Many Samsung smartphone owners using MegaFon's service experience voice calls being interrupted or even lost entirely in areas with poor mobile network coverage. The solution to this problem is a technology called VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi), which allows you to make calls over an internet connection, ensuring stable communication even in basements or remote summer cottages. However, the process of activating this feature on the South Korean company's devices has its own nuances, which often raise questions among users.
Unlike some other manufacturers, Samsung requires a number of conditions to be met before the settings menu becomes available to the subscriber. Firmware The device's configuration, the region it was imported to, and the carrier's settings all affect the ability to use Wi-Fi calling. If you see the "Wi-Fi Call" icon or the corresponding menu item, your device and SIM card are ready to use, but proper configuration is required for proper functionality.
In this guide, we'll cover in detail how to enable Wi-Fi calling on Samsung smartphones using MegaFon services, which models support this feature, and what to do if standard activation methods don't work. Understanding the operating principles IMS services will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure uninterrupted voice communication where the regular cellular network is unavailable.
What is VoWiFi and how does it work on Samsung?
VoWiFi technology transmits voice calls over IP protocols using an existing wireless network connection. To the user, it appears like a regular call, but the signal is transmitted not through a cellular network base station, but through a router or access point. On Samsung smartphones, this feature is integrated into the Phone app, allowing seamless switching between networks without interrupting the connection.
The operating principle is based on close interaction SIM cards, the operator's device, and servers. When you dial a number, your smartphone checks for an active Wi-Fi connection and its quality. If the parameters meet the requirements, the call is initiated over the internet. MegaFon, like other major operators, supports this technology but requires the device to have the correct IMS profiles registered.
⚠️ Please note: Sound quality and connection stability directly depend on your internet speed and router load. For a comfortable connection, a minimum speed of 1 Mbps in both directions is recommended.
It is important to understand that VoWiFi — This isn't a messaging app like WhatsApp or Telegram. It's a full-fledged mobile call, billed according to your plan, just like regular minutes. Incoming calls are also free (if they're included with your plan), no matter where you are, even abroad, making this technology indispensable for travelers.
MegaFon device and SIM card requirements
Before setting up, make sure your equipment and carrier contract meet the required conditions. Not all Samsung models on the market have Wi-Fi calling unlocked for Russian carriers. This primarily applies to devices imported through parallel imports or intended for other regions.
The SIM card also plays a critical role. Older cards, issued many years ago, may not support the modern authentication standards required for VoWiFi. MegaFon recommends using SIM cards with 4G/LTE support, as VoWiFi technology is often bundled with an LTE service package.
Let's look at the main requirements in more detail:
- 📱 The smartphone must be compatible with 4G/LTE networks and support VoLTE technology, as VoWiFi is often an addition to this protocol.
- 📡 Your MegaFon carrier must detect your device as supporting this feature; sometimes, a service profile update is required on the carrier's end.
- 🌐 The device must be carrier-unlocked (not locked to a foreign provider) and have the original firmware or a custom build with edits for Russian networks.
- 🔒 Your phone must have the latest security certificate installed, especially for Samsung devices released after 2020.
The question deserves special attention regional firmwareIf you purchased a phone intended for the European or Asian markets, the "Wi-Fi Calling" toggle may be missing from the settings menu. In such cases, the user must change the region CSC code or use special engineering menus, which we will discuss in the following sections.
Step-by-step instructions for activating the function
If your device and SIM card meet the requirements, enabling the feature typically takes less than a minute. The settings interface may vary slightly depending on the version of One UI, but the process remains the same for all current Samsung models.
First, go to your smartphone's main settings. Find the section for connections and make sure mobile data and Wi-Fi are enabled. Next, find the section related to SIM cards or mobile networks.
☑️ Check before switching on
Algorithm of actions for activation:
- Open
Settingson your Samsung. - Go to the section
Connections(Connections). - Select an item
Mobile networks(Mobile networks). - Find the option
Wi-Fi calling(Wi-Fi Calling) and activate the slider. - If the system asks for confirmation or to select a priority, select "Wi-Fi Preferred" or "Mobile Network" depending on your needs.
Once enabled, a corresponding icon should appear in the status bar (at the top of the screen), often labeled "Wi-Fi Call" or a phone handset with a Wi-Fi symbol. If the icon doesn't appear immediately, try restarting your device or toggling Airplane Mode on and off.
⚠️ Note: In some Samsung firmware versions, this menu item may be hidden if the system detects that the current SIM card does not support the feature. In this case, standard activation is impossible without changing system settings.
Setting up via the engineering menu and codes
When a standard switch is missing, users often resort to Samsung's hidden engineering menu. It's accessed through a dedicated "Phone" app by entering a secret code. This powerful tool allows for deep network control, but requires caution.
To enter the menu, enter the code #27663368378# or ##4636##*The interface may vary, but we're interested in the section related to IMS or VoWiFi. Here, you can force support for a feature even if your carrier doesn't detect it on your device.
Menu path: Phone Info -> IMS Service Status -> Set VoWiFi PreferenceHowever, simply turning on the switch in the engineering menu is often insufficient. Verifying and correctly filling in the IMS configuration fields is a critical step. In some cases, manually entering the APN or changing profile settings is required.
Risks of using the engineering menu
Incorrectly changing settings in the hidden menu can result in network loss, inability to make calls, or even a software crash (soft-brick). It is recommended to take screenshots of the original settings before making any changes.
Also worth mentioning is the app Samsung MembersIn some cases, diagnostics through this app and a submitted error report can trigger a remote service profile update from the operator, unlocking the required features.
Solutions to common problems and errors
Even with proper setup, users may encounter issues. For example, the VoWiFi icon appears, but calls don't connect, or the connection constantly drops. Often, the cause lies in router settings that block certain types of traffic required for voice communication.
Another common issue is a conflict between VoLTE and VoWiFi. If both protocols are active, the phone may attempt to switch between them, causing delays or disconnects. In Samsung settings, you can select network priority, which helps stabilize the connection.
Table of the main errors and methods for solving them:
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The icon does not appear | The SIM card does not support or the profile is not updated. | To replace your SIM card with a 4G one, contact a MegaFon store. |
| Calls are being dropped | Unstable Wi-Fi or blocked ports | Check your router, disable VPN, and reboot your phone. |
| There is no sound in the conversation | Codec conflict or Bluetooth settings | Turn off Bluetooth, check sound settings |
| IMS registration error | Incorrect network settings | Reset network settings to factory defaults |
If all else fails, a complete network settings reset is an effective solution. This will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings, but will return the network settings to their default state, which often resolves the issue with logging into the carrier's network.
Impact of roaming and call pricing
One of the main reasons to use VoWiFi is to save money while roaming. While abroad, you can connect to local Wi-Fi and make calls to Russia at your home region's rates, just like you would at home. MegaFon supports this feature, but there are some important caveats.
The rate for such calls depends on your specific plan. With most modern plans, minutes spent using Wi-Fi abroad don't expire and are counted as regular minutes. However, if you call numbers in your host country, special roaming rates may apply.
Therefore, the "International Roaming" service must be active on your SIM card, even if you do not use the mobile network for data transfer.
Features of emergency calls
When calling emergency services (112, 911, etc.) via VoWiFi, the subscriber's location may not be determined accurately or at all, since the call is made through an Internet channel and not the nearest cell tower.
This opens up great opportunities for travelers: they don't have to buy local SIM cards for incoming calls, but can stay connected via any available Wi-Fi at a hotel or cafe. Just be sure to monitor the connection quality, as voice quality can suffer on congested public networks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to pay for Wi-Fi calls if I'm abroad?
Rates depend on your tariff plan. Typically, calls to Russian numbers via Wi-Fi while roaming are charged the same as at home (included in your minutes package). However, calls to local numbers in your host country or third countries may be charged at international roaming rates. Check the terms in the MegaFon app.
Why is there no Wi-Fi Calling option on my Samsung?
This could be due to several reasons: an outdated firmware version, the SIM card does not support 4G/IMS, or the phone model is not certified to work with VoWiFi on Russian operator networks (often found on devices imported from abroad).
Does making calls over Wi-Fi use up data?
Yes, voice data is used, but it's usually not billed separately if you use home or free Wi-Fi. The carrier doesn't charge for the megabytes used for voice calls over VoWiFi; they count toward your plan's minutes.
Is it possible to use VoWiFi if there is no mobile network coverage at all?
Yes, that's the primary purpose of the technology. VoWiFi doesn't require a cellular signal; all you need is a stable Wi-Fi internet connection and an active SIM card registered with the operator's network (even if it's registration-only).
How can I check if the VoWiFi service is active on the MegaFon side?
You can check the service status in your personal account or the MegaFon mobile app, in the services section. You can also try dialing the service code or contacting the support chat to check the IMS service connection status on your phone.