Easy way to make a call with Wi-Fi if your mobile has no service amid outages

22 February 2024 , 14:34

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Using Wi-Fi calling can allow users to bypass a network outage (Image: Getty Images/Tetra images RF)

Customers across the US are facing major disruptions to their mobile phone service as a number of providers have encountered problems with their systems leaving many with phones stuck in SOS mode.

But there should be no need to panic as most smartphones nowadays have a feature called Wi-Fi calling which integrates with services provided by the major players – as well as some of the smaller mobile networks.

The feature routes calls and text messages using the internet rather than a mobile network, so you can stay in touch even without a mobile signal at home or in places you wouldn't usually get a mobile signal including flights that have Wi-Fi available.

AT&T, Cricket Wireless, FirstNet, Verizon, T-Mobile, US Cellular, Boost Mobile, Consumer Cellular and Straight Talk are all down. People have taken to X, formerly Twitter, to complain about the major disruption to US mobile networks. By sending your call through your broadband router you can bypass any problems with mobile outages.

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AT&T experienced a major network disruption that left millions without services (Getty Images)

It operates on the same principle as other social-media apps that have the ability to place calls, such as WhatsApp, Facetime and Duo, but also allows you to place calls to anyone and anywhere, including landlines. Some networks have restrictions on who can use it, so it's best to check with your provider to see if they allow it.

It can be activated on the iPhone 5s and newer, the Samsung Galaxy S6 and above as well as Google's Pixel phones and in a network-dependent sense, some of the top Huawei, Nokia, OnePlus and Sony handsets, too. A word of caution though, if you didn't buy the handset from your network, Wi-Fi calling may not be functional.

To activate it on an iPhone, open the Settings, then mobile data, and tap Wi-Fi Calling. Also check the switch beside ‘Wi-Fi calling on the iPhone’ is on – the button will be on the right and will be showing a green background. For Android phones, use the phone icon to open the calls app, then tap the three dots at the top of the screen, followed by Settings. Tap Calls, followed by ‘Wi-Fi calling’, and make sure the switch is to the right, with this time a blue background.

Verizon also fell to the mass outage that has hit across the US (Getty Images)

If these options are showing as unavailable, a software update may help and to download and install the latest software for an iPhone open the Settings app and select General, then Software Update. You'll be notified if any updates are available and if there are, just follow the instructions. With an Android, go to Settings, then System, followed by Advanced, where you will find ‘Software update’. Hit that then ‘Check for update’.

This Wi-Fi function can also allow you to send texts, but this function is also provider-specific, so again a check with the provider is in order. These calls will cost the same as a normal call, which may seem a bit of a scam given that you're using Wi-Fi, but if you move away from a Wi-Fi area, they will jump back onto the network (if it's working).

Paul Donald