In an era where connectivity is paramount, WiFi calling has emerged as a game-changer, especially for users facing cellular signal challenges. If you are a Samsung S20 owner looking to enhance your communication experience, enabling WiFi calling is a straightforward process that can lead to clearer voice calls and lower costs. This guide will take you step-by-step through the process of turning on WiFi calling on your Samsung S20, along with insights into its benefits and troubleshooting tips to ensure you stay connected.
Understanding WiFi Calling
Before diving into the details, it’s essential to understand what WiFi calling is and how it can enhance your communication experience.
WiFi calling allows you to make and receive phone calls using a WiFi network instead of relying solely on your cellular service. This is particularly useful in areas with weak cellular signals but strong WiFi connections—like basements, rural regions, or crowded urban spots.
Benefits of WiFi Calling
Improved Call Quality: WiFi calling often provides better voice clarity and fewer dropped calls compared to traditional cellular networks.
Cost-Effective: If you are roaming internationally, WiFi calling can save you from hefty roaming charges while allowing you to stay in touch with friends and family.
Seamless Connectivity: With WiFi calling, your calls shift seamlessly between WiFi and cellular networks, ensuring consistent connectivity.
Pre-Requisites for Enabling WiFi Calling
Before you proceed with turning on WiFi calling on your Samsung S20, make sure you meet the following requirements:
Compatible Carrier: Ensure that your mobile carrier supports WiFi calling. Most major carriers do, but it’s good to confirm.
WiFi Network: A stable WiFi connection is crucial for effective WiFi calling.
Software Update: Make sure your device is running the latest software version. To check for updates, navigate to Settings > Software update > Download and install.
Account Settings: Make sure your mobile account is set up to allow WiFi calling. Check with your carrier if you’re uncertain.
Step-by-Step Process to Turn on WiFi Calling on Samsung S20
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of enabling WiFi calling on your Samsung S20.
Step 1: Open Settings
Start by unlocking your Samsung S20. Locate the Settings app on your home screen or app drawer. The Settings app typically looks like a gear icon.
Step 2: Navigate to Connections
Once in the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on Connections. This option will provide you access to various network settings, including WiFi, Bluetooth, and mobile networks.
Step 3: Select WiFi Calling
Within Connections, you should find the WiFi Calling option. Tap on it to enter the WiFi calling settings.
Step 4: Enable WiFi Calling
Toggle the switch located at the top of the screen to enable WiFi calling. A prompt may appear, informing you about the usage of WiFi for making calls.
Step 5: Confirm Your Emergency Address
For safety reasons, your carrier might require you to enter an emergency address. This address is critical in case you need to call emergency services, as it helps them determine your location. Follow the prompts to input this information.
Step 6: Check Additional Settings
After enabling WiFi calling, look for any additional options like “WiFi preferred” or “Mobile preferred.” You can set your preference depending on your usage and connectivity needs.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
After turning on WiFi calling, you might encounter some issues. Here are potential problems and their solutions:
Issue 1: WiFi Calling Option Not Visible
If you cannot find the WiFi calling option in your settings, consider the following:
- Carrier Compatibility: Confirm with your carrier that WiFi calling is supported on your plan.
- Device Software: Ensure your Samsung S20 is updated to the latest software version.
- Network Settings Reset: Consider resetting your network settings (Settings > General management > Reset > Reset network settings).
Issue 2: Calls Dropping or Poor Quality
If your calls are dropping or the quality is poor after enabling WiFi calling, try these tips:
- Router Issues: Restart your WiFi router to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
- Signal Strength: Move closer to the router to strengthen your connection.
- Network Congestion: Limit the number of devices connected to the WiFi network when making calls.
Maximizing Your WiFi Calling Experience
Once you have successfully turned on WiFi calling, consider these tips to maximize your experience:
Check Your WiFi Connection
For optimal performance, always check that your WiFi connection is strong. You can easily check the strength of the WiFi signal from your notifications panel.
Use Quality Hardware
Ensure you are using a reliable router. Investing in a good-quality router can enhance your WiFi calling experience, especially during high-usage periods when multiple devices are connected.
Exploring Alternatives to WiFi Calling
If for some reason WiFi calling is not meeting your needs, there are alternatives available that you may consider:
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) Services
Platforms such as WhatsApp, Skype, and Zoom allow voice and video calling over WiFi, offering another layer of flexibility in your communication. These services can often bypass cellular networks entirely, but they might require both parties to have the same app installed.
Apps for WiFi Calling
Some providers offer dedicated apps for WiFi calling, allowing you to manage calls and contacts within the app. These applications may provide additional features like video calling and messaging.
Conclusion
Enabling WiFi calling on your Samsung S20 is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your calling experience, especially in areas with weak cellular signals. With the easy-to-follow steps outlined in this guide, you can benefit from improved call quality and potentially lower costs, all while staying connected with friends and family.
Whether you’re enjoying the seamless conversations made possible through WiFi calling or exploring alternatives for better connectivity, your Samsung S20 is equipped to keep you in touch. Embrace modern communication, and don’t let a weak signal keep you from connecting with the ones who matter most!
What is WiFi calling and how does it work on my Samsung S20?
WiFi calling allows you to make voice calls using a WiFi network instead of relying solely on your mobile carrier’s cellular network. This feature is particularly useful in areas with poor cellular coverage, enabling you to maintain communication without interruptions. By utilizing wireless internet, you can enhance call quality and reduce dropped calls, especially in indoor settings where cellular signals are weaker.
On your Samsung S20, WiFi calling works seamlessly by routing your calls through the WiFi connection. When you enable this feature, your phone automatically chooses the best available connection to maintain call quality. This means that, when connected to a WiFi network, any call you make or receive will be transmitted through that network instead of using your carrier’s network.
How can I enable WiFi calling on my Samsung S20?
To enable WiFi calling on your Samsung S20, begin by navigating to the “Settings” app on your device. From there, scroll down and select “Connections.” You will find the “WiFi Calling” option, which you can toggle on. Depending on your carrier, you may need to enter additional information or agree to certain terms before being able to use this feature.
Once WiFi calling is enabled, your phone should automatically switch to using WiFi networks for voice calls when available. You can confirm that WiFi calling is active by looking for a notification on the screen or a specific icon in the status bar, indicating that your calls are being routed through WiFi. Ensure you are connected to a WiFi network for the feature to work effectively.
Will I incur extra charges for using WiFi calling on my Samsung S20?
Generally, using WiFi calling does not incur additional charges. Your calls made through WiFi will typically be billed the same way as regular cellular calls, depending on your plan and whether the call is domestic or international. It is advisable to check your carrier’s policy regarding WiFi calling, as some carriers may have different rules or charges for certain types of calls.
However, keep in mind that if you are calling an international number or using a non-standard plan, there may be implications for your billing. To avoid unexpected charges, it is beneficial to check with your mobile carrier regarding how they treat WiFi calling, especially if you frequently make long-distance or international calls.
Can I use WiFi calling while roaming with my Samsung S20?
Yes, you can use WiFi calling while roaming on your Samsung S20, provided that your carrier supports this feature and you are connected to a reliable WiFi network. Roaming charges often apply for traditional cellular calls, but using WiFi calling can help you circumvent those costs. This can be especially useful when traveling abroad where cellular roaming rates may be significantly higher.
Before relying on this feature while roaming, ensure that your mobile plan includes provisions for using WiFi calling internationally. Confirmation from your carrier would clarify whether any charges might apply when using WiFi networks in different countries and help you avoid surprise fees.
What should I do if WiFi calling is not functioning on my Samsung S20?
If you are experiencing issues with WiFi calling on your Samsung S20, first ensure that the feature is enabled in your settings. Go to “Settings,” select “Connections,” and confirm that “WiFi Calling” is turned on. If it is already enabled, try toggling it off and back on again to refresh the service. Restarting your device can also help in restoring the connectivity.
Additionally, check your WiFi connection to ensure it is stable and functioning correctly. A weak or unstable WiFi signal can prevent WiFi calling from working properly. You may also want to check with your carrier to see if there are any outages or issues with their service that may be affecting WiFi calling.
Is WiFi calling secure on my Samsung S20?
WiFi calling generally uses encryption technologies to ensure that your calls are secure. Your voice data is transmitted over the internet in a manner similar to other secure internet communications, effectively protecting your conversation from eavesdropping. However, the security ultimately depends on the quality of the WiFi network you are using and whether it has secure credentials.
When using public WiFi networks, there is always some level of risk involved due to potential vulnerabilities. To enhance your security while making WiFi calls, try to use a trusted and secure WiFi connection, such as your home network, and avoid using public networks unless necessary. If concerned about security, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for an additional layer of protection.