From 1 December 2025, the following Apple iPhones will no longer support the Lebara Wi-Fi calling feature, including 000 calls without the relevant iOS software update or device change. This is important for safety reasons when 4G/5G coverage is unavailable and you have this feature switched on:
iPhone 11 or newer: please update to the latest iOS software (version 18.4 or higher) in your iPhone settings under General > Software Update
iPhone 8, 8 Plus and X: please update to the latest iOS software in your iPhone settings under General > Software Update
Need help with the update or experiencing financial hardship? Call us on 126 122 to discuss your options.
Wi-Fi Calling
We know that sometimes when you’re at home or work, walls or nearby buildings can interfere with your mobile coverage. With Wi-Fi Calling, also known as Voice Over Wi-Fi (VoWiFI), you can now make and receive calls, MMS, and SMS from your compatible device – over an accessible Wi-Fi network. You just need a current phone plan or prepaid service with us that is operating on the latest software, be connected to a Wi-Fi network and have the Lebara Wi-Fi Calling feature turned on.
Can I get Wi-Fi Calling?
If you are a Lebara mobile customer, with a compatible device, and want to use Wi-Fi Calling, you must
Update your device
Update your device with the latest software, check your manufacturers website where further details may be available.
Enable VoLTE
Enable 4G Voice & Data (VoLTE) in device settings.
Activate Wi-Fi Calling
Activate Wi-Fi Calling in device settings.
Can I use Wi-Fi Calling to make Emergency calls?
Yes, you can use Wi-Fi Calling to make emergency calls if there’s no mobile network coverage. Here’s what you need to know:
Mobile Network First:
Your phone will try to use the Lebara mobile network first. If that doesn’t work, it will look for other mobile networks.
Wi-Fi Calling as Backup:
If no mobile networks are available, your phone will use Wi-Fi Calling, if you have a compatible device with the latest software and are connected to a Wi-Fi network.
Check Compatibility:
Make sure your device supports emergency calls over Wi-Fi and you have Wi-Fi Calling turned on in your settings. Lebara updates the list of compatible devices from time to time.
Download Emergency+ App:
This free app helps provide your location to emergency services using GPS.
Provide Your Location:
When using Wi-Fi Calling, your location might not be automatically shared, so be ready to tell emergency services where you are.
Limitations:
Wi-Fi Calling can’t receive National Emergency Warning System (NEWS) SMS warnings.
While you can make calls to emergency services (000 or 112) using Wi-Fi Calling if there is no mobile coverage available, we recommend using the mobile network if possible. This will provide a more accurate location to emergency services.
If you have an accessible Wi-Fi network connection and there is limited Lebara mobile coverage available, your handset will automatically use Wi-Fi Calling to make or receive calls.
There are no additional fees to use Lebara Wi-Fi Calling. If you make a call over Wi-Fi or send an MMS or SMS, you will be charged at your standard rates (as set out in your Lebara mobile plan).
Data will be consumed over the Wi-Fi network you are connected to. It will consume your data allowance or be charged based on your agreement with your internet service provider.
When you make Wi-Fi call to another mobile phone, it’s generally like making a normal call.
When calling a landline, even within the same state, the state-based area code (e.g., 02, +61 2, 03 or +61 3) must be used for the call to connect successfully.
However, some special numbers which connect based on location services, e.g., 000 (emergency services), 1300, or 1800 numbers, may not connect to the correct location. To call these numbers you may need to switch off Wi-Fi Calling in your device settings, connect back to the Lebara mobile network and dial the number again. If you call 000 and are not in a Lebara coverage area, your call will connect to any Australian mobile network that has coverage.
If you are on a Lebara mobile call and you are entering a known Wi-Fi coverage area (but there is no Lebara mobile coverage), the call will automatically handover to Wi-Fi Calling, if the Wi-Fi calling feature is enabled. Conversely, if you are on a Wi-Fi Call and you are leaving the Wi-Fi coverage, the call will automatically handover to 4G or 5G (if you’re entering a Lebara mobile coverage area).
Yes, data will be consumed over your internet connection. It will consume your data allowance or be charged based on your agreement with your internet service provider.
Wi-Fi Calling uses around 100 to 120kbps. Most internet services should be capable of running Wi-Fi calls. Delays can be an issue for Wi-Fi calls, so in situations where there is high latency on broadband (such as Satellite), call quality may be reduced.
Lebara Wi-Fi Calling uses only a small amount of data. However, large downloads (such as streaming video) may possibly result in a loss of voice quality. If you have poor upload speeds your Wi-Fi call may disconnect.
Depending on your device setting, it will automatically choose the preferred or best available connection type (for mobile network and Wi-Fi) and route calls through that connection. However, on most devices capable of Wi-Fi Calling, you can enable Airplane Mode to force the device to make Wi-Fi calls when Wi-Fi is active.
When you’re on a Wi-Fi call, the device will display a Wi-Fi call icon next to the Wi-Fi signal bar. Some devices may show variants of this icon based on the model.
Yes. Lebara Wi-Fi Calling uses the same authentication as a call over our Lebara mobile network. Our current supported devices enable a secured connection that will ensure all calls and text messages are encrypted.
There are a few reasons that Wi-Fi Calling may not work with a public Wi-Fi network. The Internet Service Provider (ISP) may be incompatible, or there could be specific firewall settings and other configuration issues with business and public Wi-Fi networks. If possible, contact the Internet Service Provider and check if they allow Wi-Fi Calling.
If you are connected to Wi-Fi Calling, an icon will appear at the top of your mobile screen next to the Wi-Fi signal icon. Some devices show variants of this icon based on the device manufacturer. If you cannot see this icon, then Wi-Fi Calling is not able to connect via your current Wi-Fi connection. The reasons for this may include:
The Wi-Fi connection is not able to support Wi-Fi Calling.
Wi-Fi Calling helps you make and receive calls over Wi-Fi, where previously you couldn’t due to issues with coverage. Where there is 4G, or 5G coverage, your phone will always make the call over the mobile network. You can only use Wi-Fi Calling if there is Wi-Fi available, and when the 4G/5G coverage is insufficient to make a call.
Currently, calls will be forwarded based on your existing settings whilst you are in Wi-Fi Calling mode. You won’t be able to change the forwarding settings until you are off Wi-Fi and connected to the Lebara mobile network.
Lebara will use the best information available to assist with locating your device when making a Wi-Fi call. However, on dialling some special numbers which connect based on location (e.g., 000, 112, 1300 or 1800), you may be informed that the correct location is not available.
To call these numbers you may need to switch off Wi-Fi Calling in your device settings, connect back to the Lebara mobile network and dial the number again.
