Can we use WiFi call without recharge?

The Wi-Fi Calling Myth: Do You Still Need to Recharge?

Wi-Fi calling offers a tempting promise: crystal-clear calls without relying on your cellular network. Many assume this translates to free calls, a welcome relief for those watching their data or struggling with poor cellular reception. However, the reality is a bit more nuanced. Can you use Wi-Fi calling without recharging your phone plan? The short answer is no, not entirely.

While Wi-Fi calling leverages your home Wi-Fi or a public Wi-Fi hotspot to make and receive calls, it doesn’t magically bypass your phone plan’s billing. Instead of using cellular minutes, it uses your minutes allocated to your calling plan, whether that’s a traditional postpaid plan or a prepaid one. This means that each call you make or receive using Wi-Fi calling still consumes a portion of your allotted talk time. Think of it as simply changing the method of connection, not the billing method.

This is a crucial distinction. You’re not paying for data usage when using Wi-Fi calling (unless you’re roaming on a public Wi-Fi network that charges for internet access), but you are still using minutes from your existing mobile plan. Running out of minutes will prevent you from making or receiving calls, even if you’re connected to a strong Wi-Fi network.

To further clarify, consider this analogy: imagine you have a landline phone. Making calls on that landline still consumes minutes from your service provider, even if you aren’t using cellular technology. Wi-Fi calling operates on a similar principle, simply utilizing a different pathway for the call itself.

Therefore, while Wi-Fi calling is a valuable tool for improving call quality in areas with weak cellular signal or for conserving cellular data, it’s not a free alternative to traditional calling. You will need to ensure your phone plan has sufficient minutes to accommodate your Wi-Fi calling usage, necessitating regular recharges for prepaid plans or consistent payments for postpaid accounts. Keeping both VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and Wi-Fi calling enabled on your device is recommended for optimal call connectivity and seamless transitions between networks.