Many users are faced with the need to use their smartphone exclusively as a source of mobile data, temporarily turning off voice functions or the screen to save battery. This need often arises when traveling, when you need to distribute Wi-Fi to a laptop, or in situations where the phone is used as a fixed access point. However, the standard shutdown button on Samsung Galaxy breaks absolutely all connections, which makes the device useless as a network node.
Fortunately, the ecosystem Android and the proprietary shell One UI offer flexible tools for managing power and network protocols. There are several working methods that allow you to switch the device to a specific operating mode: from completely blocking the screen during active data exchange to using engineering menus to disable only the GSM radio module. Below we will analyze each method in detail, evaluate their effectiveness and possible risks.
It is important to understand that the concept of “turning off the phone” in the context of preserving the Internet can be interpreted in two ways. This may mean either completely turning off the display and interface while the background is running, or software disabling cellular communications while maintaining the operation of the Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter (if available). We will consider both scenarios, paying special attention to modern models Samsung S23, S24 and older series Galaxy A.
Using modem mode when the screen is locked
The easiest and safest way to turn a smartphone into an Internet gateway is to activate an access point and then block the device. In this case, the phone is not technically turned off, but its screen is dark and touch input is blocked, which simulates a shutdown for the user, while saving energy.
To implement this method, you need to go to the settings and activate the desired function. Follow the path Settings → Connections → Mobile hotspot and modem. Here you can select the connection type: via Wi-Fi, USB or Bluetooth. For maximum autonomy, it is recommended to use a USB modem by connecting the phone with a cable to the computer.
A critical point is setting the timeout. By default Samsung disables the access point if no one connects to it for 5 or 10 minutes. In order for the Internet to work constantly, even if you “turned off” the phone (blocked it), you need to change this parameter.
- 📶 Go to the access point settings and select “Set up Wi-Fi access point.”
- ⏱️ Find the “Timeout” item and set the value to “No timeout” or the maximum available time.
- 🔌 When using USB, make sure that the “USB modem” mode is selected in the menu and not “Charging only”.
⚠️ Attention: When operating in modem mode for a long time, especially via Wi-Fi, the device can become very hot. Be sure to remove the case and place the phone on a hard surface for better heat dissipation.
To make the screen go dark faster and save battery, set the screen timeout in the display settings to 15 or 30 seconds. This will not affect the Internet in the background.
After setting, just press the block button. The screen will go dark, but the network indicators will continue to work. A computer or tablet connected to such a “turned off” phone will continue to receive a stable signal. This is an ideal option for those who want to use an old smartphone as a router.
Disabling voice communication through the engineering menu
A more advanced method is to programmatically disable the cellular module responsible for voice calls and SMS, while leaving the data module active. This allows you to create a situation where the phone “does not ring”, but the Internet works. For this, a hidden service menu is used.
On devices Samsung this menu is often accessed through a special code in the “Phone” application. However, starting with new versions Android 13/14, access to some functions may be limited by the operator or firmware. Still, it's worth a try. Enter the following code when dialing the number:
*#0011#After entering, the menu will open ServiceMode. You need to be extremely careful here. Navigation is via the touch screen or volume buttons (depending on model). You need to find the section responsible for the status of the radio module. Some firmware has an option Phone Off or the ability to switch the network mode only to Packet Switched (PS), disabling Circuit Switched (CS), which is responsible for the voice.
Risks of using the engineering menu
Incorrectly changing the settings in the service menu can lead to to loss of the network altogether. If you accidentally turn off all radio modules, you will have to reboot the device. In rare cases, you may need to reset your network settings.
An alternative way is to use an application Samsung Bandage or similar utilities for hidden settings if the code does not work. Through such applications, you can force the network type to be “LTE Only” or “5G Only”, which on some older towers automatically disables the possibility of voice calls (if VoLTE technology is not enabled), leaving the Internet.
| Parameter | Standard mode | Mode "Only" Internet" |
|---|---|---|
| Voice calls | Available | Blocked |
| SMS messages | Available | Blocked |
| mobile data | Working | Working |
| Energy consumption | Average | Low (saving on voice network search) |
Using this method requires technical literacy. If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to limit yourself to software restrictions through the operator settings or third-party applications for blocking calls that do not require intervention in system tables.
Setting the Do Not Disturb mode and blocking calls
If your goal is not to technically disable the module, but to create conditions under which the phone does not interfere with you (does not ring, does not light up), but the Internet works, then the optimal solution will be a combination of the “Do not disturb” mode and forwarding.
Activate the mode Do not disturb through the notification curtain or in the settings Notifications → Do not disturb. In this mode, you can set exceptions so that the phone does not respond to any calls, but background processes and the Internet connection remain active. This is a software imitation of a “turned off” phone for the outside world.
For complete isolation from the voice network, it is recommended to set up all incoming calls to be forwarded to voicemail or another number. Go to the “Phone” application, click the three dots in the corner, select Settings → Additional services → Call forwarding. Set forwarding "Always" to your operator's number for voicemail.
- 🌙 Set up the Do Not Disturb mode schedule so that it turns on automatically at the right time.
- 🚫 In the mode settings, prohibit repeat calls (when the second call in 3 minutes goes through the blocking).
- 📵 Turn off vibration for calls in the same settings so that the phone remains absolutely silent.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that you have activated your voice mail service from your operator. Otherwise, callers will hear a beep or unavailable message, and you will not receive a missed notification unless you check the log later.
☑️ Check your silence settings
This approach allows you to use the smartphone as a pure terminal for data. You can close the cover of the case (if it has an alarm/lock function) or turn it face down, and it will perform its function without distracting you with sound signals.
Energy saving and background running of applications
The main problem when leaving the Internet on on a locked phone is battery drain. The system One UI aggressively “kills” background processes to save energy, which can lead to a disconnection even when the modem screen is active.
It is necessary to exclude the application responsible for distributing the Internet, or the browser (if you use the phone to download files), from battery optimization. Go to Settings → Device maintenance → Battery → Background restrictions. Here, find the desired application and select the “No restrictions” option.
It is also worth disabling the “Adaptive Battery Mode” function if it is enabled. This algorithm Android studies your habits and can decide that you don’t need the Internet at night or at certain times, forcing it to turn off. For stable operation of a “turned off” phone, such smart functions are rather harmful.
It is also recommended to lower the screen resolution and refresh rate if you still sometimes turn on the display. Although this does not matter when the screen is locked, preparing the device for long-term battery life requires a comprehensive approach to the display settings in the active state before locking.
For stable operation of the Internet in the background, be sure to add the applications you are using to the "Never Sleep" list in the battery settings.
Use of third-party utilities and automation
For users who want to fully automate the process of turning their phone into an Internet terminal, there are automation applications such as Tasker or MacroDroid. These tools allow you to create complex scenarios that are not available in standard settings.
Using Tasker you can create a profile that, when you connect a charger, automatically turns on the mobile hotspot, turns off the screen, blocks the sensor and puts the phone in airplane mode, followed by turning on only Wi-Fi or mobile data (via plugins). This brings the device state as close as possible to “turned off, but working.”
There are also specialized applications like WiFi Tether Router (require root access) that allow you to more deeply manage network interfaces. They can reconfigure routing tables so that the phone acts solely as a gateway, ignoring any other system tasks.
⚠️ Attention: Deep automation applications and changes to system tables require advanced access rights. Download them only from trusted sources, such as Google Play or the official website of the developer, to avoid malware.
Using automation is especially useful if you need your phone to turn on the Internet only at certain hours or when geolocation conditions occur (for example, when you come home). This makes using the device more efficient and safe.
Common problems and ways to solve them
Even with proper settings, users may experience that the Internet disappears some time after the screen is locked. This is often due to carrier or device power saving policies that terminate the session when there is no active traffic.
To prevent the connection from dropping, you can use ping apps, which send tiny packets of data every few minutes to keep the session active. However, this increases traffic and battery consumption. A more correct way is to check the APN (access point) settings.
Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Access points (APN). Select your current access point and check the APN Type option. It must contain the value default,supl or default,supl,dun. The presence of the parameter dun (Dial-Up Networking) is critical for the correct operation of the phone in modem mode on some operators.
If the Internet still falls off, try changing manual network type. Switch the mode from “5G/LTE/3G/2G” to “LTE Only”. Fifth generation networks in some regions are still unstable and can reset the connection when switching to power saving mode, while LTE works more stable in the background.
Is it possible to completely turn off the phone with a button and leave the Internet?
No, the standard shutdown button de-energizes all radio modules, including Wi-Fi and cellular communications. The Internet will not work. It is necessary to use the screen lock mode or special software methods to disable only part of the functions.
Why does the Internet disappear when the screen goes dark?
Most likely, the Android energy saving system is triggered, which “puts background applications to sleep.” You need to add an application that uses the network to battery exceptions and disable adaptive mode.
Is it bad for the battery to keep the phone constantly on in modem mode?
Long-term operation in access point mode causes heating, which is the main enemy of lithium-ion batteries. It is recommended to periodically let the phone cool down and not keep it at 100% charge all the time if it is connected to the network.
How to turn off only calls on Samsung without touching the Internet?
Use Do Not Disturb mode with complete call blocking or set up all calls to be forwarded to voicemail. You can also use the engineering menu to disable the voice channel, but this is more complicated.