Poor call quality or dropped calls in the Ringfree Communicator Mobile App can often be traced back to network issues. This guide walks you through simple, systematic checks comparing Wi-Fi vs. LTE/5G, running quick switch tests, and verifying signal strength to help you pinpoint and resolve the majority of call problems on your device.

1. Understand How Your Network Affects Call Quality

a. Wi-Fi vs. Cellular (LTE/5G)

• Wi-Fi often provides higher bandwidth and lower latency, ideal for voice calls.
• LTE/5G performance depends on tower proximity, network congestion, and your carrier’s rollout; 5G may be faster but less ubiquitous than LTE.

b. Why It Matters?

• Packet loss, jitter, and high latency degrade voice clarity.
• Identifying which network you’re on helps isolate whether the issue is local (your home/office Wi-Fi) or carrier-related.

2. Quick Network-Switch Tests

Perform these tests during or immediately after a problematic call to verify network impact:

a. Check Your Current Network

• On iOS: Swipe down (Control Center) → look at the Wi-Fi or cellular icon.
• On Android: Swipe down (Quick Settings) → note “Wi-Fi” or “LTE/5G” label.

b. Switch Networks

• If on Wi-Fi → turn Wi-Fi off; allow your phone to switch to LTE/5G, then place a test call.
  Note: on IOS, there's a specific option to optimize SIP when connected to mobile data/LTE/5g
  Go to the IOS mobile application's settings → general → enable “Optimise SIP for mobile data"

• If on LTE/5G → enable Wi-Fi (and connect to a known good network), then place a test call.

c. Compare Results

• Better on Wi-Fi → likely an issue with cellular coverage or your carrier’s network.
• Better on LTE/5G → your Wi-Fi network may be congested or misconfigured (e.g., poor router placement, interference)

3. Ensuring Adequate Signal Coverage

a. For Wi-Fi

• Move closer to the router or access point.
• Reduce interference: keep the router away from large metal objects and other electronics.
• If you’re in a large building, consider a mesh system or Wi-Fi extender.

b. For Cellular

• Check your carrier’s coverage map for your area.
• Avoid known dead zones (e.g., basements, thick-walled rooms).
• If you’re frequently in weak-signal areas, consider a femtocell or signal booster.

4. Additional Tips & Best Practices

a. Close Background Apps

• Free up bandwidth and CPU resources by closing unused apps, especially those streaming video or using data heavily.

b. Keep Your App Updated

• Ensure you’re running the latest Ringfree Communicator version—updates often include network-stability improvements.

c. Restart Your Device

• A quick reboot can clear transient network glitches.

d. Use Headphones or a Bluetooth Headset

• Helps isolate device hardware issues (microphone/speaker) from pure network problems.

e. Mobile application “callback feature”

• This will allow the app to send calls to your personal phone number if you experience issues when connected via Wifi or Mobile data/LTE/5G (see our article on “Mobile application Callback Feature”)

f. Report Persistent Issues

• If call quality remains poor after these checks, note the time, network type, and any error messages, and share this with support (see our article on “Sharing Logs for Support”).