MTS Wi-Fi Calling: How It Works and Why You Need It

If you've ever noticed that there's a "Wi-Fi Calling" option in your smartphone settings (Wi-Fi Calling), but didn't understand why it was needed—this article is for you. Especially if you're a subscriber MTSThis technology allows you to make and receive calls even in places where cell phone service is unavailable or poor—for example, in a basement, subway, or country house. The phone number remains the same, but the conversation is conducted over the internet.

At first glance it seems that this is the same as VoIP (calls via WhatsApp, Telegram or Skype). But in reality MTS Wi-Fi calls are integrated directly into the standard Phone app and do not require any additional software.What's more, they support SMS messaging and work even when mobile data is turned off. Let's explore how it works, who might benefit from it, and how to set it up on different devices.

What are MTS Wi-Fi calling services and how do they work?

Technology Wi-Fi Calling (or VoWiFi) allows you to make voice calls and send SMS messages over the internet, rather than using a cellular network. The main difference from regular messaging apps is that calls are made from your primary number. MTS, not through an in-app account. This means:

• 📞 Your contacts will see the usual number, not the ID in Viber or Zoom.
• 🔄 You can call any numbers - mobile, landline, even emergency services (112, 102, etc.).
• 💰 It is charged as a regular call according to your tariff MTS (free as part of a minutes package or according to the tariff).
• 📶 Works where there is Wi-Fi but no cellular coverage (for example, in remote areas or thick-walled buildings).

Technically Wi-Fi Calling uses the protocol IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem), which also underlies VoLTE (voice over 4G). Therefore, for this feature to work, your smartphone and SIM card must support VoLTE — without this, the option may not be available. For more information on compatibility, see the next section.

⚠️ Warning: If you use Wi-Fi Calling When traveling abroad, rates may vary. Check roaming terms in your personal account. MTS or from the operator.

Differences between Wi-Fi Calling, VoLTE, VoIP, and Messengers

Many people are confused Wi-Fi Calling with other voice communication technologies. Let's look at the key differences:

The main advantage Wi-Fi Calling before messengers - transparency for the subscriberYou don't need to explain to the other person that you need to call through WhatsApp, or ask them to install the app. The call comes through as a regular one, and the sound quality is often better than in messengers, thanks to the carrier's traffic prioritization.

Which phones and SIM cards support MTS Wi-Fi Calling?

To use the function, three conditions must be met:

1. Device - smartphone with support Wi-Fi Calling And VoLTE.
2. SIM card — MTS with support VoLTE (usually all modern SIM cards released after 2018).
3. Rate - most tariffs MTS They support the function, but it’s better to check in your personal account.

The list of compatible devices is extensive, but there are some nuances:

• 📱 iPhone: all models starting from iPhone 6 (but requires iOS 12 or later).
• 🤖 Android: most flagships Samsung (starting from Galaxy S8), Google Pixel, Xiaomi (series Mi 9 and newer), Huawei (before the Google ban), OnePlus etc. Budget models may not support it.
• ❌ Not supported: many devices Meizu, Nokia (except new models), some Redmi and old ones Samsung (to Galaxy S7).

You can check support:

• On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Wi-Fi Calling.
• On Android: Settings → Wireless & networks → Wi-Fi calling (path may differ).

⚠️ Attention: If the option is not available in the settings, but the device is on the compatible list, update the firmware or contact support. MTSSometimes manual activation by the operator is required.

Full list of supported devices from MTS

The list is updated regularly, but at the time of writing it included: iPhone 6 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S8/S9/S10/S20/S21/S22/S23, Note 8/9/10/20, Google Pixel 3/4/5/6/7, Xiaomi Mi 9/10/11/12, Redmi Note 10/11, POCO F3/F4, OnePlus 6 and newer, Huawei P30/P40 (before Google's restrictions).

How to enable Wi-Fi calling on iPhone

Setting up on iPhone takes less than a minute:

Step by step:

1. Go to Settings → Cellular.
2. Select an item Wi-Fi calling.
3. Activate the switch Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone.
4. The system will ask for confirmation. emergency call addresses (required for emergency services). Please provide a current address or cancel (but then 112 calls may not work).
5. Done! The following message will appear in the status bar: MTS Wi-Fi.

If the option is inactive:

• 🔄 Restart your phone.
• 📶 Make sure your mobile data is turned on (even if you're not using it).
• 🆔 Check that the SIM card MTS activated and supported VoLTE.
• 📱 Update iOS to the latest version.

How to set up Wi-Fi Calling on Android

On Android The path to the settings may differ depending on the manufacturer, but the general scheme is as follows:

For Samsung:

1. Open Settings → Connections → Mobile networks.
2. Select Wi-Fi calling.
3. Turn on the switch and confirm the emergency address.

For Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO:

1. Go to Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → [Your SIM card] → Wi-Fi calling.
2. Activate the function.

For Google Pixel:

1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIM cards → Calls.
2. Turn on Wi-Fi calling.

General recommendations:

• 🔄 If the option is missing, check if your model supports it VoLTE (list above).
• 🆔 Make sure the SIM card MTS inserted into the slot SIM 1 (on some phones the function only works with the main SIM card).
• 📶 Turn on mobile data - sometimes without it Wi-Fi Calling does not activate.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI For Xiaomi) after switching on Wi-Fi Calling The SIM card's internet connection may be lost. In this case, restart your device or reset your network settings.

Common problems and their solutions

Even after proper setup Wi-Fi Calling may malfunction. Let's look at typical situations:

1. The option is inactive in the settings

Possible reasons:

• 📱 The device does not support VoLTE/Wi-Fi Calling (check the list above).
• 🆔 The SIM card is old (before 2018) or not activated for VoLTE.
• 📶 The tariff does not support the function (rare, but it happens on corporate or legacy tariffs).

Solution: Update your SIM card at the dealership MTS or call support at 0890 (for free).

2. Calls don't go through, even though there's Wi-Fi.

Check:

• 🔌 Are you connected to Wi-Fi (sometimes the phone shows a connection, but there is no internet).
• 📵 Is Airplane mode or Power Saving mode enabled (may block background processes?).
• 🔄 Restart your router and phone.

3. The other person can't hear you or hears a robot.

This is a sign of problems with codecs or network latency. Try:

• 📶 Reconnect to a different Wi-Fi network (for example, from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz).
• 🔇 Turn off your Bluetooth headset (sometimes it conflicts with Wi-Fi Calling).
• 📞 Switch to a regular call via the cellular network.

Advantages and disadvantages of Wi-Fi Calling from MTS

Like any technology, Wi-Fi Calling has its pros and cons. Let's look at them in detail:

✅ Benefits

• 📶 Stability in poor coverage areas: Calls are not dropped if the cellular network signal is weak.
• 💰 Saving: charged as a regular call (within a package of minutes or according to the tariff).
• 🔄 Smooth transition: If you leave the Wi-Fi zone, the call automatically switches to the cellular network (and vice versa).
• 📱 No need for instant messengers: works through the standard Phone application.

❌ Disadvantages

• 🔋 Battery consumption: Constant connection to Wi-Fi and IMS increases power consumption.
• 🌍 Restrictions abroad: Other rates may apply when roaming.
• 📡 Wi-Fi addiction: If the internet is slow or unstable, the call quality will deteriorate.
• 🆔 Not all devices are supported: Budget smartphones often lack features.

For most users, the pros outweigh the cons, especially if you frequently travel to areas with poor signal. However, if you're traveling or using an older phone, Wi-Fi Calling may prove useless.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to use Wi-Fi Calling without a SIM card?

No, an active SIM card is required for this feature to work. MTS with support VoLTEWithout it, the option will not be available.

Will emergency calls (112, 102) work via Wi-Fi Calling?

Yes, but you'll need to provide a valid address during setup. Without it, emergency calls may not go through.

Is it possible to call landline numbers using Wi-Fi Calling?

Yes, the feature supports calls to any number—mobile, landline, and short codes (e.g., 112). Rates depend on your plan. MTS.

Why did the internet disappear after turning on Wi-Fi Calling?

This is a known issue with some firmware (for example, on Xiaomi). Solutions:

• Restart your phone.
• Turn it off Wi-Fi Calling and turn it on again.
• Reset network settings (Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings).

How to disable Wi-Fi Calling?

To deactivate the feature:

• On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Wi-Fi Calling → turn off the switch.
• On Android: Find a similar item in the SIM card or mobile network settings.