Modern smartphones Huawei Offer a variety of features that significantly improve connection quality, especially in areas with poor cellular coverage. One of the most useful technologies is VoWiFi, which allows you to make and receive voice calls over a wireless network. This solution is ideal for rooms with thick walls, basements, or office buildings where base station signals are difficult to penetrate.
Activating this feature on Chinese devices has its own peculiarities, as the EMUI or HarmonyOS interface may differ from standard Android. You'll need to not only configure the device correctly but also ensure that your carrier supports this service. In this guide, we'll cover in detail all the steps required for seamless voice communication over the internet.
The benefits of using Wi-Fi Calling are obvious: data savings (usually unused or included in a minute package), no need to look for a spot with the best signal near a window, and high-quality audio. However, before setting it up, it's important to know that not all models support this feature out of the box without a firmware update, and not all providers have it enabled by default.
Technical requirements and device compatibility
Before accessing the settings menu, you need to ensure that your equipment is technically ready to work with VoWiFi technology. This primarily applies to the smartphone itself: support must be built into the modem and software. This is typically true for models in the P30, P40, Mate 30, Mate 40 and newer versions released in the last few years.
Furthermore, the SIM card should be replaced with a new one if it's very old, although in most cases, carrier support is sufficient. The region for which the device was released is also important. Global versions often have a wider list of supported carriers than Chinese versions, where the list may be limited to local providers.
- 📱 Smartphone Huawei or Honor (before the separation of brands) with the current firmware version.
- 📡 VoWiFi service provider support in your region.
- 💳 An active SIM card with a tariff that allows voice calls.
- 🔐 Stable connection to an Internet access point.
It's worth noting that the software must be updated to the latest available version. Developers often add support for new networks and operators through security and system updates. Check for updates in the settings section to rule out software errors that are blocking the desired switch.
⚠️ Attention: If you are using a custom firmware or an unlocked bootloader (rooted), this feature may not work correctly or be completely unavailable for security reasons.
Checking service support with your operator
Even if your phone is perfectly compatible with VoWiFi, you won't be able to activate the feature without approval from your telecom provider. Telecom providers must authorize voice traffic through their gateways for specific subscribers. In Russia and the CIS, major market players have already implemented this technology, but conditions may vary.
This service is often free, but it depends on your plan. In some cases, you may need to activate an additional service or change your plan settings. You can find out more information in your personal account, the operator's mobile app, or by contacting technical support.
| Operator | Support status | Need for connection | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | Supported | Automatically | Profile update required |
| Megaphone | Supported | Upon request | Works on most tariffs |
| Beeline | Supported | Automatically | Depends on the region |
| Tele2 | It is being implemented | Personal account verification | Available in major cities |
Service terms and conditions may change, so always check your operator's official app for up-to-date information. Personal account interfaces are updated, and VoWiFi availability may be displayed in the "Services" or "Communication Settings" section.
What if my operator doesn't support VoWiFi?
If your current provider doesn't offer the service, you can use third-party calling apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Viber, but these won't be a full-fledged replacement for your native phone book.
Basic activation via the engineering menu
The most common way to enable the feature is to use the standard engineering menu, accessible via the dialing code. This method works on most devices. Huawei With the EMUI shell. You don't need any additional apps; the built-in dialer is sufficient.
Open the Phone app and enter the special code. A hidden network settings menu should appear on the screen. If nothing happens after entering the code or an error message appears, access to this menu is blocked by your carrier or manufacturer in your region.
##2846579##After entering the code, a list of options will open. You need to find the section related to network settings. The path may have different names, for example, Network Settings or Network settingsInside, look for the item responsible for VoWiFi or WiFi Calling.
- 🔍 Find the item
VoWiFi Switchor similar. - ✅ Switch the toggle switch to the position Enable (Turn on).
- 🔄 Reboot your device to apply the changes.
After rebooting, a corresponding icon should appear in the status bar; it's usually a phone handset with a Wi-Fi symbol next to it. If the icon appears but is grayed out, it means the phone can see the network but can't register with the carrier.
Setting up via hidden EMUI menus
In some firmware versions, access to the VoWiFi switch is hidden deeper or requires activation through the debug menu. This is typical for devices that formally support carriers, but the interface isn't user-friendly. The developer menu can help here.
To enter debug mode, tap the build number in the "About phone" section several times. After doing so, a new "Developer options" section will appear in the main settings. Within this section, look for options related to voice calls.
Find the parameter which may be called Show VoWiFi icon or Force VoWiFiEnabling this setting forces the system to display the icon and prioritize Wi-Fi for calls. Be careful: changing settings in the developer menu may affect the stability of other network modules.
⚠️ Attention: Don't change any other settings in the developer menu unless you know exactly what they do. Doing so may result in connection loss or improper Bluetooth and GPS functionality.
If standard methods don't help, you can use the Activity Launcher app to find hidden system activities. Find a process related to telephony and try launching the hidden VoWiFi settings screen. This is a more complex method that requires careful attention.
☑️ Check developer settings
Troubleshooting icon display issues
A common situation: the feature is enabled in the menu, but the icon in the status bar doesn't appear, or is grayed out. This may indicate that the phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network but doesn't have internet access, or that the carrier is blocking registration. Check if web pages are open in the browser while Wi-Fi is enabled.
The problem could also lie in the access point's settings. Some routers have security or traffic filtering features that block ports required for SIP protocols used for calls. Try switching to a different network, such as sharing internet from another smartphone, to rule out a router issue.
Another factor is the power saving mode. Aggressive battery optimization on Huawei may disable background network services. Go to Battery settings and add the Phone app and system services to the exceptions list or allow them to run in the background.
- 🔋 Turn off the "Ultra-saving" mode.
- 🛡️ Check your router's firewall settings.
- 📶 Make sure your Wi-Fi signal is stable and strong.
- 🔄 Reset network settings to factory settings.
If all else fails, reset your network settings. This will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but it often resolves issues with logging into carrier networks. Here's how to reset: Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does making calls over Wi-Fi use up mobile data?
Typically, no data usage is consumed, as the call goes through the operator's channels, simply using Wi-Fi as a backhaul. However, if the Wi-Fi connection is interrupted, the phone may switch to the mobile network (if seamless handover is enabled), and then minutes or data usage will be consumed.
Is it possible to make calls via Wi-Fi if the SIM card is not active?
No, for VoWiFi to work, the SIM card must be active and at least minimally registered with the operator's network. The technology is designed to improve connection quality, not to replace the SIM card.
Why does the Wi-Fi Calling icon disappear during a call?
This could be due to an unstable connection or the phone entering power-saving mode. Also, check if airplane mode or other background activity restrictions are enabled.
Does this feature work while roaming?
Yes, in many cases this allows you to save on roaming charges, as the call is considered to originate from your home network. However, please check your carrier's rates, as rules may vary.
Does enabling VoWiFi affect internet speed?
Voice traffic takes up minimal bandwidth, so you won't notice a noticeable drop in internet speed. Voice packets are prioritized to ensure connection quality.