How to set up MTS Wi-Fi calling on Android: A complete guide

The problem of poor indoor cellular reception is familiar to many subscribers: thick walls, basements, or distance from the base station create "dead zones" where the phone displays "No Service." In such situations, technology comes to the rescue. VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi), which allows voice calls and text messages to be sent over an internet connection rather than a cell tower. MTS is actively implementing this feature, making communications accessible in areas where messaging apps were previously the only option.

For owners of devices based on Android Activating this option opens up new communication possibilities, turning your home network into a fully-fledged access point for voice calls. However, the connection process isn't always automatic and often requires manual network configuration or checking your device's compatibility. In this article, we'll cover all activation steps in detail, from checking your plan to hidden settings in the engineering menu.

Usage Wi-Fi Calling This is especially relevant for residents of large cities with densely populated areas and owners of country houses where the signal only reaches one room. It's important to understand that sound quality in this case directly depends on the stability of your internet connection, not the signal strength of your mobile operator. Let's look at how to properly prepare your smartphone and account for the new mode.

Technical requirements and device compatibility

Before you begin setup, you need to make sure your equipment is technically capable of supporting Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP). Not all smartphones, even modern ones, have built-in support. VoWiFi At the firmware level, and some models require specific settings. MTS maintains a list of compatible devices, which is regularly updated, but the basic requirements remain the same.

First of all, your device must support the standard IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem), which is the foundation for modern multimedia services. Most flagship models released after 2018 already come equipped with the necessary module, but there are exceptions in the budget segment. It's also critical that the smartphone has the latest operating system and the operator's base stations are updated.

• 📱 The smartphone must support the 4G (LTE) standard and have the appropriate communication module.
• 📶 The device must have the latest firmware version from the manufacturer installed.
• 🆔 The SIM card must be replaced with a USIM format if it was issued more than 5 years ago.
• 🌐 For stable operation, a Wi-Fi router supporting 802.11n/ac/ax standards is required.

⚠️ Warning: If you are using a custom firmware or an unlocked bootloader (root access), the Wi-Fi Calling feature may not work correctly or be completely unavailable due to security breaches.

The issue of regional versions of smartphones deserves special attention. Global versions (Global Version) usually have all the necessary certificates to work with European and Russian operators, while Chinese versions (China Version) may require reflashing or installation of special patches for correct operation with MTS networks. Certification The operator's devices are a key factor in success.

Checking the tariff and activating the service on the operator's side

Even with a compatible smartphone, the service must be activated in the subscriber's profile. MTS often includes Wi-Fi calling by default in modern tariff plans, but in some cases, manual confirmation is required. Checking the service status is the first step that will save you from wasted effort in setting up your phone.

The fastest way to check if the feature is available is to use a USSD command or your personal account. In some cases, the operator may block the service if your balance is negative or if your tariff plan is archived and doesn't support new technologies. The Wi-Fi Calling service is free; traffic is consumed according to the terms of your tariff plan, but minutes are counted as regular voice minutes.

To activate via your personal account or the My MTS app, follow these steps:

• 🔍 Log in to the "My MTS" app using your number.
• 📦 Go to the "Services" or "Tariff and Services" section.
• 📞 Find the "Communications" category and select the "Wi-Fi Calling" option.
• ✅ Click the "Connect" button and wait for SMS confirmation.

If automatic activation is not possible, you may need to contact customer support or visit a mobile phone store to replace the SIM card. Older SIM cards SIM (Not USIM) physically cannot provide the required level of encryption and data exchange speed for VoWiFi. After replacing the card and activating the service on the server, changes may take anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours to take effect.

Basic Android setup: enabling the feature in the system

Once the service is activated on the carrier's end, you need to "wake up" the corresponding module in the smartphone's operating system. The settings interface may differ depending on the version. Android and manufacturer's shells (MIUI, OneUI, EMUI), but the logic remains similar. Typically, the path is through the mobile networks menu.

Open your device's settings and find the section responsible for connections. Depending on the model, it may be called "Connections," "Network & Internet," or "Mobile Network." Within this section, look for an item related to calls or SIM cards. VoWiFi often hidden in a submenu to avoid cluttering the main interface.

Settings → Connections → Mobile network → Wi-Fi calling

On some versions of Android, such as stock Android on Pixel or Motorola smartphones, the toggle may be located directly in the notification shade. Pull down the top bar twice to see all icons and look for the phone icon with the Wi-Fi symbol. If it's not there, tap the pencil (to edit the bar) and add this control.

⚠️ Note: If the Wi-Fi handset icon does not appear in the status bar after enabling this feature, try restarting your device. Sometimes the system needs to re-register with the IMS network to display the status.

It's important to note that on dual-SIM phones, you need to configure the settings for each SIM card separately if you plan to use both. Select the desired SIM card in the settings menu and activate the toggle switch. If the slider is grayed out, this may indicate a lack of support from the current firmware or a carrier block for this IMEI.

Specifics of setting up on different Android shells

Electronics manufacturers often modify the standard Android interface, adding their own features and rearranging elements. This can be confusing for users looking for standard options. Below are the settings paths for the most popular brands on the market.

For devices Samsung With the OneUI shell, the path usually looks like this: Settings → Connections → Mobile network → Wi-Fi callingSome models require you to first enable "LTE Mode" for the VoWiFi option to appear. Devices Xiaomi And Poco (MIUI/HyperOS) may hide this feature: go to Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → Select SIM → Use Wi-Fi for calling.

Smartphones Huawei And Honor (without Google services) have their own path: Settings → Wireless & networks → Mobile networks → Wi-Fi callingIf you don't see these options, your software version may not be certified for VoWiFi on MTS networks. In this case, you may need to update your system or contact a service center.

What should I do if the item is not in the menu?-->