Most people make calls over cellular networks, but some locations have inferior coverage, making these calls difficult. Samsung devices can use Wi-Fi calling instead, as your calls are routed through the internet. And since internet connections are widespread today, this new method is advantageous.
However, the Wi-Fi calling function can sometimes fail, and not every Samsung phone uses the same menu layout. We’ll show you how to address the most commonly-encountered problems below.
Samsung Wi-Fi Calling Not Working
There are reasons Wi-Fi calling refuses to work correctly on your phone. Here are some that many who attempt to make calls this way have experienced.
Enable Wi-Fi Calling Is Disabled
Sometimes, the Wi-Fi calling function is turned off or has never been activated on your Samsung device. This can be due to you forgetting to turn it on or getting a brand new device with Wi-Fi calling deactivated by default.
Therefore, before trying any other solutions, it’s best to check the Wi-Fi calling settings. While each phone is different, you can follow the general steps below:
- Open the “Settings” app or menu on your Samsung smartphone.
- Look for the “Connections” or “Network & Internet” section.
- Find the “Wi-Fi Calling” option there.
- Toggle it on.
- Test to see if Wi-Fi calling works now.
Alternatively, you can use the search function in the Settings menu to locate the Wi-Fi calling section directly. Go with whatever steps you prefer, as it doesn’t affect the result in the end.
However, if the option isn’t available even after using the search function, the smartphone doesn’t support Wi-Fi calling. If you want this option, you’ll have to get a new device, as Wi-Fi calling requires specific hardware too.
Check if the Phone or Carrier Supports Wi-Fi Calling
There’s nothing wrong with trying out Wi-Fi calling for the first time, but you need to remember that not every Samsung smartphone supports it. In addition, you’ll need a mobile carrier that supports Wi-Fi calling. As a new feature, Wi-Fi calling is still not a staple for all carriers yet.
By following the steps above, you can check if your phone supports Wi-Fi calling.
If you know your phone can make Wi-Fi calls, but you are still having difficulties, the issue may lie with the mobile carrier. You can call the customer service department to see if they support it or, if not, ask if it’s coming soon. Many companies are slowly implementing the feature due to its convenience.
You may have to switch providers if your current one informs you they have no plans to introduce Wi-Fi calling in the future.
Reset the Internet Connection
The Wi-Fi network you’re trying to use may not be working perfectly, which can prevent you from calling others over the internet. First, check the router by turning it off, waiting for approximately 30 seconds, then turning it back on. Wait for the internet connection to return to normal.
If everything goes well, you should be able to refresh the connection and call others over the Wi-Fi network. However, if this doesn’t work and you can still browse the internet otherwise, it may be an issue with the router configurations or something else. You may have to call your internet service provider for further assistance.
You can also toggle your phone’s Wi-Fi off. Sometimes, disconnecting and reconnecting solves problems. Combine it with the router reset, and you should regain Wi-Fi calling functionality.
Update Your Phone
Smartphones receive updates every so often as the developers send them out. They’re meant to get rid of bugs, address security loopholes, and do much more to improve user experience. However, forgetting to install an update or two can prevent you from accessing certain features, and Wi-Fi calling is one of them.
To check for software updates, you can follow these steps.
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll to the bottom to look for “System” or “About Phone.”
- Find the “Updates” option under “Advanced.”
- Look for any new updates.
- Install the update if there’s a new one.
A new update should help restore the phone to normal operating conditions. However, it may not guarantee Wi-Fi calling will work again.
Activate Airplane Mode
Surprisingly, Airplane Mode is useful for various fixes, and you may not know that it can force Wi-Fi calling. Some carriers inform users that if the area’s cellular signal is strong enough, it will take precedence. That’s why Wi-Fi calls don’t connect at times.
With Airplane Mode, users can shut off any connection to nearby cellular towers and use Wi-Fi instead. It’s easy to turn Airplane Mode on, as you can usually find it on the quick taskbar by swiping down on your screen. The icon for this function is a plane, and it should be toggled on.
As you activate Airplane Mode, you should ensure you’re still connected to the Wi-Fi network. You can try to call someone and see if it goes through.
Nevertheless, it would be best to turn Airplane Mode off when you get Wi-Fi calling working in normal conditions. This fix is helpful but can cut you off from your friends and family if left activated for too long.
Connect to a Different Network
There are Wi-Fi networks that have been strangely configured by IT professionals or others in charge. While they aren’t necessarily malicious, their settings may block Wi-Fi calling for some reason. Unfortunately, besides asking the IT administrator to make adjustments, there’s not much to do but try another network.
Use your smartphone’s Wi-Fi function and switch networks. If Wi-Fi now works, you’ll know it’s not your phone’s fault. Call your internet service provider if it’s your home network and you aren’t sure how to proceed.
Reset Network Settings
Erasing your Samsung smartphone’s network settings can clear some network problems and let you start fresh. Here’s how you can do that on your device:
- Go to the “Settings” menu.
- Head to the “System” section.
- Look for the option to reset network settings.
- Confirm your choice.
- Connect to your network again and test Wi-Fi calling.
You should know that completing this process will require you to enter passwords again. Any other Bluetooth devices will also be forgotten. Only proceed if you’re fine with re-entering all your information.
Reinsert SIM Card
Your SIM card may be inserted poorly, or the slot may be dirty. You can try removing the SIM card from the tray or slot. Clean the space and reinsert the card. If Wi-Fi calling now works, you can continue with your other tasks.
Samsung A32 Wi-Fi Calling Not Working
The Samsung A32 model supports Wi-Fi calling, but you’ll need a SIM card and phone plan that offers it. Here’s how you activate the feature on this particular smartphone:
- Swipe up on your Samsung A32’s screen.
- Select the “Settings” option.
- Scroll down and look for “Connections.”
- Tap on “Wi-Fi Calling.”
- Activate the option.
- Pick “Calling Preference” and go with “Wi-Fi Preferred.”
- Try making a call now.
Selecting “Wi-Fi Preferred” will make the phone prioritize calling over the internet. If this step doesn’t work, you should try any other fixes mentioned in the section above. They may help you discover the problem’s cause.
Samsung S10 Wi-Fi Calling Not Working
For the Samsung S10, there are slightly different procedures for Verizon and T-Mobile users. Try the one that is your carrier. We’ll start with the steps for T-Mobile SIM cards:
- Open the T-Mobile app.
- Register or enter your E911 location first.
- Enable Wi-Fi connections.
- Go to the “Settings” menu.
- Head to “Connections” and “Wi-Fi Calling.”
- Toggle the option on.
- Set the preferences to “Wi-Fi Preferred.”
- Restart the smartphone.
If you’re using a Verizon phone plan, try this procedure instead.
- Head to the “Settings” menu.
- Go to “Connections.”
- Agree to the terms and conditions.
- Continue and enter your emergency location.
- Save the information.
- Once Wi-Fi calling is automatically enabled, set the preference to “Wi-Fi Preferred.”
- Restart the Samsung S10.
FAQs
Why is Wi-Fi calling suddenly not working?
Many potential issues can prevent Wi-Fi calling from malfunctioning. Here is a short list of common causes.
• Poor network strength
• Not updating the smartphone
• Router settings
• Accidentally disabling the option
• Phone plan prioritizing cellular signals
While there are many more, you can usually chalk it up to one of these..
How do I force a Wi-Fi call on my Samsung?
The best way to force a Wi-Fi call is by turning Airplane Mode on since it effectively cuts off any cellular network connections. However, changing the Wi-Fi call preferences to “Wi-Fi Preferred” usually helps.
Staying Connected
Access to Wi-Fi calling is helpful for people who live or work in areas with poor cellular connections. As many people have internet networks at home, and Wi-Fi is a staple at work, it may be better to use it because it might produce a stronger signal. While the feature may sometimes fail, it isn’t tricky to address and fix.
What other fixes do you know about we didn’t cover? How does Wi-Fi calling help in your situation? Let us know in the comments section below.