Modern mobile communications face challenges: densely populated areas, remote areas from towers, or simply overloaded networks create "blind spots" where the LTE or 3G signal disappears. It's in these situations that technology comes to the rescue. VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi), which allows you to make voice calls over your internet service provider's wireless network using your standard phone number.
MTS is actively implementing this feature, providing subscribers with stable connections in basements, country houses with poor coverage, and offices with complex wall architecture. You don't need to install additional apps like Skype or WhatsApp to contact your contact—your regular phone book and standard dialing interface are used.
The main advantage is the transparency of the process for the user: incoming and outgoing calls are charged exactly as if you were in a strong base station coverage area. In this article, we'll cover in detail how to activate the service, which smartphone models support the technology, and how to avoid common setup errors.
The operating principle and advantages of VoWiFi technology
Technology Voice over Wi-Fi Voice over IP (VoIP) is the transmission of voice traffic over IP network protocols, similar to how instant messaging apps work, but with priority given to operator networks. When your phone detects that the cellular network signal is weaker than a certain threshold, it automatically switches voice traffic to an available Wi-Fi network, if the feature is enabled.
- 📡 Coverage in "dead zones" — the ability to make calls from concrete bunkers, deep basements, and remote cottages where only a Wi-Fi router can reach.
- 💰 Saving traffic — using your home or office unlimited internet for calls, which is especially important when roaming abroad.
- 🔋 Energy efficiency — the smartphone spends less energy searching for a base station signal when connected to a stable access point.
It's important to understand that the technology requires support from three components: the operator itself (MTS), your tariff plan, and your smartphone's hardware. Switching between Wi-Fi and cellular networks during a call occurs automatically and without interrupting the connection., if the device is in a signal overlap area.
⚠️ Attention: Voice call quality directly depends on the speed and stability of your internet connection. When your home network is overloaded (for example, when downloading large files), audio quality may deteriorate.
Checking device and tariff compatibility
Before you begin setting up, you need to make sure that your equipment is technically ready to work with VoWiFiNot all phone models, even modern ones, have built-in firmware support for this feature for Russian carriers. This primarily affects smartphones imported from other regions or released several years ago.
MTS requires the Internet service to be included in your tariff plan. Wi-Fi calls are unavailable if your data plan is completely disabled or if internet services are blocked, as voice data is transmitted over an IP channel. Also, make sure your SIM card isn't too old—in rare cases, 2G/3G cards may need to be replaced with 4G/LTE.
| Smartphone brand | Series with support | Setting nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | iPhone 6 and newer | Requires iOS 12.2+ |
| Samsung | Galaxy S7 and newer | Software updates are often required |
| Xiaomi | Mi 8, Redmi Note 7+ | Depends on the firmware version |
| Huawei/Honor | P20, Mate 20 and later | May not be available in older models. |
| Pixel 3 and later | Works out of the box |
The list of supported devices is constantly expanding, so if your model isn't listed here, it doesn't mean you won't be able to use this feature. We recommend checking for operating system updates in your device's settings menu.
How to find out the exact phone model?
Go to Settings → About phone (or About this device). The exact model number is listed there (for example, SM-G991B). Compare it with the official list on the manufacturer's or carrier's website.
Activating the service in your MTS personal account
To activate the feature, your operator often requires confirmation of your intent to use the technology. This is done for security reasons, to prevent accidental connections while roaming or when using limited corporate plans. The fastest way to activate is using a USSD command or a mobile app.
Type the command on your phone keypad *111*196# and press the call button. The system will automatically check your plan and SIM card status, after which you will receive an SMS notification confirming successful Wi-Fi Calling connection. If the command doesn't work, your plan may not support this feature.
- 📱 Mobile application — open “My MTS”, go to the “Services” section and find the “Calls” category.
- 💻 Personal account — Log in to mts.ru, select your number, and activate "Wi-Fi Calling" from the list of available options.
- 📞 Help Desk — call 0890 or 8-800-250-0890 to connect through an operator.
After activation by your carrier, the service may not become operational immediately, but may take 10-15 minutes. During this time, it's recommended to reboot your smartphone so it can re-register with the network and receive updated settings profiles.
☑️ Pre-activation check
Setting up Wi-Fi calling on Android
In the operating system Android The settings interface can vary significantly depending on the user interface (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS). However, the logic for finding the right toggle remains the same. First, make sure Wi-Fi is enabled and your phone is connected to a network with internet access.
Go to your device's main settings and find the network section. It may be called "Connections," "SIM cards and mobile networks," or "Advanced features." On some models, for example, Samsung, the required item is placed directly in the top menu of the notification “curtain”.
Step 1: Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi CallingStep 2: Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile network → Wi-Fi calling
Step 3: Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → Wi-Fi calling
After finding the point Wi-Fi calling (or VoWiFi), slide the slider to the "On" position. If the menu doesn't open or the option is hidden, try removing the SIM card, restarting the phone without it, and then reinsert the card.
⚠️ Attention: On some Chinese smartphones (Xiaomi, Realme), this feature may be hidden in the regional firmware. In this case, you may need to change the region in the settings or wait for a software update from the manufacturer.
Instructions for iPhone (iOS) owners
For smartphone owners Apple We're lucky with the unified interface: on all models, starting with the iPhone 6, the settings are in the same place. However, for this feature to work, the device must be running iOS 12.2 or later, although modern phones already run iOS 16/17.
Go to the menu Settings → CellularIf you have a dual-SIM device, select the MTS SIM card for which you want to activate the feature. Next, find "Wi-Fi Calling" and enable it. The system may ask you to confirm your emergency address (E911)—this is mandatory.
- 📍 Emergency services address — When you first turn on your iPhone, you'll be asked to enter an address that will be transmitted to rescuers, as Wi-Fi geolocation is less accurate than using towers.
- 🔄 Always Prefer Mode — In the settings, you can select the network priority so that the phone always tries to call via Wi-Fi, even if there is a weak cellular signal.
- 📶 Indicator - after switching on, the inscription “MTS Wi-Fi” will appear in the status bar next to the operator’s name.
It's important to note that on iPhone, this feature works more reliably if cellular data is enabled, even when you're in a Wi-Fi zone. This is necessary for proper call routing and the proper functioning of iMessage/FaceTime in conjunction with regular phone calls.
Troubleshooting and Common Mistakes
Even with proper setup, users may encounter situations where the Wi-Fi Call icon doesn't appear and calls are dropped. Most often, the issue stems from conflicting network settings or an outdated carrier profile. The first step is to simply reboot your router and smartphone.
If the problem persists, check whether your router is blocking certain ports or protocols required for VoWiFi. In rare cases, antivirus software or parental controls on the router can interfere with MTS voice traffic. Also, make sure the date and time on your phone are set automatically.
⚠️ Attention: Tariff terms and technical support are subject to change by the operator. Before performing a detailed diagnostic, please verify the current settings in your personal account or contact MTS support for details.
The table below lists common symptoms and their solutions:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| There is no Wi-Fi Call icon | The operator's service is not enabled | Activate via *111*196# |
| Calls don't go through | Weak Wi-Fi signal | Move closer to the router |
| Constant reset on 3G | Unstable IP address | Reboot the router |
| Registration errors | Outdated firmware | Update your phone's software |
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Does making calls over Wi-Fi use up mobile data?
No, voice minutes are used from your main MTS plan, just like a regular call. Internet traffic is either not used, or is used minimally for alert messages, unless you have an unlimited plan.
Does this feature work when roaming abroad?
Yes, if you're abroad, connected to Wi-Fi, and have the MTS Wi-Fi Calling service activated, you can receive incoming calls for free (as in Russia), but outgoing calls will be charged as calls from your home country or according to your roaming plan.
Is it possible to call emergency numbers (112) via Wi-Fi?
VoWiFi technology on the MTS network in Russia currently does not support sharing your location with emergency services via Wi-Fi. It's best to use a direct cellular network to call 112, 101, or 102, even if the signal is weak.
What happens if I move out of the router's range while talking on Wi-Fi?
If your phone supports Handover, the call will seamlessly transition to the cellular network without interruption. If it doesn't, or there's no cellular signal, the call will be disconnected.