Wi-Fi Calling
What is Wi-Fi Calling?
Wi-Fi Calling is an enhanced calling feature, which allows you to make and receive HD voice calls, send/receive texts and pictures (MMS) using a Wi-Fi connection rather than a cellular connection.
Think of Wi-Fi Calling as a backup option when your cellular coverage is less than perfect. For example, inside buildings and basements that have Wi-Fi service, but cellular signal is weak or unavailable. Once you enable this feature, your phone will automatically switch to Wi-Fi Calling under these circumstances.
- Make or receive phone calls through a Wi-Fi connection when there is little or no cellular coverage.
- Wi-Fi Calling offers great value at no extra monthly charge. Calls, texts, and picture messages simply apply toward your monthly price plan.
- Wi-Fi Calling can be used in the United States and from international countries* when calling U.S. phone numbers.
- Calls to international numbers are billed in accordance with your international rate plan. (uscellular.com/plans/international/global-roaming)
* Use of Wi-Fi Calling may be restricted in some international countries.
Who is eligible for Wi-Fi Calling?
To be eligible for Wi-Fi calling you need to:
- Have an iPhone 6S or later
- Have HD Voice enabled on your iPhone
- Have Carrier Settings updated to 40.2*
- Have an iOS software updated to 13.3.1**
- Have Wi-Fi Calling enabled on your iPhone
*Tap Settings > General > About Carrier. If an update is available, you'll see an option to update your carrier settings.
** Tap Settings > General > About > Software Version. If an update is available, you'll see an option to update your software version
Activating Wi-Fi Calling
To turn on Wi-Fi calling:
- Go to: Home Screen
- Tap: Settings
- Tap: Phone
- Select Wi-Fi Calling
- Slide the button to the right: Wi-Fi Calling On This iPhone
You will be required to:
- Review and Accept Terms and Conditions
- Enter address for E911 services
Follow the onscreen instructions to enter or confirm your address for emergency services.*
Note: You will automatically see “Wi-Fi” after the U.S. Cellular name in the status bar if you’ve activated this feature and cellular coverage is poor or unavailable.
*When cellular service is available, your iPhone uses it for emergency calls. If you turned on Wi-Fi Calling and cellular service isn't available, emergency calls will use Wi-Fi calling. Your device's location may be used to aid response efforts when you place an emergency call, regardless of whether you enable Location Services.
E911 Emergency Address
Set Emergency Address on iPhone
- Why do I need to set up an address to use Wi-Fi Calling?
U.S. Cellular is required by the FCC to support 911 calls and collect a registered location to enable Wi-Fi Calling services. The address entered determines how a 911 call is routed. This information will be used if you’re unable to report your physical location or you call 911 using Wi-Fi Calling. - How do I update my Emergency Address on my phone?
Go to the Home Screen.- Tap Settings.
- Tap Phone.
- Tap Wi-Fi Calling.
- Tap Update Emergency Address.
- What if I change locations while I’m using the service?
You should update your registered address whenever you change locations within the U.S. and use Wi-Fi to place a call. In the event that you’re in an emergency situation and call 911 using Wi-Fi Calling where cellular service isn’t available, the device will use your registered address to handle the call. - What if I am not in the US and try to call 911?
If you travel outside of the U.S., Wi-Fi Calling does not support 911 service. Use your cellular service or a local phone to call the local emergency service number. - What are the limitations of calling 911 over Wi-Fi?
If a caller isn't at the registered address, the call may not be routed to the closest emergency service provider. Additionally, the internet service provider or network may experience congestion or an outage during the 911 call. This could cause the call to have poor quality or drop completely. - When will 911 calls use my registered address?
When using Wi-Fi Calling, 911 calls will always try cellular service in the local market first, even when the device is in Airplane Mode or cellular service is off. If cellular service isn't available and the user has set up Wi-Fi Calling, the 911 call will route using the registered address.
Important - Emergency 911 Call Limitations
When calling 911, always tell the operator where you are. Your 911 call will go over Wi-Fi only if the cellular network is unavailable. A 911 call made over Wi-Fi may be delayed or unsuccessful; for example, if the 911 system doesn't recognize the address, electrical power is out or your Wi-Fi connection isn't working. Emergency service will be sent to the address you provide above, so please update it as you change locations.
Firewall Configuration for Business Customers
Some business organizations may have firewall policies that restrict incoming UDP from the public Internet. These businesses will need to contact their IT department administrator in order to allow Wi-Fi Calling to work properly, and the following UDP ports will need to be allowed through the firewall. Outgoing TCP connections on the listed ports will also need to be allowed.
| IP Range | Port Num (TCP/UDP) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 198.230.224.0/20 | Port: 500 / UDP | IPsec - IKE : Device Authentication |
| 198.230.224.0/20 | Port: 4500 / UDP | IPsec - NAT traversal : Encrypted voice traffic |
| 198.230.224.0/20 | Port: 5060 & 5061 / TCP/UDP | SIP/TLS : Call Signaling |
| 165.27.248.128/26 | Port: 443 / TCP | TLS : Voice over WiFi Service Activation |
Wi-Fi Calling FAQs
What is Wi-Fi Calling?
Wi-Fi Calling is an enhanced calling feature, which allows you to make and receive HD voice calls, send/receive texts and pictures (MMS) using a Wi-Fi connection rather than a cellular connection.
Think of Wi-Fi Calling as a backup option when your cellular coverage is less than perfect. For example, inside buildings and basements that have Wi-Fi service, but cellular signal is weak or unavailable. Once you enable this feature, your phone will automatically switch to Wi-Fi Calling under these circumstances.
- Make or receive phone calls through a Wi-Fi connection when there is little or no cellular coverage.
- Wi-Fi Calling offers great value at no extra monthly charge. Calls, texts, and picture messages simply apply toward your monthly price plan.
- Wi-Fi Calling can be used in the United States and from international countries* when calling U.S. phone numbers.
- Calls to international numbers are billed in accordance with your international rate plan. (uscellular.com/plans/international/global-roaming)
* Use of Wi-Fi Calling may be restricted in some international countries.
Who is eligible for Wi-Fi Calling?
To be eligible for Wi-Fi calling you need to:
- Have an eligible Android device from the list below
- Have HD Voice enabled on your phone
- Have minimum SW level on your device
Android Smartphones with Wi-Fi Calling
Manufacturer Device Name Device Model Minimum Software Version Samsung Galaxy S10 SM-G973U G973USQU3DTF1 Galaxy S10+ SM-G975U G975USQU3DTF1 Galaxy S10e SM-G970U G970USQU3DTF1 Galaxy S20 5G SM-G981U G981USQU1BTIF Galaxy S20+ 5G SM-G986U G986USQU1BTIF Galaxy S20 ULTRA 5G SM-G988U G988USQU1BTIF Galaxy S20 FE SM-G781U G781USQU1ATIG Galaxy S21 5G SM-G991U All versions Galaxy S21 Plus 5G SM-G996U All versions Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G SM-G998U All versions Samsung Note 20 5G SM-N981U N981USQU1BTJ3 Samsung Note 20 ULTRA 5G SM-N986U N986USQU1BTJ3 Galaxy A02S SM-A025U All versions Galaxy A32 5G SM-A326U All versions Galaxy Z Fold3 5G SM-F926U1 All versions Galaxy Z Flip3 5G SM-F711U All versions Galaxy Note 9 SM-N960U N960USQU5FTJ3 Galaxy S9 SM-G960U G960USQU8FTJ3 Galaxy S9+ SM-G965U G965USQU8FTJ3 Galaxy A11 SM-A115U A115USQU2ATJ7 Galaxy A12 SM-A125U All Versions Galaxy A21 SM-A215U A215USQU2ATL3 Galaxy A51 5G SM-A516U A516USQS3BTJ2 Galaxy A52 5G SM-A526U All Versions Galaxy A71 5G SM-A716U A716USQU2BTJ4 Galaxy Note 10 SM-N970U N970USQU5ETLL Galaxy Note 10 Plus SM-N975U N975USQU5ETLL Google Google Pixel 4a 5G G025E RQ3A.210605.005 Google Pixel 5 GD1YQ RQ3A.210605.005
- Have Wi-Fi Calling enabled on your phone
This page will be updated when additional Android smartphones become eligible for Wi-Fi Calling.
Activating Wi-Fi Calling
To turn on Wi-Fi calling:
- Go to Settings
- Go to Connections
- Touch Wi-Fi calling
- Accept Terms and Conditions
- Follow the onscreen instruction to Enter Emergency Address*
You will be required to:
- Review and Accept Terms and Conditions
- Enter address for E911 services
Follow the onscreen instructions to enter or confirm your address for emergency services.*
Note: You will automatically see “Wi-Fi” after the U.S. Cellular name in the status bar if
you’ve activated this feature and cellular coverage is poor or unavailable.
*When cellular service is available, your phone uses it for emergency calls. If you turned on Wi-Fi Calling and cellular service isn't available, emergency calls will use Wi-Fi calling. Your device's location may be used to aid response efforts when you place an emergency call, regardless of whether you enable Location Services.
E911 Emergency Address
Set Emergency Address
- Why do I need to set up an address to use Wi-Fi Calling?
U.S. Cellular is required by the FCC to support 911 calls and collect a registered location to enable Wi-Fi Calling services. The address entered determines how a 911 call is routed. This information will be used if you’re unable to report your physical location or you call 911 using Wi-Fi Calling. - How do I update my Emergency Address on my phone?
Go to the Home Screen.- Tap Settings.
- Tap Phone.
- Tap Wi-Fi Calling.
- Tap Emergency Address.
- What if I change locations while I’m using the service?
You should update your registered address whenever you change locations within the U.S. and use Wi-Fi to place a call. In the event that you’re in an emergency situation and call 911 using Wi-Fi Calling where cellular service isn’t available, the device will use your registered address to handle the call. - What if I am not in the US and try to call 911?
If you travel outside of the U.S., Wi-Fi Calling does not support 911 service. Use your cellular service or a local phone to call the local emergency service number. - What are the limitations of calling 911 over Wi-Fi?
If a caller isn't at the registered address, the call may not be routed to the closest emergency service provider. Additionally, the internet service provider or network may experience congestion or an outage during the 911 call. This could cause the call to have poor quality or drop completely. - When will 911 calls use my registered address?
When using Wi-Fi Calling, 911 calls will always try cellular service in the local market first, even when the device is in Airplane Mode or cellular service is off. If cellular service isn't available and the user has set up Wi-Fi Calling, the 911 call will route using the registered address.
Important - Emergency 911 Call Limitations
When calling 911, always tell the operator where you are. Your 911 call will go over Wi-Fi only if the cellular
network is unavailable. A 911 call made over Wi-Fi may be delayed or unsuccessful; for example, if the 911
system doesn't recognize the address, electrical power is out or your Wi-Fi connection isn't working. Emergency
service will be sent to the address you provide above, so please update it as you change locations.
Firewall Configuration for Business Customers
Some business organizations may have firewall policies that restrict incoming UDP from the public Internet. These businesses will need to contact their IT department administrator in order to allow Wi-Fi Calling to work properly, and the following UDP ports will need to be allowed through the firewall. Outgoing TCP connections on the listed ports will also need to be allowed.
| IP Range | Port Num (TCP/UDP) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 198.230.224.0/20 | Port: 500 / UDP | IPsec - IKE : Device Authentication |
| 198.230.224.0/20 | Port: 4500 / UDP | IPsec - NAT traversal : Encrypted voice traffic |
| 198.230.224.0/20 | Port: 5060 & 5061 / TCP/UDP | SIP/TLS : Call Signaling |
| 165.27.248.128/26 | Port: 443 / TCP | TLS : Voice over WiFi Service Activation |