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. 

[sirgader]

Indeed. I have S20 ultra purchased outside Vodafone and VoLTE works absolutely fine.

[BASKANOS]

But you don't just sell the phone, you have to buy a call plan too. 

[garetc]

This is quite an old thread @BASKANOS, are you having issues?

Things have moved on so the requirement for the handset to be purchased from the MNO is no longer entirely true.

[Aaronjugroop]

I have a note 9 and my software just got update within the last week 20th May. I saw the Volte symbol at the top of my screen and when I tried to call people it just rang and when people answered the call it cut off. It happened a few times so I went on online chat with Vodafone and he told me to text 'calling' to a number and it said it should be up and running in 48 hour . Still nothing so I turned off my 4G calling. Does anyone have any idea if it actually works in UK yet? I live in  West Yorkshire by the wa . Thanks

[TJ]

Hey @Aaronjugroop, to use 4G Calling you'll need a compatible phone and plan; you can find more information on this here.

Was your phone bought directly from us? The Note 9 is compatible, though it does need to purchased through us for the feature to work. 

[garetc]

In order for VoLTE to work you'd need to  reflash the phone to the Vodafone firmware.

For a Samsung S9 it's actually quite easy to do I'd suggest you head over to a website called sammobile where there's step by step guides as well as the software you need to do it.

Just for full disclosure's sake you must follow the instructions to the letter or you could end up 'bricking' your phone.