WiFi calls (or VoWiFi) let your phone make and receive calls and messages over a WiFi network when mobile coverage is poor or nonexistent. The typical traveler's question is whether this still works when using a data eSIM abroad: the short answer is that WiFi calls depend on your main line, not the data eSIM, and here we explain how it all fits together without you getting a nasty surprise on your bill.
What is WiFi calling (VoWiFi)
WiFi calling allows you to make and receive normal calls and SMS using a WiFi connection instead of your operator's antenna. It's your usual number that's calling; the only difference is that the voice travels over the internet. It's useful when you're in a basement, a hotel with poor coverage, or a rural area without a signal.
The key is that WiFi calling is tied to your main phone line, the one with your number and your plan. If your operator supports it and you have it activated, your phone automatically switches to WiFi when it detects that there's no good mobile network. In Spain, Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, Digi, and most MVNOs offer it, although each calls it something different ("Llamadas WiFi," "WiFi Calling," or "VoWiFi").
Be aware of an important nuance for travel: many operators block WiFi calling outside the country of origin. That is, it works at home, but abroad it may be deactivated due to the operator's policy. It's advisable to check this before you leave so you don't rely on it.
Does WiFi calling work with a data eSIM?
Yes, but with a nuance: data eSIMs and WiFi calling are independent things. The eSIM gives you cheap internet at your destination; WiFi calling uses your Spanish line to make calls. You can have both active at the same time, and each performs its function without interfering with the other.
The combination that works best for a traveler is simple: leave your Spanish line installed to receive bank SMS and important calls, activate a data eSIM as your internet line, and deactivate roaming on your Spanish line to avoid charges. With that eSIM, you have data, and over that data (or over the hotel's WiFi), WhatsApp, Telegram, and video calls work.
Classic WiFi calling would still be tied to your Spanish number and, if your operator allows it abroad, you could receive a normal call without activating roaming, provided you are connected to a WiFi network. Since this is not guaranteed, it's practical to rely on apps over the eSIM's data. If you want to delve deeper into how to keep your number operational, we have a specific guide on eSIM for calls and SMS and another on how to use WhatsApp with eSIM.
How to activate WiFi calls on iPhone
On iPhone, it's quick. Go to Settings > Phone > WiFi Calling and toggle "WiFi Calling on This iPhone" on. The system will ask you to confirm your emergency address (mandatory in the EU). From there, you'll see the "WiFi" indicator next to the operator in the status bar when it's working.
If you use multiple eSIMs on your iPhone, check which line you activate WiFi calls on: it should be the line with your number, not the travel data eSIM. You can set your Spanish line as "default for calls" and the eSIM as "default for mobile data."
Tip: If you're traveling, activate WiFi calling on your main line before leaving Spain. Some operators only allow initial registration within the country and then it works abroad.
Remember that even if WiFi calling is on, it won't consume your data plan because it uses WiFi. And if you're in airplane mode with WiFi active, it can also work depending on the operator.
How to activate WiFi calls on Android (Samsung, Xiaomi…)
On Android, the path changes depending on the brand, but the idea is the same. On Samsung Galaxy: Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi Calling. On Xiaomi: Settings > SIM cards & mobile networks > (your line) > Wi-Fi Calling. On Google Pixel and other pure Android devices, it's usually in Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Wi-Fi Calling.
If you have an eSIM installed on Android, you'll see that you can choose the line for WiFi calls. Just like on iPhone, activate it on the line with your number, not on the data eSIM. Some Xiaomi and Motorola phones require the option to be enabled by the operator; if it doesn't appear, your company doesn't offer it on that model.
| Mobile | Path to activate WiFi calls |
|---|---|
| iPhone | Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling |
| Samsung Galaxy | Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi Calling |
| Xiaomi / Redmi | Settings > SIM cards & mobile networks > Wi-Fi Calling |
| Google Pixel | Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Wi-Fi Calling |
Are WiFi calls free or am I charged abroad?
Here's the tricky part. WiFi calling is not magic: even though voice travels over WiFi, your operator may charge for the call as if you were in your home country or even as an international call, depending on their policy. In many cases, national calls via WiFi calling are charged as if you were in Spain, which is an advantage; but it's advisable to confirm this with your company before traveling.
What is certain is that WiFi calling does not consume your data plan or the eSIM's, because it runs over the WiFi network. The real risk is not confusing it with voice roaming: if your Spanish line has active roaming and you make a call over the mobile network (not WiFi), then you will pay roaming charges. That's why we recommend deactivating roaming on your main line and relying on the eSIM and apps.
- National WiFi calling: usually as if in Spain (verify).
- Voice roaming call: roaming rates, can be expensive outside the EU.
- App call over eSIM data: only uses data, no voice cost.
Alternatives for cheap calls with your eSIM
If your goal is to talk without spending money, the simplest way is to use the eSIM data with voice apps. WhatsApp, Telegram, FaceTime, Signal, or Google Meet offer quality calls and video calls consuming very few megabytes. With an active data eSIM, you have internet as soon as you land, without relying on finding WiFi.
For calls to landlines or people without apps, VoIP services like Skype or internet calls offer much lower rates than voice roaming. And if you want to keep your number operational to receive verification SMS, leave your Spanish line installed only for SMS and use the eSIM for everything else. You can find the details in our guide on how to call abroad cheaply.
Traveler's tip: a voice call via WhatsApp uses about 0.5 MB per minute. With 1 GB of data, you could talk for hours without coming close to exhausting the plan.
If you're going to share internet with your family or laptop, also check how hotspot with eSIM works so everyone can use the same plan.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly are WiFi calls?
They are normal calls and SMS, with your own number, that travel over a WiFi network instead of the operator's antenna. They are useful when you don't have mobile coverage but do have a WiFi connection available, such as in hotels, basements, or rural areas.
Can I use WiFi calling and a data eSIM at the same time?
Yes. The eSIM gives you internet at your destination, and WiFi calling uses your Spanish line to make calls. They are independent and can be active at the same time. The usual practice is to leave the Spanish line for SMS and the eSIM as the main data line.
Are WiFi calls free?
WiFi calling does not consume your data plan because it uses WiFi, but the call itself may be charged depending on your operator. Many companies charge national calls as if you were in Spain. Confirm this with your operator before traveling to avoid surprises.
Does WiFi calling work abroad?
It depends on the operator. Many block it outside the country of origin due to internal policy. Activate it before leaving Spain and check with your company if it remains active at your destination. If not, rely on voice apps over your eSIM's data.
How do I activate WiFi calls on my iPhone?
Go to Settings, Phone, Wi-Fi Calling, and turn on the switch. Confirm your emergency address when prompted. You'll see the "WiFi" indicator next to the operator when it's working. Do this on your number line, not on the data eSIM.
Conclusion
WiFi calling and eSIM complement each other: one uses your number over WiFi, the other gives you cheap internet at your destination. For worry-free travel, activate WiFi calls before you leave, deactivate roaming on your line, and rely on apps over your eSIM's data. With a PuraSim data eSIM, you connect in 1 minute upon landing and talk via WhatsApp without paying roaming; explore the plans in our store before your next trip.
