Modern life dictates its own conditions, and stable voice communication is becoming critical not only outdoors but also indoors. Many subscribers are familiar with the situation when, in the center of a metropolis or, conversely, in a country house, the cellular signal drops to a minimum or disappears completely. In such cases, technology comes to the rescue. Wi-Fi Calling, allowing you to make calls and send text messages over an internet connection. For MTS customers, this means the ability to stay connected even in areas where conventional base stations can't handle the load or are physically remote.
Activating this feature doesn't require complex equipment or special plans, but the setup process may vary depending on your smartphone model. Many users mistakenly believe that simply connecting to their home network is enough, but for VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) to work correctly, you need to configure a number of settings on your device and ensure that your carrier supports the service. MTS is actively implementing this technology to improve coverage in hard-to-reach areas such as basements, thick-walled office buildings, and remote holiday villages.
In this article, we'll cover every activation step in detail, from checking your device's compatibility to fine-tuning your network settings. You'll learn how to avoid hidden roaming charges and what to do if the call icon doesn't appear after all these steps. Proper setup will help you forget about interrupted calls and constantly searching for a better signal.
What is VoWiFi technology and how does it work?
Technology VoWiFi Voice over Wi-Fi (Voice over Wi-Fi) is a solution that enables voice calls and text messages over IP, using a Wi-Fi network instead of a cellular operator's radio channel. For the user, this process is completely transparent: you dial the number as usual, and the other person sees your real phone number. The main difference is the routing of traffic, which goes through the internet channel rather than through the nearest GSM or LTE base station.
The main advantage is that connection quality depends directly on the speed and stability of your internet connection, not on the load on the cell tower. If you have a fast router at home, the sound will be crystal clear, even if the network outside is jammed. Operator MTS uses secure communication channels to transmit such data, so conversations remain confidential and are not susceptible to eavesdropping by third parties on the same network.
It's important to understand that for this feature to work, your smartphone must support your carrier profile and have the appropriate software. Not all devices, even modern ones, have built-in VoWiFi support for all carriers worldwide. In Russia, the situation has improved, and most flagship models iPhone, Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands have already received the necessary firmware updates.
⚠️ Please note: This technology only works with an active internet connection. If the router disconnects from the global network, calls will be interrupted, even if the Wi-Fi router itself remains active locally.
When switching between networks, modern smartphones can seamlessly transfer calls. For example, you start a call at home on Wi-Fi, go outside, and the phone automatically switches to an LTE cellular network without losing the connection. However, this requires support for the feature. VoLTE and the corresponding settings in the device menu.
Checking device and tariff compatibility
Before you begin setting up, you need to ensure your equipment and SIM card are ready to work with the new communication standards. The first step is to check your smartphone model. The list of supported devices is constantly growing, but the basic requirements remain the same: Wi-Fi, 4G/LTE support, and the latest operating system.
The second important aspect is your SIM card type. Older Mini-SIM cards or early Micro-SIM cards may not contain the necessary profiles for VoWiFi authentication. If your SIM card has been in use for several years, it makes sense to replace it with a new one at a mobile store or through your carrier's app. This is a free procedure that often resolves many technical issues.
It's also worth checking whether the service is blocked at the tariff plan level. Although MTS By default, Wi-Fi Calling is available for most subscribers. Some legacy plans or corporate plans may have limitations. You can check this through your personal account or via USSD commands.
To quickly check the status of services, you can use the universal code. Enter the command *111*59# Or use the mobile app. If the service is disabled by your operator, the system will prompt you to activate it. The table below lists the basic device requirements.
| Parameter | Requirement | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| operating system | iOS 13+ / Android 9+ | Settings → About phone |
| SIM card type | Nano-SIM (USIM) | Visual inspection / Interior |
| Phone model | Supported | MTS official website |
| Service status | Active | Personal account / USSD |
Activation of the service on the operator's side
Even if your phone meets the specifications perfectly, the service must be enabled on your carrier's network. Users often try to find the toggle in their phone settings, unaware that the feature is blocked at the subscriber profile level. Activation takes just a couple of minutes and doesn't require a visit to a network office.
The fastest way is to use a USSD request. Dial *111*1963# and press the call button. You will receive a confirmation SMS with your activation. Alternatively, use the My MTS mobile app. In the "Services" section, find the "Calls" category or search for "Wi-Fi."
If you have a corporate phone service, your activation rights may be restricted by your administrator. In this case, you'll need to contact your carrier's support team or your company's IT department. For individuals who own a number, there are generally no restrictions.
Do I need internet for activation?
Internet access is not required to activate the service via USSD; a cellular network is sufficient. However, to test the feature and make subsequent calls, a Wi-Fi connection with global access is required.
After successful activation, you'll receive a notification. Now you can proceed to setting up your smartphone. Keep in mind that network changes may take several minutes to take effect, so it's recommended to reboot your device before the next step.
Setting up Wi-Fi Calling on Android
The Android interface can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer (shell MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS and others), but the logic remains the same. First, you need to ensure your device has the latest firmware version. Manufacturers frequently release updates that add support for new carriers.
Go to the Settings menu and find the section related to connections. It may be called "Connections," "Network & Internet," or "Mobile Network." Within this section, look for "Wi-Fi Calling." If you don't see this option in the main menu, try tapping the name of your SIM card (if you have two) or going to the "More" menu.
In some models Samsung or Xiaomi The switch may be hidden. If you can't find it, try searching for "Wi-Fi" or "Calling" in the settings. Also, make sure the function is enabled. VoLTE, as these technologies often work in conjunction.
☑️ Android Setup Checklist
After turning on the switch, a special icon should appear in the status bar (usually next to the signal strength)—a handset with a Wi-Fi symbol or the words "MTS Wi-Fi." This indicates that the phone is ready to make internet calls. If the icon doesn't appear, try toggling Airplane Mode on and off.
⚠️ Note: On some smartphones with two SIM cards, the function must be activated separately for each SIM card if both are supported by the operator.
Instructions for iPhone (iOS) users
For smartphone owners Apple We're lucky with the unified interface. The setup process on the iPhone is as standardized as possible and doesn't depend on the device model, whether it's iPhone 8 or the newest iPhone 15The main requirement is iOS version 13 or higher, although current versions of the system are more stable.
To activate, open "Settings" and go to "Cellular." Select your MTS SIM card if you have more than one. Find "Wi-Fi Calling" in the list of options. Toggle the switch to "On." The system may ask you to confirm your emergency address (E911); this is standard procedure.
You can also set up the "On Other Devices" setting, which allows you to receive calls on your iPad or Mac if they're connected to the same Wi-Fi network and use the same Apple ID. This is convenient for those within the Apple ecosystem.
Once enabled, the text "MTS Wi-Fi" will appear in the upper left corner of the screen (or in the notification area) next to the operator's name. This means all calls will now be made over the internet. If the text disappears, it means the phone has moved into a strong cellular coverage area or has lost the connection to the router.
Diagnosing problems and possible errors
Despite the ease of setup, users may encounter difficulties. The most common issue is that the Wi-Fi Calling icon is present, but calls don't connect or are dropped. This often indicates low internet speed or high ping. Voice calls require a stable connection, not necessarily high download speeds.
Another common error is network conflicts. If the phone "switches" between a weak cellular signal and unstable Wi-Fi, disconnects can occur. In the phone settings (the section where the feature was enabled), there's often a priority option: "Prefer mobile network" or "Prefer Wi-Fi." For a home network, it's best to prioritize Wi-Fi.
Problems can also arise when using public Wi-Fi networks in cafes or airports. These networks often require browser authentication (Captive Portal), which blocks VoWiFi. In this case, the phone will not be able to register with the operator's network.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| There is no MTS Wi-Fi icon | The service is not activated | Check status via USSD *111*1963# |
| Calls are being dropped | Weak router signal | Move closer to the router or change the channel |
| There is no sound in the conversation | Port blocking | Check your router settings (NAT) |
| The phone doesn't see the network | Outdated software | Update iOS or Android |
⚠️ Important: If you are using a personal router, make sure that strict packet filtering or SIP protocol blocking is not enabled in its settings, although this is rarely required for standard Wi-Fi Calling.
Tariffs and roaming: important nuances
One of the main questions: how much does it cost? Calls and SMS messages via Wi-Fi Calling are charged the same as regular mobile calls, according to your plan. Minutes are charged from your plan's bundles. Once the minutes run out, standard per-minute rates apply.
International roaming is especially important. While abroad, you can connect to hotel Wi-Fi and call Russian numbers at the rates of your home region, just as if you were in Russia. This allows you to avoid incoming and outgoing roaming charges. However, special rules may apply for outgoing calls to numbers in your host country.
It's best to check the exact conditions before your trip, as roaming rules may change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will my Wi-Fi calls be free if I have an unlimited plan?
Yes, if you have an unlimited calling plan within Russia, Wi-Fi calls are also unlimited. They use up minutes from your main plan, which is unlimited in this case.
Can I use Wi-Fi Calling if my SIM card is blocked?
No. To register for the VoWiFi network, your SIM card must be active. If your balance is negative and outgoing calls are blocked, you won't be able to make calls over Wi-Fi, although incoming calls may be able to proceed depending on the blocking conditions.
Does Wi-Fi Calling affect mobile data usage?
No, voice traffic is transmitted over Wi-Fi and doesn't consume your mobile network's data allowance. However, connecting to Wi-Fi is not charged by your mobile operator.
What should I do if a setting is missing after updating iOS?
Try resetting your network settings (Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings). This won't delete your data, but it will return your network settings to factory defaults, which often helps restore your carrier profile.
Does this feature work if the router distributes Internet via a 4G modem?
Yes, it works. It doesn't matter to your phone how the router receives internet (fiber optic, DSL, or 4G modem). The main thing is that the connection is stable and allows for a secure tunnel to be established with the operator's servers.