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What Are the Two Main Ways Your Phone Connects?
Cellular (Your Phone Company’s Network)
- Uses nearby cell towers.
- Works almost everywhere—roads, stores, outdoors.
- Best when you’re moving around.
Wi-Fi (Your Home, School or Public Internet)
- Comes from a router in your home, office, school or a public place.
- Often stronger indoors.
- Helps save mobile data.
How to Check Signal Strength
Cellular Signal
- Look at the bars at the top of your screen.
- More bars = stronger signal.
- 1–2 bars may cause choppy or dropped calls.
Wi-Fi Signal
- Look for the fan-shaped Wi-Fi symbol.
- More filled-in bars = stronger Wi-Fi.
- Weak Wi-Fi can cause slow or unstable connections.
What Is Wi-Fi Calling?
Wi-Fi Calling lets your phone make regular calls using Wi-Fi instead of cellular. You use your same phone number—no apps needed.
Why It’s Useful
- Clearer calls indoors.
- Fewer dropped calls.
- Saves battery when cellular signal is weak.
- Helps avoid roaming charges when traveling.
How to Tell If Your Call Is Using Wi-Fi or Cellular
iPhone
- Look for “Wi-Fi” next to your carrier name at the top.
- During a call, you may see “Wi-Fi” under the call timer.
- Turn on: Settings → Phone → Wi-Fi Calling.
Android
- Look for a phone icon with a Wi-Fi symbol.
- Call screen may say “Wi-Fi Calling” or “VoWiFi.”
- Turn on: Phone app → Settings → Wi-Fi Calling.
When to Use Each Type of Connection
Choose Cellular When:
- You’re driving or walking around.
- You have strong cellular bars.
- You’re on public Wi-Fi (which can be slow or unsafe).
Choose Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Calling When:
- You’re indoors and cellular bars are low.
- Your Wi-Fi signal is strong.
- You want to save mobile data.
- You’re traveling internationally.
Quick Decision Guide
