Modern smartphones of the line Xiaomi Redmi Note have powerful functionality that can significantly improve the quality of voice communications in areas with unstable cellular network reception. Technology Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) has become the standard for convenient communication, allowing you to make and receive calls in areas where regular cellular networks don't reach. This is especially relevant for Xiaomi device owners, as MIUI and HyperOS have their own settings menu quirks that aren't always obvious at first glance.
Activating this feature requires not only proper phone configuration but also support from your mobile carrier. The activation process may vary depending on the device model, Android operating system version, and even the SIM card installed. In this article, we'll detail all the steps required to activate the feature, as well as address common errors users encounter when attempting to activate it.
Before making any changes to the system, make sure your device is connected to a stable wireless network. It's important to understand that VoWiFi It's not just a phone app, but a deep integration of telephony into the operating system's network stack. Therefore, proper operation depends on many factors, including the carrier's firmware and the current state of your device's system software.
Checking service support by your telecom operator
The first and most important step is to ensure that your mobile provider supports VoWiFi technology in your region. Even if your phone is technically sound, you won't be able to activate the service without activating it with your carrier. The "Big Four" carriers have already implemented this feature, but it may not be available on older plans or while roaming.
You often need to send a special USSD code or activate the option in your personal account. Some operators require a positive account balance and a SIM card issued within a certain year. If you have an older plastic card, you may need to replace it with a new one that supports modern security protocols.
⚠️ Please note: Service terms are subject to change. Before setting up, be sure to check the current requirements and activation codes in your operator's official app or on their website.
After confirming support from your provider, you need to ensure that data is enabled on your SIM card, even if you plan to make calls over Wi-Fi. This is necessary for proper authorization in the carrier's IMS network. Without a working mobile data connection (even in the background), your phone may not be able to see the voice routing servers.
Basic setup of the Xiaomi Redmi Note phone
Once the service is activated on the operator's side, we proceed to the settings of the smartphone itself. Xiaomi Redmi NoteThe MIUI interface hides some important switches, so it's important to navigate through each menu item one by one. First, make sure Airplane Mode is enabled on your phone, then enable Wi-Fi only—this will help the system prioritize communication channels.
Next, you should check for system updates. Function Wi-Fi Calling This feature was often added in later firmware versions or became more stable after security patches. Go to Settings, select "About phone," and tap the MIUI version to check for updates.
- 📱 Make sure the region in your phone settings is set to your country of residence (for example, Russia or Kazakhstan), as the feature may be hidden by software in some regions.
- 📶 Check that the "Use mobile data" option is enabled in the SIM card settings for the SIM card you plan to use for VoWiFi.
- 🔄 Restart your device after installing any system updates before trying to turn it on again.
It is important to note that in some versions of the shell HyperOS The menu may look different on newer MIUI versions. If you don't find the item you need right away, try searching through the settings. Enter "Wi-Fi" or "Calls" in the search bar, and the system will automatically suggest the relevant sections.
Step-by-step instructions for enabling via the standard menu
The main way to activate the wireless calling feature on devices Xiaomi It's usually hidden in the SIM card management menu. The process is fairly simple, but it requires careful selection of the active card. Open the "Settings" app and find the "SIM cards and mobile networks" section.
In the list that opens, select the SIM card for which you want to activate VoWiFi. Specific call routing settings are located on the card. If you have two SIM cards, you'll need to repeat the procedure for each one separately, if necessary.
☑️ Activation checklist
After selecting your SIM card, look for an option labeled "Wi-Fi Calling." The wording may vary slightly depending on your system's localization. Toggle the slider to "On." The system may ask for confirmation or prompt you to select a network priority.
If the switch is active but the handset icon with the Wi-Fi symbol doesn't appear in the status bar, try making a test call. Sometimes the indicator only lights up when registering with the IMS network. Also, check if you have background data restrictions for system services.
Activation via the engineering menu (for advanced users)
In cases where the standard switch is missing or inactive, users often resort to the engineering menu. This is a hidden section of the system designed for hardware testing, but it allows you to force support. VoWiFiBe careful: changing unknown parameters may result in unstable operation of your phone.
To enter the engineering menu, open the Phone app and dial the combination ##4636##If the code doesn't work, your firmware version may be blocking access to this menu and you will need additional utilities such as Activity Launcher from the Google Play store.
Menu path: Phone Information -> Set Preferred Network TypeIn the menu that opens, find the "Phone Information" section. Here, you need to find the "Set Preferred Network Type" drop-down list. Select the option that contains "IMS" or "LTE," for example, LTE/TD-SCDMA/WCDMA/GSMThe presence of an IMS prefix is critical for voice services over IP.
⚠️ Caution: Do not change values in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose. Incorrectly setting network modes may result in complete loss of connection or the need to reset the network settings.
After changing settings, your phone may automatically reboot or lose its network connection. This is normal. After turning it on, check the connection status. If the icon doesn't appear, try entering the engineering menu code again to ensure the settings have been saved.
Using the Activity Launcher app
If standard methods don't work, a utility will come to the rescue Activity LauncherThis app lets you access hidden Android activities that aren't accessible through the regular settings menu. It's safe because it doesn't require root access, but it does require some careful searching.
Download and install the app from the Google Play Store. Once launched, it will scan all installed apps and their hidden functions. Enter "Wifi" or "ImsService" in the search bar. You'll need to find an activity related to the "Settings" or "Phone" system app.
- 🔍 Find "Settings" -> "com.android.settings" in the list.
- 📞 Look for sub-items containing the words "WifiCalling" or "IMS".
- ⚙️ Once you launch the desired activity, you will be taken to a hidden menu where you can force-enable the function.
Sometimes the desired option is simply called "IMS Service Settings." Once there, you may see a "Provisioned" switch that needs to be enabled. After that, return to the regular SIM card settings—the standard toggle switch for enabling calls should appear there.
What should I do if Activity Launcher doesn't find the activity I need?
If the search doesn't yield any results, try updating the app or searching for "CarrierConfig." You can also try searching for activity within the Phone app (com.android.dialer) rather than system settings.
Table: Comparison of activation methods
To help you choose the right solution, we've prepared a comparison chart of methods. Each has its own advantages and risks, which should be considered before beginning any treatment.
| Method | Complexity | Risks | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard menu | Low | None | High (if supported) |
| Engineering menu | Average | Averages (setting error) | High |
| Activity Launcher | High | Low | Average (depending on firmware) |
| Change of region | Low | Low | Average (doesn't always help) |
As the table shows, the safest way is to use the system's built-in tools. However, if your carrier hasn't officially certified your device, you'll have to resort to more complex methods. In any case, always back up important data before making system changes.
Solving typical problems and errors
Even if all instructions are followed, users may encounter situations where the feature does not work. Often, the problem lies in a software conflict or specific power saving settings specific to the device. XiaomiAggressive battery optimization can "kill" the background process responsible for registering with the IMS network.
Check the battery settings for the Phone app and the IMS service. Set the mode to "Unlimited" to prevent the system from disabling them in the background. Also, make sure the date and time on your device are set correctly and synced over the network, as security certificates are sensitive to desynchronization.
Another common issue is VPN usage. If you have a VPN enabled, it can block access to your carrier's local gateways or change your IP address to a foreign one, making it impossible to log in to VoWiFi. Disable your VPN while setting up and testing your connection quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do Wi-Fi calls affect my billing?
Typically, such calls are charged as regular outgoing calls within your home region, even if you're roaming (depending on your carrier's terms). Internet traffic is typically used either minimally or not at all, as the carrier's secure channel is used.
Why isn't the Wi-Fi handset icon constantly lit?
The indicator may only appear during an incoming or outgoing call. In some versions of MIUI, the icon only appears when the mobile network is completely unavailable. This is normal system behavior to conserve battery life and reduce visual noise.
Is it possible to make calls via Wi-Fi if the SIM card is blocked?
No, for VoWiFi to work, the SIM card must be active and at least minimally registered with the operator's network. A completely blocked SIM card or a lack of cellular signal (even if Wi-Fi is working) may prevent authorization in IMS.
Does this feature work on custom firmware?
On custom ROMs (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.), VoWiFi often malfunctions due to the lack of proprietary files and carrier certificates found in stock MIUI. For stable operation, it is recommended to use the official global or Chinese ROM.