Why Does Verizon Hate Wifi Calling?

[ZITHERO]

This is an observation but at this point, after my phone recently updated (I wish I had not updated the phone's software...), I can no longer place Wifi Calls.

I used to be sort of able to force the wifi calling to work via turning on airplane mode, then activating my Wifi and it would connect (as the phone's cell service was forced off).  However a recent update to Verizon's software on my Galaxy S7 Edge has provided an error whenever I do this which reads:
"Turn off Airplane mode.

Unable to make calls in Airplane mode.   To allow calls, Airplane mode will be turned off." (ps: Thanks so much guys!)

Before, again, this was the ONLY way I could turn on wifi calling and, as a result, the only way to make phone calls in my house.

The goal here, btw, was so that I could ditch my home phone line and go entirely with cellular phones... but it looks like now, after this recent "Update" I can no longer use wifi calling at all!  So now the feature doesn't even begin to work, and I have to hope against hope that the program that makes this determination in my phone has the good graces to discover my cell service is poor  and swap to wifi calling... but the program is so amazingly overconfident in the signal it gets from Verizon it doesn't even grasp that 1 to 2 bars is a bad day.

Please... Verizon... Just let us toggle "Prefer Wifi" On like every other wireless carrier so that if there's a wifi signal, the call goes over that wifi signal always, and then.. only then, can swap to the Cell Service.

The worst part is: This method was suggested to me by the very Verizon Support team that is on this forum!  Turning on airplane mode was a [Removed] solution, but at least it was a solution.  Now there is no solution.

So On Behalf of all of those with "Poor Signal" inside our home, please fix wifi calling.

inappropriate content removed as required by the Verizon Wireless Terms of Service

Message edited by Verizon Moderator

[Weth]

It is not clear why Verizon did this, if it is an error or a way to try to get $10 TravelPass fees.

iPhone, thankfully, has not been affected by this

[bethsheartsong]

I live in an area identified by Verizon as signal impaired in about a 3-4 mile radius, due to topographical challenges.  I was advised to get a Network extender they sell, which I did.  This fix has allowed me to reclaim the ability to use my cell phone at home and I have only basic home phone service to keep the ability to fax over a landline.  I don't use my home phone line much otherwise.  The extender piggy-backs on your wifi signal, so it's almost like wifi calling.Needless to say, I don't have Verizon internet for the home service. It's with another provider via hard-wired connections. THe downside which doesn't impact me in the slightest, is that I had to move to 3g connections while on the extender. This means that video calling is impossible.  Since I have no real use for that feature (it's available on our devices, but ...), it's not an issue.  Have you explored the Network Extender? It occasionally has hiccups, but is probably 95% reliable in my situation.

[vzw_customer_support]

We want to make sure that you are able to use your Galaxy S7 Edge the way you like, ZITHERO. There are a couple of things that we would need to look at to get a full review on this issue. Do you have HD Calling / Wi-Fi Calling provisioned on your account? Have you tried to turn off your Cellular data when making the call to have it manually switch to Wi-Fi Calling? If you have downloaded the Package Disabler Pro app or a similar app, disable it if the Wi-Fi calling activation process has an error. After Wi-Fi calling is activated and working, re-enable the app for use. Let us know if any of these methods help you with your issue.

JoshuaT_VZW

Follow us on TWITTER @VZWSupport

If my response answered your question please click the Correct Answer button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!

[BeyondtheVerizon]

I have this exact issue. Wifi calling worked until 2 days ago, now I get the message "you cannot make a call while the device is in airplane mode." Yes, the wifi is on. Yes, the software is up to date. Yes the wifi is connected, and yes, I am able to transmit data. My 911 location is set up and my HD voice is on.

I just moved to a new location where the cellular service is consistently 0-1 bars and the wifi calling was the answer...and it worked beautifully for over a month! What changed!?!?

[vzw_customer_support]

Two days is far too long to miss out on wifi calling BeyondtheVerizon. What zip code are you in? Were there any changes to the phone 2 days ago when the issue started? Have you powered the phone off and back on?

StevenM_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

If my response answered your question please click the ?Correct Answer? button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!

[BeyondtheVerizon · Accepted solution]

Thanks for reaching out!

I am in zip code 94965.

Restarted the phone.

No new changes.

I got a replacement phone through Verizon a couple of weeks ago but wifi

calling worked right away, by putting the phone in airplane mode then

turning on wifi. The same process no longer works, I just get the message

"...

I just tried again and it worked. I'll put up a nice note on the board for

you guys.

-Mike

On Jun 15, 2017 9:23 AM, "vzw_customer_support" <forums@verizonwireless.com>

[lukevinyl]

The network extender's do work really well from my experience. You mentioned having to use 3G while under network extender coverage so just wanted to mention there is a newer 4G network extender that is out and offered/supported by VZW that works well and allows 4G services, just so you are aware.

Have a good one!

[Ch5249]

I have the same problem.

I have an S7 and relied on WiFi calling since I get 0-1 bars of service in my house. It's just enough service that Verizon says my service is fine but just little enough to drop every single phone call I try to make or receive.

In the past I put my phone in airplane mode, turned the WiFi on and could make calls with no issues. But now every single time it tells me I can't make calls in airplane mode.

I've tried turning mobile data off but it makes calls on the 1x bar of service it picks up instead of the WiFi.

I agree with the OP, why does Verizon refuse to let us prefer the WiFi signal for calling?? You're getting paid for the minutes regardless of whether or not we use them so what's the problem???

[Ted2356]

I have exactly the same issue. Samsung edge I could force to wifi, but the phone was the worst ever. I got a Moto Play Z and I can't find any way to force it to wifi. I have barely 1 bar in my house but it tries to connect ( and usually fails.

Just a switch to force it to wifi....  Maybe T-Mobile would be a better solution...