The modern pace of life dictates its own conditions, and high-quality communication is becoming a critical component of comfort. Users often face situations where, whether in an office, a shopping center, or a country house, the mobile network is unstable or completely absent. In such cases, technology becomes a lifesaver. VoWiFi, which allows you to make voice calls over a wireless Internet network.
MTS was one of the first operators in Russia to implement this feature, making it available to a wide range of subscribers. Activating the service doesn't require complex equipment or extensive technical knowledge, but the process has its own nuances depending on your smartphone model. Wi-Fi calling — this is not just a replacement for standard communications, but a full-fledged integration of Internet protocols into the telephony system.
In this article, we'll cover all aspects of connecting and configuring the feature in detail. You'll learn how to check device compatibility, what steps to take in the settings menu, and what to do if the option doesn't appear automatically. Understanding the operating principles Wi-Fi Calling will help you always stay connected, even in cellular coverage dead zones.
What is VoWiFi technology and how does it work?
VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) technology is a solution that allows voice data to be transmitted over the internet using a standard phone number. Unlike popular messaging apps, where calls are made through an app, VoWiFi uses the smartphone's native dialer. This means you don't need to ask your caller to install specific software or wait for them to be online.
The principle of operation is that the voice signal is digitized, broken into data packets, and transmitted via a Wi-Fi access point to the operator's servers. There, it is converted back into a voice stream and sent to the public telephone network or another subscriber. For the user, this process is completely transparent and invisible.
⚠️ Please note: Connection quality directly depends on the stability of your internet connection. If your router is overloaded or your bandwidth is limited, you may experience delays or interruptions.
A key advantage is the ability to use the feature even without a SIM card in the phone, if the device supports eSIM and the profile is already loaded, or in emergency call mode, where required by law. Furthermore, VoWiFi consumes significantly less energy than constantly searching for a network in areas of weak signal.
Checking device and tariff compatibility
Before setting up, make sure your equipment and tariff plan support this service. MTS is constantly expanding its list of compatible devices, but older smartphone models may not have the required software or hardware modules.
First, check the list of supported models on the operator's official website. Issues most often occur with devices released more than 5-7 years ago or with devices intended for other markets (for example, Chinese versions without global firmware).
- 📱 Apple iPhone 5s and newer smartphones with the latest version of iOS.
- 🤖 Android devices from Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, and other popular brands.
- 📶 Tablets with SIM card support and telephony functions.
- 🌐 Stable internet connection with a speed of at least 2 Mbps.
It's also important to ensure that your tariff plan doesn't have any restrictions that block voice traffic over internet protocols. Most modern MTS plans have this option enabled by default and don't require an additional fee, but corporate or archived plans may have some caveats.
Activation instructions for iPhone (iOS)
For Apple smartphone owners, the setup process is extremely simplified thanks to the deep integration of carrier services into the operating system. If your phone is compatible and an MTS SIM card is installed, the settings profile is often downloaded automatically when updating carrier settings.
To enable the feature manually, go to the main settings of your device. Find the section Cellular communications (or Mobile data). If you have two SIM cards, select the one that belongs to MTS. Next, you need to find the item Wi-Fi calling and move the switch to the active position.
The system may request that you confirm your address for emergency services (E911). This is a standard procedure required by regulators, even though the service operates differently in Russia. Enter your current address to fully unlock the feature.
☑️ iPhone Setup Checklist
After activation, an icon will appear in the status bar next to the operator's name. Wi-Fi or an inscription MTS Wi-FiThis means that incoming and outgoing calls will now be made over the internet. If the icon doesn't appear, try restarting your device or switching to airplane mode.
⚠️ Note: The menu interface may vary slightly depending on your iOS version. Search for the keywords "Wi-Fi Calling."
Setting up the feature on Android smartphones
In the Android world, the situation is somewhat more complex due to the variety of skins and models. The settings menu may have different names depending on the manufacturer: Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor, and Motorola all use their own interface variations.
Typically the path to the setting looks like this: open Settings, then go to the section Connections or Network and Internet. Find the item Wi-Fi calling and activate it. On some devices, this option may be hidden within the dialer menu.
If the standard approach doesn't work, use the settings search. Enter "Wi-Fi" or "VoWiFi" in the search bar. The system will automatically prompt you for the correct switch. Make sure Wi-Fi is prioritized over mobile data, if your phone offers that option.
| Manufacturer | Path to the menu | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Calling | Software update required |
| Xiaomi / Redmi | Settings → SIM cards → Wi-Fi calling | Not available in all regions |
| Honor / Huawei | Settings → Wireless & networks → Wi-Fi calling | EEA/CIS firmware required |
| Realme | Settings → Mobile Network → Wi-Fi Calling | Automatic activation |
What to do if the item is not in the menu?
If you can't find the switch in the settings, your carrier may not have certified your phone model. Try updating the firmware or resetting the network settings. In rare cases, installing a configuration file through the engineering menu can help, but this requires caution.
Troubleshooting connection issues and errors
Even if you follow all the instructions, users may encounter difficulties. It's common for the feature to be enabled, but calls are still dropped or go through the regular network. First, check whether your router is blocking the ports required for voice traffic.
Another common issue is a conflict between the mobile network and Wi-Fi. If the cellular signal is very weak but not completely lost, the phone may try to maintain a connection to the base station, ignoring Wi-Fi. You can force "Wi-Fi Only" for calls in the settings, if this option is available.
- 🔄 Restart your router and smartphone to update the IP addresses.
- 🔒 Check if your router has MAC address filtering enabled.
- 📡 Make sure you are in an area with a strong Wi-Fi signal.
- 📞 Check if the Call Barring service is active in your personal account.
If all else fails, it might be a good idea to delete the Wi-Fi network profile and add it again. Sometimes the network settings cache can contain errors that prevent it from working properly. VoWiFiAlso, make sure that the date and time on your device are set automatically.
Tariffs and traffic consumption
One of the most important questions for subscribers is how much a minute of Wi-Fi calls costs. MTS positions this service as a free add-on. Calls are charged according to your primary plan, just like regular calls.
There is no separate fee for using the technology. However, it's important to keep in mind that voice traffic consumes internet data. Although VoWiFi is very energy-efficient (approximately 1-2 MB per minute in HD), this may be noticeable during long calls if you have a limited home internet connection.
⚠️ Please note: Special conditions apply to calls while roaming. Calls to Russian numbers via Wi-Fi may be charged as normal, but it's best to check with your provider before your trip to avoid any surprises.
It's important to note that if you leave the wireless network coverage area while talking on Wi-Fi, modern smartphones can automatically switch to the mobile network (handover). This ensures call continuity, but you'll be charged according to your mobile network's service charges.
Benefits of using VoWiFi at home
Use of technology Wi-Fi Calling Opens up new opportunities for users. This is especially true for residents of apartment buildings with thick walls or homes in rural areas, where installing an additional base station is not cost-effective.
This feature is also useful in crowded areas where cellular networks are overloaded (such as stadiums, train stations, and concert venues). As long as your Wi-Fi router can handle the load, you'll be able to make calls without interruption. HD audio quality often surpasses that of standard GSM networks.
Another advantage is the ability to use a second number. If you have a dual-SIM phone, but one slot is occupied and the second SIM card is not physically present (for example, in a tablet), you can receive calls to your primary number via Wi-Fi on any compatible device linked to your Apple ID or Google account.
Does VoWiFi affect internet speed?
Voice traffic has high priority but takes up a small portion of the bandwidth. When watching 4K video, you're unlikely to notice a difference, but at very low speeds (less than 1 Mbps), you may experience some lag.
Can I use this feature abroad?
Yes, if your phone supports international roaming (VoWiFi). In this case, calls to numbers in your home country or to Russia may be charged more than standard roaming. Please contact MTS for details.
What should I do if the Wi-Fi icon in the status bar is missing?
The icon may disappear when switching between networks or due to temporary server registration failures. Try disabling and re-enabling the feature in settings or restarting your phone.
Does VoWiFi work without a SIM card?
On iPhones running iOS 15 and later, emergency calls can be made without a SIM card. For regular calls, an active MTS SIM card supporting the service is required.
Is it safe to transmit voice over the internet?
Yes, your traffic is encrypted by your operator. The risk of voice interception over public Wi-Fi networks is significantly lower when using VoWiFi than when using third-party messaging apps without encryption.