In a nutshell, VoLTE and VoWiFi or WiFi Calling are innovations in cellular technology that improve your mobile calling or voice experience.
What is VoLTE?
VoLTE stands for Voice over Long-Term Evolution. It is an upgrade from calls that run on the GSM/2G or 3G networks (otherwise known as the Legacy signals). Basically, when you are not on VoLTE, every time you get on a call, it affects by reducing your internet data speed. VoLTE allows you to browse the internet, play your online games, and do other online activities seamlessly while still maintaining a high quality call.
With VoLTE, your calls are now transmitted over the Internet on a higher bandwidth cellular signal, resulting in higher-definition and clearer calls.
What is VoWiFi or WiFi Calling?
VoWiFi stands for Voice over WiFi. Simply when WiFi Calling is enabled, your voice calls use your WiFi network. This is especially useful when you are in an area with poor cellular signal/reception but have a fast and reliable WiFi connection. So if you have no LTE signal, your phone will use the WiFi network for your calls.

What’s the difference?
- They are both enabled on your mobile device separately.
- VoLTE runs on an LTE signal. So if your phone has no access to 4G or LTE, then you can’t use this feature.
- VoWiFi runs on your WiFi network. So if you have no WiFi access, then you technically can’t use this feature.
What do I need for VoLTE/VoWIFI?
- For VoLTE: Phones that support VoLTE are basically the phones that already support 4G/LTE.
- For VoWiFi/WiFi Calling: A good wifi system and internet connection with at least 100kbs connection.
- 4G/LTE-capable SIM card which is the norm these days from Philippine-telcos, especially that 5G is the latest technology.
- Turning-on VoLTE and VoWiFi or WiFi Calling on your phone’s settings.
- Latest mobile phone software update (aka firmware/software version)
How to enable VoLTE and VoWiFi/WiFi Calling on my phone?
- Turn on the VoLTE setting on your phone by going to:
- Android: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks. If you have a dual-sim you will need to turn this on per sim.
- iOS/Apple: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data
- Turn on the WiFi Calling or VoWiFi setting on your phone by going to:
- Android: Settings > Connections*
- *You can then choose the Network Preference between “Mobile network preferred” or “Wi-Fi preferred”. Choose “Wi-Fi preferred”. This means your handset will automatically prioritize your Wi-Fi connection.
- iOS/Apple: Settings > Cellular
- Android: Settings > Connections*
As of June 6, 2021 Globe says VoLTE is now enabled for supported devices in Bataan, Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Metro Manila, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Rizal, Tarlac, Zambales, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Cebu, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor in Visayas, and in Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Guimaras and Misamis Oriental in Mindanao.
According to Smart, their Wi-Fi Calling and VoLTE services are currently available nationwide to all Smart Signature, Smart Infinity, Smart Prepaid and TNT subscribers.
Are there additional costs involved?
According to Smart, Globe, there are no extra charges involved when using VoLTE or VoWiFi. When either of the two are used, your calls get charged just like any other regular call against your subscription. This therefore doesn’t mean that calls over VoWiFi and VoLTE are free. DITO on the other hand doesn’t really say if there are extra charges. But we can safely assume they follow the same with Globe and Smart.
What if I run into problems with my WiFi or LTE signal?
If you aren’t confident with your WiFi connection, then simply turn off “WiFi Calling” on your device. If you have spotty LTE coverage in your area, you can also just switch off VoLTE on your device. After switching these off, it is then best to restart your mobile device.
VoLTE / VoWiFi Telco Helpdesk
If you need more help on setting up your VoLTE/VoWiFi on your mobile phone, proceed first to your telco’s FAQ page below. If these don’t help call/chat with their customer care representatives.