How to Use Wi‑Fi Calling While Roaming with Viva
When you travel, a weak mobile signal should not stop you from staying reachable. With Viva’s Wi‑Fi Calling, you can make calls, receive calls, and use supported SMS features through a Wi‑Fi connection when your phone and settings are ready. Viva Wi‑Fi Calling works by connecting to Wi‑Fi at home or abroad.
Before You Travel: Check the Basics
Before relying on Wi-Fi Calling while abroad, prepare your phone in advance:
- Confirm your phone supports Wi‑Fi Calling. Your smartphone must include the Wi‑Fi Calling function and have it enabled by the manufacturer for the region.
(https://www.viva.am/en/individual-customers/new-technologies/vowifi)
- Install any available phone updates. A system update can improve network features, including Wi‑Fi Calling performance.
- Save important numbers in international format. When abroad, it is a good habit to store Armenian numbers with the country code, for example beginning with +374.
Step 1: Turn on Wi‑Fi Calling
Open your phone settings and look for the Wi‑Fi Calling option. The exact path depends on your device, but it is usually found under:
- Mobile network settings
- Cellular settings
- SIM settings
- Phone or calling settings
Enable Wi‑Fi Calling for your Viva mobile phone number. If your phone lets you choose a call preference, select Wi‑Fi as the preferred option, when available. Once Wi‑Fi Calling is active and the phone is registered on a Wi‑Fi network, calls and SMSs can be made through Wi‑Fi Calling even when the mobile network is unavailable or the phone is in airplane mode.
(https://www.viva.am/en/individual-customers/new-technologies/vowifi)
Step 2: Connect to a Reliable Wi‑Fi Network
At your hotel, apartment, office, airport lounge, or another trusted location, connect to Wi‑Fi. For best results:
- Use a stable, password-protected network
- Stay close to the router when possible
- Avoid overloaded public networks for important calls
- Turn off VPN, if it interferes with registration or call quality
After connecting, check your phone’s status bar. Many devices display “Wi‑Fi Calling,” “VoWiFi,” or a similar indicator when the service is active.
Step 3: Make Calls as Usual
Once the Wi‑Fi Calling indicator appears, dial from your phone normally. The person you call does not need to use Wi‑Fi Calling or have a special app to answer. The recipient does not need a Wi‑Fi Calling-compatible smartphone or an active Wi‑Fi Calling service. (https://www.viva.am/en/individual-customers/new-technologies/vowifi)
This is where Wi-Fi Calling can be particularly useful: you can stay connected through Wi‑Fi when mobile coverage is weak indoors, underground, or in areas where roaming signal quality varies.
Step 4: Understand Tariffs Before You Call
Wi‑Fi Calling is not the same as third-party VoIP services that use a separate app account. It works with your Viva mobile number. Tariffs and service inclusions from your current tariff plan apply for calls and SMSs sent through Wi‑Fi Calling.
(https://www.viva.am/en/individual-customers/new-technologies/vowifi)
Before a long trip, review your roaming options, call directions, and destination details so you know what to expect.
Troubleshooting Tips
If the Wi‑Fi Calling icon does not appear:
- Turn airplane mode on, then reconnect to Wi‑Fi
- Restart your phone
- Recheck that Wi‑Fi Calling is enabled for the Viva mobile number
- Try a different Wi‑Fi network
- Update your phone software
Travel Smarter with Viva
Planning to use roaming services along with Wi‑Fi Calling? Review Viva’s travel options before you leave and choose the set-up that fits your destination and communication needs.
Visit Viva’s roaming page to explore available roaming options and travel with confidence.
