Wi-Fi calls (VoWiFi) are a technology that allows voice calls to be made and received even when you donβt have a mobile network using an internet connection. On Xiaomi smartphones, this feature has been available for several years, but many users still donβt know how to activate it or experience setup errors. In this article, weβll take everything from checking your deviceβs compatibility to solving typical problems.
It's important to understand that VoWiFi only works with your mobile carrier's support, and even if your smartphone is technically capable of supporting the technology, you can't connect without the appropriate settings from the provider, and we'll also tell you how to check if your tariff supports this feature, and what to do if your Wi-Fi calls don't work after all the manipulations.
The article is relevant for all modern models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO base MIUI 12 and newer, including the flagship series Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13 and POCO F5/X5. If your device is older than yours 2019 First, check its compatibility in the section below.
What is VoWiFi and why is it needed in Xiaomi?
VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) is a communication standard that allows voice traffic to be transmitted over Wi-Fi networks instead of traditional mobile networks (2G/3G/4G/5G). Technology is particularly useful in the following situations:
- πΆ Weak mobile signal: If you are in a basement, elevator or country house where cellular communication is unstable, but there is stable Wi-Fi.
- π Roaming without surcharges: many operators allow you to call over Wi-Fi abroad at home rates, saving on roaming.
- π Battery savings: With a good Wi-Fi connection, a smartphone spends less energy searching for a network than with a weak signal. 4G.
- π More clear communication: VoWiFi uses codec HD Voice, which improves sound quality compared to regular calls.
On Xiaomi smartphones, VoWiFi is integrated at the firmware level MIUI It runs on top of the standard Phone application, which means you don't have to install any additional software, you just need to turn on one setting:
- β οΈ Not all models support VoWiFi: for example, budget devices until 2020 (for example, Redmi). 8A Redmi Note 7 may not have this feature.
- β οΈ The operator must support the technology: in Russia, VoWiFi officially provide MTS, Beeline, MegaFon and Tele2, but not at all tariffs.
- β οΈ Required. SIM-VoLTE card: no activated VoLTE (calls via the phone) 4G) VoWiFi will not work.
If you make frequent calls from areas with poor coverage or travel, setting up VoWiFi can significantly improve communication quality. In the next section, we will check if your smartphone supports this feature.
Checking your Xiaomiβs compatibility with VoWiFi
Before you try to turn on Wi-Fi calls, make sure your device supports this feature.
- Check the smartphone model: go to Settings β The phone. β Compatible devices are usually named Xiaomi 11/12/13/14, Redmi Note 10/11/12/13, POCO F3/F4/F5 For a full list of supported models, see the table below.
- Make sure you have the right firmware installed: VoWiFi requires MIUI 12 or later. Check the version in Settings. β The phone. β Version. MIUI.
- Check the operator support: send USSD-request *111*58# (for MTS), *110*09# (for Beeline) or check on the website of your provider.
| Series of devices | Support for VoWiFi | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13T/14 | β Yes. | It works on all the firmware. |
| Redmi Note 12/13 | β Yes. | Requires an upgrade to MIUI 14 |
| POCO F5/X5 | β Yes. | Manual activation may be required on global firmware |
| Redmi 10/Note 10 | β οΈ Partially. | Depends on the region and version of MIUI |
| Xiaomi Mi 9/10 | β No. | There is no hardware support |
If your model is on the list but the feature isn't activated, it may be a firmware problem. MIUI last-minute:
- Go to Settings β About the phone β System update.
- Click Check for Updates and install the available packages.
- After the update, restart the smartphone.
β οΈ Note: If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), VoWiFi may not work even on supported models. MIUI.
Step-by-step: how to turn on VoWiFi on Xiaomi
If your smartphone and carrier support the technology, follow this instruction to activate Wi-Fi calls:
βοΈ Preparation for VoWiFi inclusion
- Enable VoLTE (required condition for VoWiFi): Open Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks. Choose yours. SIM-Activate the VoLTE switch (could be called Calls). 4G or HD-call-up).
- Activate VoWiFi: Go to Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β [Yours. SIM-map] β Wi-Fi calls. Turn on Wi-Fi calls. Select mode: Wi-Fi only, calls will only go over the Internet, even if there is a mobile network. Wi-Fi is preferred, Wi-Fi is preferred, Wi-Fi is given priority, but when it is not used, the cellular network is used. Mobile Network Only β VoWiFi is disabled.
Confirm the connection.
- After turning on the status bar, the VoWiFi or Wi-Fi Calling icon will appear.
- Make a test call by turning off mobile internet to make sure the feature is working.
If Wi-Fi Calls are not on the menu, try the following:
- π Reboot your smartphone β sometimes the settings appear after the reboot.
- π Reset network settings: Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Network reset.
- π± Check it out. SIM-Card: VoWiFi only works with the main card SIM-Card (if you have a dual-SIM).
π‘
If VoWiFi calls fail after turning on, try temporarily disabling them. VPN Firewall β they can block voice traffic.
Configure VoWiFi on different operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2)
While the settings on the side of the smartphone are universal, each operator may require additional actions, and the instructions for major Russian providers are below.
MTS
VoWiFi on MTS is available to most subscribers with All for Your Own, Ultra, Smart and corporate packages.
- Make sure you have VoLTE enabled (send it). USSD-request *111*58#).
- Turn on VoWiFi in your smartphone settings (see previous section).
- If the feature is not activated, call support on 0890 and request Wi-Fi Calls.
Beeline
On Beeline, VoWiFi works on "It's Easy," "Everything You Can," "Limitless" and business packages.
- π Send it to activate. USSD-request *110*09#.
- π If after turning on the calls do not pass, check the balance - some tariffs require a positive bill.
- π In roaming, VoWiFi can be charged as an outgoing call at a home tariff (check the conditions on the operatorβs website).
MegaFon
MegaFon provides VoWiFi to subscribers with rates "All inclusive", "Comfort", "Business" and others.
- Activate VoLTE via *507#.
- Turn on VoWiFi in your phone settings.
- If the feature does not appear, update the service profile: *135# β 1 β 1.
Tele2.
On Tele2, VoWiFi is available on most fares, but may require manual activation.
- π Call 611 and ask to connect Wi-Fi calls".
- π Reboot the smartphone after confirming the connection.
- πΆ Make sure that the network settings are enabled Mode 4G (recommended).
β οΈ Note: Some operators may block VoWiFi for the SIM-If you have an old card, contact the communication room to replace it.
The solution to the problem: VoWiFi does not work on Xiaomi
If after all the manipulations, Wi-Fi calls do not activate or work unstable, use this troubleshooting instruction:
Problem 1: No Wi-Fi Calls in Settings
Possible causes and solutions:
- π§ Outdated firmware: Update MIUI Up to the latest version (see section above).
- π± Incompatible model: check your model in the compatibility table.
- π Regional restrictions: If you bought a smartphone abroad (e.g. Xiaomi for China), VoWiFi can be disabled:
Problem 2: VoWiFi is turned on, but calls don't go through
Checklist for diagnosis:
βοΈ Diagnostics of VoWiFi not working
- πΆ Weak Wi-Fi signal: VoWiFi requires stable connection at a speed of at least 1 Mbps. Check the speed via Speedtest.
- π Operator Block: Call Support to see if the service is activated for your number.
- π΅ Conflict with other settings: disable Flight Mode, Traffic Savings and Double SIM-Cards (if you use two cards).
Problem 3: VoWiFi works, but communication quality is poor
If you hear them, or if they hear you, they will hear you.
- π Check the microphone: test it in another application (like a voice recorder).
- π‘ Change Wi-Fi Channel: If the router is running on a congested channel (e.g., 2.4GHz), switch to 5GHz:
- π Update the routerβs firmware: outdated software can cause problems with VoIP traffic.
β οΈ Note: If you use public Wi-Fi (such as at a cafe or airport), VoWiFi may not work due to port locks by the network operator. VPN (But it can impair the quality of the connection).
What if the operator refuses to connect VoWiFi?
VoWiFi vs VoLTE: Whatβs the difference and whatβs the best thing to use
Many people confuse VoWiFi and VoLTE, although these are two different technologies with different uses.
| Characteristics | VoLTE | VoWiFi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission technology | Through 4G/5G operator | Wi-Fi or Ethernet |
| Required coverage | Signal. 4G/5G | Wi-Fi connection |
| Quality of communication | HD Voice (high) | HD Voice (depends on Wi-Fi) |
| Roaming work | Yes, but there are possible additional tariffs. | Yeah, often at home rates. |
| Energy consumption | Average. | Low (if Wi-Fi is stable) |
When to use VoLTE:
- πΆ You are in a safe zone of coverage. 4G/5G.
- π You are on the move (car, train) β VoLTE is more stable when moving.
- π You need a fast connection β VoLTE connects faster than VoWiFi.
When to use VoWiFi:
- π You are at home or in an office with good Wi-Fi.
- π You are abroad and want to avoid roaming charges.
- π΅ In your region, a weak mobile signal.
On Xiaomi smartphones, both technologies can work simultaneously, and the system automatically chooses the best option depending on the conditions, but if you want to manually prioritize, do the following:
- Go to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks β [Yours. SIM] β Type of network.
- Choose. 4G/5G (recommended) for VoLTE or Wi-Fi preferred for VoWiFi.
π‘
VoWiFi and VoLTE are not competing, but complementary. For the best connectivity, enable both technologies and let your smartphone automatically choose the best option.
VoWiFi Security: Risks and How to Avoid Them
Wi-Fi calls are convenient but have their own vulnerabilities, and here are the main risks and ways to protect yourself:
- π Traffic interception: if the Wi-Fi network is not secure (or an outdated protocol is used) WEP), Intruders can listen in on your conversations. Always use networks with WPA2/WPA3.
- π Location Leak: When connected to public Wi-Fi, the operator can determine your location by IP-Turn off VoWiFi in cafes, airports and other public places.
- π¦ Viruses and Phishing: Fraudsters can create fake Wi-Fi networks with names like "Starbucks_Free". Always check the network name with staff.
How to protect yourself:
- Use it. VPN (For example, ProtonVPN or Windscribe, for encrypting traffic, but it can degrade the quality of the communication.
- Turn off VoWiFi on public networks or switch to mobile.
- Set up a firewall: in Settings β Annexes β Permits β Special access β Data Use Limit Wi-Fi Access for Suspicious Apps.
Important: If you are connected to a corporate or hotel network, VoWiFi may not work due to port locks SIP (Session Initiation Protocol: In this case, contact the network administrator.