Enabling Wi-Fi Calling on Samsung S20: A Quick Guide

Check Device Compatibility

Before delving into the world of Wi-Fi calling on your Samsung S20, it's crucial to ensure that your device is compatible with this feature. Wi-Fi calling is a convenient service that allows you to make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi network, especially in areas with weak cellular coverage. Here's how to verify your Samsung S20's compatibility with Wi-Fi calling:

Carrier Support: Firstly, check if your mobile carrier supports Wi-Fi calling on the Samsung S20. Most major carriers offer this feature, but it's always best to confirm with your specific carrier. You can easily find this information on their official website or by reaching out to their customer support.
Device Model: Not all Samsung S20 models may support Wi-Fi calling, so it's essential to verify that your specific device variant is compatible. You can typically find this information in the device's settings or on the manufacturer's website.
Software Version: Ensure that your Samsung S20 is running the latest software version provided by both Samsung and your mobile carrier. Sometimes, Wi-Fi calling functionality is introduced or improved through software updates, so staying up to date is crucial.
SIM Card Compatibility: Some carriers may require a specific type of SIM card to enable Wi-Fi calling. Check with your carrier to ensure that your SIM card is compatible with this feature.

By confirming these aspects, you can ensure that your Samsung S20 is fully compatible with Wi-Fi calling, setting the stage for a seamless and reliable experience.

Update Software

Keeping your Samsung S20's software up to date is not only essential for security and performance but also crucial for enabling and optimizing Wi-Fi calling functionality. Software updates often include bug fixes, feature enhancements, and overall system improvements, which can directly impact the stability and effectiveness of Wi-Fi calling. Here's a comprehensive guide on updating the software on your Samsung S20:

Automatic Software Updates

Samsung regularly releases software updates to ensure that its devices are equipped with the latest features and security patches. By default, the Samsung S20 is set to receive automatic updates over Wi-Fi. However, you can manually check for updates by following these steps:

Navigate to Settings: Open the "Settings" app on your Samsung S20.
Access Software Update: Scroll down and select "Software update" from the list of options.
Check for Updates: Tap on "Download and install" to check for any available updates. If an update is found, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.

Carrier-Specific Updates

In addition to Samsung's software updates, your mobile carrier may also release specific updates that are tailored to their network and services. These updates can include optimizations for Wi-Fi calling and network connectivity. To check for carrier-specific updates:

Contact Your Carrier: Reach out to your mobile carrier's customer support or visit their official website to inquire about any carrier-specific updates for the Samsung S20.
Install Carrier Updates: If there are any carrier-specific updates available, follow the provided instructions to download and install them on your device.

Benefits of Software Updates

Apart from enabling Wi-Fi calling, staying current with software updates offers several advantages:

Enhanced Security: Software updates often include security patches that protect your device from potential vulnerabilities.
Improved Performance: Performance optimizations and bug fixes can enhance the overall user experience and device responsiveness.
Feature Enhancements: New features and functionalities may be introduced through software updates, enriching the capabilities of your Samsung S20.

Verifying Software Version

After installing any available updates, it's important to verify the updated software version on your Samsung S20:

Settings: Open the "Settings" app.
About Phone: Scroll down and select "About phone."
Software Information: Tap on "Software information" to view the current software version.

By ensuring that your Samsung S20 is running the latest software version, you pave the way for a seamless and optimized Wi-Fi calling experience. Regularly checking for updates and staying current with the latest software releases is a proactive approach to maintaining the performance and functionality of your device.

Enable Wi-Fi Calling

Enabling Wi-Fi calling on your Samsung S20 is a straightforward process that empowers you to make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi network, providing a reliable communication option, especially in areas with weak cellular coverage. Here's a step-by-step guide to activate Wi-Fi calling on your Samsung S20:

Access Settings: Begin by navigating to the "Settings" app on your Samsung S20. This can typically be found on the home screen or in the app drawer.
Select Connections: Within the "Settings" menu, locate and tap on "Connections." This section houses various network and connectivity settings.
Enable Wi-Fi Calling: Scroll through the options within "Connections" and select "Wi-Fi Calling." If this feature is supported by your carrier and device, you should see the option to enable Wi-Fi calling.
Agree to Terms: Upon selecting "Wi-Fi Calling," you may be prompted to review and accept the terms and conditions associated with this service. It's essential to carefully read through the terms before proceeding.
Activate Wi-Fi Calling: After agreeing to the terms, you can proceed to activate Wi-Fi calling on your Samsung S20. This action may trigger a brief setup process, during which your device will configure the necessary settings to enable this feature.
Verification and Activation: Once the setup is complete, your device will verify and activate Wi-Fi calling. You may receive a confirmation message indicating that Wi-Fi calling is now active on your Samsung S20.
Wi-Fi Calling Indicator: After enabling Wi-Fi calling, your device may display a specific indicator, such as "Wi-Fi Call" or a similar symbol, to denote when calls are being made or received over a Wi-Fi network.

By following these steps, you can seamlessly enable Wi-Fi calling on your Samsung S20, expanding your communication capabilities and ensuring connectivity even in challenging network environments.

It's important to note that the availability of the "Wi-Fi Calling" option may vary based on your carrier and region. If you encounter any difficulties or if the option is not visible in your device settings, reaching out to your carrier's customer support can provide further assistance in enabling Wi-Fi calling on your Samsung S20.

Enabling Wi-Fi calling on your Samsung S20 empowers you to stay connected, regardless of cellular signal strength, and enhances the overall communication experience on your device.

Set Wi-Fi Calling Preferences

Once Wi-Fi calling is enabled on your Samsung S20, you have the flexibility to customize various preferences to tailor the Wi-Fi calling experience to your specific needs. Setting Wi-Fi calling preferences allows you to optimize call handling, network selection, and other related settings. Here's a detailed overview of how to configure Wi-Fi calling preferences on your Samsung S20:

Access Wi-Fi Calling Settings

Navigate to Settings: Open the "Settings" app on your Samsung S20.
Select Connections: Within the "Settings" menu, tap on "Connections."
Choose Wi-Fi Calling: Scroll through the options within "Connections" and select "Wi-Fi Calling."

Customize Preferences

After accessing the Wi-Fi calling settings, you can fine-tune the following preferences to align with your communication requirements:

Call Preferences

Call Mode: You may have the option to select the preferred call mode, such as "Wi-Fi Preferred" or "Cellular Preferred." Choosing "Wi-Fi Preferred" ensures that your device prioritizes Wi-Fi networks for calls whenever available, whereas "Cellular Preferred" prioritizes cellular networks.
Call Quality: Some devices offer the ability to adjust call quality preferences for Wi-Fi calling. Options may include "Prefer Wi-Fi" for enhanced call quality over Wi-Fi or "Prefer Cellular" for a seamless transition to cellular networks when Wi-Fi signal strength diminishes.

Network Selection

Wi-Fi Network Management: If multiple Wi-Fi networks are available, you may have the option to manage and prioritize the networks for Wi-Fi calling. This can be particularly useful in environments with multiple Wi-Fi access points, allowing you to select the most reliable network for calls.
Network Handover: Devices with advanced Wi-Fi calling capabilities may offer network handover preferences, enabling seamless transitions between Wi-Fi and cellular networks based on signal strength and quality.

Additional Settings

Emergency Address: Some carriers require users to register an emergency address for Wi-Fi calling. This information ensures that emergency services can be dispatched to the correct location in the event of a 911 call made over Wi-Fi.
Other Call Settings: Depending on the device and carrier, you may encounter additional call settings related to Wi-Fi calling, such as call waiting, call forwarding, and supplementary services.

By customizing these Wi-Fi calling preferences, you can optimize the calling experience on your Samsung S20, ensuring seamless connectivity and call quality, whether you're connected to a Wi-Fi network or relying on cellular coverage.

It's important to note that the availability and specifics of Wi-Fi calling preferences may vary based on your carrier and the software version running on your Samsung S20. If you encounter any challenges or have specific questions about customizing Wi-Fi calling preferences, reaching out to your carrier's support team or referring to the device's user manual can provide valuable assistance in navigating and configuring these settings.

Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Calling Issues

Wi-Fi calling is a valuable feature that enhances communication flexibility, especially in areas with poor cellular coverage. However, as with any technology, users may encounter occasional issues when utilizing Wi-Fi calling on their Samsung S20. Understanding common troubleshooting steps can help address these issues effectively, ensuring a seamless and reliable calling experience.

Check Wi-Fi Network Stability

When experiencing difficulties with Wi-Fi calling, the first step is to verify the stability and strength of the Wi-Fi network. Instability or weak signal strength can impact the quality and reliability of Wi-Fi calls. Users can troubleshoot this issue by moving closer to the Wi-Fi router or accessing a different Wi-Fi network to determine if the problem persists.

Verify Device Settings

Ensuring that Wi-Fi calling is enabled and properly configured on the Samsung S20 is essential. Users should revisit the device's settings to confirm that Wi-Fi calling is activated and that any relevant preferences, such as call mode and network selection, are appropriately configured. Additionally, checking for any pending software updates and installing them can address potential compatibility issues.

Restart the Device

A simple yet effective troubleshooting step involves restarting the Samsung S20. This action can resolve temporary software glitches or network connectivity issues that may be affecting Wi-Fi calling. By restarting the device, users can refresh its system and potentially resolve underlying issues impacting Wi-Fi calling functionality.

Check Carrier Support and Coverage

In some cases, Wi-Fi calling issues may be attributed to carrier-related factors, such as network outages or service disruptions. Users should verify the status of their carrier's Wi-Fi calling service and investigate any reported network issues in their area. Contacting the carrier's customer support can provide valuable insights into potential service disruptions affecting Wi-Fi calling.

Reset Network Settings

If persistent Wi-Fi calling issues persist, resetting the network settings on the Samsung S20 can serve as a comprehensive troubleshooting step. This action clears saved network configurations, including Wi-Fi, cellular, and Bluetooth settings, and can help resolve underlying connectivity issues impacting Wi-Fi calling.

Contact Carrier Support

If all troubleshooting efforts prove unsuccessful, reaching out to the carrier's support team is a recommended course of action. Carrier representatives can provide personalized assistance, troubleshoot network-related issues, and offer specific guidance tailored to the user's account and device configuration.

By following these troubleshooting steps, Samsung S20 users can address common Wi-Fi calling issues and restore the functionality of this valuable feature, ensuring reliable communication over Wi-Fi networks.