Safaricom Explains Wi-Fi Calling as More Customers Spot the Feature on Their Smartphones

Safaricom has explained how Wi-Fi Calling works, offering customers a way to make and receive voice calls over a Wi-Fi connection instead of relying solely on the mobile network. The feature, also known as Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi), is built into compatible smartphones and uses a customer’s existing Safaricom number and native phone dialer rather than a separate calling application.

The clarification comes after some customers began noticing the Wi-Fi Calling icon appearing on their devices. While Safaricom has outlined how the feature operates, how calls are billed and how customers can check whether their phones support it, the company has yet to provide broader details on device compatibility or wider availability.

What Is Safaricom Wi-Fi Calling?

Wi-Fi Calling allows a compatible smartphone to place and receive voice calls over a Wi-Fi network when mobile coverage is weak or unavailable.

Unlike internet-based calling apps, the feature works through the phone’s built-in calling application. Customers continue using their existing Safaricom mobile number, and the person on the other end of the call does not need to install a separate application.

Safaricom says the feature is intended to help customers remain connected in places where indoor cellular coverage is limited but a reliable Wi-Fi connection is available.

How Wi-Fi Calling Works

Under normal circumstances, voice calls travel through the nearest cellular base station.

With Wi-Fi Calling enabled, compatible devices securely route voice traffic over the connected Wi-Fi network instead. The customer experience remains largely unchanged because calls are still made and received through the phone’s native dialer.

Safaricom says it does not directly enable Wi-Fi Calling on customer devices. Instead, availability depends on handset compatibility, with device manufacturers making the feature available through supported software or settings.

The company added that compatible devices receive the feature through the phone’s software, after which customers can enable Wi-Fi Calling from their call settings.

How Calls Are Charged

Safaricom says calls made using Wi-Fi Calling are billed at the same rates as standard voice calls.

Although the call travels over a Wi-Fi connection, customers continue using their Safaricom voice service rather than switching to a third-party calling platform.

The Wi-Fi connection itself may come from a home fibre connection, office network or another available internet connection.

Which Phones Can Use Wi-Fi Calling?

Whether Wi-Fi Calling is available depends on both the smartphone and the network.

Safaricom says the service relies on handset compatibility and manufacturer software rather than direct activation by the operator.

Customers can check whether their phones support the feature by opening the Phone application, navigating to Call Settings, and looking for a Wi-Fi Calling option.

Apple and Google also describe Wi-Fi Calling as a carrier-supported feature that depends on both compatible hardware and software.

Safaricom has not yet published a list of supported smartphone models.

What Safaricom Has Confirmed So Far

Based on the company’s responses, customers can expect several things once Wi-Fi Calling is available on a compatible device.

The feature uses the phone’s built-in dialer instead of requiring another application.

Calls are charged at standard Safaricom voice rates.

Customers keep using their existing mobile number.

The feature is designed to improve calling in locations where Wi-Fi is available but indoor mobile coverage may be unreliable.

Compatible devices receive support through the phone’s software, after which customers can enable the feature in their call settings.

Questions That Remain About the Service

While Safaricom has explained how Wi-Fi Calling works, several practical questions remain.

The company has not said whether the feature is fully available to all customers or being introduced gradually. It has also not released an official list of compatible devices or explained whether support differs between prepaid and postpaid customers.

Other details, including support for roaming, emergency calling, seamless switching between Wi-Fi and the mobile network during a call, and certified handset models, have not yet been disclosed.

Safaricom has indicated that additional information will be shared as the service progresses.

For customers whose phones already support Wi-Fi Calling, the feature offers another option for making voice calls where a reliable Wi-Fi connection is available. Those who do not yet see the option on their devices may need a compatible handset and the necessary software support before the feature becomes available.

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