The problem of weak cellular signal inside buildings is a familiar situation for millions of subscribers. Thick walls, underground parking lots, remote summer cottages, or office buildings with shielding often turn a smartphone into a useless piece of plastic. It's in these scenarios that technology comes to the rescue. VoWiFi, which allows voice calls over an internet connection. Tele2 is actively developing this service, ensuring stable connectivity in areas where base station radio signals simply don't reach.
Using Wi-Fi Calling (as this feature is often called) doesn't require installing additional apps like Skype or WhatsApp. You dial a number from your regular phone book, and the call is seamlessly connected using your internet connection. This is especially important in regions with poor infrastructure or high-density buildings. In this article, we'll cover how to activate the service, the pricing details, and what to do if the feature isn't working.
It's worth noting that the transition to IP telephony technology within the operator's network is seamless for the caller. The sound quality often surpasses standard GSM, as it uses a high-definition codec. However, for successful activation, your smartphone must support the appropriate standard, and the device firmware must be compatible with the operator profiles.
What is VoWiFi technology and how does it work at Tele2?
Voice over Wi-Fi technology transmits voice traffic over IP protocols. Unlike popular messaging apps, which create a separate communication channel within the app, VoWiFi integrates directly into the phone's system module. For Tele2 subscribers, this means that incoming and outgoing calls over Wi-Fi are charged according to your basic plan, just like regular minutes.
Operating principle This encrypts the voice packet and transmits it via a Wi-Fi access point to the operator's servers, where it is converted into a standard telephone signal. This allows you to bypass cellular network coverage "dead zones." It's important to understand that priority is always given to the cellular network: if the 4G/LTE signal is sufficient, the phone will use it even if Wi-Fi is connected.
⚠️ Attention: Connection quality directly depends on the speed and stability of your internet connection. For a comfortable conversation, a speed of at least 1-2 Mbps is recommended. If Wi-Fi is poor, sound may be intermittent or disappear completely.
Tele2 supports this feature on most modern devices. A key advantage is seamless handover: if you leave the Wi-Fi range of your router during a call but enter a strong cellular network area, the call is not dropped but is switched to the base station. However, handover from LTE to Wi-Fi during an active call may not be supported on some phone models.
Checking smartphone and tariff compatibility
Before attempting to activate the feature, you must ensure that your equipment and SIM card are ready to work with the new communication standards. Not all phone models, even relatively recent ones, have the necessary firmware certificates to work with Tele2 profiles. Furthermore, older Mini-SIM cards or outdated USIM cards may not support the required authentication protocols.
First of all, check if yours supports it gadget standard VoLTELTE voice calling support is often a prerequisite for activating VoWiFi. If your phone doesn't support VoLTE, it likely won't be able to make calls over Wi-Fi either, as the network architecture is built on the same principles of packet data transfer.
It's also worth making sure your tariff plan is up-to-date. While the service is usually free, some legacy plans may require an update to the terms and conditions. You can check compatibility through your personal account or by visually inspecting the SIM card—new cards often have 4G or LTE markings on the chip.
List of popular supported models
Apple iPhone 6 and later (with iOS 13+)|Samsung Galaxy S7 and later|Xiaomi Mi 9 and later (depending on firmware region)|Huawei P30 and later|The operator reserves the right to update the list of supported devices depending on compatibility tests.
Activate the service via your personal account and USSD commands
The fastest way to activate the service is through digital self-service channels. Tele2 offers several activation options so that each user can choose the most convenient one. Before starting the process, make sure your smartphone is connected to a Wi-Fi network, as the system may check for network availability upon connection.
To activate via your personal account or the "My Tele2" mobile app, log in to the system. In the main menu, find the "Services" or "Options" section. There may be a separate "Communications" or "Internet" category. Find the "Wi-Fi Calling" option and click "Connect." The process takes a few seconds.
If you prefer USSD commands or don't have internet access on your device, you can use a short code. Enter the command on your phone's keypad. *155*0088# and press the call button. You will receive an SMS message confirming service activation. You can also send an SMS with the text 1 to the number 155, but this method is less accurate because the menu can be complex.
⚠️ Attention: Once the service is activated, changes do not take effect immediately. It is recommended to reboot the device or enable and disable Airplane Mode to allow the phone to re-register with the network and receive the updated settings profile.
Even if the "Connected" status is shown in your account, the corresponding switch must be enabled in your phone's settings. Without this step, calls will still be routed through the cellular network or won't connect at all.
Setting up Wi-Fi calling on Android
The Android operating system interface can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer (MIUI, OneUI, EMUI, etc.) and system version. However, the logic for enabling this feature remains the same. You'll need to find the section responsible for mobile networks or SIM cards.
Let's look at the steps for most modern smartphones. First, go to the device's general settings. Find "Connections," "Mobile Network," or "SIM Cards & Mobile Networks." Inside this menu, look for the "Wi-Fi Calling" option. Move the slider to the "On" position.
On some devices, such as Xiaomi or Samsung, the setting may be located deeper. The path may look like this: Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi CallingIf you have a dual-SIM phone, make sure you activate the feature for the specific Tele2 SIM card. Settings are often duplicated for each SIM card separately.
Once turned on, a special icon should appear in the status bar (the top line of the screen). Typically, it's an image of a telephone handset with a Wi-Fi symbol or the words "Tele2 Wi-Fi." This indicates that the phone is ready to make internet calls.
☑️ Android Setup Checklist
Instructions for iPhone (iOS) owners
Apple devices feature a unified interface, so setting up an iPhone or iPad (with SIM support) is virtually identical across all current versions of iOS. Tele2 officially supports VoWiFi on iPhones starting with certain firmware versions, so the first step should always be updating iOS to the latest available version.
To activate, open the Settings app. Go to "Cellular" (or "Mobile Data"). Select "Wi-Fi Calling." Slide the "Wi-Fi Calling on iPhone" switch to the on position. The system may ask for address verification for emergency services—this is a standard procedure required by telecommunications regulators.
If you have a dual-SIM iPhone (one physical + eSIM, or two physical SIM cards), be sure to check the settings for each SIM card separately. Go to "Settings" → "Cellular" → select the desired Tele2 SIM card → make sure the toggle is enabled.
Once setup is complete, "Tele2 Wi-Fi" will appear in the upper left corner of the screen next to the operator's name. This means all incoming and outgoing calls will now be routed over the wireless network, ensuring high-quality audio.
Solution: Why VoWiFi isn't working
Even with proper configuration, users may encounter problems. Most often, these are caused by conflicting settings or software incompatibility. Below is a table of common errors and how to resolve them.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| There is no Wi-Fi Calling icon. | The service is not activated by the operator. | Check your personal account or dial the USSD code |
| The sound is interrupted | Slow internet speed | Move closer to the router or check the speed |
| The item in the settings is grayed out. | Blocking by the telecom operator | Make sure your Tele2 SIM card and tariff support it |
| Calls are not going through | Incorrect date and time settings | Enable automatic time synchronization |
Another common issue is roaming. VoWiFi technology allows you to save on calls abroad, but only if you're in a country where Tele2 has the appropriate agreements and the "Roam Like Home" feature is enabled. In your home region, there shouldn't be any issues.
If all else fails, try resetting your network settings. This will reset all mobile and Wi-Fi settings to factory defaults, deleting saved passwords, but it often resolves software conflicts. Path: Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting network settings will delete all saved Wi-Fi network passwords. Make sure you remember your home router password to reconnect after the reset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do you charge for calls over Wi-Fi?
No, you're charged according to your primary plan. Minutes are used from your primary plan, just like a regular call. If you have unlimited minutes, you'll also have unlimited minutes over Wi-Fi.
Do I need a separate plan for VoWiFi?
No separate plan is required. The service is free and available on most current Tele2 plans. Simply activate it.
Is it possible to make calls via Wi-Fi while roaming?
Yes, this is one of the best ways to save on roaming charges. While abroad, you can call Russian numbers at your home network's rates if you're within Wi-Fi coverage. However, roaming rules are subject to change, so it's best to check the roaming terms before your trip.
Why does the Wi-Fi Calling icon appear and disappear?
This depends on the quality of the Wi-Fi signal. If the speed drops below the threshold required by the voice codec, the phone automatically switches to the cellular network (if available), and the icon disappears.
Does this work on tablets?
Technically, yes, if the tablet has a SIM card slot, supports voice calls (not all tablets do), and has the appropriate OS version. On Wi-Fi-only tablets (without a SIM card), this feature is disabled.