A Guide to Wi-Fi Calling and Mobile Hotspots with Verizon

Staying connected is easier than ever. When it’s available, Wi-Fi is free and simple, allowing you to access Wi-Fi calling. But what about those times you don’t have access to Wi-Fi? That’s where mobile hotspots come in. Thanks to Verizon’s reliable 4G LTE network, you can connect in more places across the country.

How to Set Up Hotspot on iPhone With Verizon

What is Wi-Fi Calling?

Wi-Fi calling is a high-definition voice service that lets you make and receive calls using a Wi-Fi network, just like normal. This feature is especially useful when traveling abroad. Here’s how to set it up:

On iPhones:

Open the Settings app.
Tap Phone.
Select Wi-Fi Calling.
Toggle Wi-Fi Calling On This iPhone and then tap Enable.

On Android Devices:

Activate HD Voice.
Set up an emergency address for use in case of emergencies.

For full setup details, check Verizon’s official support.

What is a Mobile Hotspot?

A mobile hotspot redirects your internet connection, allowing you to share it with other devices, such as tablets or laptops. This is a great option if you’re away from home or traveling. A mobile hotspot can connect up to 10 devices (often referred to as “tethering”), making it easy to help a group get connected at once.

Setting Up a Mobile Hotspot Connection

To set up a mobile hotspot on your phone:

On iPhones: Go to Settings, then tap Personal Hotspot.
On Android Devices: Open the Settings app, select Network & Internet, and tap Hotspot & Tethering.

Using These Features with Your Verizon Plan

Wi-Fi Calling

To be eligible for Wi-Fi calling, you’ll need a phone that is HD Voice-enabled and has the HD Voice feature activated on your account. (All currently available smartphones are HD voice-capable.) HD Voice service is included in your Verizon voice plan at no additional charge and is ready to use when you purchase a new device.

Wi-Fi calling is included for free with any Verizon voice plan and HD voice-compatible device. You can make and receive calls using your regular number, and calls to U.S. numbers are free, even when traveling abroad.

Mobile Hotspot

The mobile hotspot feature is preinstalled on compatible smartphones, though it may have different names (such as “Personal Hotspot,” “Internet Sharing,” or “Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot”) depending on your device. Mobile Hotspot is included in many Verizon plans, including Unlimited plans, Shared plans, and Prepaid plans.

To check if you have Mobile Hotspot, visit the Products & Apps page in My Verizon and click on the Manage My Products tab. If it’s not included, you can add it there.

Keep in mind that mobile hotspots use your phone’s data plan. If you have a monthly data cap, stay within that limit to avoid overage fees. Unlimited plans often offer a set amount of 4G LTE data for mobile hotspot use (for example, the Play More Unlimited plan allows 15 GB). After reaching this limit, your connection speed will slow.

Other Hotspot Options

Standalone devices like the battery-powered Inseego 5G MiFi M1000 Hotspot or the Inseego Jetpack MiFi 8800L can also serve as hotspots. You can purchase a Verizon Jetpack online and add it to your account if you have a compatible connected device plan.

Stay Connected — and Protected

Connecting wirelessly can be invaluable, especially on the go. Always practice good digital safety. On public Wi-Fi, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) and change your hotspot password regularly to prevent unauthorized access. For more tips on staying protected, check Verizon’s resources.

With these features, you can stay connected no matter where life takes you!