How to call MTS via Wi-Fi from your phone: step-by-step VoWiFi setup

Many subscribers are familiar with the situation of having poor mobile network coverage indoors, but having access to wireless internet. Previously, this meant missed calls and the inability to contact loved ones or business partners. However, modern technologies make it possible to use a high-speed internet connection to transmit voice traffic, bypassing cell tower restrictions.

Operator MTS, like other major market players, has implemented the technology VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi). This feature allows you to make and receive calls using a Wi-Fi network, while your phone number remains the same and you're charged according to your basic calling plan. In this article, we'll cover how to activate the service, set up your phone, and avoid common mistakes when switching between networks.

Implementation IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) protocol This became a key feature that allowed operators to transmit voice as a data stream. It's not just an alternative to Skype or WhatsApp, but a fully-fledged replacement for cellular communications at the operator level, guaranteeing high sound quality and a stable connection even with a weak base station signal.

What is VoWiFi technology and how does it work?

Technology VoWiFi is an extension of the VoLTE standard, adapted for wireless networks. When you make a call, your smartphone doesn't search for the nearest MTS base station, but encrypts the voice stream and sends it via a Wi-Fi hotspot to the operator's servers. There, the signal is decoded and forwarded to the recipient.

For the user, this process is seamless. The phone interface looks standard, and the call is made through a standard dialer. The main advantage is that IMEI Your devices and your number remain the same. You could be in a basement, a summer house, or a building with thick walls where a regular signal doesn't reach, but where there's a router.

Connection quality directly depends on the speed and stability of your internet connection. If your router is overloaded or your ISP is experiencing difficulties, call quality may deteriorate, although modern codecs try to compensate for data packet loss.

⚠️ Attention: The feature only works if the MTS SIM card is inserted into a slot that supports 4G/LTE, and data transfer mode is enabled in the phone settings, even if the call itself is made via Wi-Fi.

It's important to understand that voice transmission is carried out through the operator's secure channels, so your conversations are no less secure than with a regular cellular connection. The operator guarantees confidentiality and encryption of traffic throughout the entire route.

Checking smartphone and tariff compatibility

Before you begin setting up, you need to make sure your equipment and data plan support next-generation networks. Not all older smartphone models have a built-in module for working with them. IMS profiles operator.

First, check your device model. Most modern smartphones released after 2016-2017 support the technology. Among popular brands, these include devices from Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, Huawei and other manufacturers running current versions of Android and iOS.

You also need to have 4G/LTE activated on your SIM card. If you have a very old plan or a SIM card issued more than 10 years ago, you may need to replace it at a mobile phone store. Your carrier must see your subscriber number in its database of supported services.

You can check your connection status through your personal account or the My MTS app. The "Wi-Fi Calling" option is often displayed in the services section. If this option isn't listed, your plan requires an upgrade or a review.

How to activate the service on the operator's side

In most cases, for modern MTS tariffs, the service VoWiFi This service is enabled by default. The operator is working to migrate all subscribers to new communication standards to reduce the load on base stations. However, in some cases, manual consent to use the service is required.

Activation can be done in several ways. The fastest is via USSD command or SMS, but the personal account interface provides more detailed information. You can view the service status and manage it in real time.

To activate via the My MTS app, follow these steps:

• 📱 Open the app and log in using your phone number.
• 📡 Go to the "Services" section.
• 🔍 In the search, enter "Wi-Fi" or find the connection category.
• ✅ Click the "Connect" button or turn on the switch.

If automatic methods don't work, you can always contact customer support. The operator can check the technical feasibility of connecting the service for your specific number and region.

What should I do if the service is not connected?

If the system returns an error when connecting, your number may have restrictions or older services incompatible with VoWiFi. Try restarting your phone or contacting your carrier's support chat to reset your network settings.

After successful activation with your carrier, changes to your phone may not appear immediately. Network profiles may need time to update, typically taking 5 to 15 minutes. In some cases, a device reboot is required for the new network settings to take effect.

Setting up Wi-Fi calling on Android

On Android smartphones, the path to settings may vary slightly depending on the operating system version and the manufacturer's user interface (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS, etc.). However, the general principle remains the same for all devices.

First, make sure Wi-Fi is enabled and your phone is connected to a network. Then, go to the device's main settings. Find the section for SIM cards and mobile networks.

The sequence of actions usually looks like this:

• 📂 Log in Settings.
• 📶 Select an item Connections or Network and Internet.
• 📱 Click on Mobile network or SIM cards.
• 📞 Find the switch Wi-Fi calling and activate it.

In some models Samsung or Xiaomi This toggle may be located right in the notification shade. Pull down the shade and look for the icon with a phone receiver and the word "Wi-Fi." If you don't see it, tap the three dots or the edit button to add a widget.

Once the feature is enabled, a corresponding indicator should appear in the status bar (near the battery or network icon). It may look like a telephone handset with the word "Wi-Fi" written on it, or simply a VoWiFi icon. This indicates that the phone is ready to make internet calls.

Instructions for iPhone (iOS) owners

Devices Apple VoWiFi is renowned for its unified settings system, so the process of activating VoWiFi on iPhone is as standardized as possible. The main requirement is the latest version of iOS, as carrier support is added with system updates.

To enable this feature, open your phone's settings. You don't need to search through complicated engineering menus; everything is located in the basic cellular section. Make sure you're within range of a trusted Wi-Fi network.

Algorithm of actions for iOS:

• 🍏 Open Settings.
• 📡 Go to the section Cellular communications.
• 📞 Select an item Wi-Fi calling.
• 🔘 Move the slider to the position On.

The system may request address verification for emergency services. This is a standard procedure required by law in many countries. You will need to enter an address that will be transmitted to the operator when calling emergency services (112, 102, etc.) via Wi-Fi when the location cannot be determined using cell towers.

After activation, the "Wi-Fi" prefix may appear in the upper left-hand screen (status bar) next to the operator name "MTS RUS" or "MTS." This confirms that the current or next call will be made over the internet.

Roaming pricing and features

One of the most important questions for subscribers is the cost of such calls. MTS positions its VoWiFi service as transparent to the user. This means that minutes spent on Wi-Fi calls are deducted from your basic package, just like a regular call.

If you have unlimited minutes, your Wi-Fi calls will also be unlimited. If your minutes are used up, your plan will charge. There are no hidden fees for using the technology.

Roaming is especially important. While abroad, you can connect to local Wi-Fi and make calls to Russia. In this case:

• 🌍 Incoming calls to Russian numbers are often free (depending on the country and tariff).
• 📞 Outgoing calls to Russian numbers are charged as calls from roaming (according to the terms of your tariff).
• 📱 Outgoing calls to local numbers in the host country may cost more than through a local operator.

The main advantage of roaming is that you don't need to purchase a local SIM card for incoming calls. You stay connected using any available Wi-Fi in a hotel or cafe, saving on voice roaming data, which is usually very expensive.

⚠️ Attention: When making calls while roaming via Wi-Fi, make sure "Data Transfer" for the mobile network is disabled in your phone's settings to avoid accidentally connecting to a foreign operator and being charged for the internet.

Common problems and solutions

Despite the technology's robustness, users may encounter difficulties. The most common issue is the phone not switching to Wi-Fi for calls, even when the feature is enabled. This is often due to network prioritization.

If cellular coverage (4G/5G) is good, the smartphone will default to it, as it's considered more stable for voice communications. Switching to VoWiFi occurs automatically when the cellular signal drops below a certain threshold or disappears completely.

Other possible causes of failures:

• 🔒 Using public Wi-Fi networks with browser authentication (Captive Portal). These networks often block the ports required for VoWiFi.
• ⚙️ Outdated phone software or lack of operator profile updates.
• 📡 Weak Wi-Fi signal, causing packet loss and connection interruptions.

To resolve this issue, try forgetting the Wi-Fi network and reconnecting. Resetting network settings in the phone menu (not to be confused with a full data reset) also helps. This will clear the network settings cache and force the phone to re-request settings from the carrier.

In some cases, manually changing the network type in your mobile internet settings can help. Try setting your preferred network mode. 4G/3G/2G (auto connect)to make the phone search for IMS registration more actively.

Comparison with alternative applications

Many users ask why they need VoWiFi when they have WhatsApp, Telegram, or FaceTime. The difference lies in the level of integration and accessibility. Messengers require the other person to have the app installed and an internet connection.

MTS Wi-Fi calls allow you to connect to any number, even landlines or subscribers of other operators who don't have a smartphone or internet access. You dial a number from your regular phone book, without worrying about what app the person on the other end is using.

Furthermore, VoWiFi runs in the system's background, providing a faster connection (less than 2 seconds before dialing) compared to launching a messenger app. This is critical for business calls and emergencies.

Does VoWiFi affect internet speed?

Voice traffic takes up very little bandwidth (usually around 64-128 kbps). Even when simultaneously watching 4K video, the impact on speed will be unnoticeable. Modern routers easily prioritize voice traffic.

Is it possible to make calls via Wi-Fi if the SIM card is blocked?

No. To register on the IMS (VoWiFi) network, the SIM card must be active and have a signal from at least one operator (for authentication). If the SIM card is blocked by the operator or is not read by the phone, calls will not work.

Does VoWiFi work on tablets?

Yes, if your tablet has a SIM card slot (LTE/5G version) and supports calling. This feature is not available on Wi-Fi-only tablets without a SIM card, as there is no phone number to link to your carrier profile.

What happens if I move out of the router's range while talking on Wi-Fi?

Under ideal conditions and with Handover technology, a call can be seamlessly switched to a cellular network. However, currently, on MTS networks and many smartphones, when the Wi-Fi connection is lost, the connection is most often interrupted, and the call is dropped.