WiFi Calling - Samsung S21 Ultra

[richwak]

I have just moved over from EE and taken out a new 24 months Vodafone contract whilst getting the new Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. I am set up on the network now and have moved my number over and my EE sim has been cancelled. Before purchasing the phone I checked my local area and it said I was in a full 5G area, I live in London. 2 days on from receiving the phone and I have no reception at all, the most I have got is one bar. I cannot receive any calls, make any or received any texts.  After spending ages on the phone to Vodafone to sort out WiFi calling so I can actually use the phone and work I was told the handset is not yet a WiFi calling compatible item on the Vodafone network. Does anyone know how long it takes them to sort this out as I need it urgently. 

[63johnw]

Hi @richwak  it doesn’t normally take too long for Samsung flagship devices to be added. Have you checked for any software updates? You may also get a settings update sent from Vodafone to update the carrier settings to allow the feature. 

[richwak]

Yeah tried updating everything.  thanks for the advice, hopefully won't take long!

[chistery]

Just to add it's the same with mine. Works fine with my EE SIM, no idea why Vodafone always seem to have issues around wifi calling.

[1BadRobot]

I just got Vodafone to activate WIFI calling on my s21 Ultra, spoke to someone on Chat and they transferred me to someone in Technical.

The guy pushed the OTA config and it turned up.  he did try a couple of times took 3-5 mins

Vodafone support are great if you can get through to them, I didnt have lie and say s20 like i have read some people tried.

I did try ealier in the week and some numpty, called me back saying that the option should be on your phone and if it wasnt it wasnt his problem.  When i explained, you need to push update OTA, he insisted i was wrong and should research before making statements like that.  he wasnt helpful at all and refused to listen even though i was right. 

Its bad when Vodafone hires people who just BS their customers and assume that the end user knows nothing.  That guy actually spoke down at me, i was annoyed so just thanked him for his call as no point arguing with people like that.

I do know what i am talking about as I am Technical and worked for mobile company in my past.

but its done now, so everyone just keep calling back and you will get someone who will be willing to help you

[RichTrelo]

Make sure that Wi-Fi calling is enabled on your account first, then text CALLING to 97888. You will receive a text advising that they'll add Wi-Fi calling to your account within the next 24 hours.

[richwak]

Thanks, seems to be sorted now.

[chistery]

It's amazing the lies that Vodafone come out with to try and fob you off. I had a "senior manager" claim that Samsung had to authorise wifi calling on my phone and that would take 24 hours.

Finally after 5 days of asking I found someone on live chat that knew what to do, settings sent to my phone straight away, menu option appears, and it all works.

[RichTrelo]

Was there a specific phrase you asked to get the customer service rep to send you the settings. I got through to tech support and asked to push update OTA and that's when they told me to text 97888. 

[chistery]

I explained that the menu option wasn't showing for wifi calling and I need them to send the OTA Provisioning update to enable it.

Most just went with the usual checking account, sending the text, waiting 24 hours excuse, then finally this happened:

Me : I need the OTA update to enable it

Vodafone : Please bear with me while i send the wifi calling settings on your phone

The setting appeared under the dialer menu and I tested it and it worked.