How to make free Wi-Fi calls on Tele2: A complete guide

Modern mobile communications are rapidly evolving, and today, the ability to make voice calls over an internet connection is commonplace. For Tele2 subscribers, this feature, known as VoWiFi, is a real lifesaver in areas with an unstable cellular signal but an accessible Wi-Fi router. This technology not only improves connection quality but also saves money, especially if you're roaming or using unlimited data plans.

Many users mistakenly believe that calls via instant messengers and calls via the native phone book are the same thing. However, VoWiFi Voice over Wi-Fi (Voice over Wi-Fi) operates at the operator level, ensuring a transparent connection for the other party and allowing the use of a regular phone number. In this article, we'll cover in detail how to activate this service, the conditions required, and how to avoid unnecessary charges.

Implementation of technology IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) enabled operators, including Tele2, to transmit voice traffic over any IP network. This means your smartphone becomes a fully-fledged VoIP station, but without the need to install additional apps. The sound quality often surpasses standard standards, thanks to the use of a wideband codec. HD Voice.

What is VoWiFi and how does it work in practice?

Voice over Wi-Fi technology is an extension of the LTE network, allowing voice calls to be made over Wi-Fi hotspots. For Tele2 subscribers, this appears like a regular call, but instead of the 3G or 4G icon, a Wi-Fi indicator with a phone handset appears at the top of the smartphone screen. SIP protocol, used to establish a connection, guarantees conversation encryption and high stability.

The main advantage is that the connection is not interrupted when moving from the Wi-Fi coverage area to the coverage area of ​​a cell tower, if your smartphone and the operator's network support the function. SRVCC (Single Radio Voice Call Continuity). This is especially relevant for large office buildings, shopping centers, or country houses with thick walls, where cellular signal is often lost.

⚠️ Please note: Call quality directly depends on the speed and stability of your internet connection. If your Wi-Fi network is overloaded with other devices or has low bandwidth, your voice may be interrupted.

It's important to understand that for VoWiFi to work, your phone must be registered with the operator's network via the internet. Tele2 uses secure gateways to route traffic, so using public Wi-Fi networks with browser-based authentication (captive portal) may cause difficulties connecting to the service.

Tariffs and conditions for free calls

Cost remains a key issue for users. Tele2 offers Wi-Fi calling as part of its basic plan. This means that minutes spent on VoWiFi calls are deducted from your basic plan, just like regular GSM/LTE calls. If you have unlimited minutes, you can also use Wi-Fi calls without restrictions.

The situation changes dramatically when it comes to international roaming. This is where the technology's core economic rationale lies. While abroad, you can connect to local Wi-Fi at a hotel or café and call Russian numbers at the rates of your home region, ignoring international roaming rates. However, if you call a number in your host country, special rates may apply.

It's worth noting an important detail: internet traffic consumed during a call is usually not billed separately or is taken from the overall package if you're in your home region. However, when roaming, it's recommended to be extremely careful with background app updates.

Tele2 often offers special terms for corporate clients, where VoWiFi can be integrated into the company's unified communications system. In such cases tariffing can be carried out via internal communication channels, which significantly reduces business expenses on mobile communications.

Checking the compatibility of your smartphone and SIM card

Before attempting to set up calls, you need to ensure that your equipment supports this feature. Not all phone models, even modern ones, are licensed to work with VoWiFi on Russian carrier networks. Tele2 is constantly certifying new devices, but the list of supported models is subject to change.

First, your SIM card should be replaced with a 4G/LTE USIM card. Older SIM cards, issued more than 10 years ago, may not support the required security protocols. You can replace the card free of charge at a mobile phone store or by delivery, keeping your phone number.

The operating system version is also critical. Android smartphones often require not only the latest OS version but also the corresponding firmware from the local carrier. On iPhones, VoWiFi support arrived later in Russia than in other countries and requires the latest version of iOS.

Below is a table with examples of popular models and their support status (data may change with software updates):

⚠️ Note: Even if your phone model is on the supported list, the feature may not activate automatically. This often happens with devices purchased abroad (Chinese or American models), which do not have pre-installed Russian carrier profiles.

How to check the firmware version?

Go to Settings → About phone → Software version. Compare the build number with the latest version on the manufacturer's official website. A system update often resolves the missing VoWiFi icon issue.

Step-by-step instructions: setup on Android

Setting up VoWiFi on Android devices may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor, etc.). However, the general steps remain the same. First, ensure that HD calling or 4G calling is enabled in the system.

Go to your smartphone's settings menu. Find the section for connections or SIM cards. In modern versions of Android, the path often looks like this: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Select Tele2 cardHere you need to find the "Wi-Fi Calling" switch and activate it.

If there's no standard switch, try entering the engineering code in the Phone app. For many devices, the command ##4636##In the menu that opens, select "About phone" and find the option for VoWiFi provisioning, then enable it. Then, restart your device.

Once enabled, the corresponding icon should appear in the status bar. If it doesn't appear but the internet is working, try making a test call. Some models hide the icon until an actual connection is established.

How to activate VoWiFi on iPhone (iOS)

Apple smartphone owners are in luck: setup is extremely simplified and standardized. To activate this feature on an iPhone, the device must be updated to the latest available version of iOS. Tele2 automatically configures the necessary carrier settings as long as the internet is available.

Open Settings → CellularSelect your Tele2 SIM card if you have more than one. Find "Wi-Fi Calling" and toggle the switch to the on position. The system may request confirmation of your address for emergency services (E911), which is a standard protocol requirement.

It's important to note that the "Wi-Fi Assist" feature on iPhone (Cellular Data with Wi-Fi) can sometimes interfere with proper switching. If you notice calls dropping when your router signal is weak, try disabling this option in your main cellular settings.

Devices not purchased from official retailers in the Russian Federation may require a manual operator profile update. This can be done through the menu. Basics → About this device, where a notification will appear if there are updates available.

Troubleshooting and diagnostics

Despite the simplicity of the technology, users often encounter problems with Wi-Fi calling. One common cause is blocked ports on the router or ISP side. The IMS protocol requires certain UDP ports to be open for SIP traffic. If you're using a corporate network, your system administrator may have blocked these ports.

Another problem is a priority conflict. The smartphone may "cling" to a weak cellular signal, ignoring faster Wi-Fi. You can try setting the network priority in the phone settings. On Android, this is often hidden in the menu. Settings → Mobile networks → Preferred network type, where you should select "4G Only" temporarily for a test to force the phone to use Wi-Fi for voice.

If all else fails, reset your network settings. This won't delete your personal data, but it will return your network settings to factory defaults. The path is usually located in the System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth settings.

⚠️ Important: Before resetting your network settings, make sure you remember the passwords for your Wi-Fi networks, as you will need to re-enter them. You may also need to re-authorize some apps.

In rare cases, the problem lies with the operator itself. Technical work on IMS gateways can temporarily disable service for an entire region. You can check the network status in your Tele2 account or on the coverage map.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will minutes from my package be deducted if I make calls via Wi-Fi?

Yes, you'll be charged according to your base plan. Minutes are deducted from the total package included in your subscription fee. Exceptions may include special operator promotions.

Is it possible to make calls via Wi-Fi if there are 0 rubles on my account?

This depends on your plan's terms. If you have a Yen minute package with a "zeroed" balance (the "Unlimited Minutes" service often works even with a zero balance, as long as the main package isn't exhausted), you can make calls. However, registering for the IMS (VoWiFi) network often requires an active SIM card with a positive or zero balance, without any blocking.

Does VoWiFi work if I'm abroad?

Yes, the technology works worldwide. The main requirement is Wi-Fi internet access. When calling Russian numbers, you'll use up your package's minutes (or pay roaming rates if your package is exhausted), but you won't be charged international roaming fees for being in another country, as you're using your internet connection.

Why does the Wi-Fi calling icon disappear during a call?

This means the connection has switched to the cellular network (LTE/3G). This is normal behavior if the Wi-Fi signal becomes unstable or the phone moves out of range of the router. If you have Seamless Handover enabled, the switch should be imperceptible to the ear.