WiFi Calling

What is WiFi Calling?

WiFi Calling uses a WiFi connection to make and receive phone calls and texts over the internet instead of using cell phone towers. When you make a call using WiFi Calling, it uses your plan’s minutes, even though your phone isn’t connected to a cell phone tower.

WiFi Calling is easy to activate and needs no additional apps. You don’t even need to buy any Add-on packs.

Using WiFi Calling

If you have a compatible phone, you can use WiFi Calling. Just head into your device settings to switch it on. Make sure you’ve updated your phone’s software, since running the latest update will help enable WiFi Calling. You just need to connect to WiFi to update.

Currently iPhone 5s and above, plus selected Samsung Galaxy and Huawei P20 / P20 Pro phones are WiFi Calling compatible. Samsung phones running software versions older than Android 10 will need 2degrees-specific software for WiFi calling to work.

Activating WiFi Calling on iPhones is a breeze. Just go to Settings > Cellular > WiFi Calling and then toggle on WiFi Calling on This Phone.

It’s just as easy on Android. You’ll usually find WiFi settings under Settings > Networks & Internet > Mobile network > Advanced > WiFi Calling, where you can then toggle on WiFi Calling.

Once you’ve activated WiFi Calling, you can make a phone call as soon as you connect to a suitable WiFi network – even if mobile coverage is unavailable. Your phone will automatically select WiFi Calling.

The person receiving your call doesn’t need to have WiFi Calling enabled for the service to work.
If you’re roaming overseas, WiFi calls and texts back to New Zealand and Australia will come out of your plan’s minutes. The rate per minute will be as if you are in New Zealand. But if you’re overseas and call or text a country other than New Zealand or Australia, roaming rates may apply (see below info on costs).

Be aware that some WiFi hotspots (such as airports or accommodation providers) may not allow open access to the internet. If that’s the case WiFi Calling may not work.

If for any reason WiFi Calling isn't doing what you expect, you can simply go back to your phone’s settings and turn it off.

How do I make a WiFi call when I’m overseas?

You’ll only need to enable WiFi Calling on your phone once. After you’ve switched it on and connected to a WiFi network, your phone will automatically be able to make calls over WiFi.
If you’re travelling internationally and want to make a call, you need to include the International Calling Code of the destination you’re calling. Even if the number you’re calling is within the destination you’re currently in.

If you want to call 022 123 456, simply drop the ‘0’ and replace it with the country code which starts with ‘+’.

New Zealand’s International Calling Code is +64, which means that to call the above number you would dial +64 22 123 456.

Every country has their own International Calling Code. To find the codes for other destinations, please search on countrycode.org (just remember, if you’re not connected to WiFi, visiting this website will use your plan’s data).

Any overseas short codes, freephone or premium numbers will not work when you have WiFi Calling enabled.

Tip: If you travel overseas often, it’s a good idea to add frequently called numbers (like family, friends, and colleagues) to your contacts list in the international dialling format (with a + sign). Don’t worry, when you save numbers this way, you’ll still be able to make and receive calls and texts just as normal when you’re back in New Zealand.

How much does it cost to use WiFi Calling?

There are no additional plan charges for using the WiFi Calling service. However, WiFi calling is not entirely free.

• If you’re using Daily Roaming in one of our 100+ Daily Roaming destinations, calls back to NZ or Aussie and any calls within the country you’re visiting will use your plan’s minutes at the NZ local call rate. NZ international call rates apply to all calls to other destinations.
• If you’re not using Daily Roaming, or you’re not in one of our 100+ Daily Roaming destinations, calls to NZ or Aussie will continue to use your plan’s minutes at the NZ local call rate. NZ international call rates apply to all calls to other destinations as well as calls within the country you’re visiting.