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Why Is WiFi Calling Not Working? A Complete Step By Step Fixing

why is wifi calling not working

WiFi calling is one of those features that feels like magic when it works and feels like a nightmare when it doesn’t.
You tap call and instead of a clear smooth voice you get robotic sound, echo, or complete silence.
And if you run a call centre or a business that depends on phone calls, this small issue can turn into a big problem very quickly.

So let’s break it down in the simplest way possible.
Why is your WiFi calling not working
What is stopping it
How do you fix it without needing a technical expert

Grab a coffee and let’s go step by step.

What Is WiFi Calling And Why Does It Stop Working

WiFi calling allows your phone to send your voice through your WiFi network instead of your mobile network.
Think of it like your voice taking a shortcut through the internet instead of climbing a tall mobile tower.

But if something blocks that shortcut, your call refuses to work.
It might fall back to your mobile network.
Sometimes it even ends the call completely.

The good news is that WiFi calling usually stops working for very simple reasons.
You can fix most of them in minutes.

Most Common Reasons WiFi Calling Is Not Working

Let’s look at all the real reasons that cause WiFi calling to fail.
I will keep it beginner friendly with examples so you can fix it even if you are not technical.

Reason (1)

Your phone has WiFi calling turned off.

This is the most common issue.
Sometimes the feature gets disabled after a software update or network reset.

  • To check
  • Go to Settings
  • Search WiFi calling
  • Make sure the switch is turned on

One of my clients who runs a small support team told me
I wasted two hours troubleshooting only to find out WiFi calling was never turned on.

It happens more often than you think.

Reason (2)

Your carrier does not support WiFi calling.

Not all networks offer WiFi calling.
Some allow it only on specific plans.

If you do not see the option in your phone settings, your carrier might not support it.
A quick call to customer support will confirm.

Reason (3)

Poor WiFi quality or weak signal.

Even if your WiFi looks connected, it might be too weak or unstable for voice calls.

  • Signs of weak WiFi
  • Voice cuts
  • Echo or robotic sound
  • Delayed audio
  • Calls dropping randomly

WiFi calling needs a stable connection even more than video streaming because voice packets require consistent flow.

Reason (4)

Your router is placed in a bad spot**

If your router is behind a cabinet, inside a drawer, or hidden under a table, the signal becomes weak.
Your phone will struggle to use WiFi calling.

Think of the router as a lamp
If you hide it under a blanket, the light cannot spread.

Place the router in an open high location with no walls around it.

Reason (5)

Too many devices are using the same WiFi.

Every device on your WiFi network uses a portion of your bandwidth.
If your office or home has many devices streaming videos or downloading files, your call quality will collapse.

This is very common in call centres using a single router.

Reason (6)

You are too far from the router**

Distance matters.
The farther you are, the weaker your signal becomes.

If you walk into a different room or go upstairs, WiFi calling might stop.

Reason (7)

Your phone has strong mobile signal so it does not use WiFi**

Your phone automatically prefers mobile network over WiFi calling.
So even if WiFi calling is turned on, it might not activate.

Solution
Turn on Airplane Mode then turn on WiFi
This forces your phone to use WiFi calling.

This trick alone fixes the issue for thousands of users.

Reason (8)

Outdated phone software**

If you have not updated your phone for months, your WiFi calling might have bugs that are already fixed in new versions.

A simple update can solve it instantly.

Reason (9)

Your router or modem needs a reboot**

Routers get tired too.
If they stay on for many days, they become slow.

Restarting your router clears memory and improves WiFi performance.
It is like giving your router a short nap.

Reason (10)

You are using public WiFi**

Most public networks block WiFi calling for security reasons.
Coffee shops, airports, and hotels usually limit voice traffic.

Never rely on public WiFi for business calls.

Reason (11)

Firewall or router settings are blocking WiFi calling**

Some routers have strict security settings that block voice traffic.
This is very common in corporate networks.

If you are in an office building
Ask your IT team to allow VoIP and WiFi calling traffic.

Reason (12)

Your phone is set to prefer mobile networks over WiFi**

Many phones have advanced network settings that automatically use mobile towers even when WiFi is on.

To fix
Look for options like Prefer WiFi calling or WiFi preferred.

How To Fix WiFi Calling Not Working

A Simple Step By Step Checklist**

Follow this checklist one by one.
Ninety percent of WiFi calling issues get solved with these steps.

Step (1)

Turn WiFi calling on again**

Go to Settings
Search WiFi calling
Enable it

If it is already enabled, turn it off and then on again.

Step (2)

Restart your phone**

This refreshes all network functions.
Many small bugs disappear instantly.

Step (3)

Restart your WiFi router**

Turn it off
Wait twenty seconds
Turn it back on

Calls often work better after this.

Step (4)

Move closer to your router**

Stand near the router and try calling again.
If it works near the router, you know distance was the problem.

Step (5)

Use airplane mode plus WiFi**

This forces your phone to stay on WiFi calling.
Perfect for low signal areas and basements.

Step (6)

Check for software updates**

Go to Settings
Software update

Install any available updates.

Step (7)

Remove old saved WiFi networks**

Sometimes your phone keeps switching between WiFi signals.
Forget unnecessary networks to avoid confusion.

Step (8)

Reduce number of connected devices**

Disconnect devices that are not in use.
Your voice calls will get priority.

Step (9)

Switch to a better WiFi band**

If your router has two WiFi bands
2.4 GHz
5 GHz

Try switching to 5 GHz for stability.

Step (10)

Reset network settings**

This resets WiFi, Bluetooth, and mobile settings to default.
Sometimes the only fix that works.

Tools That Improve WiFi Calling For Businesses

If you run a call centre or small business, these tools can improve reliability.

WiFi extenders
They boost your signal to cover more space

Mesh WiFi systems
Ideal for multi floor buildings

Quality of service settings
Prioritises voice calls over all other activities

Dual band routers
Reduce traffic congestion

Enterprise grade routers
Best for call centres with heavy traffic

Cloud telephony or VoIP apps
If your carrier WiFi calling fails, VoIP becomes a perfect backup

Common Mistakes That Stop WiFi Calling From Working

Here are mistakes almost everyone makes at least once.

  • Keeping router in closed cabinet
  • Using very old or cheap router
  • Not updating phone
  • Using crowded WiFi networks
  • Expecting WiFi calling to work on public WiFi
  • Forgetting to enable airplane mode in low signal areas
  • Relying on one router for dozens of employees
  • Standing far away from router during calls
  • Not checking carrier support
  • Using VPN while calling
  • Avoid these and your call quality improves immediately.

Why WiFi Calling Is Important For Call Centres And Remote Teams

If you run a business that depends on voice communication, WiFi calling saves you from
Dropped calls
Bad signals
Poor indoor coverage
Customer frustration

Many call centres rely on WiFi calling as a backup when VoIP traffic becomes heavy.

A call centre owner in Karachi told me
Our agents used to run near the window because signals were weak. WiFi calling changed everything. Calls became stable and our complaint rate dropped.

Conclusion

If your WiFi calling is not working, do not panic.
In almost every situation the cause is simple and the fix is even simpler.

  • Most problems come from
  • Weak WiFi
  • Wrong settings
  • Carrier restrictions
  • Router issues

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my WiFi calling not turning on

Your phone might not support it or your carrier has disabled the feature. Sometimes a simple restart fixes it.

Does WiFi calling work without mobile signal

Yes. If you enable airplane mode and then turn on WiFi, it works even with zero mobile signal.

Why does my WiFi calling drop suddenly

Weak WiFi signal, distance from router, or your phone switching back to mobile network.

Why is WiFi calling not working on my iPhone

Update your software, toggle the feature off and on, and try airplane mode plus WiFi.

Can WiFi calling work on public WiFi

Most public networks block it for security. Avoid using it for business calls.

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