How to make calls via Wi-Fi on MTS: setup and rates

Modern smartphones offer a variety of ways to stay connected even when cellular signal strength drops to critical levels. VoWiFi technology (Voice over Wi-Fi) allows MTS to transmit voice calls over a home or public wireless network. This solution is ideal for subscribers who often live in buildings with thick walls, basements, or simply in areas with unstable base station coverage.

Activating this feature does not require complex technical manipulations or the installation of third-party applications such as Skype or WhatsApp. MTS mobile app and your phone's system settings—that's all you need to get started. It's important to understand that the call is made from your regular number, and the other person sees it, not a random IP address.

In this article, we'll cover in detail how to activate the service, which phone models support it, and how to avoid unnecessary charges when using internet roaming. You'll learn about billing details and how to troubleshoot common connection errors.

What is Wi-Fi calling and how does it work?

The technology that allows voice calls to be made over a wireless network is known as VoWiFiIt works by packaging voice traffic into IP packets and transmitting it over the internet, bypassing the cellular operator's standard radio channels. For the user, this process is completely transparent: you simply dial a number, and the connection is established.

The main advantage of this approach is the connection quality in "blind spots." If your apartment only has one LTE signal and your voice is choppy, connecting to your home router solves the problem. MTS operator supports this feature on most modern tariff plans, ensuring a stable connection without the need to purchase additional equipment.

It's worth noting that this technology requires not only provider support but also the presence of a corresponding module in the smartphone. Most flagship models from the last five years already come equipped with the necessary software. However, budget-friendly or older devices may lack this hardware.

Connection quality directly depends on the speed and stability of your internet connection. If your internet provider is experiencing issues, the quality of Wi-Fi voice calls may also be reduced, with delays or a robotic voice effect.

Requirements for the subscriber's device and tariff

Before attempting to activate the feature, you must ensure that your equipment and SIM card meet the required requirements. Not all devices, even modern ones, are unlocked for use with specific carriers. Compatibility It is determined by the smartphone manufacturer and the firmware it uses.

iPhone owners can rest assured: starting with the iPhone 5c and newer, as well as iOS 13 and above, the technology is supported at the system level. For Android, the situation is more complex, as each manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei) must certify their models for MTS. The list of supported devices is updated regularly.

MTS is very flexible when it comes to tariff plans. The service is available on almost all current and archived tariffs. There's no separate fee for Wi-Fi calling; minutes are deducted from your main plan.

List of popular supported models

Samsung Galaxy S20-S24, A-series (A50 and later); Xiaomi Mi 9 and later, Redmi Note 8 and later; iPhone 6 and all subsequent models; Huawei P30 and later.

An active 4G SIM card (USIM) is essential. If you're using a very old SIM card, manufactured more than 10 years ago, it should be replaced at a mobile phone store, as older chips may not correctly process VoWiFi network registration signals.

⚠️ Attention: If you've changed your phone and swapped your SIM card, your network settings may be lost. In this case, you may need to reactivate the service or reboot your device to properly register with the operator's network.

How to activate the service on a smartphone

Enabling the feature involves two steps: activating the service with your carrier and turning on the toggle switch in your phone's settings. Without both steps, Wi-Fi calling won't work. First, make sure the service is connected to your number.

The easiest way to manage your subscriptions is through MTS personal applicationYou can often find the "Wi-Fi Calling" or "VoWiFi" option in the "Services" or "Superpowers" section. If it's not there, try using USSD commands or resetting your network settings.

To activate via the USSD menu, you can use the command *111*338#After dialing the number and pressing the call button, you will receive an SMS notification about a successful connection. Alternatively, you can send an SMS with the text on to a short number 1113.

Once the service is activated on the network side, you need to go to your smartphone's settings. The path to the switch may vary depending on the operating system version and the manufacturer's shell.

After turning on the toggle switch, a corresponding icon should appear at the top of the screen (in the status bar). This is usually a phone handset with a Wi-Fi symbol next to it. If the icon appears, the system is ready to use.

Setting up on Android and iPhone: Step-by-Step Instructions

Let's take a closer look at the setup details for the two main platforms. On devices Android The interface can vary greatly. Samsung, for example, has a separate menu for each SIM card if you have two. You need to select the SIM card that has the service activated and activate the switch for that specific SIM card.

In some cases, Android requires you to select a network priority. The system may ask, "Which network should I use first?" It's recommended to select "Wi-Fi Preferred" so that your phone automatically switches to it when a wireless network is available, saving battery life and improving connection quality.

On iPhone The process is more standardized. After enabling the "Wi-Fi Calling" feature in the cellular menu, the system will prompt you to add an emergency address. This is a mandatory requirement for the technology to work in a number of countries, including Russia. You will need to enter your current address (any address is fine, as long as you register).

If the icon doesn't appear after all these steps, try turning airplane mode on and off. This will force the phone to re-register with the carrier's network and retrieve the latest settings profile.

It's also worth checking whether you have background data restrictions for system services, although this is rare. Make sure the date and time are set to automatic, as VoWiFi security certificates are sensitive to time desynchronization.

Call pricing and roaming

One of the most important questions is the cost of such calls. Within the country, pricing is completely transparent: each minute of call is deducted from your basic minute package, just as if you were calling through a regular cell tower. There are no additional charges for simply using Wi-Fi.

The situation is completely different when you are abroad. International roaming Using VoWiFi is a powerful way to save money. If you're connected to Wi-Fi at a hotel or café abroad, incoming calls are often charged as incoming calls in your home region (i.e., free if you have unlimited incoming calls), while outgoing calls are charged as calls from within Russia.

This means you avoid the hefty roaming charges that apply when registering on a foreign network. However, there's an important caveat: your phone mustn't switch to a foreign cell tower when making a call.

⚠️ Attention: Before traveling abroad, be sure to enable Airplane Mode and leave only Wi-Fi enabled. This will prevent accidental connections to foreign carriers and roaming charges if the Wi-Fi signal suddenly weakens.

Video calls via the standard phone interface (not messaging apps) can also be supported via Wi-Fi, but their pricing depends on the specific plan. In most modern "MTS Tariffsche" or "MTS Smart" plans, video calls are included in the minutes.

The nuances of roaming in Crimea

In Crimea and Sevastopol, VoWiFi works within the home region, as the operator operates there as a home network. There is no roaming, and the conditions are the same as in Moscow or St. Petersburg.

Troubleshooting and troubleshooting

Despite the ease of setup, users often encounter issues. One common error is that the VoWiFi icon doesn't appear even though the service is connected. This is most often due to the phone failing to update its settings profile.

Try resetting your network settings. This won't delete your personal data (photos, contacts), but it will reset your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings to factory defaults. Afterward, re-enter your Wi-Fi password and check for the icon.

Another issue is intermittent sound or echo. This almost always indicates a problem with your internet connection. If you're using a public Wi-Fi network in a shopping mall, it may be overloaded. In this case, the phone may try to switch to 4G, but if the signal is weak, the quality will drop.

If you have a dual-SIM phone, make sure the correct SIM card is selected for calls. In the call settings, the SIM card with the activated service should be prioritized. Sometimes the system defaults to the second SIM card, even though VoWiFi isn't enabled.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I get charged for a Wi-Fi call if my plan's minutes run out?

Yes, if you've used up your minutes, a Wi-Fi call will be charged according to your mobile/landline plan, just like a regular call. Wi-Fi doesn't provide free minutes; it just changes the signal delivery method.

Do I need to have mobile internet (3G/4G) enabled to make calls via Wi-Fi?

No, mobile internet (data transfer via the SIM card) can be disabled. For the technology to work, only access to the global network via a Wi-Fi router is required. However, the SIM card itself must be active and registered with the operator's network for authorization.

Why does the Wi-Fi Call icon disappear during a call?

This can happen if the Wi-Fi signal becomes too weak, and the phone automatically switches to the cellular network (if available). It can also be caused by channel congestion or a background settings update by the carrier.

Does this feature work if the phone is locked by the operator?

If the phone is locked to a different carrier (for example, a US or European one), MTS's VoWiFi feature may not work, as the carrier's system menu will be blocked. Such phones are rare in Russia, but problems are possible if they are imported illegally.

Is it possible to make calls via Wi-Fi if the SIM card is blocked due to debt?

No. To authorize the service on the operator's network, the SIM card must be active. If the number is blocked by the operator due to insufficient payments, outgoing calls (even over Wi-Fi) will be unavailable. Incoming calls may be accepted depending on the blocking conditions.