In the era of ubiquitous Wi-Fi, the ability to make calls over the Internet has become not a luxury, but necessity. This function is especially relevant for owners Android smartphoneswho often encounter poor mobile network coverage in offices, basements or country houses. Calls over Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi Calling) allow you to maintain a connection even where there is no signal LTE/5G , while the subscriber tariff and phone number remain the same.

However, not all users know how to correctly activate this option. Depending on the phone model (Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi, Google Pixel), version Android (from Android 9 Pie to Android 15) and mobile operator (MTS, Beeline, Megaphone, Tele2), the setup process may differ. In this article we will look at all the nuances: from basic activation to solving common errors, such as the absence of an icon in the status bar or problems with registration on the network. MTS data-i="46">Tele2 Wi-Fi Calling in the status bar or problems with online registration.

It is important to understand that Wi-Fi calls do not require the installation of third-party applications like WhatsApp or Skype —they are integrated at the operating system level and use your operator's SIM card. This means that calls will be charged according to the same rules as regular mobile calls, and incoming calls will be sent to your main number.

What is Wi-Fi Calling and how does it work

Wi-Fi Calling (or VoWiFi) - a technology that allows you to make voice calls and send SMS via a wireless network Wi-Fi, instead of traditional cell towers. The main advantage is a stable connection in areas with poor coverage 2G/3G/4G/5G. The technology is supported by most modern smartphones and telecom operators in Russia.

When making a call over Wi-Fi, your voice is converted into digital data packets that are transmitted through the Internet connection, and then converted back into a voice signal on the recipient's side. This process occurs instantly and unnoticed by the user. It is important that:

  • 📶 No mobile network required —a Wi-Fi connection is enough.
  • 🔒 Encryption —all data is transmitted via a secure protocol IPSec or SRTP.
  • 📞 Compatibility —works with any numbers (including virtual ones) if the operator supports the technology.
  • 🌍 Roaming —in some countries you can call at home rates, avoiding roaming charges.

However, there is and restrictions. For example, not all operators provide VoWiFi for corporate tariffs or virtual SIMs (eSIM). In addition, some budget smartphone models (Realme C-series, Nokia 1.x) may not support the function at the software level.

📊 Does your telecom operator support Wi-Fi Calling?
Yes, everything works
No, it does not support
I don’t know, I haven’t tried
I use only instant messengers

Requirements for setting up calls over Wi-Fi

Before you start setting up, make sure that your device and operator meet the minimum requirements. Here are the key conditions:

Component Minimum requirements Recommendations
Android version Android 9 Pie and later On Android 10+ higher stability
Smartphone model Support VoWiFi at the hardware level Samsung Galaxy S/A/J-series, Google Pixel, Xiaomi Mi/Redmi Note (2019 and newer)
Communication operator Support Wi-Fi Calling (check on the operator's website) MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2 (for individuals)
SIM card Active SIM with support VoLTE Better to use nano-SIM or eSIM
Wi-Fi network Speed from 2 Mbit/s, stable connection Avoid public networks with authorization (for example, in cafe)

If your smartphone was released before 2018, check for support VoWiFi on the manufacturer's website. For example, Samsung Galaxy S8 officially supports the function, but may require a firmware update. Devices on MediaTek (Redmi 9A, Tecno Sparksometimes require manual activation through the engineering menu.

⚠️ Attention: Some operators (for example, Yota or Tinkoff Mobile) may limit Wi-Fi Calling for tariffs with unlimited minutes. Check the conditions in your personal account or with support.

Step-by-step guide: how to enable Wi-Fi Calling on Android

The activation process depends on the version Android and shell manufacturer. Below is a universal algorithm that is suitable for most devices. If your model does not fall under the standard scheme, use alternative methods from the next section.

Check the Android version in Settings → About phone

Make sure the SIM card is active and supports VoLTE

Connect to stable Wi-Fi network (not a mobile hotspot)

Update the firmware to the latest version (if available)-->

Standard method (Android 10 and later)

  1. Open Settings and go to the section Network and Internet (or Connections to Samsung).

  2. Select Mobile network → Advanced (or Network mode).

  3. Find item Wi-Fi Calling (may be called Wi-Fi calls or VoWiFi) and activate the switch.

  4. Select the operating mode:

    • 📞 Wi-Fi only — calls only via the Internet (if there is no mobile network).
    • 🔄 Wi-Fi is preferable — priority is given to Wi-Fi, but in its absence the mobile network is used.
    • 📶 Mobile network preferable — Wi-Fi is used only in the complete absence of a signal.

  • Confirm activation by following the on-screen instructions (a reboot may be required).

    • For Samsung smartphones (One UI)

    On devices Samsung the path to the settings may differ:

    1. Go in Settings → Connections → Mobile networks.

    2. Tap on Wi-Fi Calling and turn on the function.

    3. Enter the emergency address calls (usually automatically substituted by the operator).

    4. Select mode Wi-Fi is preferable for better stability.

      5. After activation, an icon will appear in the status bar Wi-Fi Calling (usually a handset with an antenna or inscription VoWiFi). If there is no icon, check the settings again or reboot the device.

      💡

      If after turning on Wi-Fi Calling calls do not go through, try temporarily disabling VPN or ad blockers —they may conflict with voice packets.

      Alternative methods of enabling (if the standard method does not work)

      If there is no item in the settings of your smartphone Wi-Fi Calling, this does not always mean a lack of support. The function may be hidden by the manufacturer or require manual activation. Let's look at several proven methods.

      Method 1: USSD codes and engineering menu

      Some operators and manufacturers allow you to activate VoWiFi through hidden commands. Try the following options:

      • 📱 Enter in the dialer: ##4636## → select Phone information → Wi-Fi Calling → turn on.
      • 🔢 For Samsung: *#0011# → check the status VoWiFi in the service menu.
      • 📡 For Xiaomi: ##869434## → activate VoWiFi i VoLTE.

    If nothing happens after entering the code, your model does not support this method.

    Method 2: Setting up via the app operator

    Some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) offer to activate Wi-Fi Calling through the official application:

    1. Download your operator's application from Google Play (My MTS, Beeline Pro etc.).

    2. Login and find section Services or Communication settings.

    3. Activate the option Calling over Wi-Fi (may be called VoWiFi or Voice over Wi-Fi).

    4. Wait for SMS confirmation (usually arrives within 5 minutes).

    Method 3: Manually adding APN for VoWiFi

    In rare cases In cases, you need to configure APN (access point) for Wi-Fi Calling. This is relevant for operators who use separate parameters for VoLTE/VoWiFi:

    1. Go to Settings → Mobile network → Access point names (APN).

    2. Create a new APN or edit an existing one.

    3. Add the following parameters (example for MTS): 

      Name: MTS VoWiFi

      APN: internet.mts.ru
      

      APN type: default,supl,ims,xcap
      

      Protocol: IPv4/IPv6
      

      Port: 80

    4. Save the settings and restart your phone.

    ⚠️ Attention: Incorrect settings APN may lead to loss of mobile data. Before making changes, write down the current settings or take a screenshot.

    Solving common problems with Wi-Fi Calling

    Even after correct configuration Wi-Fi Calling users encounter errors. Let's look at typical scenarios and ways to resolve them.

    Problem 1: The Wi-Fi Calling icon does not appear

    If after activation there is no indicator in the status bar VoWiFi, check the following:

    • 🔄 Reboot your phone —sometimes the function is enabled only after a reboot.
    • 📶 Check the coverage —some operators require at least a minimum signal LTE to register on the network IMS.
    • 🔧 Update the firmware —older versions Android there may be bugs c VoWiFi.
    • 📱 Reset the network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.

    Problem 2: Calls are dropped or not pass

    If the connection is established, but the conversation is interrupted, the reasons may be as follows:

    • 🌐 Unstable Wi-Fi — check the Internet speed (must be at least 1 Mbit/s).
    • 🔒 Blocking ports — some routers close the ports necessary for VoWiFi (UDP 500, 4500).
    • 📵 Conflict with VPN - disable VPN or change the protocol to IKEv2.
    • 🔋 Battery saving - add an application Phone optimization exceptions.
    How to check if the router is blocking VoWiFi?

    Connect your phone to another Wi-Fi network (for example, to a mobile hotspot access).

    If Wi-Fi Calling works, the problem is in the settings of your router.

    Try rebooting the router or disabling the firewall.

    Problem 3: The operator does not support Wi-Fi Calling

    If your operator does not provide VoWiFi, but the function is critically needed, consider alternatives:

    • 📲 Messenger applications: WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber (calls via the Internet, but not to a phone number).
    • 📞 Google Voice - virtual number with support for calling over Wi-Fi (not available in all countries).
    • 🔄 Changing operator — go to a provider with support VoWiFi (for example, MegaFon or MTS).
    💡

    If your operator officially supports Wi-Fi Callingbut the function does not work, contact support and request linking IMS profile to your SIM card. Sometimes this solves the problem.

    Comparison of Wi-Fi Calling between different operators

    Not all telecom operators in Russia provide Wi-Fi Calling on the same conditions. Below is a comparative table as of 2026 (details may change - check on official websites).

    Operator VoWiFi support Tariffs Features Emergency calls
    MTS ✅ Yes All tariffs for individuals Automatic activation on supported devices ✅ Yes (with location transfer)
    Beeline ✅ Yes Everything except "Everything is simple" Requires confirmation through the app Beeline Pro ✅ Yes
    MegaFon ✅ Yes All tariffs Supports eSIM and roaming ✅ Yes
    Tele2 ✅ Yes (from 2023) "My Tele2", "My Conversation" Restriction by region (not everywhere) ❌ No
    Yota ❌ No — Alternative: calls via Yota Messenger —

    Please note that some operators (for example, Tele2) may charge additional fees for Wi-Fi Calling roaming. Check the tariffs before traveling abroad.

    Security and privacy when calling over Wi-Fi

    One ​​of the main concerns of users is the security of voice data transmission over the Internet. Fortunately, Wi-Fi Calling uses the same encryption protocols as banking applications:

    • 🔐 IPSec - protects traffic from interception on open networks.
    • 🔒 SRTP - encrypts voice packets at the transport level.
    • 🛡️ SIM Authentication - confirms the subscriber's identity through IMS-operator server.

    However, there are nuances that are worth remembering:

    • 🕵️ Public Wi-Fi: avoid calls through networks at airports, cafes or hotels - they may be vulnerable to MITM attacks (interception traffic).
    • 📍 Geolocation: when making emergency calls via Wi-Fi, the operator can transmit your approximate location to rescue services (this is a legal requirement).
    • 📱 Third-party applications: if you use VPN, Wi-Fi Calling may work unstable or turn off altogether.

    For maximum security:

    • Use your home Wi-Fi or mobile hotspot (hotspot) with WPA3 encryption.
    • Disable Wi-Fi Calling when connecting to questionable networks.
    • Regularly update your smartphone firmware - new versions Android close vulnerabilities in IMS stack.
    ⚠️ Attention: If you use Wi-Fi Calling abroad, the operator can transfer your location data to local authorities in accordance with legislation of the host country. Check this point before your trip.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi calling on Android

    Can I use Wi-Fi Calling without a SIM card?

    No, Wi-Fi Calling linked to your SIM card and mobile number. Without an active SIM, the function will not work. An alternative is messengers like WhatsApp or Skype, but they use separate accounts.

    Are calls over Wi-Fi charged?

    Calls via Wi-Fi Calling are charged according to the same rules, the same as regular mobile calls. If you have unlimited calling, there is no charge. The exception is roaming, where additional tariffs may apply.

    Why does the interlocutor hear an echo when making a call via Wi-Fi?

    The echo occurs due to network latency (latency) or a conflict of audio codecs. Try:

    • Reconnect to the call.
    • Use headphones instead of the speaker.
    • Switch to the mobile network (if there is a signal).

    If the problem persists, contact your operator's support - perhaps the fault is on their side.

    Does Wi-Fi Calling work on Android tablets?

    Yes, but only if the tablet supports it LTE and has a slot for a SIM card. The function is not available on tablets without mobile communications (Wi-Fi only). An exception is tablets with eSIM (for example, Samsung Galaxy Tab S8).

    Is it possible to make calls via Wi-Fi if the phone is in "Airplane" mode?

    Yes, but provided that you manually turned on Wi-Fi. In "Airplane" mode, all wireless modules are disabled, including Wi-Fi, so you need it activate separately. After that Wi-Fi Calling it will work.