Technology Wi-Fi Calling from MTS Allows you to make calls and send text messages even without a cellular network—a Wi-Fi connection is sufficient. This is especially useful in areas with poor coverage, such as basements, remote areas, or outside the city. However, this feature is not available in all regions of Russia, and its functionality depends on the phone model, firmware, and data plan.
In this article you will find The current list of regions where MTS Wi-Fi Calling is officially supported as of 2026, as well as detailed instructions on how to set up iPhone And AndroidWe'll cover common connection errors, hardware requirements, and answers to frequently asked questions—from the difference between VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling to the impact of roaming on service performance.
If you live in Moscow or St. Petersburg, your chances of getting this feature supported are highest. But what about those living in smaller towns or rural areas? More on that later.
What is Wi-Fi Calling and how does it work on the MTS network?
Wi-Fi Calling (or VoWiFi) is a technology that allows voice calls and SMS messages to be sent over the internet, bypassing traditional cell towers. The call is made using the protocol IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem), which guarantees the same quality of communication as with a regular mobile connection.
On the web MTS the service operates according to the standard GSMA IR.51, which means:
- 🔄 Automatically switch between Wi-Fi and cellular networks without losing the connection (if supported by your device).
- 📞 The subscriber's number is displayed the same as for a regular call - without any prefixes or changes.
- 🌍 Works in roaming (but only if the partner operator supports the technology).
It is important to understand that Wi-Fi Calling does not replace messengers like WhatsApp or TelegramMain differences:
| Parameter | Wi-Fi Calling (MTS) | Messengers (WhatsApp, Viber) |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile number required | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (can be used without a SIM card) |
| Calls to any numbers | ✅ Yes (including landlines) | ❌ Only between Messenger users |
| Tariffs | ✅ Like a regular call (at the rate) | ❌ Free (but traffic is used) |
| Work when messengers are blocked | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
⚠️ Attention: Wi-Fi Calling is not an analogue VoLTE (voice over 4G). These are two different technologies, and support for them is configured separately. In some regions, MTS may only offer VoLTE and not Wi-Fi Calling—check your account.
Official list of regions where MTS Wi-Fi Calling will be available in 2026
According to data MTS, at the beginning of 2026, the technology Wi-Fi Calling available in 58 regions of RussiaHowever, coverage is uneven: in some areas, the service only operates in large cities (for example, regional centers), while in others, it's universal. Below is an up-to-date list, taking into account recent network expansions.
List of regions supporting Wi-Fi Calling:
- 📍 Central Federal District: Moscow, Moscow region, Tula, Kaluga, Smolensk, Bryansk, Vladimir, Ryazan, Tver, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Ivanovo region.
- 📍 Northwestern Federal District: Saint Petersburg, Leningrad region, Veliky Novgorod, Pskov, Murmansk, Arkhangelsk, Vologda, Kaliningrad.
- 📍 Southern and North Caucasian Federal Districts: Krasnodar (including Sochi), Rostov-on-Don, Volgograd, Astrakhan, Stavropol, Makhachkala, Grozny, Nalchik.
- 📍 Volga Federal District: Kazan, Samara, Nizhny Novgorod, Perm, Ufa, Saratov, Penza, Kirov, Ulyanovsk, Orenburg.
- 📍 Ural Federal District: Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Tyumen, Kurgan, Magnitogorsk.
- 📍 Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts: Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Omsk, Barnaul, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Vladivostok (partially), Yakutsk (limited).
IN Crimea And Sevastopol Wi-Fi Calling from MTS doesn't work Due to licensing issues, there is also a lack of support in most rural areas of the Far East and Siberia (with the exception of large cities).
⚠️ Attention: Even if your region is on the list, check the coverage specifically for your address. For example, in St. Petersburg Wi-Fi Calling works in all areas, and in Kazan — only within the Ring Road. For a more accurate check, use the official app. My MTS (section "Services").
Phone and plan requirements for Wi-Fi Calling
To use Wi-Fi Calling from MTSYour device and plan must meet several conditions. If any of them are not met, the feature will be unavailable.
Phone requirements:
- 📱 VoWiFi support at the hardware level. Most smartphones released after 2018 support the technology, but there are exceptions (for example, some models Xiaomi or Realme require manual activation).
- 🔄 Current firmware. On iPhone must have iOS 12.2 or later installed, Android - version not lower than 9.0 (with support
IMS). - 📋 MTS SIM card. Virtual operators (eg Yota or Tele2 on the MTS network) do not support Wi-Fi Calling.
Tariff requirements:
- 💳 Any MTS tariff, except for "Just Communication" and corporate offers. This feature is available even on prepaid plans (for example, Super MTS).
- 🌐 Active Internet service. Without a connected data plan, Wi-Fi Calling will not work, even if you are connected to your home Wi-Fi.
- 🔒 No blocking. If the number has restrictions (for example, due to unpaid bills), the service may be disabled.
Check your phone's compatibility with the official list. MTS:
| Brand | Supported models (examples) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | iPhone 6s and later (including SE) | Requires iOS 12.2+ |
| Samsung | Galaxy S8/S9/S10/S20/S21/S22, Note 9/10/20, A52/A72 | On some models you need to enable Volte Provisioning in the service menu |
| Xiaomi | Mi 10/11/12, Redmi Note 10/11 Pro, POCO F3/F4 | Manual APN configuration required |
| Huawei | P30/P40/P50, Mate 20/30/40 | Newer models (2022+) may require an EMUI update. |
☑️ Preparing your phone for Wi-Fi Calling
Step-by-step instructions: how to set up Wi-Fi Calling on iPhone and Android
The setup process varies depending on your operating system. Below are detailed instructions for iOS And Android taking into account the firmware features.
Setup on iPhone (iOS 12.2 and later)
1. Open Settings → Cellular → MTS SIM card.
2. Find the item Wi-Fi Calling and move the slider to the right. If the option isn't there, update your iOS.
3. In the window that appears, select "Turn on".
4. Confirm the emergency address (automatically entered).
5. Restart your phone.
After activation, the following message will appear in the status bar next to the operator's name: MTS Wi-Fi.
Setting up on Android (using the example of Samsung and Xiaomi)
📌 For Samsung (One UI):
1. Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks.
2. Select Wi-Fi Calling and activate the function.
3. Enter the emergency address (optional).
📌 For Xiaomi (MIUI):
1. Open Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → MTS.
2. Find Wi-Fi Calling and enable the option.
3. If there is no item, enter it in the dialer ##4636##, select Phone Information and check support VoWiFi.
📌 For Huawei (EMUI):
1. Go to Settings → Wireless & networks → Mobile networks.
2. Activate Wi-Fi Calling.
3. If the option is missing, update the firmware via HiSuite.
Common errors and how to fix them
Even if your region and phone support Wi-Fi Calling, connection issues may still occur. Let's look at the most common errors and their solutions.
1. The "Wi-Fi calling" option is missing from the settings.
- 🔹 Make sure your phone model supports VoWiFi.
- 🔹 Update your firmware to the latest version.
- 🔹 Check that the SIM card MTS inserted into the slot
SIM1(On some phones, Wi-Fi Calling only works with the primary SIM card).
2. Calls are not made even though the function is enabled
- 🔹 Switch to a different Wi-Fi network (for example, from your home to a mobile hotspot).
- 🔹 Disable your VPN or proxy - they may be blocking
IMS-traffic. - 🔹 Check your Internet service balance and activity in your personal account MTS.
3. The other person can't hear you or hears you with interference
- 🔹 Make sure the microphone is not covered by a case or protective film.
- 🔹 Try reconnecting to the call or restarting your phone.
- 🔹 Check your internet speed - for stable Wi-Fi Calling, you need at least 1 Mbps.
4. Wi-Fi Calling works, but doesn't switch to the cellular network
- 🔹 This feature (handover) is not supported on all phones. iPhone it works stably, but on Android — only on flagship models.
- 🔹 Check your settings
IMSin the engineering menu (for experienced users).
How to open the engineering menu on Android?
On most phones you need to enter a combination into the dialer ##4636## or *#0011#In the menu, select "Phone Information" and check the VoWiFi status. Be careful—changing settings may disrupt the network!
⚠️ Attention: If Wi-Fi Calling still doesn't work after all these steps, please contact support. MTS via in-app chat My MTSPlease provide your phone model, firmware version, and region—this will speed up diagnostics.
Wi-Fi Calling vs. VoLTE: What's the Difference and Which is Better?
Many people are confused Wi-Fi Calling And VoLTE, although these are two different technologies with different operating principles. Let's figure out how they differ and when which technology is preferable.
VoLTE (Voice over LTE) — is voice communication over a 4G network. Advantages:
- 📶 Wider coverage (works anywhere there is 4G).
- 🔊 Better sound quality thanks to the codec
HD Voice. - ⚡ Fast connection (the call is connected in 1–2 seconds).
Wi-Fi Calling — voice communication over the Internet. Advantages:
- 📶 Works where there is no cellular signal (for example, in a basement or outside the city).
- 🌍 Supported in roaming (if the partner operator allows it).
- 🔄 Can automatically switch between Wi-Fi and cellular networks (on supported devices).
Which technology to choose?
| Scenario | VoLTE | Wi-Fi Calling |
|---|---|---|
| You are in a city with good 4G coverage | ✅ Optimal | ❌ No need |
| You are in a weak signal area (basement, village) | ❌ It doesn't work | ✅ Best choice |
| You are roaming | ❌ Often blocked | ✅ Works (if supported) |
| Your phone does not support VoLTE. | ❌ Not available | ✅ It can work |
The ideal situation is when both technologies are enabled simultaneously. Modern smartphones automatically select the best communication channel. For example, iPhone Prioritizes Wi-Fi Calling if the Wi-Fi signal is more stable than 4G.
The Future of Wi-Fi Calling at MTS: Expansion Plans and New Opportunities
According to data MTS, in 2026-2026, Wi-Fi Calling coverage is planned to be expanded to additional regions, including:
- 📍 Far East: full coverage of Khabarovsk and Primorsky Krais, as well as Sakhalin.
- 📍 Siberia: expansion in Omsk, Tomsk and Kemerovo regions.
- 📍 North Caucasus: Improving coverage in the mountainous regions of Dagestan and Chechnya.
In addition, the operator is testing new features:
- 🔄 Seamless transition between Wi-Fi and 5G (currently only available on iPhone 12 and newer).
- 📞 Wi-Fi Calling for Corporate Clients (launch scheduled for late 2026).
- 🌍 Enhanced roaming support with partners in Europe and Asia.
Also MTS is working on integrating Wi-Fi Calling with services MTS TV And MTS Music, which will allow you to use one account for calls and entertainment services.
⚠️ Attention: Operator plans are subject to change depending on regulatory requirements and technical capabilities. For the latest news, please follow official channels. MTS V Telegram or VKontakte.
Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi Calling from MTS
❓ How can I check if Wi-Fi Calling works in my area?
The most reliable way is to enable the feature in your phone's settings and try making a call over Wi-Fi. If the connection is established, an icon will appear in the status bar. MTS Wi-Fi — the service is available. You can also check the details in the support chat. MTS or via the app My MTS (section "Services").
❓ Why isn't Wi-Fi Calling working on my Xiaomi/Realme/Honor?
On some models Xiaomi, Realme And Honor The function may be hidden. Try:
- Update the firmware to the latest version.
- Enter in the dialer
##4636##and check the statusVoWiFi. - Install regional firmware (for example, RU instead of Global).
If nothing helps, contact support MTS indicating the phone model.
❓ Can I use Wi-Fi Calling while roaming?
Yes, but with some reservations:
- 🌍 The function only works in countries where MTS There are partnership agreements with local operators (for example, in Turkey, UAE, Thailand).
- 💰 Charging is based on the roaming rules of your plan.
- 📵 In some countries (such as the US or Europe), Wi-Fi Calling may be blocked due to local regulatory restrictions.
Before your trip, please check the conditions in the "Roaming" section on the website. MTS.
❓ How do I disable Wi-Fi Calling if I don't need it?
To deactivate the feature:
- 📱 On iPhone:
Settings → Cellular → Wi-Fi Calling→ turn off the slider. - 🤖 On Android:
Settings → Mobile network → Wi-Fi calling→ turn off the option.
Disabling Wi-Fi Calling does not affect VoLTE or regular calls.
❓ Is it possible to use Wi-Fi Calling without a SIM card (for example, with an eSIM)?
No. The service requires a physical or virtual SIM card. MTS. eSIM supported, but only if it is activated as a primary line. Virtual operators (eg Yota or Tele2 on the MTS network) do not provide access to Wi-Fi Calling.