In our hyper-connected world, staying in touch is paramount. Whether you’re making a call during a heavy downpour, when cellular signals are weak, or you’re simply wanting to avoid hefty carrier charges, WiFi calling becomes an essential tool for your communication. If you’re a Samsung Galaxy S20 FE user, you might be wondering how to enable this feature. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll power through the steps of turning on WiFi calling on your Samsung S20 FE, alongside tips, tricks, and troubleshooting methods to ensure you’re always connected.
What is WiFi Calling?
WiFi calling allows you to make and receive phone calls using your WiFi connection rather than the cellular network. This can significantly enhance call quality and reliability in areas with poor cellular reception. With WiFi calling:
- You can stay connected in areas where cellular signal strength is weak.
- Voice calls are transmitted over WiFi, reducing your chances of dropped calls.
- You can save money by avoiding additional charges from your carrier when calling internationally, as long as you’re connected to WiFi.
Understanding the benefits can help you decide if you should enable this feature on your device.
Prerequisites for WiFi Calling
Before diving into the process of enabling WiFi calling, here are a few prerequisites you should ensure:
Your Carrier Must Support WiFi Calling
Most major carriers support WiFi calling, but it is advisable to check with your provider to confirm. In the United States, carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint all offer the feature.
Ensure Your Device Is Up to Date
Make sure your Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is running the latest firmware. Updates often include enhancements and new features, particularly in connectivity options.
To check for updates:
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down and tap on Software update.
- Select Download and install.
Your Phone Must Be Connected to a WiFi Network
While this might seem obvious, ensure that your phone is connected to a stable WiFi network. A strong connection is crucial for effective calling.
Step-by-Step Guide to Enable WiFi Calling on Samsung S20 FE
Now that you have ensured all prerequisites are met, let’s walk through the steps to activate WiFi calling on your Samsung Galaxy S20 FE.
Step 1: Open Settings
- Unlock your Samsung Galaxy S20 FE.
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification panel.
- Tap on the gear icon to access Settings.
Step 2: Access the Network Settings
- Inside the Settings menu, scroll down until you find Connections.
- Tap on Connections to open the connectivity options.
Step 3: Navigate to WiFi Calling
- In the Connections menu, you will see the option for Wi-Fi calling.
- Tap on Wi-Fi calling to enter the settings.
Step 4: Activate WiFi Calling
- You will now see a toggle switch for Wi-Fi calling.
- Tap the toggle to switch it to the On position. Once enabled, your phone will automatically use WiFi for calls whenever it is connected to a WiFi network.
Step 5: Confirm WiFi Calling Activation
Once activated, you may see a WiFi calling icon in the status bar of your device, indicating that calls are being routed through WiFi.
Alternative Method to Enable WiFi Calling
While the above steps provide a straightforward approach, there’s an alternative way through the Phone app.
Step 1: Open the Phone App
- Launch the Phone app on your Samsung Galaxy S20 FE.
Step 2: Access Settings
- Tap on the three-dot menu icon in the upper right corner.
- Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: WiFi Calling Option
- Look for the Wi-Fi calling option and tap on it.
- Toggle the switch to activate Wi-Fi calling.
Troubleshooting WiFi Calling Issues
If you’re experiencing problems with WiFi calling after activation, here are some troubleshooting steps you can consider:
Check WiFi Connection Reliability
Ensure that your WiFi connection is stable. A weak WiFi signal may prevent effective calling. Consider moving closer to your router or resetting your WiFi network.
Restart Your Device
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve connectivity issues. Turn off your phone, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
Reset Network Settings
If issues persist, you may want to reset your network settings. Note that this will erase all WiFi networks and Bluetooth settings:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on General Management.
- Select Reset and then tap on Reset network settings.
- Confirm and follow the on-screen instructions.
Advanced Options and Considerations
While enabling WiFi calling is usually straightforward, there are some advanced settings that you may find useful.
Emergency Calls and WiFi Calling
While using WiFi calling, it’s essential to consider that emergency calls may be routed differently. Ensure that you check how your carrier handles emergency calls over WiFi.
Call Quality and Troubleshooting
If you find that call quality isn’t up to par, troubleshoot by doing the following:
- Test different WiFi networks to determine if the issue is network-specific.
- Check if other applications using WiFi (like streaming services) are also experiencing disruptions.
Security Considerations
Keep in mind that when using WiFi calling, your call data may be transmitted over the internet, so it is vital to ensure that you’re connected to a secure WiFi network. Avoid public WiFi networks for sensitive calls.
Conclusion
Enabling WiFi calling on your Samsung Galaxy S20 FE can significantly enhance your communication experience, allowing you to make calls in areas with weak cellular coverage and potentially saving you money in the long run.
By following the outlined steps and considerations, you can easily turn on WiFi calling, thus unlocking a seamless, uninterrupted communication channel. This critical feature is especially beneficial in today’s world where reliable connectivity is more important than ever.
Now that you know how to activate this feature, it’s time to experience the enhanced clarity and performance of WiFi calling on your Samsung Galaxy S20 FE. Stay connected, engaged, and never miss a crucial call again!
What is WiFi calling on Samsung S20 FE?
WiFi calling is a feature that allows you to make and receive phone calls over a WiFi network instead of using your cellular network. This is particularly useful in areas where cellular signals are weak or where there is limited network coverage. By using a WiFi connection, you can enjoy clearer calls and a more reliable connection.
For Samsung S20 FE users, enabling WiFi calling can enhance the overall calling experience, especially in regions with poor cellular connectivity. It also helps save your cellular data while making calls when connected to WiFi.
How do I enable WiFi calling on my Samsung S20 FE?
To enable WiFi calling on your Samsung S20 FE, start by opening the “Phone” app. Tap on the three-dot menu icon in the upper-right corner and select “Settings” from the dropdown menu. Look for the “WiFi Calling” option and toggle it on. Ensure that your device is connected to a WiFi network during this process.
Additionally, you may need to confirm your emergency address when prompted. This information is necessary for emergency services if you make a call using WiFi calling. Once you have completed these steps, WiFi calling will be activated on your device.
Will WiFi calling work with any WiFi network?
Yes, WiFi calling can work with any WiFi network, provided you have a stable internet connection. However, the quality of the WiFi connection can impact call quality. To ensure the best experience, connect to a high-speed internet connection with minimal interference.
It’s also important to note that some mobile carriers may have restrictions or specific policies about WiFi calling. Therefore, it’s advisable to check with your carrier to confirm compatibility and any potential limitations.
Can I use WiFi calling if I am traveling abroad?
Yes, you can use WiFi calling while traveling abroad, as long as you are connected to a WiFi network. This allows you to make calls to the U.S. without incurring international call charges, as they will be treated like local calls.
However, you should be cautious about potential charges from your carrier for using WiFi calling while abroad. Always check with your mobile carrier for details on rates and policies regarding WiFi calling outside of your home country.
Do I need to have a specific carrier to use WiFi calling?
While most major carriers support WiFi calling, it is essential to check whether your specific carrier offers this feature on the Samsung S20 FE. Most carriers have the capability, but the availability might vary based on your plan or region.
If your carrier does support WiFi calling, ensure your device is updated to the latest software version to avoid any compatibility issues. Always refer to your carrier’s website or contact their customer service for more information.
Does WiFi calling use my data plan?
No, WiFi calling does not consume your mobile data plan, provided you are connected to a WiFi network. Instead, it utilizes your broadband internet connection to make and receive calls, saving your mobile data for other uses.
However, if you are not connected to WiFi and rely on your mobile data instead, then WiFi calling will use your data plan. It’s crucial to ensure you are connected to a stable WiFi network when making calls.
Is there a cost associated with using WiFi calling?
Generally, using WiFi calling is free as long as you are connected to a WiFi network. Calls made to domestic numbers typically do not incur extra charges, similar to ordinary calls made through your cellular network.
However, be aware that international calls made through WiFi calling may be subject to additional fees, depending on your carrier’s policies. It’s advisable to check with your mobile provider for any potential charges related to WiFi calling.
What should I do if WiFi calling is not working on my Samsung S20 FE?
If WiFi calling is not functioning on your Samsung S20 FE, the first step is to ensure that the feature is enabled in your phone settings. Go to the “Phone” app, access the settings, and check that WiFi calling is turned on. Also, confirm that you have a strong WiFi connection before attempting to make a call.
If enabling the feature doesn’t resolve the issue, consider restarting your device and router, as this can help refresh the connections. If the problem persists, you may want to reach out to your mobile carrier for assistance or check their support website for additional troubleshooting tips.