How do I use WiFi calling?

Go to settings > connections > ensure that WiFi Calling is switched on. If your mobile provider and phone are compatible with WiFi calling then you'll automatically use WiFi to make phone calls where a mobile network is not available.

What is WiFi calling and how can you get it in Australia?

Anula Wiwatowska - Offsite Editorial Lead

Last updated 12 June 2024

Contents

In this guide:

What is WiFi calling?
Plans with WiFi calling
WiFi calling vs VoLTE
Optus WiFi calling
Vodafone WiFi calling
Telstra WiFi calling
Which devices support WiFi calling?
How much data does WiFi calling use?
Making WiFi calls on iPhone
Making WiFi calls on Android
Should you use WiFi calling?
WiFi calling FAQs

For those struggling with coverage and reception woes, WiFi calling is an absolute game changer.

What is WiFi calling?

Simply put, WiFi calling uses a WiFi network to make phone calls, instead of a mobile phone network. It works in just the same way as a phone call, and on your end you ideally shouldn't notice a thing.

In rural areas that lack phone signal, but do have an internet connection, it can mean the difference between being able to actually use your phone, and not.

These days, many or most providers offer WiFi calling in some capacity, but not all. And it's less common on prepaid mobile plans. If it's a feature you're interested in, you'll need to double-check which plans have it before you sign up to one.

Some providers such might refer to WiFi calling as 'VoWiFi' which stands for Voice-Over WiFi.

Plans with WiFi calling

Before we get into the nitty gritty, the following providers all offer WiFi calling on their plans. Here are their popular plans with at least 15GB of data:

#1	SpinTel Editor's Pick	SpinTel Editor's Pick $23 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT WhistleOut Special: Enjoy $11 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $12/mth for first 6 months, then $23/mth $12.00/mth Min. cost $12 Go to Site	$12.00/mth Min. cost $12	Go to Site
#2	Dodo Editor's Pick	Dodo Editor's Pick Medium Mobile Plan 40GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: 50% off for first 4 mths! Get the Medium Mobile Plan for $15/mth for first 4 mths. New and returning mobile customers only. Ends 27.10 $30.00/mth Min. cost $15 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $15	Go to Site
#3	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 30GB 5G Mobile SIM 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $15/mth for 4 months then $30/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $30.00/mth Min. cost $15 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $15	Go to Site
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone $58 Small SIM Only Plan 65GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $45.00/mth Min. cost $45 Go to Site	$45.00/mth Min. cost $45	Go to Site
#5	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#6	Moose Mobile	Moose Mobile Moose 23 SIM Only 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 30GB for $14 – Includes $9 off for first 6 months, then reverts to $23. Offer ends 30.06.27 $14.00/mth Min. cost $14 Link not supplied	$14.00/mth Min. cost $14	Link not supplied
#7	Belong	Belong 25GB Mobile Plan 85GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Includes 60GB monthly bonus data for first 12 months when you activate your new service by 04.11.26. T&Cs apply. $34.00/mth Min. cost $34 Link not supplied	$34.00/mth Min. cost $34	Link not supplied
#8	Telstra	Telstra $84 Essential Upfront SIM Plan 180GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get $10 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Essential Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26 $74.00/mth Min. cost $74 Link not supplied	$74.00/mth Min. cost $74	Link not supplied
#9	Everyday Mobile	Everyday Mobile $40 SIM Only 70GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Get 10% off an eligible Woolworths shop in store every month when you link your Everyday Rewards card. T&Cs apply $40.00/mth Min. cost $40 Link not supplied	$40.00/mth Min. cost $40	Link not supplied

WiFi calling vs. VoLTE

Woman holding her phone up above her head trying to find signal

VoLTE and WiFi calling tend to get bundled into the same category, but they’re not interchangeable terms.

VoLTE stands for Voice Over LTE (Long-Term Evolution). LTE is another name for 4G. Where WiFi calling utilises a broadband connection via WiFi, VoLTE uses 4G to make phone call – it's pretty much the standard for phone calls in Australia at this point

Optus WiFi calling

All Optus prepaid and postpaid SIMs, coupled with a compatible device, are able to access WiFi calling.

Here are Optus' mobile plans:

Postpaid
Prepaid

#1	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#2	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: Get up to $10/mth SubHub credit to use on your favourite subscriptions for 12 months. T&Cs apply. $69.00/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69.00/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $70.00/mth Min. cost $70 Go to Site	$70.00/mth Min. cost $70	Go to Site
#4	Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $90.00/mth Min. cost $90 Go to Site	$90.00/mth Min. cost $90	Go to Site

In June 2022, Optus opened up access to VoLTE and WiFi calling to all its postpaid Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). As long as you bring a compatible device to a participating MVNO, you’ll be able to access WiFi calling when you can't reach Optus' coverage.

Here are the most popular postpaid Optus MVNO plans:

#1	SpinTel Editor's Pick	SpinTel Editor's Pick $23 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT WhistleOut Special: Enjoy $11 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $12/mth for first 6 months, then $23/mth $12.00/mth Min. cost $12 Go to Site	$12.00/mth Min. cost $12	Go to Site
#2	Dodo Editor's Pick	Dodo Editor's Pick Medium Mobile Plan 40GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: 50% off for first 4 mths! Get the Medium Mobile Plan for $15/mth for first 4 mths. New and returning mobile customers only. Ends 27.10 $30.00/mth Min. cost $15 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $15	Go to Site
#3	Dodo	Dodo Large Mobile Plan 80GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: 50% off for first 4 mths! Get the Large Mobile Plan for $20/mth for first 4 mths. New and returning mobile customers only. Ends 27.10 $40.00/mth Min. cost $20 Go to Site	$40.00/mth Min. cost $20	Go to Site
#4	Dodo	Dodo Small Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $25.00/mth Min. cost $25 Go to Site	$25.00/mth Min. cost $25	Go to Site
#5	SpinTel	SpinTel $29 Mobile Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $29.00/mth Min. cost $29 Go to Site	$29.00/mth Min. cost $29	Go to Site
#6	Coles Mobile	Coles Mobile $35 Mobile Plan 45GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: Only $12 for 45GB (incl. $23 off first renewal). Offer ends 27.10.26 $35.00/mth Min. cost $12 Link not supplied	$35.00/mth Min. cost $12	Link not supplied
#7	SpinTel	SpinTel $35 Mobile Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $35.00/mth Min. cost $35 Go to Site	$35.00/mth Min. cost $35	Go to Site
#8	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Value 5G SIM Plan 45GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $40.00/mth Min. cost $40 Link not supplied	$40.00/mth Min. cost $40	Link not supplied
#9	SpinTel	SpinTel $50 Mobile Plan 200GB data Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $50.00/mth Min. cost $50 Go to Site	$50.00/mth Min. cost $50	Go to Site

Vodafone WiFi calling

WiFi calling is available on all Vodafone postpaid and prepaid plans.

Here are Vodafone's mobile plans:

Postpaid
Prepaid

#1	Vodafone	Vodafone $58 Small SIM Only Plan 65GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $45.00/mth Min. cost $45 Go to Site	$45.00/mth Min. cost $45	Go to Site
#2	Vodafone	Vodafone $68 Medium SIM Only Plan 220GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $18/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $50.00/mth Min. cost $50 Go to Site	$50.00/mth Min. cost $50	Go to Site
#3	Vodafone	Vodafone $78 Large SIM Only Plan 420GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $23/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $55.00/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55.00/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site

#1	Vodafone	Vodafone $13 Prepaid Plus Recharge 5GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 1GB extra data on every Automatic Recharge when you opt-in to Automatic Recharge $13.00 Per 7 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$13.00 Per 7 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	Vodafone	Vodafone $40 Prepaid Plus Recharge 90GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 60GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + $5 off with every Automatic Recharge $40.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$40.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#3	Vodafone	Vodafone $50 Prepaid Plus Recharge 120GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 80GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + $5 off with every Automatic Recharge $50.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$50.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone $60 Prepaid Plus Recharge 165GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 110GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + $5 off with every Automatic Recharge $60.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$60.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#5	Vodafone	Vodafone $250 Prepaid Plus Starter Pack 225GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: $250 SIM for $179 + Includes 75GB bonus data on activation + Extra 50GB on every Automatic Recharge $179.00 Per 365 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$179.00 Per 365 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#6	Vodafone	Vodafone $180 Prepaid Plus Starter Pack 160GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 60GB bonus data on activation + Extra 30GB on every Automatic Recharge $180.00 Per 185 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$180.00 Per 185 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#7	Vodafone	Vodafone $350 Prepaid Plus Starter Pack 350GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 100GB bonus data on activation + Extra 100GB on every Auto Recharge $350.00 Per 365 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$350.00 Per 365 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

Vodafone has opened up WiFi calling to MVNOs. Here are popular plans on the Vodafone network with WiFi calling:

#1	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 30GB Small Plan 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $15/mth for first 6 months, then $30/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	TPG	TPG 100GB Large Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Link not supplied
#3	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $15/mth for first 3 mths, then $30/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T+Cs apply $30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#4	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 50GB Medium Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $17.50/mth for first 6 months, then $35/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Link not supplied
#5	felix mobile	felix mobile felix Unlimited Mobile Plan Unlimited data at download speeds up to 40Mbps On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $20/mth for first 3 mths, then $40/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T+Cs apply $40.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$40.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#6	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Medium - 365 Day Flex Plan 200GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 200GB data for only $190 on the Medium 365 Day Flex Plan. Offer ends 30.11.26 $190.00 Per 365 Day Renewal Go to Site	$190.00 Per 365 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#7	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 50GB Mobile Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $17.50/mth for first 3 mths, then $35/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T+Cs apply $35.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$35.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#8	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Small Monthly Plan 25GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network $23.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$23.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#9	iiNet	iiNet 100GB Large Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Link not supplied
#10	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Large Monthly Plan 80GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $40.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$40.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site

Telstra WiFi calling

Telstra offers WiFi calling across its range of prepaid and postpaid plans. Provided you are using a supported device, you should be able to simply switch on WiFi calling in your device settings.

Here are Telstra's plans:

Postpaid
Prepaid

$84 Essential Upfront SIM Plan

180GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: Get $10 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Essential Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26

$74.00/mth

Min. cost $74

Link not supplied

$74.00/mth

Min. cost $74

Link not supplied

$74 Basic Upfront SIM Plan

50GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices

$74.00/mth

Min. cost $74

Link not supplied

$74.00/mth

Min. cost $74

Link not supplied

$99 Premium Upfront SIM Plan

300GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: Get $15 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Premium Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26

$84.00/mth

Min. cost $84

Link not supplied

$84.00/mth

Min. cost $84

Link not supplied

#1	Telstra	Telstra $44 Pre-Paid Mobile 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 30GB activation bonus for first 3 recharges, 20GB from your fourth. Ends 01.01.2027 $44.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$44.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	Telstra	Telstra $54 Pre-Paid Mobile 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 40GB activation bonus for first 3 recharges, 35GB from your fourth. Ends 01.01.2027 $54.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$54.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#3	Telstra	Telstra $64 Pre-Paid Mobile 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps 4GX on the Telstra Mobile Network Deal: Includes 55GB activation bonus for first 3 recharges, 45GB from your fourth. Ends 01.01.2027 $64.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$64.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#4	Telstra	Telstra $74 Pre-Paid Mobile 155GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 75GB activation bonus for first 3 recharges, 80GB from your fourth. Ends 01.01.2027 $74.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$74.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#5	Telstra	Telstra $200 Pre-Paid Mobile Plan 160GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 80GB bonus data on activation or first recharge, 80GB on future recharges. Activate by 02.11.2027. $200.00 Per 6 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$200.00 Per 6 Month Renewal	Link not supplied
#6	Telstra	Telstra $395 Pre-Paid Mobile Plan 180GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $395.00 Per 12 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$395.00 Per 12 Month Renewal	Link not supplied

Since December 2022, Telstra has offered WiFi calling as a feature for all its MVNOs, both prepaid and postpaid providers. Customers of mobile providers on the Telstra network do not need to opt-in to use WiFi calling, they just need a smartphone that is compatible.

Here are some of the most popular plans from Telstra network providers that offer WiFi calling:

#1	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $39 Prepaid 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Grab a $39 SIM for $13 – save $26. Hurry! Offer ends 05.10.26. Terms Apply $39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#2	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 30GB 5G Mobile SIM 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $15/mth for 4 months then $30/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $30.00/mth Min. cost $15 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $15	Go to Site
#3	Exetel	Exetel Plus One eSIM Plan 130GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $40.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$40.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#4	Telstra	Telstra $54 Pre-Paid Mobile 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 40GB activation bonus for first 3 recharges, 35GB from your fourth. Ends 01.01.2027 $54.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$54.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#5	Superloop	Superloop SuperSim Saver 4G Plan 15GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 4G Mobile Network Deal: FREE 2nd recharge for existing Superloop broadband customers or new customers signing up for a mobile & broadband service $25.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$25.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#6	Belong	Belong 25GB Mobile Plan 85GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Includes 60GB monthly bonus data for first 12 months when you activate your new service by 04.11.26. T&Cs apply. $34.00/mth Min. cost $34 Link not supplied	$34.00/mth Min. cost $34	Link not supplied
#7	ALDI mobile	ALDI mobile $28 Mobile Plan 12GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $28.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$28.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#8	Everyday Mobile	Everyday Mobile Pre-paid Mobile $25 Recharge 22GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 10% off an eligible Woolworths shop in store every month when you link your Everyday Rewards card. T&Cs apply $25.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$25.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#9	More	More 75GB 5G Mobile SIM 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: Get $10/mth off new mobile plans for 36mths, then $4/mth ongoing when you sign up with a CommBank debit or credit card. Ends 31.3.27 $46.00/mth Min. cost $46 Link not supplied	$46.00/mth Min. cost $46	Link not supplied

Which devices support WiFi calling?

Just because your telco supports WiFi calling doesn't necessarily mean that you can access it. You also need a device that's compatible, and possibly to enable WiFi calling in your phone's settings menu. Telcos generally provide a list of devices that can utilise WiFi calling on their plans and, in some cases, they may require them to have been bought from that specific provider.

Below are the devices listed for each major telco and any caveats noted. We've looked only at Apple, Samsung and Google from the big three telcos, so check with your provider if your device is not on the list.

Devices that support WiFi calling

Device	Telstra	Optus	Vodafone
Apple iPhone 6 onwards
Apple Watch Series 3 onwards
Samsung Galaxy S6 onwards
Samsung Galaxy S7 onwards
Samsung Note 5 onwards
Google Pixel 2 onwards
Google Pixel 3 onwards

Note: If WiFi calling with Optus, Android devices must have the latest version of Optus firmware installed. Likewise, if WiFi calling with Vodafone, Android devices purchased from third-party retailers may not support Vodafone WiFi calling.

How much data does WiFi calling use?

Enabling and using WiFi calling won’t use your mobile data allowance, but it will use data from the connected broadband network.

WiFi calls use very little data – as little as 100Kbps. It would take hours upon hours to reach gigabytes.

Thankfully, the vast majority of home internet plans have unlimited data these days, so WiFi calling shouldn’t have any noticeable effect on your home data usage.

Making WiFi calls on iPhone

To use WiFi calling on an iPhone simply follow the steps below:

Enable WiFi calls on iPhone

Open the Settings app
Select Mobile
Select Wi-Fi Calling under the label for your network (e.g. Telstra). If you have multiple SIMs on your iPhone, like an eSIM, you might need to tap on the plan you want to enable WiFi calling first.
Toggle on Wi-Fi Calling

You'll know that WiFi calling has been activated when you can see 'Wi-Fi Call' after the network name alongside Network Selection.

Making WiFi calls on Android

The steps for enabling WiFi calling will depend on your phone model and the version of Android it's running. But, in general, they should look something like this:

Enable WiFi calls on Android

Open the Phone app
Tap More
Select Calls
Tap Wi-Fi calling

To test, launch the Phone app and select a contact to call. When Wi-Fi calling is enabled and a mobile network cannot be found, the WiFi calling icon will appear above the contact you are calling. If a network has been detected, you will be able to view it.

Should you use WiFi calling?

There are more benefits to enabling WiFi calling than there are drawbacks, so if you have a compatible device with a participating provider then you probably should turn WiFi calling on.

Pros of WiFi calling

Allows you to make calls when you have little or no mobile coverage, as long as you're connected to WiFi
Saves battery when in low coverage areas

Cons of WiFi calling

Signal strength can be unreliable on high-traffic WiFi connections like public WiFi
Some smaller providers may not have WiFi calling

WiFi calling FAQs

What is the downside of WiFi calling?

The main downside to WiFi calling is that the call quality is still reliant on the strength of the internet connection. If the WiFi you are connected to is slow or unreliable, then your calls will suffer.

Is WiFi calling free in Australia?

Yes, WiFi calling is free to use in Australia. You do not need to pay any additional fees in order to use WiFi calling with participating telcos.

Which carriers support WiFi calling in Australia?

These are the Australian providers in WhistleOut's database that support WiFi and VoLTE calling:

amaysim
ALDI Mobile
Aussie Broadband
Belong
Boost Mobile
Catch Connect
Circles.Life
Coles Mobile
Dodo
Everyday Mobile (formerly Woolworths Mobile)
felix
Kogan Mobile
Lebara Mobile
MATE
Moose Mobile
Optus
Southern Phone
SpinTel
Tangerine
Telstra
TPG
Vodafone

Can you make an emergency call with WiFi calling?

When WiFi calling is turned on and cellular service isn't available, emergency calls could use Wi-Fi calling instead. Otherwise, if cellular service is available, your iPhone will default to using that to make emergency calls.

Anula Wiwatowska

Offsite Editorial Lead | Instagram

Anula is the Off-Site Editorial Lead for WhistleOut Australia, and an award winning tech journalist. She has been writing about the Australian telco industry, and consumer technology for over five years, and has been known to tell her Uber driver which phone they should upgrade to next.

Read full bio