Modern mobile communications environments often dictate their own rules: densely populated areas, remote basement offices, or country houses with unstable coverage create situations where voice service is interrupted or completely absent. It's in these scenarios that technology comes to the rescue. VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi), which allows you to make and receive calls using a wireless internet connection instead of a cell tower signal. For MTS subscribers, this feature has become a quality standard, ensuring uninterrupted communication in areas where conventional GSM or LTE networks perform poorly.
Enabling this option doesn't require any complicated router or ISP interactions, as MTS supports the technology within its infrastructure. You simply need to ensure your device is compatible, your tariff plan allows the service, and the appropriate toggle is enabled in your smartphone settings. Menu interfaces may vary. depending on the operating system version and gadget model, so it is important to carefully follow the sequence of actions described below.
Before we dive into the technical details, it's worth noting that Wi-Fi calls are charged according to your basic plan, just like regular minutes. This means you don't overpay for data, and the sound quality is often significantly improved thanks to the broadband connection. Let's go over all the details of setup and activation.
Checking operator compatibility and conditions
The first step before setup is to verify that your device is capable of using VoWiFi technology. Not all smartphones, even modern ones, have software support for this feature for specific carriers. MTS maintains a list of supported models, which is regularly updated, including devices from Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi and other popular brands.
In addition to the hardware, you should check the status of your SIM card. The "Wi-Fi Calling" service often requires the "Internet Assistant" or similar service to be activated on your number, which enables voice services on LTE networks. Make sure your plan isn't an archived or corporate plan with limited functionality.
⚠️ Attention: If you're using a dual-SIM smartphone, you'll need to configure the settings for each SIM card separately. Switching between SIM slots can reset network priority, so check your connection status again after changing the active SIM card for calls.
Having the latest firmware version is also critical. Carriers and phone manufacturers are constantly making changes to the configuration files (carrier settings) that ensure VoLTE and VoWiFi functions properly. A lack of updates may result in the menu item simply not appearing.
Setting up VoWiFi on Apple devices (iOS)
iPhone owners get the most integrated experience thanks to Apple's close partnerships with carriers. Activating this feature on iOS requires at least iOS 13, although newer versions offer more stable algorithms. Before you begin, make sure your device has an MTS SIM card installed and active.
The setup process is extremely simplified and requires minimal user intervention. You need to go to the section Settings, then select the item Cellular communicationsIf you have two SIM cards, select the one you want to apply the settings to. Next, find the line Wi-Fi calling and move the switch to the active position.
The system may request confirmation of your address for emergency services (E911). This is standard procedure for all operators operating within international standards. Please enter your current residential address, as this is where emergency services will be dispatched when calling from Wi-Fi if geolocation via cell towers is not possible.
Once activated, an icon will appear at the top of the screen (on the right or left, depending on the model) Wi-Fi next to the operator's name or instead of the cellular network indicator. This indicates that the phone is ready to route voice traffic over the internet.
Instructions for Android smartphones
The Android world is more diverse, and the paths to the desired settings can differ significantly depending on the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). However, the general logic remains the same: search for the section related to mobile networks. Most often, the required switch is located along the path Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Calling.
On devices Samsung The algorithm is as follows: open Settings, go to Connections, then select Wi-Fi CallingHere you'll see a toggle switch that needs to be enabled. You can also select your network priority in this menu: "Prefer mobile networks" or "Prefer Wi-Fi networks."
For smartphones Xiaomi (Redmi, POCO) the path may differ: Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → Wi-Fi callingIt's important to note that on some global firmware versions, this option may be hidden if the carrier's SIM card isn't recognized as supported. In this case, resetting network settings or updating the carrier's configuration may help.
☑️ Checklist for successful activation
On devices with "pure" Android (Google Pixel, Motorola), the settings are usually located in the section Network and Internet → Mobile networkIf you can't find the switch, search your settings for "Wi-Fi Calling."
Compatibility and settings table
To quickly navigate the settings for various devices, a summary table is provided below. It will help you determine where to look for the desired setting on your gadget.
| Brand / OS | Path to settings | Software requirements | Network priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone (iOS) | Settings → Cellular | iOS 13+ | Auto |
| Samsung | Settings → Connections | Android 9+ | Customizable |
| Xiaomi / Redmi | Settings → SIM cards | MIUI 11+ | Depends on the version |
| Google Pixel | Network and Internet → Mobile Network | Android 10+ | Auto |
Please note that the absence of a menu item is often related not to the phone model, but to the region of purchase. Global versions may not have pre-installed profiles for Russian operators, unlike EAC (Eurasian Economic Union) versions.
What to do if there is no menu item?
If you're sure your model is compatible but don't see the "Wi-Fi Calling" option, try removing the SIM card, wiping the contacts, and reinserting it. Then reboot the device. Manually entering the access point name (APN) settings may help in rare cases, but for MTS, the default settings that arrive automatically are usually sufficient.
Solving common problems
Even with proper setup, users may encounter difficulties. One common issue is calls dropping when moving from a Wi-Fi zone to a cellular network, or vice versa. This may be due to router settings, particularly encryption protocols. Make sure your router doesn't have outdated security standards enabled that could block SIP traffic.
Another common scenario is when a phone hangs on Wi-Fi, even though the cellular signal is excellent. VoWiFi settings often include a "Network Mode" option. If "Wi-Fi Only" is selected, the phone will not switch to LTE, even if the Wi-Fi signal is weak. It's recommended to select "Prefer Mobile Network" to ensure calls are made over a cell phone when available, saving battery life and ensuring stability.
⚠️ Attention: Call quality directly depends on the speed and stability of your internet connection. If you're using public Wi-Fi at a cafe or airport that requires browser authentication, calls won't work until your device is fully authorized.
It's also worth checking whether your antivirus or firewall is blocking voice traffic on your phone. Sometimes, smart power-saving systems can disable background Wi-Fi to conserve battery, which can lead to connection loss during a call.
Advantages and features of pricing
Using VoWiFi technology offers a number of undeniable advantages. First, it offers HD Voice sound quality, which significantly surpasses standard voice calls. Second, it allows you to stay connected in areas with "dead zones," such as deep basements, thick-walled buildings, or remote summer cottages.
VoWiFi is financially transparent for MTS subscribers. Minutes spent on Wi-Fi calls are deducted from the basic plan's minute package. Once the package is exhausted, standard per-minute billing applies.
Roaming is especially important. When traveling abroad, connecting to Wi-Fi and making calls through it allows you to avoid incoming and outgoing roaming charges, provided you're within your home network's (virtually) coverage area or your carrier offers such services. However, roaming conditions are subject to change, so always check the current rates in your personal account before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do you charge for calls over Wi-Fi?
No, there is no separate fee for the technology itself. Calls are charged according to your main plan, just like regular minutes. Only internet traffic is consumed, which is often unlimited on modern plans or is taken from the overall package.
Can I use VoWiFi abroad?
Yes, technically, this is possible anywhere in the world where there's Wi-Fi. However, the rate will depend on your roaming plan. Often, Wi-Fi calls to numbers in your home region from abroad are cheaper than regular roaming calls, but it's best to check with your carrier.
Why is the VoWiFi icon lit, but calls don't go through?
This could indicate internet connection issues (no network access despite Wi-Fi being connected), blocked ports by your internet provider, or temporary carrier-side issues. Try switching your phone to airplane mode and back.
Does this feature affect internet speed?
Voice traffic is prioritized but takes up only a small portion of bandwidth. At modern Wi-Fi speeds, you won't notice any impact on page or video loading speeds.