4G (VOLTE) Calling - Third Party Handset

[Anonymous]

Hi Guys,

I wondered if anyone can answer me one question once and for all. 

I have spent a week on the phone, email and in Vodafone stores trying to get one answer for 4G calling. 

I bought my phone (Galaxy S9) from Carphonewarehouse as a Vodafone contract deal.  Wifi calling is working fine. 4G VOLTE calling is not working at all.  

I have been told the following conflicting info:

- Visit a store , they will be able to load some software to fix the issue. - They could not and laughed at my request.

-4G calling doesnt exist on Vodafone. Despite the website and welcome pack saying so.

-When you make a 4G call it goes to 3G. THats how it works on vodafone.

-Your area (London) is not covered yet.

-Because the device was bought from a third party and has generic Samsung software 4G calling wont be possible on Vodafone ever. You must purchase branded handsets. 

I am quite confused and no one seems willing or able to help from Vodafone. I am shocked at the customer service I have received so far. Whilst the network, phone , signal and internet speed is amaizing. I feel very let down by this company based on all interactions with their staff. 

The "top level 3rd line technical specialists" dont seem to even understand how 4G calling works and just keep referring to it as Wifi calling. 

I read that Voda are on shoreing a lot of staff soon, anyone know when? As the call centres in India and South Africa that I spoke to seem very under trained and also very unfriendly, uncaring and rude. 

If someone can clarify which one of the above statements is the actual fact for me regarding the 4G calling I would be super greatful , thank you in advance. 

[BandOfBrothers · Accepted solution]

A person needs to be in a supported area on an eligible plan and eligible phone.

Edit 

"Apple devices can be used from any retailer, however all other devices must have been purchased directly from us."

So if you bought it from CPW that's the reason it's not working @Anonymous

In the early days some phones had to have been bought directly from Vodafone for Calling Over Wi-Fi but even that has changed now. 

Your phone should auto switch to the best signal available at the time where you are. 

As far as I'm aware the isn't a choice to choose which signal your phone chooses to use. It can't be forced. 

The link to check what I've said and the supported areas are in Vodafone-4G-Calling/Who-can-get-4G-Calling. which I'm assuming you've read. 

[Anonymous]

Thank you for clarifying . Appreciate it

[BandOfBrothers]

You're very welcome @Anonymous

[mwilku]

So, Vodafone, can you put this info

"4g calling will not work if you have handset from any other reatailer"

on you sim only contracts website, please?

I would not buy a sim only contract if I knew it before...

[Tash]

@mwilku It's a shame you feel this way! We do have a lot of great benefits with our SIM only plans which you can find on our site.

Our dedicated page lets our customers know that if their phone is compatible with 4G Calling, it must be purchased through us (unless it's one of the compatible Apple phones).

[chistery]

I'm sorry Natasha but that is just plain wrong.  Most recent Android handsets do not need to be purchased from Vodafone. This is a lie. We all know why your sales people say it, but I can't believe the staff in here repeat it.

VoLTE and VoWiFi work perfectly well on my Huawei P30 Pro purchased from Amazon.de.

Just put my SIM (sim only plan) into my OnePlus 7 Pro 5G and VoLTE and VoWiFi work. Vodafone don't sell this handset.

[Headz]

Hi chistery, I'm really curious how does it show up on your phone? Is there any visible sign that you are on VoLTE? I'm asking as I want to get a phone from overseas and a little bit sceptical that VoLTE might not work. At least that's what I've been told so far but its dependent of the network ( for EE it works fine). I'm currently on Note 10+ 5G and sim only contract on Voda and I think it works for me but not 100% sure. I know that when on a call, 4G stays on all the time I guess that means VoLTE works? If it drops to 3G or 3G+ that means no VoLTE? 

Could you pls clarify how it works for you. By the way Wifi calling works ok also and 5G aswell. 

Thanks.

[chistery]

Hi Headz, some phones have a VoLTE icon, some don't. The easiest way to check if it works is to make a call. If you stay on 4G, it works. If it drops to 3G, it doesn't.

As you get 4G owhen on a call it sounds like it works for you.

[Headz]

Wicked, thanks for a fast reply.