In the modern world, stable voice communication has ceased to be an option and has become a necessity, but smartphone owners Samsung Often face a paradoxical situation: the internet speed in the apartment is excellent, but the mobile network is completely nonexistent. This is where technology comes into play. VoWiFi, which allows you to make and receive calls over a wireless network using your regular carrier SIM card Tele2This feature is a real lifesaver for residents of new buildings with thick walls, basement offices, or remote country houses where the cell tower signal simply can't reach your device.
Many users mistakenly believe that to make calls over the Internet, they must install third-party applications like Viber or WhatsApp, but this is not so. Technology Wi-Fi Calling It's built directly into the smartphone's operating system and operates at the firmware level, providing native dialing through the standard dialer. For subscribers Tele2 This is especially important as the operator actively expands coverage and supports modern communication standards, allowing you to forget about intermittent sound and constant requests to "go outside" during an important conversation.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate this feature on devices. SamsungWhat are the nuances of the operator? Tele2 and why HD audio quality over Wi-Fi often outperforms standard cellular service. You'll learn how to distinguish an active internet call from a standard one, what data plan restrictions may apply, and what to do if the settings menu doesn't look as described in the instructions.
How VoWiFi technology works on Samsung smartphones
Technology VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) is an elegant solution that allows voice traffic to be transmitted over IP protocols, bypassing traditional radio channels of cell towers. When you dial a number on your SamsungThe smartphone analyzes the availability of the cellular network and the presence of a Wi-Fi connection. If the cellular signal is weaker than a certain threshold, and the wireless network is available and authorized for voice calls, the phone automatically switches the call to the internet channel without interrupting the connection.
The main advantage is that nothing changes for the person on the other end of the line - they see your regular number and hear you just like they would with a standard call. Tele2, like other major market players, uses dedicated security gateways that encrypt voice traffic transmitted over public networks. This means that even if you're connected to open Wi-Fi at a cafe, your conversations remain protected from eavesdropping by third parties thanks to encryption protocols. IPSec.
⚠️ Attention: Call quality directly depends on the stability and speed of your internet connection. If the bandwidth drops below 100 kbps or the ping rises to critical levels, your smartphone may automatically switch back to 3G/4G or terminate the call.
It is important to understand that this function does not consume minutes from your tariff plan in the usual sense, unless the operator has set other rules, and in the case of Tele2 Calls are usually billed per second or minute of the basic package, just like a regular call. Smartphones Samsung series Galaxy A, M and flagship S fully support this technology, but for it to work correctly, it requires proper configuration on both the device and the operator side.
How to enable Wi-Fi calling on Samsung devices
The process of enabling the function on smartphones Samsung It's quite simple, but it may differ slightly depending on the operating system version. One UI and device model. In most modern firmware versions, the settings are located in the general settings menu, making them easily accessible to any user. First, you need to make sure that your SIM card Tele2 installed in a slot that supports 4G/LTE and that data transfer is enabled on the device.
To activate, follow these steps:
- 📱 Open the menu
Settingson your smartphone and go to the sectionConnections. - 📞 Find the item Wi-Fi calling and move the switch to the active position.
- 📋 If the item is not immediately visible, go to the menu
Telephone(three dots in the corner) →Settings→ look for the option there. - 📡 Make sure that the mobile network mode is enabled in your mobile network settings 4G/LTE and VoLTE function is active.
Once turned on, a corresponding icon should appear in the status bar at the top of the screen, often depicting a telephone handset with Wi-Fi symbols or letters VoWiFiThis indicates that the smartphone is ready to make calls over a wireless network. If the icon doesn't appear immediately, try restarting the device or temporarily turning airplane mode on and off to allow the phone to re-register with the carrier's network.
☑️ Pre-activation check
It is worth noting that on some models Samsung, especially those intended for other markets and re-flashed for our regions, the menu may have a different name or be absent. In this case, you may need to change the region code (CSC), but for official devices purchased in Russia, everything should work out of the box, provided the operator supports it.
Tele2 operator requirements and tariff compatibility
Operator Tele2 is one of the leaders in the implementation of modern communication technologies and actively supports the function VoWiFi for its subscribers. However, to successfully activate the service, your tariff plan must support voice calls over the internet. Currently, most current "My Tele2" tariffs already include this feature by default, but it may not be available on older archived tariffs.
For the service to work correctly, your number must be registered on the 4G/LTE network. This means that if you have a very old SIM card, issued 10-15 years ago, you may need to replace it at a mobile phone store or through a courier, as older cards may not support the necessary authorization protocols. It's also important to have network coverage in your area. Tele2 at least a minimal level, since the initial registration of the device occurs through the cellular network.
| Parameter | Requirement | Note |
|---|---|---|
| SIM card | USIM (4G/LTE) | Standard or Nano/Micro |
| Rate | Current archive | Voice call support |
| Device | Samsung (Android 9+) | Certified software |
| Balance | Not negative | It's not critical for incoming calls. |
If you've changed your phone but still have the same SIM card, the feature may not activate automatically. In this case, it's best to contact your carrier's support or use your personal account, which often offers the option to replace your SIM card while keeping your phone number. Carriers periodically update their lists of supported devices, so even if your phone isn't officially supported, it doesn't always mean the feature won't work.
What should I do if the tariff does not support it?
If your plan is archived and doesn't support VoWiFi, try upgrading to a current plan through your operator's app. Upgrading often takes just a few minutes, and the terms may be better thanks to new bonuses.
Differences between VoWiFi and instant messaging calls
Many users confuse the technology Wi-Fi Calling with popular messengers such as Telegram or Viber, but there is a fundamental difference between them. Calls via messengers require the other person to have the corresponding app installed and to be online. With native Wi-Fi calling, Samsung You call a regular phone number, and the person on the other end of the line can be anywhere in the world, using any network or a regular phone.
In addition, the sound quality in technology VoWiFi often higher due to codec support HD Voice, which transmit a wider frequency range of the human voice. Messengers heavily compress the audio stream to save data, which sometimes results in a metallic voice quality or robotic distortion on unstable internet connections. For business negotiations or important personal conversations, a native call through an operator is recommended. Tele2 provides a more predictable and high-quality result.
Another important aspect is battery consumption. System optimization Android and hardware Samsung For VoWiFi, it's usually more efficient than constantly running background processes of a heavy messaging app. This helps conserve your smartphone's power, which is especially important on long trips or business trips when you don't have a charger handy.
Pricing and traffic consumption for calls over Wi-Fi
One of the most frequently asked questions by users Samsung with SIM cards Tele2, regarding the cost of such calls. The operator positions this service as transparent: minutes spent on Wi-Fi calls are deducted from your basic package, just as if you were talking over a cell tower. If you have unlimited minutes, then Wi-Fi calls will also be unlimited under the fair use policy.
As for internet traffic, the situation is even more favorable. Voice traffic passes through the operator's gateways to implement the technology VoWiFi, is usually not charged like regular internet traffic. This means that even if your gigabyte package runs out, Wi-Fi calls should continue to work, as they are transmitted over a dedicated channel. However, it's worth keeping in mind that connecting to a Wi-Fi router may require internet access for authentication.
When roaming abroad, using Wi-Fi Calling becomes especially beneficial. If your phone is registered to your carrier's home network (even when physically abroad but connected to Wi-Fi), calls may be charged as domestic calls rather than international roaming. This allows for significant savings while traveling, although the terms of the specific plan may vary. Tele2 It's always worth checking before leaving.
⚠️ Attention: When using the roaming feature, make sure that your phone's settings are not set to automatic network selection. Otherwise, if Wi-Fi is temporarily lost, the phone may try to register with a local network, which will result in additional charges.
Diagnosing and resolving connection problems
Despite the well-established technology, users may encounter situations where Wi-Fi calls are Samsung The functions aren't working, or the icon doesn't appear. The first step in troubleshooting should always be checking the basic settings: whether the function itself is enabled in the menu, whether mobile data is active, and whether the Wi-Fi network is visible. Often, the problem is that the phone is stuck on a weak 3G signal and refuses to switch to Wi-Fi Calling.
If simple methods don't help, try resetting your network settings. This won't delete your personal data, photos, or contacts, but it will return your mobile network and Wi-Fi settings to factory defaults. The path to this option usually looks like this: Settings → General settings → Reset → Reset network settingsAfter rebooting, the phone will request parameters from the operator again. Tele2, which often solves the problem.
It's also worth checking whether your router is blocking necessary ports. Some home internet providers or corporate firewalls may block protocols used for voice communications. This is rare on a home network, but if you're trying to make calls over public Wi-Fi at a hotel or cafe, there may be restrictions. In this case, the only solution is to use mobile data or find a different network.
In rare cases, the problem may be on the operator's end, as maintenance work is underway in your region. If none of the above helps, it's worth calling technical support. Tele2 and check whether the VoWiFi service is activated for your number in their databases. Sometimes, reactivation of the service on the operator's server is required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will Wi-Fi Calling work if the Tele2 SIM card is in another phone?
Yes, the service is linked to your number and SIM card, but you need a smartphone that supports the technology. If you move the SIM card to a phone that doesn't support VoWiFi, the service won't work, even if it's activated on your number.
Can the other person hear that I'm calling over Wi-Fi?
No, it's a normal call for the other person. There are no special sounds, messages, or changes to caller ID. The only noticeable difference is the clearer sound (HD Voice).
Can I use Wi-Fi Calling without mobile internet?
No, mobile internet (data transfer) must be enabled in your phone settings for initial authorization and for the service to work, even if the call itself is made through a Wi-Fi router. This does not consume any data traffic.
Why did the VoWiFi icon disappear during a call?
This means that the Wi-Fi connection has deteriorated and the phone has automatically switched to the cellular network (handover), or the cellular signal has become strong enough and the priority has shifted. This is normal system behavior to maintain connectivity.
Does this feature work on dual SIM Samsung phones?
Yes, but typically only for one SIM card at a time, which is the default one selected for voice calls, or for both if both SIM cards support the technology and are within the coverage area of their networks.