Setting up Wi-Fi calling on MTS: a step-by-step guide

The problem of unstable cellular coverage is familiar to many subscribers, especially those who work or live in buildings with thick walls, basements, or remote country houses. In such situations Wi-Fi calling VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) technology has become a real lifesaver, allowing you to make and receive calls over an internet connection, bypassing weak coverage areas of the operator's base stations. VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) technology has been available to MTS subscribers for several years and operates transparently for the user, without requiring third-party apps like Skype or WhatsApp.

To activate this feature, several conditions must be met: your SIM card and data plan must support the service, you must have a compatible smartphone, and your network settings must be configured correctly. The activation process may vary depending on your device's operating system (iOS or Android), as well as the device model. In this article, we'll cover how to enable this feature, what to do if it doesn't appear in the menu, and how to avoid common connection errors.

It's worth noting that connection quality directly depends on the stability of your wireless connection. If the router is overloaded or the signal is weak, voice packets may be lost, leading to interruptions in the conversation. Before proceeding with technical settings, make sure your internet is working properly and provides sufficient speed for real-time voice transmission.

What is VoWiFi technology and how does it work?

Technology VoWiFi Wi-Fi calls are the transmission of voice traffic over IP protocols in wireless networks. Unlike traditional instant messaging calls, which require a separate app and often have a delay, Wi-Fi calls on MTS are integrated into the standard dialing interface. To the other party, your call appears like a regular mobile call, and a special icon indicating the current connection type appears in your smartphone's status bar.

The main advantage of this method is its ability to work in places where regular cellular service is ineffective. Wi-Fi signals penetrate buildings more easily, and even if you only have one cellular connection but have a stable home internet connection, you can communicate without interference. MTS automatically routes the call through the nearest gateway, ensuring high-quality HD Voice audio.

⚠️ Attention: The technology doesn't work without an active SIM card. Even if you're within range of your home router, your phone must be registered with the operator's network (at least have a minimal signal) to authorize the service.

It's important to understand the difference between regular Wi-Fi Calling and calls made through internet apps. The former uses the operator's telephony resources, and minutes are charged according to your MTS tariff plan. In the latter case, traffic is routed through third-party servers. VoWiFi This is especially relevant for users who frequently travel abroad: incoming calls while roaming via Wi-Fi are often charged at the same rate as domestic calls, allowing for significant savings.

Checking device and tariff compatibility

Before attempting to activate the feature in your phone's settings, ensure that your device and plan support it. MTS is gradually rolling out VoWiFi support to all new plan lines, but the service may not be available on legacy plans or may require activation through your personal account.

The list of supported smartphones is constantly updated. Typically, this includes all iPhone models starting with the 5s (with the latest version of iOS), and most modern Android smartphones (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Honor) released in the last 3-4 years. The carrier also requires the device to have the latest firmware version installed, as carrier-specific settings are often included with software updates.

There are several ways to check the service status:

• 📱 Send a USSD request *111*918# or a team 111 to access the service menu.
• 💻 Log in to your MTS account or the "My MTS" mobile app and check the "Services" section.
• 📞 Call support at 0890.

If your plan doesn't support this feature, the system will offer to upgrade to a more current plan. It's also worth checking whether the "Internet Assistant" service or similar services that may interfere with voice traffic are blocked.

How to enable Wi-Fi calling on iPhone

Apple smartphone owners are the luckiest of all: setting up VoWiFi on iOS is extremely simple and often happens automatically after updating carrier settings. However, if the feature doesn't activate automatically, you can enable it manually through the standard settings menu.

First, make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Then, go to the section Settings and select the item Cellular communicationsIn this menu you need to find the option Wi-Fi callingIf you don't see this option right away, it may be hidden in the "SIM Card Settings" submenu (if you have two SIM cards, you need to apply settings for each separately).

After activating the slider, the system may request confirmation of your address for emergency services. This is a standard procedure required by regulators: when calling emergency services (112, 102, etc.) via Wi-Fi, the operator must know your location, as IP-based geolocation can be inaccurate.

Step-by-step activation instructions:

• 🔘 Open Settings → Cellular communications.
• 🔘 Click Wi-Fi calling and move the switch to the "On" position.
• 🔘 Confirm your emergency address if prompted.
• 🔘 Make sure that the following message appears in the status bar next to the operator's name MTS Wi-Fi.

Setting up VoWiFi on Android smartphones

In the Android world, the situation is a bit more complicated due to the vast variety of skins and models. The settings menu may have different names, but the logic remains the same. Most often, the option is located in the mobile networks or connections section.

On Samsung smartphones you need to go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi callingOn Xiaomi and Redmi devices, the path may look like this: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Choosing an MTS SIM card → Use Wi-FiIn some cases (for example, on Honor or Huawei) you need to enable the function VoWiFi in the same menu where VoLTE is activated.

It's important to note that on some Android models, network priority may be configured incorrectly. If the phone clings to a weak 2G/3G signal instead of switching to Wi-Fi for calls, the call quality will be poor. In such cases, it's recommended to select the preferred network type in the mobile network settings. 4G/LTE or 5G, which often automatically activates support for Wi-Fi calls.

If you can't find the corresponding menu item, the device manufacturer may not have added MTS carrier support to the global firmware version. In this case, the only solution is to wait for a software update or flash the device to the regional version (not recommended for beginners).

Troubleshooting connection issues and errors

Even if all the conditions are met, users may encounter a situation where the feature doesn't work. The most common issue is the missing menu item or its inactivity (grayed out). This often indicates that the carrier settings haven't updated. On iPhone, this can be resolved by going to Settings → Main → About this device and wait for a pop-up window to appear asking you to update your settings.

Another common issue is conflicts with VPN services. If you have a VPN or proxy enabled, your phone may attempt to route voice traffic through foreign servers, which is blocked by your security provider. Before making a call, be sure to disable any services that change your IP address.

⚠️ Attention: When using two SIM cards, the feature may not work on the second SIM card if it is not selected as the primary data connection in the mobile network settings. Try temporarily switching the internet connection to the MTS SIM card.

It's also worth considering that Wi-Fi roaming (moving between access points) can cause dropouts. If you're moving around a large office or shopping mall, your phone may lose connection with one access point and connect to another with a delay, interrupting your call. In such cases, it's best to stay within the coverage area of ​​one access point.

Tariffs and connection quality

Many users mistakenly believe that Wi-Fi calls consume their home internet data or are charged separately. In fact, MTS charges these minutes just like regular voice calls under your plan. If you have unlimited minutes, you'll also have unlimited calls over Wi-Fi. Internet bandwidth isn't consumed in the traditional sense, as a dedicated priority channel is used.

Sound quality when using VoWiFi Voice quality is typically higher than that of a standard call, thanks to support for high-definition codecs. However, if your router is overloaded (due to someone downloading torrents or watching 4K video), voice packets may begin to stutter. In this case, the phone should automatically switch to the cellular network if the signal allows, but this process takes a few seconds.

To ensure the best quality, it is recommended:

• 📶 Place the router in the central part of the apartment or closer to the place where you often spend time.
• 📶 Use the 5 GHz band, which is less crowded with neighbors than 2.4 GHz.
• 📶 Update your router firmware to the latest version.

It's important to remember that plan terms and network capabilities are subject to change. Operators periodically update their lists of supported devices and terms of service. It's best to always check the most up-to-date information about your plan and available options in the operator's official app or on their website in your personal account.

Does VoWiFi affect battery life?

Wi-Fi calling can consume slightly more power than a regular call, especially if the Wi-Fi signal is weak and the phone has to constantly boost its transmit power. However, on modern smartphones, the difference is virtually unnoticeable during everyday use.

Is it possible to make calls via Wi-Fi while roaming?

Yes, this is one of the best ways to save money. When traveling abroad, connect to hotel Wi-Fi. Incoming calls will be free (just like at home), and outgoing calls will be charged as calls from Russia (if you have the appropriate roaming package) or at your home network rate, depending on your plan.

What to do if calls are dropped?

Try rebooting your router. If the problem persists, check if your router has speed limits (QoS) or blocked ports. Also, make sure you're not too far from the access point.

Does the service work on tablets?

Technically, tablets with SIM card support and the appropriate software can support VoWiFi, but the functionality is often limited by the device manufacturer's software. On iPads with a cellular module, the feature works similarly to the iPhone.