📞VoWiFi and VoLTE in Norway: when to enable and what to expect 📡
Amazingly, two technologies help you talk where regular mobile networks struggle! VoLTE is amazing! It's voice over 4G, with less latency, better quality and more stable handovers. VoWiFi is amazing! It sends calls over your Wi-Fi network, which is so useful! You can use it in fjords, concrete buildings and basements. But they do have limitations, which are really just there to keep you on your toes! Your support depends on your operator/model, and separate rules apply for emergency calls. We're excited to explain how to enable, check and use them without any surprises.
What are VoWiFi/VoLTE in simple terms?
VoLTE is calling over 4G: voice is transmitted over IP, so there is no need to "drop down" to 3G/2G. You get a faster connection and clearer sound. VoWiFi is calling via your home/office Wi-Fi: your phone connects to your operator's network via a secure tunnel over the internet. This is useful where LTE is weak indoors but there is stable Wi-Fi.
How to enable on iPhone/Android?
On iPhone: "Settings → Cellular → Data Options → Voice & Data (VoLTE)" and "Wi-Fi Calling → On". On Android, the path depends on the shell, usually: "Settings → Network and Internet → SIM cards/Mobile network → VoLTE/Wi- -Fi". If there are no items, your operator/model may not support the feature in your region. After enabling, make a short test call.
When does this help: rorbu/concrete/basement?
In concrete buildings and houses near water, the LTE signal inside can "melt". When enabled, VoWiFi uses your home Wi-Fi, which significantly improves call quality. In dense urban areas, VoLTE eliminates network hopping and provides stable voice quality as long as 4G is available. At work or in a co-working space, VoWiFi is the ideal backup plan when LTE is unstable near a window.
Do you need a special tariff/operator?
There is usually no additional charge, but support for these features depends on your operator and phone model. VoWiFi/VoLTE is sometimes disabled on prepaid/roaming products. Check your tariff page and the list of supported devices. If the feature does not appear after updates, check with your operator — you may need to activate it on their end.
How can I check if a call is going through Wi-Fi/4G?
Test it: turn on Airplane mode, leave only Wi-Fi enabled, and make a call — if the call goes through, it's VoWiFi. The call screen or status bar will display "Wi-Fi/VoWiFi". For VoLTE, disable 3G/2G (set to "LTE/4G only") and make a call — if the connection does not drop to 3G and the sound is more stable, you are on VoLTE.
How does this affect battery life/data usage?
VoLTE is usually more battery-efficient than 3G and has less latency. VoWiFi uses your Wi-Fi/internet: it uses a little traffic (around tens of megabytes per hour of talk time), but power consumption depends on the quality of your Wi-Fi and the performance of your phone's amplifiers. If your battery is draining quickly, move closer to the router, turn off unnecessary networks, and reduce the brightness.
Do emergency calls work?*
It depends on the operator and country. In some cases, emergency calls via VoWiFi are possible, but location determination and routing are performed according to the registered address/rules of the operator — this may differ from a regular cellular network. Always keep the option to call via cellular (VoLTE/regular network). Check the terms and conditions with your operator before travelling.
* This is for information purposes only and is not legal advice.
What to do if VoWiFi does not appear?
Update iOS/Android and your operator settings, restart your phone, turn Airplane mode on/off, check that your router does not have guest isolation, VoIP blocking, or a weak signal. Try another Wi-Fi network (mobile hotspot), then contact your operator — sometimes activation is required on their end. The feature may not be available on prepaid/roaming plans.
How to combine with dual SIM?
Assign data to the profile with the best network, voice/SMS to the "main" number. Enable VoLTE/VoWiFi on the SIM active for calls. Perform a triple test: incoming call, outgoing call, call in airplane mode with Wi-Fi. If VoWiFi only appears on one profile, this is a carrier restriction; keep plan B ready (switch data/voice with two taps).
Restrictions when travelling/roaming
VoWiFi may be disabled or only work in your home country. VoLTE is not supported by all partners when roaming. For long trips, rely on your local eSIM and check that everything works when you get there. If VoWiFi isn't available, use wired internet/good Wi-Fi and calling apps (keeping in mind your company's policies and privacy).
VoLTE and VoWiFi are the "invisible" lifesavers of remote workers, and they're amazing! The former provides stable voice calls over 4G, while the latter turns your home Wi-Fi into a "tower" in your apartment or room. Enable them in advance, check that they work, and keep a plan B handy — then concrete walls and capricious LTE won't ruin an important conversation.
If you've found an inaccuracy or update regarding VoWiFi/VoLTE support or settings, we'd love to hear from you! We would love to hear from you! Just use the feedback form in the catalogue and we will check everything and update the article as soon as we can. And don't forget to share in the comments how VoWiFi has helped you the most — your tips could help other readers too!
Frequently asked questions
The network has switched you to LTE/3G, your Wi-Fi signal is weak, or your operator has disabled the feature — check your settings and Wi-Fi quality.
Weak Wi-Fi signal/noisy channel/congestion. Move closer to the router, switch channels/5 GHz band.
Sometimes, but it depends on your operator/contract; check in advance.
