What is Wi-Fi Calling?

You can use Wi-Fi Calling to make emergency 000 calls if there's no mobile network coverage available. Here’s what you need to know:

• Mobile network first: Your phone will try to use the Vodafone mobile network first. If that doesn’t work, it will look for other mobile carrier networks. 

• Wi-Fi Calling as backup: If no mobile carrier networks are available, your phone will use Wi-Fi Calling if you have a compatible device with the latest software and the Wi-Fi Calling feature switched on. 

• Check compatibility: Make sure your device supports emergency calls over Wi-Fi Calling. Keep in mind that Vodafone updates the list of compatible devices from time to time. 

• Download Emergency+ App: This free app helps provide your location to emergency services using GPS. 

• Provide your location: When using Wi-Fi Calling, your location might not be automatically shared, so be ready to tell emergency services where you are. 

• Limitations: Wi-Fi Calling can’t receive National Emergency Warning System (NEWS) SMS warnings.  

While you can make calls to emergency services (000) using Wi-Fi Calling if there is no mobile coverage available, we recommend using the mobile network if possible. This will provide a more accurate location to emergency services.

If your device isn’t listed in the compatible device list, you may not be able to make Wi-Fi calls. Check with your device manufacturer. 

If Wi-Fi Calling is a feature you’d like to use, consider changing your handset to any compatible device, turn on Wi-Fi calling and make sure the device has the latest software. 

Vodafone may add or withdraw devices from the compatible device list from time to time – for example when software updates are no longer supported on older models.

If you have an accessible Wi-Fi network connection and there is limited Vodafone mobile coverage available, your handset will automatically use Wi-Fi Calling to make or receive calls.

There are no additional fees to use Vodafone Wi-Fi Calling. If you make a call over Wi-Fi or send an MMS or SMS, you will be charged at your standard rates (as set out in your Vodafone postpaid or prepaid plan).

Data will be consumed over the Wi-Fi network you are connected to. It will consume your data allowance or be charged based on your agreement with your internet service provider.

Yes. However, you must turn on airplane mode, make sure Wi-Fi is switched on and have an accessible Wi-Fi network connection.

When you make a call over Wi-Fi to another mobile phone, it’s generally like making a normal call.

When calling a landline, even within the same state, the state-based area code (e.g., 02, +61 2, 03 or +61 3) must be used for the call to connect successfully.

However, some special numbers which connect based on location services, e.g., 000 (emergency services), 1300, or 1800 numbers, may not connect to the correct location. To call these numbers you may need to switch off Wi-Fi Calling in your device settings, connect back to the Vodafone mobile network and dial the number again. If you call 000 and are not in a Vodafone coverage area, your call will connect to any Australian mobile network that has coverage.

If you are on a Vodafone mobile call and you are entering a known Wi-Fi coverage area (but there is no Vodafone mobile coverage), the call will automatically handover to Wi-Fi Calling, if the Wi-Fi calling feature is enabled. Conversely, if you are on a Wi-Fi Call and you are leaving the Wi-Fi coverage, the call will automatically handover to 4G or 5G (if you’re entering a Vodafone mobile coverage area).

No, Wi-Fi Calling is not available while roaming internationally.

Yes. You can turn off Wi-Fi Calling in your device settings. You can find out how to do this in our device guides.

Yes, data will be consumed over your internet connection. It will consume your data allowance or be charged based on your agreement with your internet service provider.

Yes. Wi-Fi Calling will work when connected to a supported mobile phone Wi-Fi hotspot.

Yes. If you're within range of a Wi-Fi connection and there is no Vodafone mobile coverage available, your device will automatically use Wi-Fi Calling to make or receive calls. It will choose the best connection type (5G, 4G, Wi-Fi) available and automatically route calls through that connection.

Yes. VPNs are supported, providing the private network doesn’t have firewall rules that restrict access to Vodafone Wi-Fi Calling.

Wi-Fi Calling uses around 100 to 120kbps. Most internet services should be capable of running Wi-Fi calls. Delays can be an issue for Wi-Fi calls, so in situations where there is high latency on broadband (such as Satellite), call quality may be reduced.

Vodafone Wi-Fi Calling uses only a small amount of data. However, large downloads (such as streaming video) may possibly result in a loss of voice quality. If you have poor upload speeds your Wi-Fi call may disconnect.

Depending on your device settings, it will automatically choose the preferred or best available connection type (for mobile network and Wi-Fi) and route calls through that connection. However, on most devices capable of Wi-Fi Calling, you can enable Airplane Mode to force the device to make Wi-Fi calls when Wi-Fi is active.

When you’re on a Wi-Fi call, the device will display a Wi-Fi call icon next to the Wi-Fi signal bar. Some devices may show variants of this icon based on the model or show the network name “Vodafone AU WiFi”.

Yes. Vodafone Wi-Fi Calling uses the same authentication as a call over our Vodafone mobile network. Our current supported devices enable a secured connection that will ensure all calls and text messages are encrypted.

Yes. The call record on your bill will state ‘Over Wi-Fi’.

Calls made over Wi-Fi will be displayed in AEST/AEDST time.

There are a few reasons that Wi-Fi Calling may not work with a public Wi-Fi network. The Internet Service Provider (ISP) may be incompatible, or there could be specific firewall settings and other configuration issues with business and public Wi-Fi networks. If possible, contact the Internet Service Provider and check if they allow Wi-Fi Calling.

If you are connected to Wi-Fi Calling, an icon will appear at the top of your mobile screen next to the Wi-Fi signal icon. Some devices show variants of this icon based on the device manufacturer. If you cannot see this icon, then Wi-Fi Calling is not able to connect via your current Wi-Fi connection. The reasons for this may include:

• The Wi-Fi connection is not able to support Wi-Fi Calling.
• Wi-Fi Calling is not enabled in handset settings.
• Handset software is not updated.

Wi-Fi Calling helps you make and receive calls over Wi-Fi, where previously you couldn’t due to issues with coverage. Where there is 4G, or 5G coverage, your phone will always make the call over the mobile network. You can only use Wi-Fi Calling if there is Wi-Fi available, and when the 4G/5G coverage is insufficient to make a call.

Currently, calls will be forwarded based on your existing settings whilst you are in Wi-Fi Calling mode. You won’t be able to change the forwarding settings until you are off Wi-Fi and connected to the Vodafone mobile network.

Vodafone will use the best information available to assist with locating your device when making a Wi-Fi call. However, on dialling some special numbers which connect based on location (e.g., 000, 112, 1300 or 1800), you may be informed that the correct location is not available.

To call these numbers you may need to switch off Wi-Fi Calling in your device settings, connect back to the Vodafone mobile network and dial the number again.

Wi-Fi Calling

To use Wi-Fi Calling, you need an active Vodafone postpaid or prepaid mobile plan, a compatible mobile phone, have 4G voice calls (VoLTE) enabled, have Wi-Fi Calling settings turned on, and access to a Wi-Fi connection. You can turn off Wi-Fi Calling through your mobile phone settings.

There are no additional fees to use Wi-Fi Calling, however you will be charged your normal plan rates to make calls or send messages (TXT or PXT) using Wi-Fi Calling (the same way you are charged to make calls, TXT or PXT on the mobile network). Your use of Wi-Fi will count towards your internet use, so you may incur charges from your internet service provider. Calls or TXTs using Wi-Fi Calling will appear on your invoice (Postpaid customers) or usage history (Prepaid customers) as “Over Wi-Fi” and the time the call or TXT was made may default to AEST/AEDT.

You cannot use Wi-Fi Calling while roaming overseas. You may not be able to use Wi-Fi Calling on some public or corporate Wi-Fi networks. You may not receive National Emergency Warning System (NEWS) TXT warnings when you are using Wi-Fi Calling.

While you can make calls to emergency services using Wi-Fi Calling if there is no mobile coverage available, we recommend you make 000 or 112 calls using a mobile network if possible as this will provide a more accurate location to emergency services.