Have you ever noticed in your settings Redmi Note 9 mysterious switch Vo WiFi and wondered what it is? This feature appears in the communication menu of many modern smartphones, but not all users understand its purpose and benefits. This is especially relevant for owners of budget-friendly but functional devices from Xiaomi, where the manufacturer often integrates advanced technologies, not always accompanied by detailed explanations.
In fact Vo WiFi (or Voice over WiFi) is a technology that allows you to make calls over a wireless network instead of traditional cellular communications. For Redmi Note 9 with his support WiFi 5 With stable hardware, this feature can be a real lifesaver in areas with poor mobile coverage. But how does it work in practice? When should it be used, and when is it best to disable it? And why does Vo Wi-Fi sometimes suddenly disappear from the settings? You'll find the answers to these questions in our detailed guide.
We'll not only explain the technical aspects of the service, but also provide step-by-step setup instructions, address common errors (for example, when VoIP WiFi doesn't activate despite operator support), and provide recommendations for optimizing your connection. We'll also reveal a few little-known tips that will make your WiFi calls even more stable.
What is Vo WiFi and how does it work on the Redmi Note 9?
Vo WiFi (from English) Voice over WiFi) is a communications standard that allows voice calls to be transmitted over networks Wi-Fi instead of traditional cell towers. The technology is based on the protocol IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem), which is integrated into modern 4G/5G networks. For Redmi Note 9 This means that when connected to WiFi, the phone can automatically switch voice traffic to the wireless network if the mobile operator signal is weak or absent.
How does this work in practice? Imagine you're in a basement or a densely populated area where cell service is poor but there's reliable WiFi. Instead of interrupting your conversation or switching to messaging apps like WhatsApp, yours Redmi Note 9 Automatically reroutes calls over the internet, maintaining connection quality. At the same time:
- 📞 The subscriber number remains the same (call from your mobile phone, not through a messenger account).
- 🌐 The call is made via WiFi, but is charged as a regular mobile call (if the operator supports the technology).
- 🔄 When leaving the WiFi zone, the call smoothly switches to the cellular network (if available).
- 📶 No need to install additional apps - everything works at the firmware level MIUI.
It is important to understand that Vo WiFi ≠ VoIPThe latter term refers to any calls made via the Internet (for example, via Skype or Zoom), while Vo WiFi is a specific standard integrated into mobile networks. Redmi Note 9 The technology is supported out of the box, but its operation depends on three factors:
- Hardware support by smartphone (available in all models) Redmi Note 9/9S/9 Pro).
- Technology support IMS And VoLTE your mobile operator.
- Firmware settings MIUI (sometimes the function is hidden in the engineering menu).
Differences between VoLTE, VoLTE, and regular calls
Many people are confused Vo WiFi With VoLTE (voice over 4G), although these are two different technologies with a common purpose—improving connection quality. Let's look at the key differences with an example. Redmi Note 9:
| Characteristic | Vo WiFi | VoLTE | Regular calls (2G/3G) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network type | WiFi (Internet) | 4G/5G (mobile network) | 2G or 3G |
| Connection quality | HD voice (with good WiFi) | HD voice | Standard (may be worse) |
| Working in roaming | Yes (if operator supports) | Yes | Yes, but often with additional charges. |
| Battery consumption | Low (WiFi uses less energy) | Average | High (constant network search) |
| Support for Redmi Note 9 | Yes (since MIUI 12) | Yes | Yes |
The main advantage Vo WiFi before VoLTE — the ability to make calls in places where there's no cell service but Wi-Fi is available. For example, in the subway, underground parking garages, or country houses with poor coverage. Moreover:
- ✅ Advantages of Vo WiFi: Stability in weak signal areas, battery saving, free calls when connected to home WiFi (if your operator doesn't charge for traffic).
- ❌ Cons: Dependence on the quality of the WiFi network, possible delays when switching between WiFi and the cellular network, not all operators support the technology.
On Redmi Note 9 both technologies (Vo WiFi And VoLTE) can work simultaneously. For example, if you start a call over WiFi and then go outside where 4G is available, the phone will automatically switch to VoLTE without losing connection. This is called SRVCC (Single Radio Voice Call Continuity) is another useful standard supported by modern smartphones. Xiaomi.
How to enable VoIP WiFi on Redmi Note 9: step-by-step instructions
Activation Vo WiFi on Redmi Note 9 It takes no more than a minute, but the path to the settings may differ depending on the version MIUIHere are the universal instructions for firmware MIUI 12–14:
- Open the app "Settings"** (gear icon on the desktop).
- Go to the section
SIM cards and mobile networks. - Select your SIM card (if you have two).
- Tap on the item "WiFi Call"** (or
Vo WiFi). - Activate the switch to the position "On".
- Confirm enabling if prompted (sometimes a reboot is required).
If the point "WiFi Call"** is not in the menu. There are three possible reasons:
- 🔄 Your mobile operator does not support Vo WiFi (check the list below).
- 📱 You have an outdated version MIUI (update firmware via
Settings → About phone → System update). - 🔧 The function is hidden in the engineering menu (we recommend not to access it without experience).
Once enabled, an icon will appear next to the network indicator in the status bar. «Vo WiFi» or «WiFi Call» (Depends on firmware). To check the function, make a test call after disabling mobile data. If the connection is stable, everything is configured correctly.
Connect to a stable WiFi network | Disable mobile data | Make a call to another number | Check the call quality (it should be HD voice) | Check if the call drops when leaving the WiFi zone -->
If Vo WiFi does not activate, try the following steps:
- Restart your phone.
- Make sure your SIM card supports VoLTE (without it, Vo WiFi may not work).
- Check if it is enabled VoLTE in the settings of the same SIM card.
- Update your firmware to the latest version (in MIUI 14 Many bugs with Vo WiFi have been fixed.
What should I do if Vo WiFi disappears after updating MIUI?
Sometimes after major updates MIUI Vo WiFi settings are reset. In this case:
1. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
2. Find the app "Telephone" and clear its cache.
3. Go back to your SIM card settings and turn Vo WiFi back on.
If this doesn't help, the location of the option may have changed in the new firmware - look for it in the section Additional settings → Calls.
Which Russian carriers support VoIP for the Redmi Note 9?
Technology Vo WiFi Depends not only on the smartphone but also on the mobile operator. In Russia, as of 2026, four major providers officially support the feature, but with some caveats:
| Operator | Vo WiFi support | Tariffs | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | Yes | All tariffs from 2020 | Automatic activation when connected to supported routers |
| Beeline | Yes | "It's Simple," "Unlimited," and business plans | Manual activation is required in your personal account. |
| Megaphone | Yes | "Everything is possible", "Get involved!", corporate | Only works with SIM cards issued after 2021 |
| Tele2 | Partially | Selected tariffs (check with support) | Support is limited to certain regions (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Krasnodar) |
To find out if your plan supports Vo WiFi, do the following:
- Call your operator and ask: “Does my plan support Vo WiFi technology for Xiaomi devices?”
- Check your personal account on the operator's website - sometimes there is a section called "Services → Voice Calls."
- Send a USSD request:
- For MTS:
*111*467# - For Beeline:
*110*180# - For Megaphone:
*105*453#
- For MTS:
If your operator supports the technology, but Vo WiFi doesn't work, the reason may be:
- 📵 Old-style SIM card (replace it with a nano-SIM or eSIM in the operator's cabin).
- 🔄 Outdated APN settings (reset them to default in
Settings → Mobile network → Access point names (APN)). - 🚫 Roaming restrictions (in some countries, Vo WiFi is blocked by local operators).
⚠️ Attention: Vo WiFi support terms may vary. For example, Megaphone In 2023, service was temporarily suspended in some regions due to network upgrades. For up-to-date information, please contact your operator's official support chat.
Common VoIP WiFi Problems on the Redmi Note 9 and Their Solutions
Even if you turned it on correctly Vo WiFi, failures may occur. Here are the most common problems on Redmi Note 9 and ways to eliminate them:
1. Vo WiFi does not turn on (gray switch)
Reasons:
- The operator does not support the technology.
- SIM card is not activated for VoLTE/Vo WiFi.
- Firmware MIUI outdated or "custom".
Solution:
- Update your firmware to the latest stable version.
- Call the operator and request activation VoLTE/IMS for your number.
- Try inserting the SIM card into a different slot (if you have one) Redmi Note 9 Dual SIM).
2. Calls drop when switching between WiFi and 4G
Cause: The function is broken SRVCC (smooth transition between networks).
Solution:
- Enable the option in your SIM card settings
Call transferorHandover. - Disable power saving for the app "Phone"** in battery settings.
- Reset network settings:
Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset WiFi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings.
3. The other person can't hear you or hears you robotically
Reasons:
- Poor WiFi network quality (high ping or packet loss).
- Conflict with VPN or firewall.
- Microphone malfunction (check in the voice recorder).
Solution:
- Connect to a different WiFi or switch to a cellular network.
- Disable VPN in settings (
Settings → Connections → VPN). - Make a call using another app (eg. WhatsApp) to test the microphone.
4. Vo WiFi disconnects spontaneously
Reasons:
- Power saving mode aggressively closes background processes.
- IMS module failure.
- Conflict with ad blocking applications (eg. AdGuard).
Solution:
- Add an application "Phone"** is excluded from battery optimization.
- Reboot your phone to safe mode and check if the problem persists.
- Update Google Play Services V Play Market.
⚠️ Attention: If after the update MIUI the item disappeared Vo WiFi in the settings, do not try to activate it through the engineering menu (##4636##). On some firmware versions, this causes the IMS module to fail, and the phone stops making calls altogether. It's best to wait for the official patch from Xiaomi.
How to improve call quality over VoIP
To make calls through Vo WiFi on Redmi Note 9 To be as clear as possible, follow these guidelines:
1. Optimize your WiFi network
- 📶 Use a router with support WiFi 5 (802.11ac) or WiFi 6.
- 🔄 Switch to range
5 GHz(less interference than on2.4 GHz). - 📡 Place the router closer to your phone or use Mesh system for a big house.
- 🔒 Disable speed limiting for your device in your router settings.
2. Set up your phone
- 🔋 Disable power saving mode for the app "Telephone" And Google Play Services.
- 📱 Enable the option
Improved call qualityin the SIM card settings (if available). - 🔄 Update MIUI And Google Dialer (calling application) to the latest versions.
3. Check your operator settings
- 📞 Make sure you have activated VoLTE (without it, Vo WiFi may work unstably).
- 🌐 If the operator supports WiFi Calling+ (For example, MTS), activate it - this is an improved version of Vo WiFi with traffic priority.
- 📊 Check if you have services like "Economy Roaming" enabled, which can block Vo Wi-Fi.
Critical point: On Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 13 firmware and above, there is a hidden setting "Network priority for calls" (Settings → Accessibility → Call settings). If you put it there WiFi is preferred, the phone will always attempt to make calls over the internet, even if the cellular network is stable. This is useful in areas with poor coverage, but may increase data usage.
Vo WiFi and battery: does the technology affect battery life?
Many users Redmi Note 9 fear that Vo WiFi will drain the battery quickly. In practice, it all depends on the conditions of use:
- ⚡ Pros for the battery:
- WiFi uses less energy than constantly searching for a cellular network in weak signal areas.
- With good WiFi, the phone does not waste resources switching between 2G/3G/4G.
- ⚠️ Cons for battery:
- If the WiFi network is unstable, the phone will constantly reconnect, which increases consumption.
- Background activity IMS-services can drain the battery 5-10% faster.
To minimize the impact of Vo WiFi on battery life:
- Disable the feature when you don't need it (for example, if you are in an area with strong 4G coverage).
- Add an application "Phone"** in battery optimization exceptions (
Settings → Battery → Battery optimization). - Use adaptive battery V MIUI, which itself regulates background processes.
Based on user testing results 4PDA, Vo WiFi on Redmi Note 9 Increases battery consumption in standby mode by ~3–7% over 8 hours (the difference is negligible during active calls). By comparison, constantly searching for a network in the subway without VoIP Wi-Fi consumes up to 15% over the same period.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about VoIP WiFi on the Redmi Note 9
Is it possible to use Vo WiFi without a SIM card?
No, Vo WiFi Linked to your SIM card and mobile number. Without a SIM card, the feature is unavailable, even if the phone is connected to WiFi. In this case, you'll have to use messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram.
Will Vo WiFi work when roaming?
It depends on your carrier. For example, MTS And Beeline support VoIP Wi-Fi in roaming, but may charge for outgoing calls at the rates of partner networks. Megaphone And Tele2 This feature is often blocked abroad. Check the terms in your account or with support.
Why does the other person hear an echo when calling via Vo WiFi?
Echo occurs due to packet delay in the network (high ping) or a conflict with your microphone settings. Try:
- Reconnect to another WiFi.
- Turn off your Bluetooth headset (sometimes it creates interference).
- Reset network settings on your phone.
If the problem persists, contact your operator - there may be a problem on their end.
Is it possible to make calls via Vo WiFi on two SIM cards at the same time?
On Redmi Note 9 Vo WiFi only works with one SIM card. (the one with VoLTE enabled). If you need to make calls over WiFi from both numbers, you'll have to manually switch settings or use a second phone.
How to disable Vo WiFi on Redmi Note 9?
Go to Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → [your SIM card] → WiFi calling and deactivate the switch. After this, calls will only go through the cellular network.