AT&T is playing catch up with Wi-Fi calling, finally making the feature available on Android devices. The carrier is the last of the big four networks to bring the feature to Android, but sadly it may still be a while until you are able to use it — it’s only available with the LG G4.
The carrier brought Wi-Fi calling to iOS devices last October, but now the handy feature is making its way to Android. It’s starting with the LG G4, and you’ll need to download the software update from AT&T — you should be getting a notification for it soon.
Once AT&T rolls out the feature to other compatible Android devices, you’ll still need to be on a postpaid wireless account set up for HD Voice, and be able to connect to a Wi-Fi network.
Once Wi-Fi calling is activated, it will only work when you’re in an area with poor or no cell signal. If there’s a Wi-Fi network you can connect to, your phone will switch to Wi-Fi calling and texting until your cell signal improves. The feature is not unlike what services like Skype and WhatsApp have been doing for years, except this is built into your phone and uses the native dialer and SMS app. — once it switches to Wi-Fi calling, the process is still the same as texting and calling regularly.
The carrier says it plans to add more Android devices soon. T-Mobile and Sprint led the effort into enabling Wi-Fi calling on devices for a few years now, then Verizon joined the pack. Most current flagships are compatible with Wi-Fi calling on those networks.
AT&T’s Wi-Fi calling only works in the U.S., Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and certain international countries. Domestic calls over Wi-Fi are free, but you’ll be paying standard international rates if you call an international number.
