Wi-Fi calling

Wi-Fi calling (also known as VoWiFi) is a feature that allows you to make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi connection rather than a traditional mobile signal. This is particularly useful in Ireland, where thick stone walls in older buildings or remote rural locations can sometimes interfere with mobile coverage. On this page, we explain the benefits of Wi-Fi calling, how the service works, and the steps to activate it on your handset.

How Wi-Fi calling works

By 2026, almost every mobile network provider in Ireland offers Wi-Fi calling as standard. Once you have enabled the feature on your phone, it will automatically switch to Wi-Fi whenever your mobile signal is weak. This ensures you stay connected even in “black spots.” It also works while Aeroplane Mode is turned on, provided you are connected to a Wi-Fi network.

Please note! While most operators support this feature, availability can sometimes depend on your specific plan. Most bill pay (contract) customers have full access, and it is now standard for most prepay customers as well. If you bought your phone “SIM-free” or from a different provider, it is worth checking your network’s website to ensure the feature is fully compatible with your device.

There is no extra charge for using Wi-Fi Calling; calls are simply deducted from your monthly allowance or credit as normal.

Pros of Wi-Fi calling

  • Stay connected in areas with no mobile signal
  • Improved call clarity and faster connection times
  • No additional costs or hidden fees

Cons of Wi-Fi calling

  • Depends entirely on a stable Wi-Fi connection
  • Public Wi-Fi networks may have security risks
  • Emergency calls may require an Eircode/address for location tracking

What is the difference between Wi-Fi calling, 4G and 5G calling?

4G calling and 5G calling (also known as VoLTE and VoNR) allow you to make high-definition voice calls over the mobile data network. With 3G now phased out across Ireland, these technologies are the standard for mobile calls today. They ensure that your internet doesn’t slow down while you’re on a call and provide near-instant connection times.

Wi-Fi calling is essentially the “indoor” extension of this service; it uses your broadband connection instead of a mobile mast. Crucially, on most Irish networks, 4G calling is a prerequisite for Wi-Fi calling. Because they share the same underlying technology, you generally need to have 4G calling enabled on your device for Wi-Fi calling to function.

The biggest benefit of this connection is the “seamless handover”. In 2026, most modern handsets can switch between 5G, 4G, and Wi-Fi mid-call without any interruption, ensuring you don’t lose the line as you walk from your living room out to your car.

Can I use Wi-Fi calling on both iPhone and Android?

Yes. Virtually all smartphones released in the last several years support this. 

  • iPhone: All models from the iPhone 8 onwards (running the latest available software). 
  • Android: Most models from major brands (Samsung, Google, Sony, Xiaomi) released from 2018 onwards.

Tip! To ensure everything works smoothly, always keep your phone’s software up to date by installing the latest “System Updates.”

Enable Wi-Fi calling on iPhone

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Mobile Data.
  3. Tap Wi-Fi Calling.
  4. Toggle Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone to ON.
  5. Select Enable when the pop-up appears.

Enable Wi-Fi calling on Samsung Galaxy

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Connections.
  3. Tap Wi-Fi Calling.
  4. Toggle the switch to On.

Enable Wi-Fi calling on Google Pixel

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Network & internet.
  3. Tap SIMs.
  4. Select your active SIM and tap Wi-Fi Calling.
  5. Toggle Use Wi-Fi calling to ON.

Enable Wi-Fi calling on Xiaomi

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select SIM cards & mobile networks.
  3. Select your active SIM card.
  4. Toggle Make calls using Wi-Fi to ON.

After enabling the setting, it is often a good idea to restart your phone to ensure the network registers the change.

Please note! If you are using an MVNO, ensure your specific handset model is on their “Certified Devices” list, as some budget handsets may have restricted access to VoWiFi.

Are calls via WhatsApp or Viber Wi-Fi calling?

Not exactly. While apps like WhatsApp and Viber also use the internet to make calls, they require both parties to have the app installed. Wi-Fi calling is “native” – it uses your actual phone number and the person you are calling doesn’t need any special apps or even a Wi-Fi connection themselves. It’s just like a regular call, only more reliable when you’re indoors.