Pros & Cons of Wi-Fi Calling: Is It Worth Using?

The advantages of Wi-Fi calling include clearer and more consistent voice quality, along with cost savings by using internet-based calls. It also serves as a reliable backup when cellular networks are weak, requires no additional apps, and integrates seamlessly with your phone’s existing system.

One of the key advantages of Wi-Fi calling is that it ensures clearer and more stable voice calls, especially in areas where cellular signals are weak or inconsistent. In particular, it uses your internet connection to deliver high-definition audio, reducing call drops, background noise, and voice delays. As a result, you get to enjoy a smoother and more reliable calling experience.

Wi-Fi calling serves as a reliable backup when cellular networks are unavailable or weak. It lets you make and receive calls using any available internet connection, whether through home Wi-Fi or a personal hotspot. As a result, you stay connected even in remote areas or places with poor signal coverage, if there is a Wi-Fi connection.

One of the advantages of Wi-Fi calling is that you don’t need any type of additional application to utilize it. It’s an in-built feature of modern smartphones. To use it, simply enable the feature on your phone and ensure your carrier supports it.

Almost every home has an internet connection, which is generally stronger than cellular coverage. This is especially true in rural areas where only one cell tower is unable to provide strong or consistent service. Plus, physical barriers like buildings can also disrupt cellular signals, making phone calls over Wi-Fi a more reliable option.

As mentioned above, Wi-Fi calling uses an internet connection instead of cellular networks, which helps to avoid roaming charges. It mainly benefits travelers, remote workers, or businesses with global clients. Since it does not require additional apps or hardware, there are no extra costs for setup either. So, it can significantly reduce the communication cost, especially for international calls.

Another advantage of Wi-Fi calling is its seamless integration with smartphone functionality. Since this feature is integrated directly into your phone's native dialer, your device can switch between Wi-Fi and cellular networks automatically. As a result, it allows you to make and receive calls by switching from Wi-Fi calling to cellular calling as per your needs.

Wi-Fi calling can help improve your phone's battery life by reducing the energy it uses to stay connected to the network. Instead of struggling to find a weak or unstable cellular signal, your phone relies on a steady Wi-Fi connection, which requires less power.

The cons of Wi-Fi calling are its dependence on an internet connection, which can affect call quality. It also carries security risks when used on public Wi-Fi and may not work everywhere due to limited Wi-Fi access. Moreover, not all devices or carriers support it, reducing its overall availability.

One of the demerits of Wi-Fi calling is that it relies heavily on the strength of your internet connection. If the Wi-Fi network is slow, congested, or unstable, it can lead to distorted audio, voice delays or even call drops. So, if you don’t have a strong Wi-Fi connection, calling through the cellular network could be a better option.

Public Wi-Fi networks pose serious security risks when used for Wi-Fi calling. This is because community Wi-Fi connections are more vulnerable to hacking and data interception. So, hackers can easily exploit such networks to access your personal data or even listen to your calls. This makes public Wi-Fi a risky choice for private conversations.

One of the common drawbacks of Wi-Fi calling is its dependency on internet availability. For instance, you may not have access to Wi-Fi in rural areas or while you are travelling. So, you may have to switch to a cellular connection without Wi-Fi, which can be costly, especially if you are travelling internationally.

A major disadvantage of Wi-Fi calling is that not all devices or carriers support it. In particular, some older or budget smartphones lack this feature. Likewise, certain carriers restrict it to specific plans or regions. So, this inconsistency limits accessibility, making the feature unavailable for many users despite its potential benefits.

Here’s a quick overview of the advantages and disadvantages of Wi-Fi calling as discussed above:

Yes, Wi-Fi calling is a great option if you often face weak cellular signals or travel to areas with poor coverage. In such cases, it helps you stay connected through any stable internet connection while offering clearer audio and fewer dropped calls. Plus, it’s simple to use since most modern smartphones already support this feature.

However, it may not always be ideal, especially when you depend on public Wi-Fi or live in places with limited internet access.

Overall, if you have a secure and reliable Wi-Fi network at home or work, enabling Wi-Fi calling can be highly beneficial. Just avoid using it on unsecured networks to protect your privacy and call quality.