The Wi-Fi call service for the iPhone was launched last night by the mobile phone operator Orange Romania, and is now available in a test format for all customers. Those from Orange offer the Wi-Fi call service for all customers in Romania who have compatible terminals and are within the coverage range of the 4G call service.
The Wi-Fi call service for iPhone is launched for the first time in Romania by the Orange mobile phone operator, the rest of the telecom operators not having similar functions. It is not yet known when, or if, Vodafone or Telekom will offer the Wi-Fi call function for the iPhone, in the case of Digi Mobil the discussion cannot exist without a certification of the operator from Apple.
Wi-Fi call on iPhone in Orange - compatibility
To enjoy the Wi-Fi call service on the iPhone in the network of the Orange Romania mobile operator, you must have one of the following iPhone models:
- iPhone 6;
- iPhone 6 Plus;
- iPhone 6S;
- iPhone 6S Plus;
- iPhone SE;
- iPhone 7;
- iPhone 7 Plus.
In the case of iOS, well it seems that the Wi-Fi call service on iPhone in Orange can only be activated if you have at least iOS 10, or maybe even iOS 10.2.1. Those from Orange don't even list the iPhone as being compatible with the Wi-Fi call service, but it can certainly be activated if you have iOS 10.2 or iOS 10.2.1 installed, but I can't guarantee you for older versions.
Apart from the iPhone model compatible with the Wi-Fi call service in Orange, it is necessary to have the 4G call service already activated. It is automatically activated when you enter the coverage area for the 4G call service, an SMS message being sent to you by Orange, and in the menu Settings > Cellular, Configurations > Cellular Connection, you will see options to use 4G and for voice calls.
How to activate Wi-Fi Call on iPhone in Orange
Assuming that you already have the 4G call service active on your account and you have a compatible iPhone, then activating the Wi-Fi call service in Orange is very simple.
- Access the menu Settings > General > About, Configurations > General > About, and there you have to check what Carrier Bundle, Carrier you have. Version 27.1 is the one that offers the possibility to use the Wi-Fi call service, an update being displayed immediately in this menu if you have a previous version and at least iOS 10.2.1, or maybe even iOS 10.2, the terminal requiring a restart after the update. In iOS 10.3 beta 1 this function is not active.
- Send an empty SMS, make an empty space using the key Space, Space, at number 232.
- Wait for confirmation of the activation of the function and restart the terminal.
- Go to the menu Settings > Phone, Configurations > Phone, and there you should have a sub-menu called Wi-Fi Calling.
- Now press the switch to activate the function and choose the option Enable, after displaying the alert.
- A new window will be opened, scroll to the bottom and press the activation button.
- Now you will see a message saying that the compatibility of your terminal is checked, press ok.
- Now wait for the Wi-Fi calling function to be activated, leaving the Wi-Fi calling menu and returning to it after a few minutes being the easiest way.
If you have the Wi-Fi call function visible in the respective menu, but when you try to activate it you are asked to contact Orange Romania, then most likely you do not have the 4G call service active. If you have the 4G call service active and you still cannot activate Wi-Fi calling, then you should visit an Orange Shop, or call Orange's customer relations service.
