IMPORTANT WI-FI CALLING IPHONE SAFETY UPDATE
You may have received a message from us advising you of important changes to Wi-Fi Calling, and we’d like to help.
To continue using Wi-Fi Calling on certain iPhone devices, you'll need to update to the latest software version available for your device before 15 December 2026.
If you don't update your device software by this date, you may lose access to Wi-Fi Calling on the Optus network.
Why is this important?
Wi-Fi Calling lets you make and receive calls and messages over a Wi-Fi connection when mobile coverage is limited or unavailable.
This can be particularly useful:
- At home or work where mobile coverage may be weak
- Inside certain buildings
- In areas where network coverage is limited
Wi-Fi Calling also helps you stay connected to Emergency Services (i.e. Triple Zero & ‘112’) in certain circumstances where you are connected to Wi-Fi but do not have access to mobile coverage.
IMPORTANT: If you rely on Wi-Fi calling to remain connected (e.g. if you live outside of ordinary mobile network coverage) then this change will directly impact your ability to make calls, including to Emergency Services (i.e. Triple Zero & ‘112’). To stay connected, you'll need to update to the latest software version available for your device before 15 December 2026.
Which iPhones are impacted?
The following iPhone models are impacted by these important changes to Wi-Fi calling, and will need to be updated to the latest software version before 15 December 2026:
iPhone model:
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE, iPhone SE (2nd Gen), iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e
- iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR
- iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus
What happens if I don't update?
Your safety is really important to us. Access to Triple Zero is a vital service, and we remain committed to providing reliable ways for customers to connect during an emergency.
If your iPhone software is not updated to the latest available version by 15 December 2026:
- Wi-Fi Calling may stop working on your device
- You may not be able to make or receive calls and messages over Wi-Fi on your device
- You may not be able to make calls to Emergency Services over Wi-Fi when mobile coverage is unavailable
Please note, calls and messages made over the Optus mobile network will continue to work where network coverage is available.
What do I need to do?
If you've already updated your device to the latest available software version, no further action is required. Otherwise, to check that your device is running the latest software version available or to install the latest software, follow the steps below.
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Select Software Update.
- Download and install any available update.
- After installation, go back to Settings. It will say if your software is up to date.
- Consider turning on automatic updates so that you are prompted to download new software versions as they become available. In Settings > slide the toggle button to enable automatic updates.
Tips when updating your software
Wi-Fi: Connect to secure Wi-Fi to avoid incurring excess mobile data charges.
Battery: Updates can take 15-30 minutes. Plug your phone into a charger, or make sure you have at least 50% battery remaining.
Freeing up storage: If you don’t have enough storage available for the software update, you can free up space by deleting unused apps, removing old or duplicate photos or videos or clearing downloaded files or messages. Once you’ve freed up some space, try the update again.
Troubleshooting: If nothing happens for more than an hour, press and hold the power button until your phone turns off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on and try again. If you still need help, refer to the device user manual or reach our customer call team on 1300 808 300
Turning on Wi-Fi Calling
You can enable Wi-Fi calling on compatible devices by opening Settings > tap Mobile or Mobile Service > tap Wi-Fi Calling > then slide the toggle button to turn Wi-Fi calling to On.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Wi-Fi Calling relies on software installed on your device. From 15 December 2026, certain iPhone devices that aren't running the latest available software version may no longer be compatible with Wi-Fi Calling. Updating your device software helps ensure you can continue using this feature on the Optus network. A full list of impacted iPhone devices is provided above.
It's good practice but not required. If your phone is connected to the cloud, your phone backs up automatically when connected to Wi-Fi and charging overnight.
No. Software updates don't delete anything. Your photos, messages, contacts, and apps will all stay exactly as they are.
For technical help or assistance with troubleshooting, please get in touch with our customer call team on 1300 808 300.
The amaysim Specialist Care team offers dedicated support for vulnerable customers. This team is available from 9am - 6pm on Mon - Fri and 10am - 5.30-pm on weekends and 10am - 6pm on public holidays (all times are Sydney time). You can contact them on 1300 808 300.
NEED MORE HELP?
All you have to do is contact our Customer Service Team on 1300 808 300 if you're still unsure and need more help with ensuring you stay connected.