Wi-Fi Calling on the Samsung Galaxy A6: How to Enable and Set Up VoWiFi

Wi-Fi Calling (VoWiFi) on Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018 model, SM-A600FN) allow you to make and receive calls even with a weak mobile network signal—a stable wireless connection is sufficient. This feature is especially useful in buildings with thick walls, basements, or country houses where carrier coverage leaves much to be desired. However, not all users know that VoWiFi requires separate activation both in the phone settings and with the mobile operator.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions with interface illustrations Samsung Experience 9.0 (based on Android 8.0 Oreo), relevant for firmware versions up to Android 10We'll also cover common errors (such as missing menu items or a "Service Unavailable" message), carrier compatibility checks, and alternative ways to improve your connection. If your Galaxy A6 does not officially support VoWiFi, there are workarounds at the end of the article.

Checking the Samsung Galaxy A6's Compatibility with VoWiFi

Before you enable Wi-Fi calling, make sure your phone and carrier support this feature. Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018) There are two key conditions:

• 📱 Hardware support: Model SM-A600FN (global version) officially supports VoWiFi on firmware Android 8.0–10Check the software version in Settings → About device → Android version.
• 📡 Operator support: VoWiFi is actively offered in Russia MTS, Beeline, Megaphone And Tele2, but only for certain tariffs. For example, MTS The function is available on the "Tarifische", "Ultra" and corporate lines tariffs.
• 🔄 Updates: If there is no "Wi-Fi Calling" option in the menu, update the firmware via Settings → Software UpdateThe latest official version for A6 is Android 10 with the 2021 security patch.

How to check operator support? Send a USSD request:

• MTS: *111*55# → select “Services” → “Wi-Fi Calling”.
• Beeline: *110*180# → “Wi-Fi Calling” item.
• Megaphone: *105*499# → “Services” → “VoWiFi”.
• Tele2: *155*1# → “Settings” → “Wi-Fi Calling”.

⚠️ Attention: If your carrier doesn't support VoWiFi for your plan, you won't be able to enable the feature in your phone's settings—the menu item will be inactive or missing.

Step-by-step instructions: how to enable VoWiFi on the Samsung A6

If the compatibility check is successful, follow these instructions. Important: The phone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network and the SIM card must be active (not in flight or battery saving mode).

1. Open the app "Telephone" (tube icon) and click on the three dots in the upper right corner Select Settings.

2. Scroll down to the section Wi-Fi calling (on some firmware versions - Wi-Fi Calling). If the item is not there, update the software or check for operator support.

3. Activate the switch Wi-Fi callingA confirmation request will appear - click Turn on.

4. Enter emergency call address (E911), if required (relevant for the USA/Europe; in Russia it is usually not requested).

5. Wait for activation (may take up to 2 minutes). An icon will appear in the status bar. «Wi-Fi Calling» (tube with waves).

Alternative route: Through Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Wi-Fi callingIf the menu is different, your firmware is modified (for example, custom or carrier-provided).

Setting network priority for VoWiFi

By default Samsung Galaxy A6 Tries to use the mobile network for calls, even if VoWiFi is enabled. To force Wi-Fi, change the priority:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Wi-Fi calling.

2. Click on Preferred network for calls (or Wi-Fi Preferred).

3. Select Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi is preferred (depending on the firmware).

After this, the phone will attempt to make all calls over Wi-Fi, switching to the mobile network only when there is no wireless connection.

⚠️ Attention: In "Wi-Fi Preferred" mode, there may be delays when switching between networks. If you frequently move between coverage areas, leave the setting on "Auto" (or "Mobile Network Preferred").

Troubleshooting: VoWiFi not working on Samsung A6

If Wi-Fi calling does not work after activation, please check the following:

• 🔌 Wi-Fi connection: Make sure your phone is connected to a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz network (some carriers block VoWiFi on guest/public networks).
• 📶 Operator signal: VoWiFi requires a minimum mobile network (at least 1 signal level). Without it, calls will not go through.
• 🔄 Reboot: After enabling VoWiFi, restart your phone—sometimes the communication module resets incorrectly.
• 📦 APN settings: Delete and recreate the access point name (APN) for your carrier in Settings → Mobile networks → Access point names (APN).

Typical errors and how to fix them:

• "Service unavailable": Contact your operator - the service may not be connected to your number. For example, MegaFon You need to send an SMS with text WIFI ON to the number 5049.
• The VoWiFi icon flashes and disappears: There's a problem with your IP address. Please reconnect to Wi-Fi or change your DNS. 8.8.8.8 (Google) in the router settings.
• No sound when calling: Check if a call blocking app (such as Truecaller). Disable it temporarily.

What if my operator doesn't support VoWiFi?

If your carrier doesn't provide official VoWiFi support, you can use workarounds:

1. VoIP applications: Install Google Voice, Skype or Zoiper and set up call forwarding to a SIP number.

2. Dual SIM adapters: Insert the SIM card of the operator with VoWiFi (for example, MTS) in the second slot (if there is one).

3. Firmware from another region: Some custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) support VoWiFi regardless of operator, but this requires unlocking the bootloader and risks the warranty.

How to improve Wi-Fi call quality

Even if VoWiFi works, connection quality can suffer due to network congestion or incorrect settings. Here's how to optimize your connection:

• 📶 Select the correct Wi-Fi frequency: The network is better suited for VoWiFi 5 GHz (less interference), but if the signal is weak, switch to 2.4 GHz.
• 🔗 Disable traffic saving: IN Settings → Device Care → Battery → Data Saver Add the Phone app to exceptions.
• 🔊 Set up the codec: In the engineering menu (*#0011#) select Wi-Fi Calling → Audio Codec and install EVS (best quality) or AMR-WB (more stable).
• 📡 Update your router: If your router is older than 5 years, its firmware may not support modern QoS standards for VoIP. Update your router's firmware via the web interface (192.168.1.1).

A critical setting for VoWiFi stability: enable the "WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia)" setting in your router under "QoS" or "Wireless Mode." Without it, voice packets may be lost, causing connection interruptions.

VoWiFi Alternatives for the Samsung Galaxy A6

If your carrier doesn't support VoWiFi or the feature is unstable, consider alternative internet calling methods:

• 📞 Google VoiceFree Wi-Fi calls to US/Canada numbers and low-cost international calls. Requires registration and a US virtual number.
• 💬 WhatsApp/Telegram: Calls via messengers do not replace regular calls (there is no integration with the phone book), but they work even without a SIM card.
• 📡 SIP clients: Apps like Zoiper or Linphone allow you to make calls via a SIP account (for example, from Sipnet or Mango Telecom).
• 🔄 Call forwarding: Set up call forwarding to another number (for example, via Skype) V Settings → Additional settings → Call forwarding.

Comparison of alternatives:

Way	SIM card required	Integration with contacts	Price	Connection quality
VoWiFi (official)	Yes	Full	Included in the tariff	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Google Voice	No	Partial	Free (USA/CA)	⭐⭐⭐
WhatsApp/Telegram	No	Yes (only for contacts in Messenger)	For free	⭐⭐⭐
SIP clients	No	Manual input	From 50 ₽/month	⭐⭐⭐⭐

⚠️ Attention: When using SIP clients or call forwarding, calls may be charged as outgoing calls to another number (even if you're calling over Wi-Fi). Check with your operator for details.

Wi-Fi Calling Security: What You Need to Know

VoWiFi transmits voice traffic over the internet, which theoretically can be less secure than traditional mobile calls. Here are the key security points:

• 🔒 Encryption: Operators use the protocol SRTP (Secure Real-time Transport Protocol) for voice encryption. However, if the Wi-Fi network is unsecured (for example, a public hotspot), traffic can be intercepted.
• 🌍 Geolocation: When making VoWiFi calls, the operator can determine your location using the Wi-Fi network's IP address. This is important for emergency services (for example, when calling 911).
• 📵 Blocking: Some corporate networks or VPNs block VoIP. If calls aren't working in the office, try disabling your VPN.

How to secure VoWiFi calls:

1. Use only secure Wi-Fi networks (WPA2/WPA3). Avoid open hotspots.
2. Turn on VPN (For example, ProtonVPN or Windscribe) for additional traffic encryption.
3. Update your phone's firmware regularly—older versions may contain vulnerabilities in the VoWiFi module.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about VoWiFi on the Samsung Galaxy A6

My Samsung A6 doesn't see the "Wi-Fi Calling" option. What should I do?

The reasons may be as follows:

1. Outdated firmware. Update the software via Settings → Software Update.
2. Your carrier doesn't support VoWiFi for your plan. Check using USSD commands (see the section above).
3. Modified firmware. If the phone was purchased second-hand, it may have a custom firmware installed without VoWiFi.

If nothing helps, try resetting your network settings: Settings → General Management → Reset → Reset Network Settings.

Is it possible to make calls over Wi-Fi without a SIM card?

No, VoWiFi requires an active SIM card., even if the call is made over the internet. An alternative is to use instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) or SIP clients that work without a SIM card.

Why does the other person hear an echo when making a call over Wi-Fi?

Echo occurs due to:

• Poor sound synchronization (try switching the codec in the engineering menu to AMR-WB).
• Conflict with Bluetooth headset (turn it off during the call).
• Wi-Fi network overload (reconnect to another network or reboot the router).

Will VoWiFi work abroad?

Yes, but:

• The operator must support VoWiFi roaming (check with support).
• Calls may be charged as international if you call local numbers.
• In some countries (for example, China, UAE) VoWiFi is blocked at the operator level.

How to disable VoWiFi on Samsung A6?

Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Wi-Fi calling and deactivate the switch. You can also disable the function through the engineering menu: type ##4636##, select Phone information → Wi-Fi Calling → Disable.