SMS over Wi-Fi means that when your phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network that can access the internet, you’ll still be able to receive SMS messages even if your phone is not in an area where it can connect to our mobile network.

Telstra supported Wi-Fi calling on many devices for several years, so you might already be familiar with using Wi-Fi to access your mobile services.

Updates to enable SMS over Wi-Fi on some mobile handsets have gone live overnight and will roll out progressively over the next week. Some of our customers will already see the functionality available on their devices. You can find an up-to-date list of supported devices at our SMS over WiFi page.

To make sure you receive these updates as soon as they’re available for your device, you should make sure your phone is set up to receive automatic updates. If you need a hand, you can find out how to enable automatic updates from Apple and from Samsung.

SMS over Wi-Fi

SMS over Wi-Fi is a technology that allows users to send and receive text messages using a Wi-Fi network, instead of relying solely on a cellular network. This can be useful in areas with poor cellular coverage, as well as for travelers who may be roaming internationally and want to avoid costly roaming charges.

To use SMS over Wi-Fi, users typically need a device that supports the technology, such as a modern smartphone with the appropriate software and settings. They also need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network that supports SMS over Wi-Fi, which can be provided by a home or public Wi-Fi network, or a mobile carrier that offers the service.

SMS over Wi-Fi is generally considered to be a reliable and convenient technology, although it may not be available on all devices or networks. Some mobile carriers may require additional fees or subscriptions to use SMS over WiFi, while others may offer it as a standard feature.

Wi-Fi messaging was particularly popular in emerging markets where users may have limited access to cellular networks or where cellular network coverage may be unreliable.

More recent data is limited, but it’s likely that SMS over Wi-Fi usage has continued to grow as more mobile carriers and devices support the technology. However, it’s worth noting that messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and WeChat have also become increasingly popular alternatives to SMS, particularly in regions where mobile data is more widely available and affordable.