MTS Wi-Fi Calling: How to connect and set up

Modern smartphones offer a variety of features that significantly improve communication quality, especially in areas with poor cellular coverage. One such technology is Wi-Fi Calling (or VoWiFi), which allows you to make voice calls and send SMS messages over an internet connection. For MTS subscribers, this option is a real lifesaver in offices, shopping centers, or country houses where base station signal strength is minimal but reliable Wi-Fi is available.

Activating this service doesn't require installing any additional apps, as the technology is built directly into your phone's software. There's no need to switch to messaging apps or use third-party clients—the call is made using standard dialing but routed over the wireless network. This ensures high-quality audio and allows for uninterrupted conversations even when moving from Wi-Fi to LTE/3G coverage, provided your carrier supports Handover technology.

In this article we will discuss in detail how to activate VoWiFi On devices from various manufacturers, which tariff plans support this option, and how to troubleshoot possible connection errors. Understanding the nuances of this technology will help you stay connected in any conditions, taking advantage of modern equipment and MTS infrastructure.

What is VoWiFi and how does it work with MTS?

VoWiFi Voice over Wi-Fi (Voice over Wi-Fi) is a technology for transmitting voice traffic over IP protocols via a wireless local area network. Unlike popular instant messaging apps, which also use the internet for calls, Wi-Fi Calling is integrated into the standard dialing interface. For MTS subscribers, this means that incoming and outgoing calls are charged according to the terms of your basic plan, as regular minutes, rather than as internet traffic.

The principle of operation is to create a secure tunnel between your smartphone and the operator's gateways. When you dial a number, the phone detects the availability of a cellular network. If the signal is weak or absent, but Wi-Fi is connected, the device automatically switches the call to the internet channel. This is especially important for buildings with thick walls or basements, where cellular radio waves have difficulty penetrating.

⚠️ Attention: For the technology to function correctly, the router must support SIP protocols and not block ports used for voice traffic. In corporate networks, access may be restricted by the administrator.

It's important to note that this technology requires support from three sources: your carrier, your data plan, and your smartphone itself. MTS provides network-level support, but users must activate the feature themselves and verify device compatibility. Connection quality directly depends on the speed and stability of your home or public Wi-Fi.

Technical requirements for the network

For stable VoWiFi operation, a connection speed of at least 1 Mbps and a ping time to the operator's servers of less than 100 ms are recommended. If the network is overloaded with other devices, audio quality may deteriorate.

Checking device and tariff compatibility

Before you begin setting up, you need to make sure that your equipment and tariff plan support the function. Wi-Fi CallingMTS is constantly expanding its list of compatible devices, but older smartphone models may not have the required software. First, check that your phone supports 4G/LTE networks, as support for modern communication standards often correlates with VoWiFi.

Regarding tariffs, most current MTS plans already include this option by default or offer it for free. However, this feature may not be available on some older or specific corporate plans. The easiest way to find out more information is to use your personal account or the operator's mobile app.

Below is a table showing the support status of the technology on popular brands and device series:

If your device isn't listed or you're unsure, try finding the corresponding switch in your phone's settings. A missing menu item often indicates that the phone's firmware doesn't contain the MTS carrier profile for this feature. In this case, you may need to update the system to the latest available version.

How to activate the service on the operator's side

Even if your phone is technically ready to work with VoWiFiThe service itself must be activated in the subscriber's profile on the MTS network. Without this step, the phone will not be able to register for the service, even if all the settings in the menu are enabled. There are several ways to manage this option, and you can choose the one that suits you best.

The fastest way is to use a USSD command or SMS. However, given that interfaces and commands are subject to change, the most reliable method is to use digital self-service channels. You can instantly view and change the service status through the My MTS app or your personal account on the website.

• 📱 My MTS application: Go to the "Services" section and find the "Calls" category, or search for "Wi-Fi." The switch should be green.
• 💻 Personal account: The operator's website also has a communications section in the service management section where you can activate this option.
• 📞 Support: The call center operator can activate the service remotely after completing the identification procedure.

⚠️ Attention: After activating the service on the operator side, you may need to reboot your smartphone or turn on airplane mode for 10-15 seconds to update your network registration.

In some cases, activation occurs automatically the first time you try to make a call over Wi-Fi, if your plan allows it. However, to avoid confusion, it's best to check the status in the app beforehand. This ensures that your plan's limits and terms are applied correctly.

Setting up Wi-Fi Calling on iPhone (iOS)

Apple devices feature a unified approach to configuring network features. To activate Wi-Fi Calling On iPhone, the device must be running the latest version of iOS and have updated carrier settings. MTS regularly releases profile updates that add support for new features to existing models.

The setup process on iOS is extremely simple and takes less than a minute. It's important that your phone is connected to Wi-Fi during setup, otherwise the menu item may be grayed out or hidden. Also, make sure voice and data roaming is enabled in your cellular settings if you're abroad, although this isn't required for use within Russia.

The sequence of actions is as follows: open Settings, go to the section Cellular communications. Find the item Wi-Fi calling and activate the switch. The system may request confirmation of your address for emergency services (E911), which is a standard safety procedure.

Once enabled, a "Wi-Fi" icon or the text "MTS Wi-Fi" may appear in the status bar next to the carrier's name. This indicates that the phone is ready to route calls over the internet. Connection quality in this mode is typically higher than in 3G mode and comparable to LTE.

Instructions for Android users

On the platform Android The setup process may vary depending on the smartphone manufacturer and operating system version. Interfaces from Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor, and other brands have their own specific menu layouts. However, the general procedure remains similar: find the cellular section and activate the corresponding function.

On Samsung smartphones you need to go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi callsHere you need to move the slider to the "On" position. On Xiaomi and Redmi devices, the path may look like this: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Use Wi-Fi for calls.

• 🔍 Search by settings: If you can't find the item you're looking for, use the search bar at the top of the settings menu and search for "Wi-Fi" or "VoWiFi."
• 📶 Network Priority: Some menus allow you to select a network priority. We recommend setting "Wi-Fi Preferred" so your phone uses a wireless network when available.
• 🔄 Software update: If the feature is missing, check for system updates in the About phone section.

Please note that some custom firmware versions or devices imported through parallel delivery may lack carrier software support. In this case, activation through the phone settings will not work, even if the service is connected to MTS.

Problem solving and troubleshooting

Despite the simplicity of the technology, users may encounter difficulties when connecting or using Wi-Fi CallingThe most common issue is that the Wi-Fi Calling icon appears, but calls fail or are dropped. This may be due to router security settings that block necessary ports or protocols.

Another common issue is when the phone doesn't automatically switch to Wi-Fi, even when there's no cellular service. In this case, check whether "4G/LTE Only" mode is enabled in the engineering menu or modem settings. Also, make sure you have sufficient funds in your balance or a minute plan activated, as calls are billed as normal.

⚠️ Attention: Tariff terms and technical parameters of the service are subject to change by the operator. Always check the official MTS app for the latest information, as interfaces and rules are updated regularly.

If a reboot doesn't resolve the issue, try deleting the Wi-Fi network profile and reconnecting. Resetting your phone's network settings can sometimes help, but keep in mind that this will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Wi-Fi Calling use up internet traffic?

No, call minutes are used from your basic MTS tariff plan, just like regular calls. Wi-Fi traffic is not used in the traditional sense, as a dedicated channel is used.

Does Wi-Fi Calling work if I'm abroad?

Yes, this technology allows you to save on roaming charges. Incoming calls via Wi-Fi Calling while abroad are often free (just like incoming calls at home), while outgoing calls are charged as if they were from your home country or according to your plan. Check the app for details.

Why did the Wi-Fi Calling icon disappear after updating my phone?

After updating the OS, your carrier settings may reset. Go to the cellular menu and try turning the feature off and on again. If that doesn't help, check for new system updates or carrier profiles.

Can Wi-Fi Calling be used on tablets?

This feature is only available on devices with a SIM card that support voice calls. It won't work on SIM-less or data-only tablets.