In today's world, stable cellular service is becoming critical, but even powerful carrier networks can't always penetrate the thick walls of office buildings or basements. It's in these situations that technology comes to the rescue. VoWiFi, which allows you to make voice calls over an internet connection. For MTS subscribers, this feature has become a real lifesaver in areas with poor reception, providing crystal-clear sound where previously there were only beeps or broken sentences.
Enabling the service doesn't require complicated equipment or a visit to a mobile phone store, as the entire process takes just a few minutes and is performed directly in your smartphone's menu. MTS actively promotes this option, making it free for most tariff plans, allowing you to save battery life and maintain connection while roaming. In this article, we'll cover in detail how to activate Wi-Fi calling on various devices, what settings to check, and what to do if the feature doesn't work the first time.
It's worth noting that connection quality directly depends on the speed of your home or office internet, so make sure your router is working properly before setting it up. We'll cover the nuances for owners. iPhone and smartphones based on Android, as the activation algorithms may vary significantly depending on the model and operating system version. Get ready to enjoy a stable connection anywhere you have access to a wireless network.
What is VoWiFi and how does it work with MTS?
Technology Voice over Wi-Fi VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) transmits voice traffic over the internet, bypassing traditional cell phone towers. For the user, this process is completely transparent: you dial a number as usual, and the phone automatically routes the call over an available Wi-Fi network if the cellular signal is weak or absent. MTS has integrated this feature into its infrastructure, allowing subscribers to use their usual number and rates even in a deep basement or a country house with poor coverage.
The main advantage is that connections are established faster, and the sound quality often surpasses standard voice calls thanks to support for high-definition codecs. Furthermore, using Wi-Fi for calls reduces the load on the smartphone's battery, as the cellular module doesn't have to work at maximum power searching for a signal. This is especially important for modern devices with power-hungry screens and apps.
It's important to understand that the service requires support from three components: the telecom operator itself, your tariff plan, and, of course, your smartphone. MTS provides network-level support, but the end device must be able to work with the protocol. IMS and have the appropriate firmware. If your phone was released several years ago, a software update may be required to activate this feature.
⚠️ Important: Make sure your router does not block ports required for SIP protocols, as some corporate networks may restrict voice traffic for security reasons.
The technology works by seamlessly switching: if you leave Wi-Fi range during a call, the call can switch to the cellular network (provided VoLTE is supported) without interruption. However, to establish the initial connection, the phone must first register with the operator's network via the internet. This process takes a fraction of a second and is indicated by a corresponding icon in the device's status bar.
Checking device and tariff compatibility
Before you begin setting up, you need to make sure your equipment and SIM card are ready to work with the new communication protocols. Not all phone models on the market support VoWiFi, even if they are equipped with a Wi-Fi module. MTS maintains a list of compatible devices, which is constantly updated, including flagship models from Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi and other manufacturers.
The second important condition is the type of SIM card installed. Older format cards Mini-SIM or Micro-SIM may not contain the necessary profiles for authorization on the IP network. In most cases, it is necessary to replace the SIM card with a format Nano-SIM with support for USIM applications, which can be done free of charge at any MTS mobile phone store upon presentation of a passport.
- 📱 The presence of VoWiFi support in the smartphone firmware (often depends on the region of purchase).
- 📶 Active VoLTE service, which is often a prerequisite for Wi-Fi calling to work.
- 🆔 Registration of the SIM card in the owner's name using passport data (legal requirement).
- 💳 No blocking by your tariff plan (some archived tariffs may require this option to be activated).
It's also worth checking if your phone has any third-party software blocking network connections or altering DNS servers. Antivirus software and firewalls can mistakenly classify voice traffic as suspicious activity and block its transmission. Temporarily disabling such software will help diagnose the problem if it occurs during the connection process.
⚠️ Note: If you use a dual SIM phone, please set up a priority SIM card for calls, as the feature can only work on one SIM card at a time.
For owners of custom firmware or unlocked phones imported from abroad, the situation may be more complicated. In such cases, the operator cannot guarantee stable service, as the device's software may not be certified for use with MTS networks. It is recommended to use official software versions obtained through automatic updates or from a service center.
Activating the service via your personal account and USSD
After checking technical compatibility, the next step is activating the service with the operator. MTS offers several convenient subscription management options, allowing you to choose the most convenient option. Most often, the "Wi-Fi Calling" service is already enabled by default on current plans, but requires manual activation in the phone settings. However, in some cases, activation confirmation is required.
The fastest way to check your status is to use a USSD command. By dialing a short code, you'll receive an instant response from the system or service management menu. The command is often used to manage MTS services. *111#, in the menu of which you need to find a section related to the internet or additional options. You can also use direct codes if they are relevant for your region.
*111*938# is an example command for checking status (code may vary)A more informative and convenient way is to use the "My MTS" mobile app or the web version of your personal account. In the "Services" or "Price" section, there's often a "Free Options" category where you can find a switch to activate VoWiFi. The app interface is intuitive, and changes take effect almost instantly after clicking the "Connect" button.
☑️ Pre-activation check
If none of the automatic methods help, you can always contact a live operator via in-app chat or by calling the support line. A representative will be able to remotely check whether the service is blocked at the subscriber profile level and, if necessary, send an activation command. Afterwards, it's recommended to reboot your phone so it re-registers with the updated settings.
Setting up Wi-Fi calling on iPhone (iOS)
For smartphone owners from Apple luckier than everyone else, since the activation of the function on devices iPhone It happens in the most simple and standardized way. Apple implements VoWiFi support at the operating system level, so the settings interface is the same for all models, starting from iPhone 6 and newer, provided the current version is installed iOS.
To enable it, go to the device's main settings. The path usually looks like this: Settings → Cellular → Wi-Fi CallingHere you'll need to toggle the switch to the on position. The system may request confirmation of your address for emergency services, as geolocation is determined differently when calling over the internet than via cell towers.
- 🍏 Open the menu Settings on the main screen.
- 📡 Go to the section Cellular communications.
- 📞 Select an item Wi-Fi calling and turn on the toggle switch.
- 🏠 Confirm your address for the 112 service (required once).
Once activated, "Wi-Fi" or "MTS Wi-Fi" will appear in the status bar next to the operator's name. This indicates that the phone is ready to route calls over the internet. If you're in an area with strong cellular coverage, the phone can use it, but if the signal deteriorates, it will automatically switch to Wi-Fi without your intervention.
It's important to note that this feature works even in Airplane Mode on iPhone, as long as Wi-Fi is enabled. This is ideal for traveling on airplanes where cellular service is prohibited but in-flight internet is available. In this mode, you can receive and make calls as usual, using only the wireless connection.
Instructions for Android smartphones (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.)
World Android The settings are more varied, and the location of the settings may differ depending on the manufacturer and the version of the shell. However, the general principle remains the same: you should look in the network connections or SIM card settings section. On most modern devices, this feature is enabled by default if the hardware supports it, but sometimes it needs to be activated manually.
On smartphones Samsung the path most often looks like this: Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi CallingHere you can also select the network priority: make calls preferably via the mobile network or via Wi-Fi. On devices Xiaomi (MIUI) settings may be hidden deeper: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Wi-Fi calling.
| Brand | Path to the menu | Nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Connections → Wi-Fi Calling | There is a choice of network priority |
| Xiaomi / Redmi | SIM Cards → Wi-Fi Calling | VoLTE may need to be enabled. |
| Honor / Huawei | Mobile Network → Wi-Fi Calling | Available on EMUI 10+ and later |
| Realme | Mobile Network → Wi-Fi Calling | The interface is close to OPPO |
If you can't find the corresponding option in the menu, try searching through your phone's settings. Enter "Wi-Fi" or "VoWiFi" in the search bar, and the system will automatically suggest the location of the required option. On some custom firmware versions, this feature may be hidden and require entering special codes into the engineering menu, but this is not recommended for regular users.
⚠️ Note: On some Android models, this option may disappear if the SIM card has not completed initial registration on the 4G/LTE network. Try temporarily switching the network type to "4G Only" to activate it.
After enabling the router, we recommend making a test call. Look for a handset icon with a Wi-Fi symbol in the status bar during the call. If it appears, the setup was successful and you can enjoy a high-quality connection. Remember, the router itself must be connected to the internet for this feature to work.
Tariffs and roaming: what you need to know
One of the most frequently asked questions concerns the cost of these calls. MTS markets the service as free, meaning there is no additional charge for the VoWiFi technology itself. Call minutes are charged according to your main plan, just like regular voice calls over a cellular network. If you have unlimited calls enabled, they will also be free over Wi-Fi.
Particular attention should be paid to using the service while roaming. While abroad, you can connect to local Wi-Fi (at a hotel or cafe) and call Russian numbers. In this case, you'll be charged the same as for incoming and outgoing calls in your home region, avoiding hefty international roaming bills. However, to enable this feature, you must check "Allow data roaming" in your roaming settings or a similar option when registering for the network.
It's important to distinguish between VoWiFi calls and calls made through messaging apps (WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram). With VoWiFi, you call a regular phone number, and the other person sees your number, not your app account. This is critical for business communications and calls to banks or customer support services, where phone number verification is required.
Does the service work if the minutes run out?
Yes, if you have the "Unlimited Calls" option or a minute package, those minutes will be deducted. If you're billed per minute, the amount will be deducted from your main balance.
It's also important to remember that internet connection quality is crucial. If your provider is experiencing issues or the speed drops below a minimum threshold (usually 100-200 kbps), audio quality may deteriorate or the call may be dropped. Unlike a cellular network, which prioritizes voice traffic, on home Wi-Fi, voice competes for bandwidth with file downloads and video streaming.
Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions
Despite the simplicity of setup, users may encounter difficulties. The most common issue is the absence of the VoWiFi icon after enabling all settings. In this case, try restarting your smartphone, disconnecting and reconnecting to the Wi-Fi network, and checking whether Do Not Disturb mode or blocking unknown numbers is enabled, which could be masking the issue.
Sometimes the phone stubbornly refuses to switch to Wi-Fi calling, even when close to the router. This may be because the cellular signal is too strong, causing the phone to switch to Wi-Fi. To force a test, you can temporarily enable airplane mode, then enable Wi-Fi only and try making a call.
Why did the VoWiFi icon disappear after updating iOS/Android?
After updating the operating system, network settings may reset to factory defaults. Go to Settings again and turn on the "Wi-Fi Calling" toggle. Also, update your carrier settings in "General → About."
Is it possible to make calls via Wi-Fi if the SIM card is blocked?
No, to register for a VoWiFi network, the SIM card must be active and able to exchange signaling messages with the operator's database. If the SIM card is blocked by a PIN or the operator, the feature will not work.
Does VoWiFi affect internet speed?
Voice traffic takes up very little bandwidth (around 64-128 kbps), so it will have virtually no impact on the speed of downloading movies or games unless the channel is completely overloaded.
What should I do if the other person can't hear me?
Check the microphone settings in the phone app itself (permissions) and make sure your antivirus isn't blocking access to the microphone. Also, try disabling noise reduction in the sound settings, if available.
In conclusion, MTS VoWiFi technology is a powerful tool for improving connection quality that simply can't be ignored. Proper setup will eliminate "blind spots" in your home or office, ensuring constant contact with your loved ones and partners. Follow the instructions, check for updates, and enjoy modern communications.