WiFi Calling in Switzerland: pros and cons of wifi telephony

Whether you live in a mountain village, work in a modern office building, or are simply sitting in your living room, there are always situations where the mobile signal is weak or completely unavailable. In a country like Switzerland, known for its Alpine landscapes and challenging terrain, this happens more often than you might think. But luckily, there’s a modern solution: WiFi Calling—also known as WLAN Call or simply calling over WiFi.

With this feature, you stay reachable at all times—even where there’s no mobile reception. And the best part: you don’t need an extra app or a special number. Everything works on your regular device using your existing internet connection.

30.05.2025 | Reading time: 5 minutes

How does WiFi Calling work?

WiFi Calling uses your existing internet connection to enable voice calls. Instead of routing the call through the mobile network, it’s transmitted via a WiFi connection. This works without any app or complicated setup—as long as your smartphone and provider support the feature.

If your mobile signal is weak or unavailable, your device detects this automatically and routes incoming and outgoing calls through WiFi. Your phone number stays the same, and the person on the other end won’t notice any difference.

Technically, the system is based on VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi), which is already built into many modern devices. Most smartphones from manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, and Google support this feature by default. At yallo, WiFi Calling is enabled in many mobile plans—you just need to activate it.

WiFi Calls – what are the pros and cons?

WiFi Calling offers a convenient way to stay reachable—especially in places where mobile networks are weak. But like any technology, it comes with both benefits and some things you should keep in mind.

Advantages of WiFi Calling

• Make calls without mobile reception
  Perfect for poor signal areas like buildings, basements, or remote regions. As long as WiFi is available, you can make calls as usual—no dead zones.
• No app download required
  You don’t need extra apps like WhatsApp or Skype. WiFi calls work directly through your phone’s built-in calling app.
• Better call quality
  With a stable WiFi connection, call quality is often clearer than on mobile networks. HD Voice ensures crisp, uninterrupted conversations.
• Battery-friendly
  Your phone doesn’t constantly search for a mobile signal, which helps save battery—especially in areas with poor reception.
• Quick and easy to activate
  Once enabled in your settings, WiFi Calling works automatically. No complicated setup required.
  
  

Things to keep in mind

• WiFi quality matters
  If the WiFi connection is unstable or overloaded, call quality will suffer. Dropouts, echoes, or delays are possible.
• Limited emergency call functionality
  WiFi calls may not always transmit your exact location. For emergencies, a stable mobile network is usually the safer option.
• Not all devices are compatible
  Older smartphones or those without VoWiFi support won’t be able to use WiFi Calling. You’ll need a compatible operating system:
  Apple: iOS 10.3 or newer; Android: Android 7.0 or newer.
• No WiFi Calling abroad with yallo
  Currently, WiFi Calling with yallo only works within Switzerland. While abroad, you’ll need to rely on other options like roaming or VoIP apps.
  
  

How to activate WiFi calling easily

iPhone:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap on Mobile Data
3. Select Wi-Fi Calling
4. Enable Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone
5. If prompted, accept the terms and conditions

Android:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet
2. Select Mobile Network
3. Enable Wi-Fi Calling
4. Optionally, choose whether to prioritise Wi-Fi or mobile network

Menu names may vary slightly depending on the device manufacturer. If you run into issues, the yallo support section can help.

Technical requirements

To use WiFi Calling, you need:

• A smartphone that supports VoWiFi
• The latest firmware/software version (Apple: iOS 10.3 or newer; Android: Android 7.0 or newer)
• A stable Wi-Fi connection
• A yallo mobile plan that supports WiFi Calling
• An active SIM card from yallo

Most recent iOS and Android devices are compatible with WiFi Calling. If you're unsure whether your status recognition for WiFi Calling is properly activated, you can check directly in the yallo support section. There you’ll find all the essential information about enabling status recognition and using WiFi Calling.

Important to know: WiFi Calling with yallo currently works only within Switzerland. This feature is not available abroad—so before travelling, you should explore other options like roaming or internet calling apps.

When is WiFi Calling especially useful?

WiFi Calling is especially helpful when you're in places where the mobile network is weak or completely unavailable. There are many everyday situations where this feature can benefit you.

At home in a home office, you often rely on a stable Wi-Fi connection. If mobile reception in your apartment isn’t reliable, WiFi Calling lets you make calls without interruption—keeping you reachable even during important conversations.

In buildings with thick walls, underground garages, shopping centres, or elevators, mobile signals often reach their limits. WiFi Calling lets you bridge those dead zones by using your Wi-Fi instead.

Another big advantage becomes clear during network congestion—at concerts, trade shows, or major sporting events. While others struggle to make a call, you can stay connected using Wi-Fi, if available.

WiFi Calling is also a great solution for parents: if mobile coverage doesn’t reach certain rooms at home, kids can still be reached via Wi-Fi—a reassuring option, especially in emergencies.

WiFi Calling vs. VoIP: what’s the difference?

Many people confuse WiFi Calling with traditional VoIP services like Skype or WhatsApp. But there are key differences:

• You use your regular phone number
• No extra app is needed
• You make calls directly through your phone’s native dialer
• SMS and MMS also work over Wi-Fi

This makes WiFi Calling a true extension of your mobile network—seamless and without extra setup.

WiFi Calling keeps you connected—even without a mobile signal

In a world where staying connected matters more than ever, WiFi Calling is a smart solution: you remain reachable even when mobile coverage fails. Especially in Switzerland, where mountains and building structures can often disrupt signals, WiFi Calling proves its value.

With yallo, you can activate and use WiFi Calling easily—no extra costs, no app required. The benefits are clear: better call quality, less battery drain, and greater flexibility. WiFi Calling isn’t just a feature—it’s a reliable everyday companion.