WiFi calls dropping during conversations is a common issue caused by several technical factors, primarily related to how mobile devices prioritize network connections and the stability of the WiFi network itself. The problem often occurs when phones automatically switch between WiFi and cellular signals, when router settings create instability, or when bandwidth limitations disrupt voice data transmission. Users frequently report that calls drop immediately upon connection or cut in and out intermittently, particularly in areas with weak cellular coverage where WiFi calling should theoretically provide a solution.

Key findings from the search results reveal:

• Phones may abandon WiFi calling if they detect even minimal cellular signal, causing sudden disconnections ^[4]
• Router configurations (like automatic SSID switching or dual-band conflicts) frequently cause WiFi call instability ^[2]
• 99% of WiFi calling issues originate from router problems rather than phones or internet service ^[6]
• Network settings resets and phone reboots resolve the issue for some users after other troubleshooting fails ^[7]

The most effective solutions involve disabling automatic network switching, optimizing router settings for voice traffic, and preventing phones from attempting to use weak cellular signals during calls. Many users find temporary relief by forcing WiFi-only mode through airplane mode, though this creates other limitations.

Technical Causes and Solutions for WiFi Call Drops

Network Priority Conflicts Between WiFi and Cellular

Mobile devices constantly evaluate available networks, and this automatic switching often disrupts WiFi calls. When phones detect any cellular signal—even if extremely weak—they may abandon WiFi calling, causing sudden disconnections. This behavior stems from carrier settings that prioritize cellular networks by default, even when WiFi calling would provide better quality.

Key issues in network prioritization:

• Phones drop WiFi calls if they detect "even a whiff" of cellular signal, regardless of strength ^[4]
• Verizon users report calls dropping when "VZW Wi-Fi" network isn't visible, suggesting the phone seeks cellular networks ^[3]
• Forcing WiFi-only mode by enabling airplane mode then re-enabling WiFi (without cellular) prevents this switching ^[1][3]
• This workaround creates inconveniences like disabled text messaging while in airplane mode ^[3]

Carriers implement this behavior because cellular networks generally provide more consistent call quality when signals are strong. However, in areas with poor cellular coverage where users enable WiFi calling specifically to compensate, this automatic switching becomes counterproductive. The conflict arises because phones don't distinguish between usable and unusable cellular signals when making switching decisions.

Router and Network Configuration Problems

Router settings and WiFi network configurations cause the majority of WiFi calling issues, with specific technical parameters directly impacting call stability. The most common problems involve frequency band conflicts, automatic network switching, and quality of service misconfigurations that don't prioritize voice traffic.

Critical router-related factors:

• Phones switching between multiple SSIDs (network names) causes immediate call drops ^[2]
• Dual-band routers (2.4GHz + 5GHz) can create instability if not properly configured for voice traffic ^[2]
• 99% of WiFi calling problems originate from router issues rather than phones or internet service ^[6]
• Bandwidth limitations during high-usage periods disrupt WiFi calls even when other internet activities work fine ^[9]

Specific troubleshooting steps that resolve these issues:

• Disabling automatic connections to nearby WiFi networks prevents mid-call switching ^[2]
• Configuring routers to use only one frequency band (either 2.4GHz or 5GHz) improves stability ^[2]
• Enabling Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize voice traffic reduces dropouts ^[9]
• Clearing phone cache and performing network settings resets helps in persistent cases ^[2][7]

The technical explanation for these solutions lies in how WiFi calling requires consistent, low-latency connections. When routers switch bands or networks during calls, the brief interruption exceeds what voice protocols can tolerate. Similarly, without QoS prioritization, routers may delay voice packets when handling other traffic, causing audio gaps or complete disconnections.