Technology VoLTE (Voice over LTE) allows voice calls to be transmitted over 4G networks, promising better quality and faster connections. However, many users are faced with problems ranging from sudden call drops to increased battery drain. If you notice that after activating VoLTE, the smartphone began to work worse - this article will help disable it completely function on any Androiddevice.

We will look at official methods through the phone settings, hidden menus for advanced users, as well as solutions for cases when the operator imposes VoLTE forcibly. We will separately examine the nuances for popular brands: Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and Google Pixel. Important: some methods require rights root - their use will void the warranty.

Before you begin, check whether VoLTE is really to blame for your problems. Sometimes similar symptoms are caused by incorrect APN settings or outdated firmware. If in doubt, try temporarily disabling the function and observing the behavior of the device for 1-2 days.

What is VoLTE and why it should be disabled

VoLTE (from English Voice over LTE) - technology for voice transmission over fourth generation networks. In theory, it should provide:

  • 📞 Instant connection for calls (without a delay of 1-2 seconds)
  • 🎙️ Clearer sound thanks to the HD Voice codec
  • 📶 The ability to simultaneously talk and use the mobile data

However in practice, users often encounter the other side of the coin:

  • 🔋 Increased battery consumption (4G module works more intensively)
  • 📵 Call drops when the signal is weak (VoLTE is more sensitive to network quality)
  • 📱 Overheating of the device during talk time
  • 💰 Additional tariff options for some operators

Critical feature: on some firmware (especially Samsung i Xiaomi) VoLTE is activated automatically after updating the software, even if you previously disabled it. This is due to the policy of operators who impose their services through OTA packages. In such cases, not only disabling in the menu is required, but also blocking at the system level.

⚠️ Attention: Disabling VoLTE may result in the inability to make calls on networks where 2G/3G is disabled (for example, in some regions MegaFon and Tele2). Before deactivating, make sure that your operator supports voice calls via 3G.

Method 1: Disabling VoLTE through standard Android settings

The simplest method that works on most devices without additional manipulations. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version Android and the manufacturer's shell.

Instructions for pure Android (for example, Google Pixel, Motorola):

  1. Open the application Settings
  2. Go to section Network and Internet → SIM cards
  3. Select your SIM card (if there are several)
  4. Find the option Calls via 4G (VoLTE) or Improved calls
  5. Move the slider to Off

For Samsung One UI (Galaxy S23, A54, etc.):

  1. Settings → Connections → Mobile networks
  2. Tap on the name of your SIM card
  3. Disable the option VoLTE calls (may be called HD-voice)

On Xiaomi (MIUI 14 and later):

  1. Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks
  2. Select SIM → Call settings
  3. Deactivate VoLTE i ViLTE (video calls)

☑️ Checking VoLTE deactivation

Done: 0 / 4
⚠️ Attention: On some devices Huawei (EMUI 12+) the VoLTE option is hidden in the developer menu. If it is not in the standard settings, go to Method 3. Method 2: Using a USSD code to disable VoLTE. Many operators provide special USSD commands for managing services. phone, but requires knowledge of your provider code. Method 3.

Method 2: Using USSD code to disable VoLTE

Many operators provide special USSD commands to manage services. This method works regardless of phone model, but requires knowledge of your provider's code.

Here are the current commands for popular Russian operators:

Operator VoLTE disable code Status check code
MTS *111*543# *111*54#
Beeline *110*180*2# *110*180#
MegaFon *105*500# *105*50#
Tele2 *155*2*3# *155*2#
Yota *100*21*0# *100*21#

How to use:

  1. Open the application Phone
  2. Enter the code for your operator (see table)
  3. Press the call button
  4. Wait for an SMS notification about service deactivation

If after entering the code you receive an error message - Your VoLTE service is probably not activated at the operator level. In this case, try other methods from this article.

📊 What operator does your SIM card have?
MTS
Beeline
MegaFon
Tele2
Yota
Other

Method 3: Disabling through the developer menu

On some devices (especially Huawei, Honor and older Samsung) the VoLTE option is hidden in the developer menu. To find it:

First activate developer mode:

  1. Settings → About phone
  2. Find item Build number (or MIUI version on Xiaomi)
  3. Tap on it 7 times in a row
  4. Enter your PIN/pattern when prompted

Now go to the developer menu and look for settings VoLTE:

  • On Huawei: Settings → System → Developer Options → Mobile network → Disable VoLTE
  • On Samsung: Developer options → Mobile data → Always use 3G (this will forcefully disable 4G for calls)
  • On Xiaomi: Advanced → Mobile networks → Preferred network type → 3G

If there is no explicit option for VoLTE in the developer menu, try setting your preferred network type to 3G or 2G/3G. This will force the phone to use the old standards for voice communication.

💡

After making changes to the developer menu, be sure to restart the phone. Some settings are applied only after a reboot.

Method 4: Forced shutdown through the engineering menu

For advanced users who are willing to risk system stability, there is a method through the engineering menu. It works on most devices based on Qualcomm Snapdragon (including Xiaomi, OnePlus, Realme).

Instructions:

  1. Open the application Phone
  2. Enter the code ##4636##
  3. In the menu that opens select Phone Information (or Phone Information)
  4. Scroll down to the block Set preferred network type
  5. Select option LTE/WCDMA or WCDMA only (this will disable VoLTE, but will save 4G for data). code
  6. Click Turn off radio, then Turn on radio for application

For devices on MediaTek (many models Redmi, Tecno, Infinix) use the code ##36446337## and look for similar settings in the section Connectivity.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect changes in the engineering menu can lead to network loss or the need to reset settings. Do not change others parametersif you are not sure of their purpose.
What to do if the engineering menu does not open?

If nothing happens after entering the code, it is possible:

1) Your operator blocks access to the engineering menu (relevant for some corporate tariffs)

2) The firmware has been modified (for example, on custom ROMs type LineageOS the path may differ)

3) Device on a processor Exynos or Kirin —they require other codes (for example, *#0011# for Samsung Exynos)

Method 5: Radical methods (root and modification files)

If all the previous methods did not work, and VoLTE continues to activate spontaneously, the only option left is to interfere with system files. This method requires:

  • 🔓 Rights root (voids warranty)
  • 📱 Installed file manager with root access (for example Root Explorer)
  • 💾 System backup (required!)

Instructions for Qualcommdevices:

  1. Open Root Explorer and go to /system/etc/
  2. Find the file carrierconfig-overlay.xml (or carrierconfig.xml)
  3. Open it in a text editor
  4. Find lines with parameters: 
    <bool name="carrier_volte_available_bool" value="true" />

    <bool name="carrier_vt_available_bool" value="true" />

  5. Replace value="true" with value="false"
  6. Save the file and reboot the device

For devices with MediaTek path may vary: look for files in /vendor/radio/ or /data/vendor/radio/. An alternative method is to use the application NSG VoLTE Enabler/Disabler from Play Market (requires root).

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to network loss or bootloop (loop loading). If you are not sure of your actions, contact a specialist.
💡

Disabling VoLTE at the system file level is the most reliable way, but and the most risky. Use it only if other methods have not helped, and you are prepared for the possible consequences.

Frequent problems after turning off VoLTE and their solutions

Even after successfully disabling VoLTE, users sometimes experience side effects. Here are the most common of them and how to solve them:

Problem Possible cause Solution
I can’t make a call The operator has turned off 2G/3G in your region Turn back VoLTE or change operator
The 4G icon has disappeared The mode is set in the network settings 3G only Return LTE/WCDMA/GSM in the SIM settings
Battery drains quickly The phone constantly switches between 3G and 4G Fix the network to Only LTE or Only 3G
No mobile data APN settings are lost Reset the APN configuration (ask your operator)
VoLTE is turned on yourself The operator forcibly activates the service Use Method 3 or 5

If, after disabling VoLTE, you notice a deterioration in the quality of communication, try an alternative method: instead of completely disabling the function, set the parameter in the engineering menu VoLTE Provisioned Flag to value 0. This will retain the ability to use the technology, but will deactivate it by default.

Is it possible to disable VoLTE without root access?

Yes, in 90% of cases the standard phone settings or operator USSD commands are enough. Root is required only if the operator or firmware blocks changes.

Why did VoLTE turn on again after updating Android?

Manufacturers and operators often add forced activation of VoLTE to OTA updates. To avoid this, before updating, create a backup copy of the file carrierconfig.xml (see Method 5) and restore it after installing the update.

Does disabling VoLTE affect the quality of video calls?

Yes, if your operator uses ViLTE (Video over LTE) for video communication. After turning off VoLTE, video calls will go through the regular mobile data (the quality may deteriorate).

How to check if VoLTE is really disabled?

Make a test call and pay attention to:

  • No icon HD or VoLTE in the status bar
  • Delay of 1-2 seconds during connection (typical for 3G)
  • Inability to use the Internet during a call (if 3G is not supported)

You can also use applications like Network Signal Guru for detailed diagnostics.

Will VoWiFi (calls over Wi-Fi) work after turning off VoLTE?

It depends on the operator. For some providers (for example MTS) VoWiFi works independently of VoLTE. For others (for example, MegaFon), these services are connected - disabling one can block the other. Check with your operator.