Have you ever lost connection in a basement, an elevator, or a country house where the cellular network barely works? Technology VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) solves this problem by allowing you to make calls over the internet even when your mobile signal is zero. On smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi And POCO The function is supported by most modern models, but is often hidden in the depths of the settings or requires additional activation by the operator.
In this article we will not only discuss How to enable Wi-Fi calling on Xiaomi, but also:
- 📋 Requirements to the phone, firmware, and telecom operator
- 🔧 Step-by-step instructions for MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS
- ⚡ Solutions to 5 common mistakes (no option, does not register on the network, etc.)
- 📡 Comparison of VoWiFi and VoLTE: what is better and when to use
If your Xiaomi If you have no network coverage indoors but a stable Wi-Fi connection, this guide will help you stay connected without buying a repeater or switching providers. Let's start by checking compatibility.
1. Checking the compatibility of your phone and operator
Before searching for VoWiFi settings, make sure your device and SIM card support the technology. Here are the key criteria:
- 📱 Smartphone model: VoWiFi is available on all Xiaomi with a processor
Snapdragon 6xx/7xx/8xxorMediaTek Helio G/Dimensity(released after 2019). The exception is budget modelsSnapdragon 4xx(For example, Redmi 9A or POCO C31). - 📶 Telecom operatorVoWiFi is officially supported in Russia MTS, Beeline, Megaphone And Tele2, but it is required:
- Active service VoLTE (often turned on automatically when VoWiFi is activated).
- SIM card format nano-SIM (not virtual eSIM).
- Tariff with support 4G/5G (check in your operator's personal account).
- 🔄 MIUI/HyperOS version: Minimum version -
MIUI 12.5(Older models may require a manual update).
| Operator | VoWiFi support | Requirements | Additionally |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | ✅ Yes | VoLTE activated, 4G/5G SIM card | Free, but may require a phone reboot |
| Beeline | ✅ Yes | Tariff with unlimited minutes | In some regions, manual activation is required via *110# |
| Megaphone | ✅ Yes | The "Unlimited for Everything" package is activated. | VoWiFi only works on your home Wi-Fi network. |
| Tele2 | ⚠️ Partially | Only for subscribers in Moscow and MOS regions | The SIM card needs to be replaced with a USIM card. |
⚠️ Attention: If you use two SIM cards, VoWiFi will only work on the one that is installed in Slot 1 (primary). Move the SIM card if necessary.
You can check VoWiFi support on your model on the official website. Xiaomi in the specifications section (look for the line "Wi-Fi Calling"). If the model is compatible, but the option is not available in the settings, update the firmware to the latest version.
2. Step-by-step instructions: how to enable VoWiFi on Xiaomi
The activation algorithm depends on the shell version. Below is a general instruction for MIUI 12–14 And HyperOS (2026–2026).
Method 1: Through the main settings (recommended)
Connect your phone to a Wi-Fi network | Make sure your SIM card is active and has a network connection (even if the signal is weak) | Check your plan balance (some operators block VoWiFi if your balance is negative) | Disable your VPN (it may interfere with IMS network registration) -->
Open the app
Settings(gear icon).Go to the section
SIM cards and mobile networks→ select your SIM card.Tap on the item
Calls via Wi-Fi(orWi-Fi Calling). If it is not there, see alternative method.Activate the switch
Calls via Wi-Fiand confirm the connection.Wait for the network registration (an icon will appear in the status bar)
📞Wi-FiorVoWiFi).
If the icon doesn't appear after enabling, restart your phone. Registering with the IMS network (which is responsible for VoWiFi) can take up to 2 minutes.
Method 2: Via the hidden menu (for older versions of MIUI)
On some firmware versions, the VoWiFi option is hidden. To unlock it:
Open the app
Telephoneand dial the combination:##869434##In the menu that appears, select
Wi-Fi Calling→Enable.Return to
Settings → SIM cardsand activate the function in the standard way.
⚠️ Attention: Engineering menu codes may differ depending on the firmware region. global versions of MIUI (MIUI Global) use the code##869434##, on Chinese (MIUI China) —##8694347##.
After activation, make a test call (for example, to the number 0987 (to check your balance). If the connection is established via Wi-Fi, a corresponding icon will appear in the top bar.
3. Why VoWiFi isn't working: 5 errors and their solutions
Even if you've enabled the feature correctly, problems may still arise. Here are the most common scenarios and how to fix them:
Error 1: The "Wi-Fi Calling" option is missing from the settings.
Reasons:
- 🔴 Outdated firmware (update MIUI via
Settings → About phone → System update). - 🔴 The operator does not support VoWiFi (check in table above).
- 🔴 Regional restrictions (on some Russian models, VoWiFi is disabled by default).
Solution: Install global firmware (For example, MIUI Global) through Fastboot or contact your operator's support service for manual activation.
Error 2: VoWiFi is enabled, but calls are made over the cellular network
Check:
- 📶 Wi-Fi signal: if the speed is lower
5 Mbps, the system automatically switches to VoLTE. - 🔄 Airplane mode: Even if Wi-Fi is turned on in airplane mode, VoWiFi will not work.
- 📱 Network priority: select in SIM card settings
Prefer Wi-Fi for calls.
Error 3: "Failed to register with the IMS network"
This means your carrier is blocking your connection. Try:
- Restart your phone.
- Temporarily turn off Wi-Fi, then turn it back on.
- Delete and re-add the Wi-Fi network (forget the network in settings).
- Update your operator profile:
Settings → SIM cards → Update profile.
Error 4: VoWiFi only works on my home network
Some operators (eg. Megaphone) VoWiFi is limited to home networks. To get around this:
- 🔄 Use a VPN with Russian IP (For example, Warp by Cloudflare).
- 📡 Connect to Wi-Fi via repeater with the same SSID as your home network.
Error 5: When calling, the other person doesn't hear you or hears a robot
The problem is related to codecs (voice compression algorithms). Solution:
- 🔊 Turn on
HD voicein call settings (if available). - 📞 Use a headset or speaker - this reduces the load on the processor.
- 🔄 Switch to VoLTE, if the quality of VoWiFi is unsatisfactory.
4. VoWiFi vs. VoLTE: Which is Better and When to Use It
Both technologies allow you to make calls over the internet, but they work differently. Here are the key differences:
| Parameter | VoWiFi | VoLTE |
|---|---|---|
| Network requirements | Any Wi-Fi (even without internet access, if the router supports local IMS) | 4G/5G operator network |
| Connection quality | Depends on Wi-Fi speed. Above 10 Mbps, it's better than VoLTE. | Stable, but may deteriorate in congested cells |
| Battery consumption | Above (Wi-Fi module is constantly active) | Below (uses energy-efficient 4G frequencies) |
| Where does it work? | Anywhere with Wi-Fi (at home, in the office, in a cafe) | Only in 4G/5G coverage area |
| Operator support | Not all operators support it (see table above) | Supported by all major operators |
When to use VoWiFi:
- 🏠 At home or in an office with poor cellular network coverage.
- 🌍 In roaming (if the operator supports international VoWiFi).
- 🔇 In places where cellular communications are prohibited (for example, on an airplane in "Wi-Fi only" mode).
When is it better? VoLTE:
- 🚗 On the move (switching between towers is more stable).
- 🔋 When the battery is low.
- 📶 In places with good 4G coverage.
On Xiaomi smartphones with HyperOS (2026+), VoWiFi and VoLTE can work simultaneously: the phone automatically selects the best channel depending on the network quality.
5. How to disable VoWiFi and return to regular calls
If VoWiFi is causing problems (for example, battery drains quickly or calls are dropped), you can deactivate it:
Go to
Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks.Select the SIM card for which VoWiFi is enabled.
Turn off the switch
Calls via Wi-Fi.Confirm the action (a reboot may be required).
After disconnection:
- 📞 Calls will go through VoLTE (if enabled) or 3G/2G.
- 📡 Icon
Wi-Fiwill disappear from the status bar. - 🔋 Battery consumption will decrease by 5-10%.
⚠️ Attention: On some models Xiaomi (For example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+After disabling VoWiFi, VoLTE may also disappear. In this case, restart your phone or enable VoLTE manually.
6. Additional settings for advanced users
If standard methods don't help, try these advanced methods:
Setting up IMS via the engineering menu
To access hidden options:
Type in the app
Telephone:##4636##Go to
Phone information→ select your SIM card.Scroll down to the block
IMS Service Status.If the status
Not Registered, tapTurn On IMSAndTurn On VoWiFi.
What to do if the engineering menu is blocked?
On some firmwares access to ##4636## limited. Alternative:
1. Install the application MTK Engineering Mode (For MediaTek) or Qualcomm Service Menu (For Snapdragon).
2. In the section IMS manually activate the options VoWiFi Enable And IMS Register.
3. Restart your phone.
Manually changing APN for VoWiFi
If the operator requires special settings:
Go to
Settings → SIM cards → Access point names (APN).Create a new APN with the following parameters:
Name: VoWiFiAPN: ims
APN type: ims
Protocol: IPv4/IPv6
Port: 500 (UDP)Save and select a new APN.
These settings are suitable for MTS And Beeline. For Megaphone And Tele2 Parameters may vary - please check with your operator's support.
Using apps to force VoWiFi
If the standard tools do not work, install:
- 📱 WiFi Calling Enabler (requires root rights).
- 📡 4G LTE Switch (to force VoLTE + VoWiFi to turn on).
Applications modify system files, so:
⚠️ Attention: Before using such utilities, please backup your data using Settings → Advanced → BackupIncorrect changes may result in loss of network.
7. Frequently asked questions about VoWiFi on Xiaomi
❓ Can I use VoWiFi without a SIM card?
No, VoWiFi is tied to your SIM card and carrier plan. Without an active SIM card, the feature is unavailable, even if your phone is connected to Wi-Fi. An alternative is messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram), but they do not support calls to emergency numbers (112, 102, etc.).
❓ Why does VoWiFi only work with one SIM card?
This is a limitation of the hardware platform. XiaomiVoWiFi uses one IMS profile, which is tied to Slot 1If you need this feature on your second SIM card, change its location from the primary one in the settings.
❓ Is it possible to make calls via VoWiFi while roaming?
Yes, but:
- 🌍 The operator must support international VoWiFi (check with support).
- 💰 Additional tariffs are possible (for example, MTS charges +10 ₽/min for calls via VoWiFi while roaming).
- 📡 You need to connect to local Wi-Fi networks (in hotels, airports).
❓ How can I check if a call is made via Wi-Fi?
There are three ways:
- Look at the icon in the status bar:
📞Wi-Fior an inscriptionVoWiFi. - During a call, swipe down on the notification panel to see the network you're using.
- Turn off mobile data and cellular network (airplane mode with Wi-Fi enabled). If the call goes through, it's VoWiFi.
❓ Does VoWiFi affect internet speed?
Yes, but not significantly. A call via VoWiFi takes up to 100 kbps traffic (both ways). This will not affect:
- 📥 Downloading files.
- 🎮 Online games (if ping < 50 ms).
- 📺 Streaming video (YouTube, Netflix).
However, at Wi-Fi speeds < 2 Mbps, voice delays or connection breaks.