Wi-Fi on Xiaomi: what it is, how it works and why you need it

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone and you notice Wi-Fi Calling in your settings, but you don't know what it is or how to use it, you're not alone. It's a relatively recent feature that's become the standard for modern devices. In this article, we'll look at what Wi-Fi calls mean on Xiaomi, how it works, what benefits it has, and how to set it up properly.

Wi-Fi Calling Technology Allows You to Make Calls and Send SMS This is especially useful in places with poor mobile coverage, such as basements, outbacks or out-of-town areas where the operator's signal is weak or non-existent. Not all Xiaomi models support this feature, and carriers can charge extra fees or limit its use.

What is Wi-Fi Calling and How Does It Work?

Wi-Fi Calling is a technology that allows your Xiaomi smartphone to connect to the operator’s network via the Internet instead of traditional cell towers. Simply put, your phone uses Wi-Fi to make and receive calls, as if you were calling via WhatsApp or Skype, but the difference is that the call is through your regular phone number, not through the messenger.

How does it work technically? When you turn on Wi-Fi Calling, your Xiaomi establishes a secure connection to the mobile operator's servers over the Internet. All voice data is digitally transmitted over VoIP. IP), But to the subscriber, it looks like a regular call -- the same interface, the same functions (holding, translating, etc.) -- the main difference is that the connection is stable even where the cellular signal is weak or absent.

• 📶 Advantage 1: Calls where there's no network. If you have Wi-Fi but no coverage 2G/3G/4G/5G, You can still call.
• 💰 Advantage 2: Savings on roaming: Many operators allow Wi-Fi Calling to be used abroad at no extra charge.
• 🔒 Advantage 3: Security. The connection is encrypted, so it's harder to intercept a conversation than a regular voice call.
• 📱 Advantage 4: Smooth transition: If you leave Wi-Fi during a conversation, the call will automatically switch to the cellular network (if there is one).

There are limitations, however: Wi-Fi Calling doesn’t work without the internet (obviously), and some operators can block this feature for certain tariffs or regions, and not all Xiaomi models support this technology — we’ll talk about that later.

What Xiaomi smartphones support Wi-Fi Calling

Not all Xiaomi devices are able to call via Wi-Fi. This feature depends on two factors: hardware support (the presence of the corresponding chip and antenna) and software implementation (firmware updates from the manufacturer).

If your model isn't on the list, it doesn't mean that Wi-Fi Calling doesn't exactly work.Some devices get support after updates MIUI. Check if your Xiaomi supports this feature:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
3. See if there is a “Call over Wi-Fi” or “Wi-Fi Calling” option.

If you don't have a point, your model doesn't support the function at the software level, sometimes changing the firmware region (e.g., Global or Global) helps. EEA), This is risky and can lead to loss of warranty.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) The option "Calls over Wi-Fi" may appear in the settings, but not work due to lack of hardware support. Before setting up, make sure that your carrier also supports this technology.

How to enable Wi-Fi calls on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

If your smartphone and carrier support Wi-Fi Calling, you can turn it on in a few steps. MIUI, But the general algorithm is:

1. Open the settings on your Xiaomi.
2. Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (or Mobile Network in older versions) MIUI).
3. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
4. Find the item “Calls over Wi-Fi” or “Wi-Fi Calling” and tap it.
5. Activate the switch. You may need to confirm the action through SMS or reboot.
6. After activation, a Wi-Fi Calling icon will appear in the status bar (top panel) (usually a handset with a Wi-Fi symbol).

If the function does not work after activation:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📶 Make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi (not mobile data).
• 📱 Check if your operator is blocking the function (sometimes additional activation is required via the service). USSD-team).

On some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU), the path to settings may be different. If you don't find "Calls over Wi-Fi," try:

Settings → Additional → Mobile Network → Wi-Fi Calling

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If after turning on Wi-Fi Calling calls do not pass, try to turn off VPN Firewall – they can block the connection to the operator’s servers.

Which operators in Russia and CIS support Wi-Fi Calling

Even if your Xiaomi supports Wi-Fi Calling, the feature will not work if your mobile operator does not provide it, and in Russia and CIS countries, the situation with support for this technology is as follows:

To find out if your tariff supports Wi-Fi Calling, you can:

• 📞 Call in support of the operator (the service is usually free).
• 🌐 Go to the personal account on the operator's website and check the list of available options.
• 📱 Send. USSD-The team (for example, for MTS *111*0887#, Beeline — *110*180#).

Important: Even if the carrier supports Wi-Fi Calling, it can charge a fee for calls over Wi-Fi (for example, as for intercity calls).

⚠️ Note: In some regions (for example, in Crimea or DPR/LPR), Wi-Fi Calling may be blocked due to sanctions restrictions, and operators may temporarily turn off the function during high network load (for example, during the New Year holidays).

Common Wi-Fi Calling Problems on Xiaomi and Their Solutions

Even if it’s set up correctly, Xiaomi’s Wi-Fi Calling can cause problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

1.The function is on, but calls are not passed

• 🔌 Check if you are connected to Wi-Fi (not mobile data).
• 📵 Make sure that the “on the plane” mode is turned off.
• 🔄 Restart router and phone.
• 📱 Update. MIUI last-minute.

2.The Wi-Fi Calling icon appears but disappears

This may be due to:

• 📶 Weak Wi-Fi signal (try to get closer to the router).
• 🔒 Operator blocking (sometimes re-activation is required).
• 📵 Conflict with VPN or firewall (stop them temporarily).

3. the interviewee does not hear or hear with interference

Sound problems with Wi-Fi Calling are usually related to:

• 📶 Low Internet speed (minimum 1 Mbps for stable connection).
• 🔊 The microphone settings (check if it is not silenced).
• 📱 Refreshing the old slate (refresh) MIUI).

4. Wi-Fi Calling is not enabled (grey switch)

If the switch is inactive, the cause may be:

• 📱 Unsupported model Xiaomi.
• 📶 SIM-card that is not tied to the supported tariff.
• 🌐 Regional restrictions (for example, if the firmware is not for your market).

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your network settings:

Settings → System → Resetting → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth

Wi-Fi Calling vs VoLTE: What’s the difference and what’s better

Many people confuse Wi-Fi Calling with VoLTE (voice by voice) 4G), But these are two different technologies. Let's see how they differ:

Which one is better? It depends on the situation.

• 🏠 Home or office: Wi-Fi Calling is preferred as Wi-Fi is usually more stable than mobile network.
• 🚗 On the way: VoLTE is more reliable, as it does not depend on the availability of Wi-Fi.
• ✈️ Roaming: Wi-Fi Calling Could Be Cheaper If Operator Doesn't Charge International Calls Over Wi-Fi.

On most smartphones, Xiaomi VoLTE is turned on automatically when Wi-Fi Calling is activated, but sometimes these functions work independently to check if VoLTE is enabled:

Settings → SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks → [Your SIM] → Enable VoLTE

Security and privacy: the risks of Wi-Fi Calling

While Wi-Fi Calling is convenient, it also has a downside: security issues.

• 🔐 Encryption: Most operators use IPSec or SRTP to protect data transmission, but vulnerabilities are still possible (for example, when connecting to public Wi-Fi).
• 📍 Geolocation: Some operators can determine your location by IP-address, which is not always desirable.
• 📵 Interception: In theory, Wi-Fi calls are harder to intercept than cellular calls, but if your router is hacked, the risks increase.
• 📱 Data collection: Operators can log call metadata (numbers, duration) even if the conversations themselves are not recorded.

How do you minimize the risks?

• 🔒 Use it. VPN (Make sure it doesn’t block Wi-Fi calling).
• 📶 Avoid public Wi-Fi networks for important conversations.
• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware Xiaomi (in new versions) MIUI Frequently fix vulnerabilities).

⚠️ Note: If you use Wi-Fi Calling abroad, the operator may block the feature due to local laws (for example, in some countries VoIP calls are prohibited or require a license.

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Wi-Fi Calling is convenient, but don’t forget about security: avoid public networks, update firmware and use it if necessary. VPN.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Wi-Fi Calling on Xiaomi