I am now living abroad (temporarily) and have my US account on the E-sim. I've been able to just use Wifi Calling without any issues. However, it looks like some calls have come in through the cell network even tho I am constantly on Wifi (at home 99.9% wifi network uptime). I already have data roaming disabled. Is there a way to disable cellular roaming as well so that it forces my phone to ONLY use Wifi for my US E-sim? Thanks in advance.
iPhone XR
Thanks for following up with us, H3m4n. We understand your situation and how you would like to disable all cellular access for phone calls at this point.
The following Apple Support article explains how you can set whether cellular data is used for apps and services. You can choose to disable cellular service for the Phone app or turn off cellular service all together.
View or change cellular settings on iPhone - Apple Support
According to the article: "If Cellular Data is off, all data services use only Wi-Fi—including email, web browsing, push notifications, and other services.”
We hope this information provides you with the solution you need.
Enjoy!
Hello, H3m4n. Thank you for posting your question to the Apple Support Communities. You’ve come to the right place for help getting answers about using the Wi-Fi Calling features of your iPhone.
From what we understand, Wi-Fi Calling has been enabled on your device, but you still notice that some calls are connected using your cellular network. We’re happy to help you find out what could be causing this to happen.
To start, we’d like to be sure that you have access to the following Apple Support article:
Make a call with Wi-Fi Calling - Apple Support
According to the article: “To use Wi-Fi Calling, you need an iPhone 5c or later on a supported carrier.”
Wireless carrier support and features for iPhone in the United States and Canada - Apple Support
Also: “If Wi-Fi Calling is available, you’ll see Wi-Fi after your carrier name in the status bar. Then your calls will use Wi-Fi Calling.”
Please also note that if you are unable to use Wi-Fi Calling: “Connect to a different Wi-Fi network. Not all Wi-Fi networks work with Wi-Fi Calling.”.
We hope that this information allows you to make and receive Wi-Fi calls as you need.
Cheers!
Hi thanks for the response. I have no issues with Wifi Calling. It has worked for the last couple of years while I was traveling internationally. Since the pandemic, I've pretty much been outside of the US. My US carrier claimed that I received some calls from the US that did not go through WiFi calling which is practically impossible because I was at home (outside of US home) and on Wifi. In the event that I was indeed kicked out of wifi for some odd reason, is it at all possible to disable my US based E-Sim from connecting to the local carrier network? Essentially, I ONLY want the E-sim to connect via Wifi and never to the local carrier here.
Thanks for the response. The link you sent over covers disabling data roaming but it doesn't say anything about disabling cellular roaming. I already turned off data roaming but if my wifi connection goes down, my US based E-sim will still connect to the local carrier cell network for voice calls. It would be great if you this part can be toggled enabled/disabled for cell roaming. Thanks again. I'll just have to keep an eye on how I'm connecting. Although, I'm curious what happens when I'm on a Wifi Call while abroad and then I get disconnected from Wifi -- does it automatically switch over to the local carrier network which then becomes a roaming international call? That can be costly.
Hi, H3m4n.
You may find an answer in the following Apple Support article:
About cellular data roaming options for your iPhone and iPad - Apple Support
You may need to contact your carrier for more information on your current plan, and charges that you may accrue during phone calls.
Please let us know if we can help with anything else.
Cheers!
Disable Cell Roaming while outside the US
