Modern mobile communications are no longer dependent solely on the density of cell phone towers in your area, which is especially important for residents of new buildings with thick walls or remote country houses. Technology VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi), available to Tele2 subscribers, allows you to make and receive voice calls using any available wireless internet connection. This solution is ideal for those who experience an unstable 4G signal indoors but have a high-quality home or office router.
To activate this feature, users need not only a compatible smartphone but also the correct network settings on their device. Unlike popular messaging apps, Tele2's Wi-Fi calls are made from your primary number and are charged according to your current plan, eliminating the need to dictate new contacts to colleagues or friends.
Before proceeding with manual setup, it's important to ensure your device and SIM card fully comply with your carrier's requirements. The activation process may vary depending on your phone model and operating system version, so it's important to carefully review the step-by-step instructions for your specific device.
Technological features of Tele2 VoWiFi
Technology VoWiFi Tele2 Voice is the transmission of voice traffic over IP protocols, similar to how data is transmitted when browsing websites. The main difference from messaging apps is that the connection is established directly with Tele2's gateways, rather than through third-party servers. This ensures higher sound quality and connection stability, as traffic is prioritized by the operator.
A key advantage is seamless handover, or seamless switching between networks. If you leave Wi-Fi coverage during a call but enter a strong LTE network, the call won't be interrupted; it will simply switch to a different data channel. However, this feature requires support from the base station and the smartphone itself.
It's important to understand that this technology requires not just internet access, but a stable connection with low latency (ping). If your router is overloaded with downloads or the signal is weak, connection quality may deteriorate, even if the indicator shows pages are fully loaded.
How does VoWiFi affect battery life?
Making calls over Wi-Fi may consume slightly more power than a regular cellular call, as the Wi-Fi module is constantly active. However, on modern smartphones with optimized operating systems, the difference is virtually unnoticeable during everyday use.
Tele2 is actively developing this infrastructure, allowing subscribers to stay connected even in places where cellular signal is physically impossible to reach, such as deep in the basements of shopping centers or in buildings with shielding.
Checking device and tariff compatibility
The first step before setup should be verifying your equipment. Not all phone models, even recently released ones, have hardware or software support for the Tele2 profile for internet calls. This most often applies to devices imported from abroad through parallel imports or entry-level budget models.
You also need to ensure that 4G/LTE service is activated on your SIM card. Without this basic requirement, VoWiFi connection is impossible, as the technology relies on the fourth-generation packet switching core. If you have an older SIM card, you may need to replace it at a mobile phone store or through a courier.
To quickly check the support status of your model, you can use the following list of popular brands that are guaranteed to work with your operator's network:
- 📱 Apple: iPhone 6s and later (with the latest version of iOS)
- 🤖 Samsung: Galaxy S and A series (2018 and later)
- 🔩 Xiaomi: Mi and Redmi series models with global firmware
- 💎 Huawei/Honor: Flagship models with Google Services support or newer
Pay special attention to your tariff plan. Tele2 has Wi-Fi calling enabled by default for most current archives, but on older corporate plans or with specific options, this feature can be blocked at the subscriber profile level.
If your phone doesn't display the Wi-Fi icon in the status bar during a call, it's likely that your device isn't certified by your carrier or needs a software update to the latest available version.
Setting up Wi-Fi Calling on iPhone (iOS)
Apple smartphone owners are the luckiest, as activating the feature on iOS devices is extremely simple and often doesn't require complex code manipulation. The main requirement is having iOS 13.0 or later installed, although in practice, it's best to use the latest OS for stable operation.
To enable this feature, you need to go to the main settings of your device. Find the section Cellular communications (Cellular). If you have a dual-SIM device, select the Tele2 SIM card for which you want to activate the option. Next, find the item Wi-Fi calling and move the switch to the active position.
After activation, the system may ask you to confirm your address for emergency services. This is a standard safety procedure: if you call 911, the operator needs to know your geolocation, as it can be inaccurate over Wi-Fi. Enter your current address, even if you're at home.
☑️ iPhone Setup Checklist
After successful activation, the following message will appear in the upper left corner of the screen, next to the operator's name: Tele2 Wi-FiThis will mean that all incoming and outgoing calls will now go through the internet channel if cellular service is unavailable or disconnected.
⚠️ Attention: If you're traveling abroad, Wi-Fi Calling may work differently. In some countries, calls to local numbers over Wi-Fi may be charged as roaming charges, even if you're not using a mobile network. Please be careful when using this feature abroad.
Instructions for Android smartphones
On the Android platform, the setup process can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer and the version of the shell. On stock Android (Google Pixel, Motorola, Nokia), the path usually lies through the menu. Telephone -> Settings -> Wi-Fi callingHere you just need to move the slider to the "On" position.
For Samsung devices, the algorithm is slightly different. Open Settings, go to Connections, then select Wi-Fi callingIf the option isn't in the main menu, try searching for it in Settings by entering "Wi-Fi Calling." Make sure the preferred network type is set to "Prefer Wi-Fi" or "Mobile network and Wi-Fi."
On Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, the path may look like this: Settings -> SIM cards and mobile networks -> choosing a Tele2 card -> Use Wi-FiIn some firmware versions, this option is hidden and only becomes available after installing the SIM card for the first time and rebooting the device.
It's important to note that some Android models may require installing a special profile or updating Carrier Services via the Google Play Store. If the toggle is grayed out and disabled, check for updates to Google system apps.
Once enabled, a corresponding icon resembling a telephone handset with a Wi-Fi symbol should appear in the notification bar. If the icon flashes or disappears, try restarting your smartphone or reconnecting to the Wi-Fi network.
Solving common connection problems and errors
Despite the simplicity of the technology, users often encounter situations where the feature doesn't activate or calls are dropped. One of the most common causes is using a router with "Guest Network" mode enabled. In this mode, devices are isolated from each other and the local network, blocking VoWiFi.
Problems can also be caused by antivirus software on your router or phone that blocks specific ports used for voice traffic. Try temporarily disabling your firewall or adding your phone to the exceptions list.
Below is a table of possible errors and how to fix them:
| Error / Symptom | Probable cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| The menu item is grayed out/inactive | The SIM card does not support 4G | Replace your SIM card at a Tele2 store |
| The sound is interrupted and "robotic" | Slow Wi-Fi speed | Move closer to the router or turn off downloads |
| There is no Tele2 Wi-Fi icon | Emergency services address not entered | Go to call settings and specify the address |
| Calls are not going through | Blocking at the tariff level | Contact operator support |
Another cause of failures could be outdated router firmware. Manufacturers regularly release updates that improve VoIP protocol performance. Access your router settings (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and check for a new version of the software.
⚠️ Attention: If you're using a corporate Wi-Fi network at your office, the network administrator may have blocked ports for voice calls to save bandwidth. In this case, Wi-Fi calling won't work, and the only solution is to switch to a mobile network or a personal hotspot.
Tariffs and impact on connection quality
The most important question for subscribers is the cost of such calls. Tele2 positions this service as a free option. Minutes spent on Wi-Fi calls are deducted from your basic package of minutes included in your plan. If the package is exhausted, you are charged at the standard minute rate of your plan.
The traffic consumed during a call doesn't use up your internet package. The carrier marks these data packages as priority and doesn't charge for them. However, simply using Wi-Fi shouldn't consume many megabytes: one minute of HD call takes less than 1 MB of data.
Connection quality directly depends on the bandwidth. A comfortable HD Voice conversation requires a speed of at least 1-2 Mbps one-way and a ping of less than 100 ms. If other devices are actively using the internet (streaming video, gaming), voice quality may degrade.
It's worth remembering that some additional services may not work when making calls over Wi-Fi, such as Caller ID in some specific cases or call forwarding if it's configured at the network level rather than the phone's. Call recording may also be unavailable at the software level, depending on the phone model.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will I be charged for Wi-Fi calls if I'm roaming?
Yes, roaming rules apply when you're abroad. However, if you're connected to Wi-Fi and calling a number in your home region (Russia), it may be cheaper or free depending on your plan, as you're not using foreign carriers' networks. Check the terms in the Tele2 app.
Why doesn't mobile internet work during a Wi-Fi call?
This depends on your smartphone's settings. Some Android models may disable mobile data during a Wi-Fi call to save power or prevent conflicts. Check your "Mobile Data" settings during the call.
Can I make calls over Wi-Fi if my account balance is negative?
No, to register for the VoWiFi network and establish a connection, you need a positive balance or enabled credit, just like for regular calls. If services are blocked, Wi-Fi Calling will also not work.
How to disable Wi-Fi calling if it's disturbing?
To disable this feature, simply return to the settings where you activated it (under "Cellular" or "Calls") and toggle the switch to "Off." Your phone will automatically switch to the standard cellular network when a signal is available.