You want to stop receiving calls and SMS, but at the same time maintain access to the mobile data? This problem arises in a variety of situations: during work, on vacation, when using the second number only for data or to save battery. Fortunately, Android allows you to flexibly manage connections, you can disable voice communication without losing the Internet in several ways - both using standard system tools and using additional tools.

In this article we will look at all current methods for modern versions of Android (from 10 to 14), including nuances for devices Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and other popular brands. You'll learn how to block calls temporarily or permanently, what settings affect battery consumption, and what to do if your operator limits such combinations. And also - how to avoid common mistakes due to which the Internet can be disconnected along with the connection.

Why can’t you just turn off the mobile network?

Many users try to solve the problem radically: they completely disable the mobile network in the settings or switch the phone to “Airplane” mode. But this leads to the loss of both the Internet and communications —after all, both services are transmitted through the same SIM card. The fact is that:

  • 📡 2G/3G/4G/5G are technologies that simultaneously transmit both voice traffic and data. By turning off the entire network, you lose everything.
  • 🔄 Airplane mode blocks all radio frequencies, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (if you do not turn them on manually).
  • 📵 Disabling the SIM card in the settings will lead to loss of registration in the operator’s network - and the Internet will also disappear.

Fortunately, there are workarounds. Modern smartphones and operators support separate management of services. The main thing is to know where to look for the necessary settings and what they are called in your firmware.

📊 Why do you need to turn off cellular communication, but leave the Internet?
For work/study without distractions
Battery saving
I use the second number only for data
Other

Method 1: Disabling calls through the SIM card settings (Android 10+)

The simplest and most universal method is disable voice services directly in the SIM card settings. This method works on most devices with pure Android (for example Google Pixel, Motorola, Nokia) and some custom firmware. Here's how to do it:

  1. Open the application Settings.
  2. Go to the section Network and Internet → SIM cards (or Mobile network).
  3. Select the desired SIM card (if there are several).
  4. Find the option Voice calls or Calls i turn it off.
  5. Make sure the option Mobile data or Data transfer remains enabled.

The path may be slightly different on some devices. For example, on Samsung Galaxy you need to go to Settings → Connections → SIM card manager, select SIM and disable Voice calls. On Xiaomi — Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → SIM card settings.

The correct SIM card has been selected (if any several)|

Mobile data is enabled for this SIM|

Only voice calls are disabled, not the entire network|

Balance checked (some operators block the Internet with a zero account)-->

⚠️ Attention: On some tariffs, operators tie Internet access to active voice communication. If, after disconnecting calls, the Internet disappears, contact the operator’s support with a request to disconnect the services. It's free and takes a few minutes.

Method 2: Using the “Data Only” mode (for two SIM cards)

If your smartphone supports dual SIM cards, you can go the other way: leave one card only for the Internet, and the second for calls (and turn off it if necessary). This method is suitable for devices with hybrid slots or two physical SIMs. Here's how to set it up:

  1. Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks.
  2. Select the SIM card you want to use data only.
  3. Disable the option for it Voice calls.
  4. For the second SIM, disable Mobile data, leaving only calls.
  5. Now you can manually disable the second SIM (with calls) through the notification panel or settings, keeping the Internet on the first one.

The advantage of this method is that you do not lose the opportunity to quickly return calls by simply turning on the second SIM. However, please note: some operators can block the Internetif voice services are not active on the SIM card (especially on old tariffs).

Smartphone brand Path to SIM settings Does “Data Only” support?
Samsung Settings → Connections → SIM card manager Yes (on One UI 4.0+)
Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks Yes (on MIUI 12+)
Google Pixel Settings → Network and Internet → SIM cards Yes (on Android 12+)
Huawei/Honor Settings → Wireless network → Dual SIM Partially (depending on the firmware)
💡

If you have iPhone i Androida tablet with one SIM card, you can insert it into the tablet and use it only for the Internet. On iPhone, turn off calls via Settings → Cellular → Voice and data → Disable (but this will also block the Internet).

Method 3: USSD codes to turn off calls (does not work for all operators)

Some mobile operators provide special USSD codesthat allow you to temporarily disable incoming/outgoing calls without losing the Internet. This method is convenient because it does not require changes in the phone settings, but works only on tariffs that support this option (usually corporate or special).

Here are examples of codes for popular Russian operators (check the relevance with support):

  • 📱 MTS: *111*771# — disable all incoming calls (except for numbers from the white list).
  • 📱 Beeline: *110*345# — activate the “Internet Only” mode (not available on all tariffs).
  • 📱 MegaFon: *105*090# — disable incoming calls (Antispam service).
  • 📱 Tele2: *220*1# — enable Do Not Disturb mode for calls.

After dialing the code, you will receive an SMS notification about the activation of the service. To return everything back, you usually need to dial the same code again or use the cancel command (for example, *111*770# for MTS).

⚠️ Attention: USSD codes can change without warning, and some services are paid (for example, the “Black List” on Beeline costs ~30 rubles/month). Before use, check the conditions on the operator’s website or through the command *111# (for MTS), *105# (for MegaFon), etc.

Method 4: Applications for blocking calls (while saving the Internet)

If standard methods do not work (for example, the operator does not support separate disconnection of services), you can use third-party applications. They block calls at the system level without affecting mobile data. The best options:

  • 🔒 Truecaller - blocks spam and all incoming calls using a blacklist. Disadvantage: requires a lot of permissions.
  • 📵 Call Blocker - a simple blocker with the ability to disable all calls except selected ones.
  • 🛡️ Should I Answer? - filters calls based on spammers, but can block all others.
  • 🔕 DND Mode - imitates the “Do not disturb” mode, but with flexible settings for calls.

To set up complete blocking of calls in Truecaller:

  1. Install the application from Google Play.
  2. Open Settings → Blocking → Blacklist.
  3. Add a range of numbers to the blacklist (for example, +7**** to block all Russian numbers).
  4. Activate the option Block all incoming.

Warning: Some applications may conflict with the firmware or consume additional battery. Also, the operator may regard mass blocking of calls as a violation of the terms of the tariff (especially on corporate lines).

What to do if the application does not block calls?

If calls continue to arrive after installing the blocker, check:

1. Application permissions - it must have access to calls and SMS.

2. Battery settings — some firmware (for example, MIUI) aggressively close background processes. Add the application to exceptions.

3. Android version —on Android 9 and below, blockers work more reliably than on new versions due to privacy restrictions.

4. Firmware —on some custom ROMs (for example, LineageOS) There may not be enough system libraries for correct operation.

Method 5: Manually disabling services through the operator's personal account

If none of the previous methods worked, you can still disable voice services through the operator's web interface. This is a reliable method, but requires access to the Internet (you can use Wi-Fi). Instructions:

  1. Login into your personal account on your operator's website (for example, lk.mts.ru, my.beeline.ru).
  2. Go to section Services or My tariff.
  3. Find the option Voice communication, Calls or Telephony.
  4. Disable the service (may be called “Package of minutes”, “Unlimited calls”, etc.).
  5. Save the changes and reboot the phone.

This There are several nuances to the method:

  • ⏳ Changes may not take effect immediately (from 5 minutes to 24 hours).
  • 💰 On some tariffs, disabling voice communication leads to a change in the cost of the Internet (check with support).
  • 🔄 If you change your mind, turn it on calls back can be made in the same way.

Example for MegaFon:

  1. Go to personal account.
  2. Choose My tariff → Service management.
  3. Look for Package of minutes and click Disable.
  4. Confirm the action via SMS.
⚠️ Attention: On in tariffs with “combo packages” (minutes + Internet + SMS), disconnecting voice communication may lead to automatic transition to another tariff a different cost. Before making changes, check the conditions in the “Tariffs” section of your personal account.

Frequent problems and their solutions

you did everything according to the instructions, problems may arise. Here the most common problems and ways to eliminate them:

Problem Possible cause Solution
Internet disappears along with the connection The operator has linked the Internet to voice services Call support and ask to unlink the services or change the tariff
Calls are blocked, but notifications are received The blocker application does not work correctly Try another application or check its settings
SMS does not arrive after calls are turned off SMS and calls use the same channel (on 2G/3G) Use instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) for messages
The battery drains faster Constantly searching for a network for calls (if not completely disabled) Disconnect the SIM card completely or use the "Airplane" mode with manually turning on data

If none of the methods helped, There remains last resort: physically remove the SIM card and use eSIM only for data (if your phone supports virtual cards). Or purchase a separate SIM for the Internet (for example, the “Data Only” tariff from Tele2 or MTS).

💡

Before experimenting with the settings, check the balance and status of services with the operator - sometimes the problem lies not in the phone, but in the tariff or technical work at the station.

Is it possible to turn off calls, but leave SMS?

Technically, this is difficult, since both calls and SMS are transmitted over the same channel (on 2G/3G networks). On 4G/5G, SMS can work separately, but most operators do not provide such an option. An alternative is to use instant messengers (Telegram, Viber) for text messages.

Will the Internet work if I disable the SIM card in the settings?

No. Disabling the SIM card in the phone settings (Settings → SIM cards → Disable) breaks the connection to the operator's network. The Internet through this SIM will also disappear. To save data, use the methods from this article.

Why did the Internet stop working after calls were turned off?

This means that your operator has linked Internet access to active voice communication. Solutions:

  1. Call support and ask to unlink services.
  2. Change the tariff to “Internet Only” (if available).
  3. Use the second SIM card for data only.

Is it possible to turn off calls for a certain time (for example, on night)?summary>

Yes, they are suitable for this:

  • Do not disturb mode in Android settings (but it blocks all notifications).
  • Applications like Call Blocker with a schedule function.
  • USSD operator codes (for example, *111*771# MTS for temporary blocking).

Do these methods work on iPhone?

On iPhone it is more difficult to turn off calls without losing the Internet. The only working methods:

  1. Use the Do Not Disturb mode (but this blocks all notifications).
  2. Disable the SIM card in the settings (Cellular communications → SIM cards), but then the Internet will also disappear.
  3. Use operator USSD codes (if supported).

Apple does not provide separate voice and data control at the system level.