Text via wifi

[thaKing]

I have an unlocked v20 on att. It's my understanding that because I have an unlocked phone wifi calling is not available (there's nothing in the settings regarding this). And this is needed for texting via wifi, correct? Is there any way to text via wifi? I'm traveling out of the country and would like to be able to send/receive texts if possible, and will only be on wifi.

 

[lvt]

Why don't you just use a global solution like Viber or Messenger?

 

[Hadron]

Those only work to/from other people using the same app. SMS is universal.

 

[thaKing]

Exactly Hadron. Am I out of luck?

 

[Hadron]

I know nothing about ATT's wireless call/SMS features I'm afraid. Hopefully someone who does will be able to advise.

 

[DonB]

It is my understanding, without the option of Wifi calling enable, you cannot do this. I am with Cricket which is owned by AT&T and I have the same issue. I have One Plus 5T and have enabled WiFi calling in the phone settings, but it doesn't work. They only offer it on certain Cricket devices they sell, which makes no sense to me. So other then rooting your device to resolve this issue I think your out of luck. Good luck and keep us posted on what you come up with or do.

 

[aml1025]

I thought that SMS needed a cellular connection. Something I read from Google about their Messages app (used as a stock app replacement) suggested it could send via Wi-Fi. You could download it and try.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.messaging

 

[Hadron]

SMS needs a cellular connection, but that can be provided by a bridge in the carrier's systems rather than via your handset's cellular radio.

 

[thaKing]

Well, I posted my original query just days before I left for Jamaica. I couldn't find a way to do it via wifi aside from having a phone from ATT. I lived without the texting during my stay (which was nice). The downside, when we returned I never got the "backlog" of texts that were sent while I was abroad.

 

[Unforgiven]

As someone that uses Wifi calling and texting when I go overseas (Including Jamaica and most recently Aruba) both the carrier and the phone need to support it. My carrier simply made me acknowledge that WiFi calling doesn't give an accurate location for 911 calls (basically, I had to sign a waiver so I couldn't sue them I think). Once it was set up I can just toggle on and off, and it works pretty seamlessly if (BIG IF) the resort WiFi is decent.

I've looked into it for other carriers and found some charge their international rates for the service (AT&T I believe) so YMMV.