If you use WiFi calling instead of LTE, you’re probably asking – Does WiFi calling drain battery? Well, the answer to this question is a resounding, YES.
WiFi calling is quite a useful feature if you live in an area with little or no cellular coverage.
With this feature, you can simply receive or make a phone call over a WiFi connection. WiFi calling is available on both Android and iOS devices.
When it comes to WiFi calling, you can limit your battery usage through three simple methods. Instead of a 5GHz network, you can use a 2.4GHz network to protect your battery life. Plus, you can also turn off WiFi calling partially or disconnect the cellular connection permanently.
Most users out there are experiencing battery drainage while using WiFi calling.
This article will cover why WiFi calling drain battery quickly and how you can solve this problem:
Why Does WiFi Calling Drain more Battery
With WiFi calling, you can make a phone call through wireless internet connections.
These calls do not connect through traditional telecommunications providers like Verizon and AT&T.
WiFi calling might be a useful feature, but it’s surely not good for your battery life.
Compared to LTE, WiFi calling consume slightly more battery power. Here are reasons why your battery drains faster while using WiFi calling:
1. Work as a Tunnel
In order to make phone calls, WiFi calling creates an internet tunnel to your cellular provider.
As this tunnel is active all the time, this feature drains your battery quickly.
2. PU Usage
When WiFi calling scans for WiFi connection, it increases CPU usage. As your phone is also searching for a cellular network, the battery life of your device may be noticeably shortened.
3. Weak Signals
To make phone calls, LTE and 3G signals are considered stronger than WiFi.
When the incoming signals are weak, your smartphone has to do more work to receive information. As a result, it utilizes more of its battery to perform all functions effectively.
Now that you have the answer to your question, “Does enabling WiFi calling drain battery?” it’s time to learn the methods to prolong and protect your battery’s life while using WiFi calling.
How to Keep Battery Last Longer When WiFi Calling – Methods
Because WiFi calling option is available on both Android and iOS devices you don’t need third-party software or login info to use this service.
Furthermore, WiFi calling is also free when calling a Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands or a U.S. number.
However, it’s not uncommon for callers to experience quick battery drainage while using WiFi calling.
To help you out in this regard, here are a few major methods that you can apply to keep your battery last longer when WiFi calling:
Method #1 Use 2.4GHz Network
There are two types of WiFi networks available out there: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Compared to 5GHz, WiFi calling service on 2.4GHz drains the battery much less viciously.
This is because 5GHz signals have to “Work harder” to travel through ceilings and walls compared to 2.4GHz.
To convert your 5GHz WiFi to 2.4 GHz, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Go to your Gateway Page (192.168.0.1 or 192.196.1.1)
- Login with your valid credentials
- Go to “Wireless Connection Settings”
- Select “2.4GHz” as your default frequency
- Click “Save” to restart your router
Once your router restarts, it will work on a 2.4GHz frequency. However, if, for some reason, you are unable to change it through the gateway page, you can use a 2.4GHz repeater to convert the 5GHz WiFi network to 2.4GHz.
Note: Reducing the frequency of your WiFi might protect you from battery drainage, but it might affect your network’s overall performance.
So, if you don’t want to experience an unstable internet connection, skip to the next step.
Method #2 Disable Cellular Radio Completely
This method is a fool-proof way to improve your phone’s battery life while using WiFi calling.
If there are no cellular signals in your area, this option is the perfect pick for you. In this method, all you have to do is disable your cellular radio completely.
Follow these steps to disable cellular radio on Android Device:
- Open the “Settings” app
- Go to “Network and Connections”
- Scroll down and select “Airplane Mode”
- Turn off the Airplane Mode
If you have iOS devices, such as iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:
- Swipe up or down to open the control center
- In the “Connections” tab, you’ll see the “Airplane” icon
- Click on the “Airplane” icon, and it’ll turn orange
Once you start “Airplane Mode” on your smartphone, it’ll automatically disable cellular radio completely.
By default, this method will also turn off your WiFi connection. So, turn it back on and enjoy WiFi calling.
Note: Disabling cellular radio protects your battery’s life because your device does not need to search for a cellular network all the time.
However, with this method, you won’t be able to use cellular data unless you turn off the airplane mode on your device.
Method #3 Invest in a Good Battery
It may seem like a no-brainer but having a good battery will certainly save you from interruptions when WiFi calling.
Here are some few battery tips:
- Use third party apps to check your battery health month after month.
- After a year of use you should consider replacing your phone battery.
- Buy an original battery from reliable dealers.
- Always keep your phone charged and battery full before you start your day.
If your device has a short battery life it’s best to invest in a good power bank to take you through the day. Also, don’t forget to carry your charger.
Method #4 Partial Use
If you cannot convert your WiFi frequency or don’t want to turn on airplane mode, you should limit your WiFi calling usage to protect your battery’s life.
As several other WiFi calling apps are available out there, such as WhatsApp, IMO, and more, you can turn off the WiFi calling service while you are outside.
To turn off the WiFi calling feature on Android, follow these steps:
- Open “Settings” App
- Go to “Network and Connections”
- Click on “WiFi Calling”
- Toggle it OFF
For your iOS devices, follow this step-by-step-guide to turn off WiFi calling:
- Go to “Settings”
- Select “Cellular Connections”
- Click on “WiFi Calling”
- Toggle “WiFi Calling on iPhone” OFF
That’s it. With these simple steps, you can turn on or off WiFi calling on your smartphone.
Whenever you are expecting a call or want to make a call, turn on this feature. After that, turn it back off to protect your phone from battery drainage.
Note: This one might not be a convenient approach, but it’s effective. To protect your battery, stick with third-party apps and turn this service on whenever you want to make a phone call.
Still Experiencing Battery Drainage?
What should you do if you have followed all the above-mentioned methods but still experiencing quick battery drainage?
First of all, check your “Battery Health” from settings or a third-party app. If your battery is healthy but draining quickly, you should check it out by a professional. Furthermore, you can also use third-party WiFi calling apps such as WhatsApp, IMO or more, to save your battery.
Read Next: Why Does Do Not Disturb Turn Itself On?
Conclusion
Making calls is perhaps one of the main reasons why we acquire our Android and iOS devices.
WiFi calling allows you to make free of cost phone calls to several regions and is ideal when the call receiver also has a reliable WiFi connection.
However, now that you know the answer to the question, does WiFi calling drain battery you can use the above methods to avoid draining your battery and interrupting your calls.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.