Modern smartphones Xiaomi have powerful functionality that is often hidden deep within system settings. One of the most useful, but not always obvious, features is VoWiFi, or Wi-Fi calling. This technology allows you to make voice calls and send text messages using an internet connection, making it a lifesaver in areas with poor cellular coverage.
Device owners Redmi And POCO People often wonder how to activate this option, as the standard menu path may be hidden or changed by their service provider. In this article, we'll cover all the details of the setup, potential issues with menu item display, and how to resolve them without using complex software.
Before you begin any technical manipulations, it's important to make sure your tariff plan and SIM card support this service. Most major carriers support VoWiFi by default, but the service must be activated on the provider's side. If the basic conditions are met, you can proceed to setting up the device itself.
Compatibility check and preparation
The first step before enabling the feature is to verify that your device and carrier support the technology. Not all models Xiaomi, especially those released a few years ago, have hardware support for VoWiFi, although in modern lines it has become a de facto standard.
You should check with your mobile operator to see if they offer Wi-Fi calling in your area. This often requires updating your SIM card profile or enabling a special option in your subscriber account.
⚠️ Attention: The MIUI or HyperOS interface may differ depending on the Android version and firmware region (Global, CN, EEA). The absence of a menu item does not always mean the feature is unusable.
Also, make sure your smartphone has the latest system software. Developers often add support for new communication protocols with security updates or major system updates.
To check the current software version, go to Settings → About phone and click on the system version. If updates are available, the system will prompt you to download and install them.
Standard activation via phone settings
The easiest way to enable this feature is available to users whose carriers have already integrated the settings into their device's default profile. In this case, activation takes just a few seconds and requires no additional actions.
Open the main settings menu of your smartphone XiaomiFind the section responsible for wireless networks. The path may be called "SIM cards and mobile networks" or simply "Mobile network," depending on the interface's localization.
Select the SIM card for which you want to enable Wi-Fi calling if your device has two modules. Next, find the "Wi-Fi Calling" or "Wi-Fi Calling" switch and toggle it to the on position.
- 📱 Make sure the Wi-Fi module is turned on and connected to the network.
- 🔌 Check that the SIM card is active and has a cellular network signal for registration.
- 🔄 After enabling, you may need to reboot your device for the changes to take effect.
If you see the corresponding icon in the status bar after enabling it (usually a phone handset with a Wi-Fi symbol), the feature is working correctly. Now, incoming and outgoing calls will be made over the wireless network even if the cell tower signal is weak.
What to do if a menu item is missing
The situation when there is simply no switch for VoWiFi in the settings menu is the most common among users XiaomiThis happens when the carrier has not added their profile to the phone's database, and the system "does not know" that this function can be enabled.
There's a proven method to solve this problem that doesn't require root access. You'll need an app that allows you to change hidden system settings, such as Activity Launcher or specialized snails for activating VoWiFi.
Download the required application from the official store Google PlayAfter installation, launch it and wait for the list of all system activities available on the device to load.
In the app search, enter a keyword related to network settings. Typically, this will be "IMS," "VoWiFi," or "Sim Toolkit." Find the item related to your SIM card that contains the word "Settings."
⚠️ Attention: Be careful when changing hidden settings. Don't change values of parameters whose purpose you don't know, to avoid disrupting your mobile connection.
After opening the hidden SIM card settings menu, find the "Enable VoWiFi" option or something similar. Enable it, and the standard toggle should appear in the phone's main settings menu.
Alternative method via the engineering menu
In some cases, settings can be accessed through the engineering menu by entering a special code into the dialer. However, this method does not work on all processors (MediaTek/Qualcomm) and may be blocked by the manufacturer.
Setting up via the engineering menu and codes
For more advanced users, there's the option to access the modem's advanced settings via the engineering menu. This method allows you to force VoWiFi support at the firmware level if the software switch doesn't work.
To enter the menu, you need to enter a special code in the Phone app. The most common code for devices based on MediaTek — ##3646633##For processors Qualcomm Codes may vary and often require special software.
After entering the menu, go to the tab Telephony or Network SelectingHere you need to find the parameter responsible for IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) and make sure it is active.
Telephony -> VoLTE/VoWiFi -> Enable VoWiFiChange the value to Enable or 1After this, be sure to reboot your device. If the code doesn't work or the menu is empty, access to engineering settings is blocked by your carrier or manufacturer.
It's worth noting that this method isn't universal. On newer versions of Android, access to the engineering menu is often blocked for security reasons, and using third-party apps to open it may require connecting to a PC.
Peculiarities of work with different operators
The implementation of VoWiFi technology depends heavily on the mobile operator's policies. Some providers require mandatory device registration in their database, while others provide the service automatically to all compatible smartphones.
For example, some operators require the icon to be displayed in the status bar for the function to work. VoLTEIf voice calls over 4G don't work, then Wi-Fi Calling won't work either.
Below is a table with approximate requirements of popular operators (data subject to change):
| Operator | Service activation required | Support on Xiaomi | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operator A | Yes (via app) | Full | IMS profile required |
| Operator B | No (automatically) | Partial | Flagship models only |
| Operator B | Yes (call support) | Full | 4G required |
| Operator G | No | Full | Works by default |
We recommend visiting your carrier's official website or using their app to check your service connection status. You can also find a list of guaranteed compatible phone models there.
Diagnostics and troubleshooting
Even after successful activation, users may experience instability. Calls may be dropped, voices may be interrupted, or the connection may not be established at all.
The first thing to check is the quality of your internet connection. For comfortable Wi-Fi calls, you need a stable connection with a ping of no more than 100 ms and a download speed of at least 100 kbps.
Please try the following steps to diagnose:
- 📶 Put your phone in airplane mode for 10 seconds, then turn the network back on.
- 🔌 Forget the Wi-Fi network in the settings and reconnect to it using the password.
- 📱 Make sure your phone doesn't have power saving mode enabled, which may limit background network activity.
If the issue persists, try resetting your network settings. This will reset all mobile and Wi-Fi settings to factory defaults but will not delete your personal files.
Reset path: Settings → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and BluetoothAfter the reset, you will need to re-enter your wireless network passwords.
☑️ Diagnostic checklist
Impact of the function on battery charge and safety
It's a common misconception that constantly searching for a network and using VoWiFi significantly drains battery life. In reality, power consumption depends on the quality of the Wi-Fi signal.
If the signal is weak, the phone's modem operates at increased power, which does indeed lead to rapid battery drain. However, with a stable connection in a strong coverage area, power consumption is comparable to regular calls or even lower, since the phone doesn't need a powerful cellular signal booster.
Security issues are also important. Voice transmission protocols over Wi-Fi are encrypted by the operator, making conversations more difficult to intercept than over open, unencrypted Wi-Fi networks. However, using public hotspots without a password for sensitive conversations is not recommended.
⚠️ Attention: When calling over Wi-Fi, your location may be less accurate than using cell towers. This is important to consider when calling emergency services, if your carrier even supports this feature via VoWiFi.
For maximum security, use password-protected home networks or personal hotspots. Avoid transmitting sensitive information over open networks in cafes or airports, even if the connection appears secure.
Do I have to pay for Wi-Fi minutes?
Rates vary depending on your carrier. Most carriers count these minutes as standard incoming and outgoing calls within your minutes package, even if you're abroad (roaming). However, some may charge extra traffic unless a special option is enabled.
Does Wi-Fi Calling work if the phone is locked?
Emergency calls can usually be made even from the lock screen if the feature is enabled. For regular calls, you'll need to unlock your device so the system can authenticate to the IMS network.
Is it possible to use VoWiFi without a SIM card?
No, an active SIM card is required for the technology to work, as it is through this card that initial authentication in the operator's network and the establishment of a secure communication channel occurs.
Why does the Wi-Fi Calling icon appear and disappear?
This may indicate an unstable internet connection or the phone's switching between 4G and Wi-Fi networks. This behavior also occurs when the carrier temporarily loses connection to the IMS authorization server.