Does Google phone support Wi-Fi Calling?

What is Wi-Fi Calling?

Wi-Fi Calling is a technology that allows users to make phone calls over a Wi-Fi network instead of using a cellular network. It enables phones to use Wi-Fi to route calls, texts, and voicemail when cellular coverage is limited (Nextiva, 2022).

With Wi-Fi Calling, the phone connects to a Wi-Fi network and routes calls through the internet. The call quality is similar to a regular cellular call. When enable, Wi-Fi Calling will automatically activate when the cellular signal is weak and a Wi-Fi network is available (Forbes, 2023).

The main benefits of Wi-Fi Calling include:

• Allows calling in areas with poor cellular reception
• Provides better call quality in buildings where cellular signals struggle to penetrate
• Enables calling abroad without roaming charges (when supported by carrier)

Google Pixel Phone Models

Google offers several models of Pixel smartphones. Here is an overview of the current Pixel lineup:

The latest flagship models are the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Key features include the Tensor G2 processor, up to 12GB RAM, 128/256/512GB storage options, 48MP or 50MP camera, 6.3″ or 6.7″ OLED display with up to 120Hz refresh rate, and Android 13 software.

Other current models include the more affordable Pixel 6a with a 6.1″ OLED display, Tensor processor, 6GB RAM, 128GB storage, and 12MP camera. There is also the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro released in 2022.

Older models still available include the Pixel 5a with 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 4a, and Pixel 4 XL. Google’s flagship Pixel phones stand out with their excellent cameras, fast performance, and direct Android OS updates.

Wi-Fi Calling on Pixel Phones

Google Pixel phones fully support Wi-Fi Calling capability. This allows Pixel users to make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi network when cellular coverage may be limited. According to Google’s support page, Wi-Fi Calling is available on Pixel devices running Android 7.0 and higher.

To set up Wi-Fi Calling on a Pixel phone, open the Phone app and tap Settings > Calls > Wi-Fi calling. Toggle the switch to ON. You’ll need to have Wi-Fi Calling enabled through your carrier as well. Once set up, your Pixel will automatically route calls over Wi-Fi when connected to a strong Wi-Fi network. An indicator in the status bar confirms you’re using Wi-Fi Calling.

With Wi-Fi Calling activated, Pixel users can enjoy improved call quality and coverage, especially in areas with poor cellular reception. It allows seamless hand-off between Wi-Fi and cellular connections without dropping calls. Overall, Wi-Fi Calling is a valuable feature that enhances the calling experience on Pixel devices.

Wi-Fi Calling Requirements

To use Wi-Fi calling, your device and carrier plan must meet certain requirements:

You’ll need a stable Wi-Fi connection with minimum speeds of 2 Mbps for voice calls and 10 Mbps for video calls, according to T-Mobile. Satellite internet and cell phone hotspots are generally not supported. Connecting to a strong Wi-Fi network with a modern wireless router is recommended.

Your wireless carrier plan must have Wi-Fi calling enabled as a feature. Most major carrier plans now include this, but double check with your provider.

Your smartphone must be running a software version that supports Wi-Fi calling. This is generally integrated into the standard OS these days. For Pixel phones, this feature rolled out with Android 9 Pie in 2018.

Make sure to check your carrier and device specs to confirm you meet the requirements before trying to enable Wi-Fi calling.

Wi-Fi Calling Setup

Setting up Wi-Fi Calling on your Pixel phone is easy. First, you need to enable the feature in your phone’s settings:

1. Open the Phone app on your Pixel.

2. Tap More and then Settings.

3. Tap Calls.

4. Tap Wi-Fi Calling and toggle it on.

If you don’t see the Wi-Fi Calling option, it likely means your carrier does not support this feature.

It’s also important to set your emergency location information for Wi-Fi Calling. This allows emergency services to locate you if you ever need to call 911/112 while connected over Wi-Fi. To set this up:

1. Go back to Settings > Calls.

2. Tap Wi-Fi Calling.

3. Tap Add emergency location.

4. Enter the full address where you are located. This is required by FCC regulations.

Once the address is saved, Wi-Fi Calling is fully set up and ready to use on your Pixel. You can now make calls over Wi-Fi networks.[1]

Using Wi-Fi Calling

One of the key benefits of Wi-Fi calling on Pixel phones is the ability to seamlessly switch between Wi-Fi and cellular networks during a call without dropping it. When you move out of Wi-Fi range, your Pixel phone will automatically handover the call to the cellular network ¹. The transition is designed to be smooth and unnoticeable.

In terms of call quality over Wi-Fi, Google uses technology to ensure it is comparable to a regular cellular call. Features like bandwidth adaptation, packet loss concealment, and jitter buffering help maintain call quality ¹.

There are some limitations to be aware of with Wi-Fi calling. Call quality can suffer if you have a poor Wi-Fi connection. Some advanced calling features like HD Voice may not work over Wi-Fi. And if you move out of Wi-Fi range into an area with no cellular coverage, the call will drop ³.

International Wi-Fi Calling

One of the major benefits of Wi-Fi Calling is the ability to make calls over Wi-Fi when traveling internationally instead of relying on cellular roaming. When traveling overseas, using Wi-Fi Calling allows Pixel phone owners to avoid potentially expensive roaming charges from their carrier.

With Wi-Fi Calling enabled, Pixel phones will automatically route calls and texts over Wi-Fi networks when cellular coverage is limited or unavailable, such as when traveling abroad. This allows users to continue making calls and sending texts to U.S. numbers at no extra cost, as long as they have access to a stable Wi-Fi connection.

Most major U.S. carriers like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile [1] offer free international Wi-Fi Calling capabilities on their latest plans. This means Pixel users can call or text other U.S. numbers over Wi-Fi while traveling in over 200 countries and destinations without incurring roaming charges. The calls and texts are billed at domestic rates or deducted from the plan’s allotment of minutes and messages.

International Wi-Fi Calling provides Pixel owners with excellent flexibility and savings when traveling overseas. By enabling the feature prior to the trip and connecting to local Wi-Fi networks when available, users can significantly reduce roaming charges and stay conveniently connected while abroad.

Comparison to Cellular Calling

Wi-Fi calling has some key differences compared to standard cellular calling. According to linkedphone.com, the main pros of Wi-Fi calling are:

• Wi-Fi calls may offer better call quality and reliability indoors where cellular signal is weak.
• Wi-Fi calling allows you to make calls over Wi-Fi networks when you have no cellular service, like when traveling internationally.
• Wi-Fi calling may be cheaper when roaming internationally since it uses Wi-Fi data instead of cellular roaming.

However, there are also some cons to consider:

• Call quality over Wi-Fi can be impacted by your internet speed and connectivity. Cellular offers more consistent reliability.
• Wi-Fi handoff between networks can cause calls to drop if the handoff is not smooth.
• Emergency 911 calls work differently on Wi-Fi networks compared to cellular.

In terms of call quality, weboost.com notes that Wi-Fi calling sound quality is generally very good these days, but it may not match the consistency of a strong cellular connection. Factors like your Wi-Fi bandwidth and network congestion can impact call quality over Wi-Fi.

Troubleshooting Issues

Here are some common problems and solutions for troubleshooting Wi-Fi Calling on Google Pixel phones:

If Wi-Fi Calling is not working or is unreliable, first try toggling Wi-Fi Calling off and then on again in your phone’s settings. Also ensure Wi-Fi Calling is enabled properly in your wireless carrier account settings.

Check for any software updates for your Pixel phone, as Google may have released fixes related to Wi-Fi Calling in newer versions. You can check for updates in Settings > System > Advanced > System update.

Try resetting the network settings on your Pixel phone, as this can clear any problematic configurations related to Wi-Fi Calling. Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.

If Wi-Fi Calling performs poorly when connected to a specific Wi-Fi network, try switching to a different, more reliable Wi-Fi network. Public Wi-Fi hotspots often have interference or connectivity issues.

Disable Wi-Fi Calling if you experience chronic problems getting or maintaining a connection. As a fallback, your phone will route calls over the cellular network when Wi-Fi Calling is disabled.

Also try rebooting your wireless router if you suspect the Wi-Fi network itself is having problems that interfere with Wi-Fi Calling reliability.

Check your wireless carrier’s service status page if Wi-Fi Calling stops working entirely, as your carrier could be having an outage. You may need to wait for them to resolve issues on their end.

As a last resort, reset your Pixel phone to factory default settings. This will erase your data but can eliminate any problematic settings that may be interfering with Wi-Fi Calling.

The Bottom Line

In summary, Google Pixel phones have supported Wi-Fi Calling since the Pixel 2 model released in 2017. This allows Pixel users to make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi network when cellular coverage is poor. To use Wi-Fi Calling on a Pixel, you need a phone model that supports it, an active Wi-Fi connection, and Wi-Fi Calling enabled through your carrier. Once set up, Wi-Fi Calling happens automatically when connected to Wi-Fi. The call quality is comparable to regular cellular calls.

The main benefits of Wi-Fi Calling on Pixel phones are the ability to make calls in areas with poor cellular reception, like basements or buildings, and potential cost savings when traveling internationally. The downside is that call quality relies on your Wi-Fi connection strength. Overall, Wi-Fi Calling is a useful feature for Pixel owners that provides more flexibility and connectivity options when making calls.