your friends and family are also using wifi calling to avoid using up your data plan.
Let’s enlighten you further on how to make wifi calling work for free while traveling internationally.
What Is Wi-Fi Calling?
Wi-Fi Calling is a feature on your smartphone that allows you to make or receive calls and texts over an available Wi-Fi connection. When you’re in an area with little to no cell coverage, you can still communicate like normal as long as there’s a Wi-Fi connection.
If you frequently use the internet on your smartphone, you must have heard the name of WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, and Viber. They all are applications that need an active internet connection to function and make calls. The same concept applies to Wi-Fi calling.
Your regular phone calls go through your carrier’s cellular network. However, Wi-Fi calling uses an available Wi-Fi connection to connect your call, so it doesn’t count against your cellular data usage. Also, traditional WiFI calling means you needn’t install any third-party apps.
Is Wi-Fi Calling Free Internationally?
Whether Wi-Fi calling is free or not depends on your carrier and phone plan. While T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon offer free international Wi-Fi calling, some companies offer it for a fraction of the cost. AT&T, for example, offers international Wi-Fi calling starting at $0.20 per minute.
Before you travel, you should check with your carrier to see if they offer free or discounted international Wi-Fi calling. Even if your carrier doesn’t offer the feature, you may be able to find a local carrier that does.
However, for smartphone users, there’s another way to make international Wi-Fi calls for free using VoIP apps.
VoIP is Voice Over Internet Protocol. It’s a way to make calls using the internet instead of your carrier’s network. WhatsApp, Viber, and Skype all use VoIP to make calls, and they’re completely free worldwide (except for the data used while calling, which is still a lot cheaper than regular calls).
What are the Benefits of Using Wi-Fi Calling?
Wi-Fi calling can be a lifesaver in many situations. Here are a few benefits of using Wi-Fi calling:
Free International Calls
One of the best things about Wi-Fi calling is that it’s free to call internationally. You can make calls to any country as long as you have a stable internet connection.
Avoid Weak Cellular Signals
If you live in an area with a weak cellular signal, Wi-Fi calling can be a great alternative. You can make calls without any dropped calls or poor call quality.
Emergency Calls
In some countries, you can use Wi-Fi to make emergency calls even if you don’t have a cellular signal or cellular balance.
Available in Most Carriers
Most major carriers in the US offer Wi-Fi calling, including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon. If your carrier supports Wi-Fi calling, you can usually find the feature in your phone’s settings.
Supported in Many Smartphones
Wi-Fi calling is supported in many smartphones, including iPhones and Android phones. If your phone doesn’t have the feature, you can usually download an app from your carrier to enable it.
Data Saver
If you’re on a limited data plan, Wi-Fi calling can help you save data. Since the calls are made over a Wi-Fi connection, they don’t use your cellular data.
What are the Disadvantages of Using Wi-Fi Calling?
Although Wi-Fi calling has many benefits, there are a few disadvantages to consider:
Security Risks
Since Wi-Fi calling uses an internet connection, it’s vulnerable to the same security risks as other internet-based services. If you’re using a public Wi-Fi network, your calls could be intercepted by someone else on the network.
Limited Availability
Wi-Fi calling is not available in all countries. In some countries, you can only use Wi-Fi to make emergency calls.
Poor Connection
If you have a poor internet connection, your calls will be dropped or have poor call quality.
Can’t Call Landlines or Non-Wi-Fi Users
Wi-Fi calling only works if the person you’re calling is also using Wi-Fi calling. You can’t call landlines or non-Wi-Fi users with Wi-Fi calling.
How to Enable Wi-Fi Calling on Android?
Enabling Wi-Fi calling on your phone is simple and doesn’t require any special skills. Just follow these steps:
1. Go to your phone’s Settings.
2. Tap on the “Network & Internet” option.
3. Tap on the “Wi-Fi Calling” option.
4. Turn on the “Wi-Fi Calling” switch to enable “Wi-Fi” preferred as your calling preference.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
After you’ve enabled Wi-Fi calling on your phone, you can make calls like normal. The only difference is that the calls will be made over a Wi-Fi connection instead of a cellular connection.
Note: The settings may vary depending on your phone and carrier. If you can’t find the Wi-Fi calling option in your phone’s settings, contact your carrier for help.
Have A look: Does WI-FI Work without Electricity?
How to Enable Wi-Fi Calling on an iPhone?
With an iPhone, you can make calls over Wi-Fi easily, all you have to do is enable it under Settings.
- Launch “Settings” and find “Cellular.”
- Tap “Wifi Calling”.
- Toggle and turn on Wifi Calling, and then tap “Enable” when the pop-up appears.
How Do I Make Wi-Fi Calling Work Internationally on My Phone for Free?
If you want to make free Wi-Fi calls the traditional way, you must use the service of a carrier that provides such a feature. For example, T-Mobile, Sprint, and AT&T are among the most popular carriers in the United States that offer this option to their customers (although the cost may vary depending on the country you’re using the service from).
However, you may not be able to use this feature at all if you’re not in the country of your carrier or if your phone isn’t compatible. Yet, there are ways to get around this and make free calls using apps that use the internet instead of minutes from your plan.
These free VoIP apps provide the best Wi-Fi calling experience while traveling when you don’t want to switch cellular providers. Besides, they guarantee you free calls every time, unless you’re paying for the data.
What is the Best App for Free Wi-fi Calling Internationally?
Many apps offer free Wi-Fi calling today, but not all of them are created equal. Some of the best VoIP apps for free international Wi-Fi calls include:
- Viber
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Google Hangouts/Duo
- Telegram
Each of these apps has its own strengths and weaknesses, so you’ll need to choose the one that’s best for you. If you want free Wi-Fi calls to work every time, you can go with the app that’s the most popular among your friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about free international Wi-Fi calling to help you resolve your concerns.
What’s The Difference Between Traditional Wi-fi Calling And Modern Wi-fi Calling?
How Do I Make Free Calls Using Wi-fi?
Once you have the app installed on your phone, open it and find the contact you want to call. Then, just tap on their name and hit the “call” button. The call will be made over a Wi-Fi connection, so it won’t use up any of your cellular data.
Can I Call Any Number Using Wi-fi Calling?
Do I Need To Pay For International Wi-fi Calling?
T-Mobile, for example, offers free Wi-Fi calling to its customers in over 140 countries. On the other hand, AT&T charges $0.20 per minute for Wi-Fi calls made to Mexico, Canada, and over 190 other countries.
Can you use Wi-Fi calling using cellular data?
Is Wi-fi Calling Safe?
Does International Wi-fi Call Work On Airplane Mode?
Conclusion
Making free international Wi-Fi calls is a great way to stay in touch with your friends and family without racking up a huge phone bill.
However, not all carrier services provide free Wi-Fi calling to all countries. So, be sure to check with your carrier before you travel to see if they offer free Wi-Fi calling to your destination country.
If not, there are plenty of apps that allow you to make international Wi-Fi calls for free. Just choose the app that’s the most popular among your contacts and you’ll be able to stay in touch without breaking the bank.