Calls via Wi-Fi (or VoWiFi) from MegaFon Allows you to talk even where there's no cell service—in the subway, basements, or outside the city. The technology uses your internet connection to transmit voice while preserving your primary phone number. But how do you activate it if there's no obvious switch in your smartphone settings? This article will help you understand the nuances of connection, device compatibility, and data plans, as well as avoid common mistakes.
It is important to understand that Wi-Fi calls on MegaFon only work if three conditions are met simultaneously: the smartphone supports the technology, an active VoLTE plan, and the correct network settings.Even if your phone supports the feature, it may be blocked by your carrier—for example, on corporate SIM cards or legacy plans. We've verified the latest data as of 2026 and compiled a checklist for successful activation.
What is VoWiFi and why is it needed?
VoWiFi Voice over Wi-Fi (Voice over Wi-Fi) is a technology that allows voice calls to be made over a wireless network instead of traditional cell towers. Its main advantage is a stable connection in areas where mobile signal is weak or nonexistent, such as deep in a shopping mall, on the ground floors of a high-rise building, or in rural areas with poor coverage.
How it works in practice:
- 📶 Your smartphone connects to any Wi-Fi network (home, office, or public).
- 🔄 The call automatically switches to the Internet channel if cellular communication is unavailable.
- 📞 On the other end, the subscriber sees your regular number, just like with a regular call.
- 💰 The cost of the call is charged according to the rules of your tariff plan (usually the same as an outgoing call within Russia).
The difference from instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) is that VoWiFi It doesn't require installing additional apps and works through the standard Phone app. Furthermore, calls are saved in the call log, and call quality is often improved thanks to the operator's prioritization of voice traffic.
Requirements for connecting VoWiFi on MegaFon
Before setting up a feature, please check four key conditions:
- Compatible smartphoneThe technology is supported by most models. iPhone (starting from 6s), Samsung Galaxy (S8 series and newer), Xiaomi (Redmi Note 10 and above), Google Pixel and other flagships. The full list can be found on the website. MegaFon.
- Active VoLTEWi-Fi calling only works if your plan has Wi-Fi enabled. VoLTE (voice over 4G). You can check its availability in your personal account or by dialing
*505#. - Updated softwareThe phone must have the latest firmware version. For example, for Android 12+ or iOS 15+.
- Suitable tariffMost modern tariffs MegaFon (for example, "Everything for Our Own," "My Online") support VoWiFi, but there may be limitations on older or corporate ones.
If at least one of the conditions is not met, the option may not be available in the settings or may not work after activation. For example, on iPhone SE 2020 there is a function, but on Samsung Galaxy A50 (2019) - no, despite similar characteristics.
☑️ Preparing your phone for VoWiFi
Step-by-step instructions: how to enable Wi-Fi calling
The activation process is different for Android And iOSBelow are detailed instructions for both platforms.
On Android (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, etc.)
1. Open the app Telephone and go to Settings (three dots in the upper right corner).
2. Select Wi-Fi calling or Wi-Fi Calling (on some models the path is: Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Wi-Fi calling).
3. Activate the switch. If the option is missing, check:
- 🔄 Firmware updates in
Settings → Software Update. - 📱 Model compatibility on the website MegaFon.
- 📶 Is it enabled? VoLTE in the mobile network settings.
On some devices (eg. Xiaomi) you may need to enter the IMS server address: ims.megafon.ruThis parameter is usually set automatically, but if there is a connection error, it should be checked manually.
On iPhone (iOS 15 and later)
1. Go to Settings → Cellular → Wi-Fi Calling.
2. Enable the option Wi-Fi calling on this iPhone.
3. Confirm activation if prompted by your operator.
On iPhone The function may not be activated immediately - sometimes you need to reboot the device or wait for an SMS from MegaFon with confirmation. If the option is grayed out and inactive, check:
- 🔄 iOS update in
Settings → General → Software Update. - 📶 Availability VoLTE V
Settings → Cellular → Data Options → Voice & Data(must say "4G" or "LTE"). - 📋 Tariff plan (VoWiFi is often disabled on corporate SIM cards).
What should I do if the Wi-Fi Calling option is missing?
If you don't see the VoWiFi option in your settings, this could mean: 1) Your phone doesn't support the feature at the hardware level; 2) Your firmware is outdated; 3) MegaFon hasn't activated the service for your SIM card. In the latter case, replacing your SIM card with a new one (nano-SIM or eSIM) or contacting your carrier's support team will help.
Problems and errors when connecting to VoWiFi
Even if you've followed all the steps correctly, problems may still occur. Let's look at common issues and how to resolve them.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The "Wi-Fi Calling" option is grayed out. | Unsupported tariff or SIM card | Replace your SIM card with a new one or change your tariff plan in your personal account |
| The call doesn't go through even though there's Wi-Fi. | Blocked by a firewall or VPN | Disable VPN, check router settings (UDP ports 500, 4500) |
| The other person can't hear you or hears a robot. | Slow internet speed or network congestion | Reconnect to a different Wi-Fi network or use 4G |
| The function turns on, but turns off after an hour. | Battery Saver disables background processes | Add the Phone app to optimization exceptions |
If none of the methods helped, check if your router voice traffic. Some models (for example, TP-Link with Older firmware) by default close the ports required for VoWiFi. Solution:
- Go to your router's control panel (usually
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1). - Find the section
FirewallorSecurity. - Turn it off
SIP ALG(if any) and add port exceptionsUDP 500And4500.
How to check if VoWiFi is working
After activating the feature, you need to make sure that calls are actually made over Wi-Fi and not a cellular network. Here are three ways to check:
- Indicator in the status barOn . Android an inscription should appear next to the signal level
Wi-Fi Callingor a tube icon with waves. On iPhone - inscriptionMegaFon Wi-Fiunder the operator's name. - Test callTurn off mobile data and cellular data (use Airplane mode with Wi-Fi enabled), then call another number. If a connection is established, the feature is working.
- Checking through the engineering menu (for Android). Dial
##4636##, selectPhone informationand look at the lineVoWiFi status— it should beConnected.
If there is an indicator, but calls do not go through, try:
- 🔄 Restart your phone.
- 📶 Manually select a network Megaphone in the settings (sometimes the automatic search gets lost).
- 📋 Make sure you have sufficient funds in your account (some VoWiFi plans block VoWiFi if your balance is negative).
VoWiFi in Roaming: How to Save on Calls Abroad
One of the most useful features VoWiFi — the ability to make calls at your home rate from abroad by connecting to a local Wi-Fi network. For example, in Turkey or Thailand, you can make outgoing calls to Russian numbers at the price of your plan, rather than roaming rates.
For the function to work while roaming:
- Activate
Wi-Fi calls while roamingin the phone settings (on iPhone This option appears after the main function is enabled). - Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (at a hotel, cafe, or via a local SIM card with unlimited internet).
- Make sure you have sufficient funds in your main account – some operators block VoWiFi if your balance is zero.
Important: Incoming calls while roaming via Wi-Fi may be charged according to your plan's rules (often free), but outgoing calls to local numbers will be charged at roaming rates. Check your account for details. MegaFon.
VoWiFi Alternatives: What to Do if the Feature Isn't Supported
If your phone or plan does not support VoWiFi, there are three alternative ways to make calls over the Internet:
- 📱 MessengersWhatsApp, Telegram, and Viber allow calling over Wi-Fi, but require both parties to have the app installed. Connection quality depends on internet speed.
- 💻 Softphone programs. Zoiper or Linphone can connect to a SIP account MegaFon (if your plan includes it). The downside is the complicated setup.
- 🔄 Call forwarding. Set up call forwarding to IP telephony in your personal account (for example, via Skype), but this will require additional costs.
Comparison of alternatives:
| Way | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| VoWiFi | Works through the standard Phone app and saves your number. | Requires carrier and smartphone support |
| Messengers | Works on any device, often with video | The other person must also use the messenger. |
| SIP softphones | Flexible settings, can be used on PC | Complex setup, possible quality issues |
If you choose a messenger, pay attention to Telegram — it offers the most stable connection quality at low internet speeds (64 kbps is sufficient). Suitable for business users Zoiper with support for multiple lines.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to use VoWiFi without a SIM card?
No, the technology is tied to your SIM card. MegaFonWithout it, your phone won't be able to authenticate to your carrier's network for voice calls. However, you can use an eSIM (electronic SIM card) if your phone supports it.
Why are my Wi-Fi calls dropping?
Most often, this is due to an unstable internet connection. Check:
- Wi-Fi speed (must be at least 1 Mbps).
- Router settings (disable
SIP ALG). - Background activity from other devices (torrents, online games can clog up the channel).
If the problem persists, try connecting to a different network.
Will VoWiFi work on two SIM cards?
Yes, but only if both SIM cards support the technology, and the phone allows you to enable VoWiFi for each of them separately. iPhone With two SIM cards, the function is only available for the main line. Android (For example, Samsung Galaxy S22) you can activate it for both SIM cards, but calls will go through the one that is selected by default for outgoing calls.
Is it possible to call numbers in other countries via Wi-Fi?
Yes, but the rates depend on your plan. Calls to Russian numbers are usually charged at domestic rates, while calls to international numbers are charged at roaming rates or with special options. Check your account for details. MegaFon or by typing *105#.
How to disable VoWiFi if you don't need it?
Simply deactivate the option in your phone settings:
- On Android:
Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Wi-Fi calling. - On iPhone:
Settings → Cellular → Wi-Fi Calling.
Disabling the feature does not affect regular cellular calls.