11 helpful solutions to fix problems when Wi-Fi calling not working on Android

WiFi calling is a handy feature that allows you to make cellular calls over WiFi. It is useful when you have access to a WiFi network and want to make voice calls with greater clarity. Normal voice calls are automatically routed through the WiFi network. Unfortunately, WiFi calling doesn’t work for many Android users, especially those using Samsung’s Galaxy series phones.

If you are in the same boat, this post covers 11 helpful solutions to troubleshoot when WiFi calling not working on Android. We will start the troubleshooting guide with simple solutions like compatibility issues and reboot followed by resetting various things.

1. Check the device’s network support

WiFi calling won’t work if your cellular network provider doesn’t offer it in your area. Likewise, your mobile phone provider should also support your Android phone. For example, my network provider doesn’t offer WiFi calling on my Pixel 2 XL. Then check the device and network support.

The best way is to use Google’s network provider name for compatible WiFi calling with phones. The first result will take you to your network provider’s official website where you can check if the provider offers it or not.

2. Restart your phone and modem

After verifying that WiFi calling is available on the network and for the Android phone, restart the phone and the modem. Restarting the modem will fix even the simplest network problems.

3. Reinsert the SIM card

If restarting did not solve the WiFi calling problems, you need to eject the physical SIM card from the phone. Then clean it with a microfiber cloth and insert it again. Save any new configuration settings you may receive.

Suggestion: if you are traveling, you need to restart your phone and reinsert the SIM card when switching to a different cellular network.

4. Enable / Disable Wifi calling

You need to enable the WiFi calling service on your phone to use it. You can enable it in multiple ways.

Open your phone’s dialer or the Phone app. Tap the three-dot icon at the top and select Settings.

There you will find the WiFi calling option. Turn on the switch next to it. If you can’t find Wi-Calling directly in the Phone app’s Settings, check under Calls> WiFi Calls.

Secondly, go to your Android phone’s Settings and tap Connections / Network & Internet. Turn on the switch next to WiFi calling. Alternatively, go to Settings> Network and Internet> Mobile network> Advanced> WiFi calling.

Suggestion: if the WiFi call is already active, turn off the switch next to it to disable it. Wait a few seconds, then turn it off again.

5. Enable Wifi

WiFi calls require a working WiFi connection. So make sure that WiFi is enabled on your Android phone and that it is within range. If you are too far from the router, WiFi calling will not work properly. Also, check out our troubleshooting guide if your phone’s WiFi keeps disconnecting.

6. Connect to a different WiFi network

Often the problem only concerns the WiFi connection. Try using a different WiFi network and see if WiFi calling works better. If it works correctly, you need to reset the modem to factory settings and configure it again.

Suggestion: also try to connect via a 2.4GHz WiFi network instead of the 5.6GHz band.

7. Turn on airplane mode

Enabling Airplane Mode fixes various network-related issues, including issues with WiFi calling. Enable it on your Android phone for a while, then disable it again. You can enable it from the quick settings panel present in the notification panel. Alternatively, go to Settings> Network & Internet. Here you will find airplane mode. Enable and disable it.

8. Update the phone software

If the WiFi call worked fine before, the problem may have occurred due to the latest software. You need to check for new software updates on your phone. For this, go to Settings> System> Software Update. Or search for “update” in the settings.

SUGGESTION: find out what happens when you update your Android or iPhone.

9. Reset your network settings

You should also try resetting the network settings on your Android phone. It is different from resetting the phone. So don’t worry about losing your data. Nothing will happen to this. Network settings only like WiFi, Bluetooth, etc. They will be reset to their default values. Refer to our explainer to find out what happens when resetting the network settings.

To reset the network settings, go to Settings> System (or General Management)> Reset. Tap Reset Network Settings / Reset WiFi and Bluetooth.

10. Reset the app preferences

If simply resetting the network settings didn’t work, reset the app preferences on your Android phone. Again, you will not lose any data on your phone. It will affect settings like app permissions, default apps, etc.

To reset app preferences, go to Settings> System (or General Management)> Reset> Reset App Preferences or Reset Settings.

11. Solution for Samsung phones

If you own a Samsung phone, you can give preference to calls over WiFi rather than over the cellular network. However, you can achieve this by using a third party app right now.

Download the Samsung Band Selection app from the Play Store. Then within the app, go to More Network Settings> (your network)> Advanced> WiFi calling> Calling preferences.

Although WiFi calling is an amazing service, its potential cannot be fully exploited in every situation. This is because switching between cellular and WiFi calls is done automatically by the phone. And it’s not a very good judge as it gives preference to cellular networks even if coverage is poor.