Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Calling

In this article

What is Wi-Fi Calling?

Wi-Fi Calling uses your Wi-Fi network to boost your phone’s service. If you’re somewhere your cell signal is weak or can’t reach, like a basement, a rural area, or a building with thick walls, your phone can lean on Wi-Fi to keep your calls connected.

📌 Make sure your emergency address is set up

When you call 911 over Wi-Fi, this is the address emergency services use to find you. We'll show you how to below.

Troubleshooting steps

Show steps for:

Quick fixes to try first

Start here. These take just a minute or two.

A weak or unstable Wi-Fi signal is the most common reason Wi-Fi Calling stops working. Move closer to your router, or try a different Wi-Fi network.

A quick restart is sometimes all it takes.

Make sure your phone's software is up to date.

iPhone

Go to Settings.
Tap General.
Select Software Update.

Android

Open Settings.
Tap System.
Select System update.

On iPhone, also check that your carrier settings are current. Go to Settings > General > About. If an update is available, a prompt will pop up.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

Still not working? Work through these in order.

iPhone

Go to Settings.
Tap Phone.
Select Wi-Fi Calling.
Turn on Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone.

Android

Open Settings.
Tap Network & Internet.
Select Mobile network.
Choose Advanced.
Turn on Wi-Fi Calling.

📌 Note: Menu names can vary a little depending on your phone.

Your phone needs an emergency address to use Wi-Fi Calling. This is the address 911 will use to find you if you call over Wi-Fi.

iPhone

Go to Settings.
Tap Phone.
Select Wi-Fi Calling.
Tap Update Emergency Address and make sure it's correct.

Android

Open your Wi-Fi Calling settings (see step 4) and look for Emergency address. Make sure it's correct.

This makes your phone use Wi-Fi Calling only.

Turn on Airplane mode.
Turn Wi-Fi back on.
Make a test call.

Did the call go through? Your cell signal is likely too weak where you are, and it's getting in the way. Wi-Fi Calling is working.

Some Android phones let you choose between Wi-Fi preferred and Cellular preferred. Switching to Wi-Fi preferred can help when your cell signal is low.

You'll find this option in your Wi-Fi Calling settings.

📌 Note: This will erase your saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords, and Bluetooth connections.

iPhone

Go to Settings.
Tap General.
Select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Tap Reset.
Choose Reset Network Settings.

Android

Open Settings.
Tap System.
Select Reset options.
Choose Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
Tap Reset settings.

Remove and reinsert your SIM card. Using eSIM? You can skip this one.
Restart your router. Unplug it, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
Turn off any VPN or firewall on your phone or router, then try again.

Common Wi-Fi Calling errors

Seeing one of these? Here's what to try.

Check your Wi-Fi connection and turn off any VPN. If you're on a work or public network, it may be blocking Wi-Fi Calling. Try a different network.

Your Wi-Fi signal may be too weak. Move closer to your router or switch to a stronger network.

This is usually a SIM or account setup issue. Restart your phone and try again.

Dial the full 10-digit number, including the area code. You can also delete and re-save the contact, and check that the number isn't blocked.