Technology

Wi-Fi Calling at Illinois State University

Last modified 7/29/2025


What is Wi-Fi Calling?

Wi-Fi Calling allows your smartphone to make and receive calls and text messages over a Wi-Fi network instead of relying on a cellular signal. It’s especially useful in areas with weaker cellular coverage, but where a wireless network is still available.

Why Use Wi-Fi Calling on Campus?

  • Improved Coverage: Cellular signal strength can vary indoors. ISU has no control over cellular networks, but the ISU wireless network is more consistent and widely available across campus locations.

  • Better Call Quality: Strong Wi-Fi can provide clearer audio than spotty mobile service.

  • Save Cellular Data & Minutes: Calls and texts over Wi-Fi may not count against your mobile minutes or data, depending on your carrier.

  • No Additional Apps Needed: Built into most modern smartphones and supported by the vast majority of carriers.


Things to Know Before Enabling Wi-Fi Calling

911 Emergency Address Required:
You’ll be asked to enter an emergency address when first enabling Wi-Fi Calling on your device. This helps emergency services locate you if you call 911 while connected to Wi-Fi.Use your primary residential address (e.g., dorm or home address).
This address is not updated automatically. If you move, update it in your phone’s Wi-Fi Calling settings.

 

How to Enable Wi-Fi Calling

On iOS (iPhone)

  1. Navigate to the [Settings] app
  2. Find the [Phone] setting
  3. Select [Wi-fi Calling]
  4. Toggle [Wi-fi Calling on This iPhone] to [On]
  5. Follow the rest of the prompts and input your emergency address when prompted.

📌 Tip: You may see a message saying “Wi-Fi Calling will use your carrier’s network when available.” That’s normal. Your phone will switch between Wi-Fi and cellular depending on signal strength.

On Android

  1. Open the [Phone] app
  2. Tap the [Three vertical dots] in the top right
  3. Click on [Settings]. This will open the Call Settings menu.
  4. Turn [Wi-fi Calling] to [On]. Optionally, you may set your calls to Cellular preferred or Wi-fi preferred.
  5. Follow the rest of the prompts and input your emergency address when prompted.

📌 Note: If you don't see the option, your carrier or device may not support it. Contact your mobile provider for additional assistance.

How to Get Help

Technical assistance is available through the Illinois State University Technology Support Center at:

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