The modern rhythm of life often requires a constant connection to the network for messengers, email and cloud services, but voice communication may be undesirable. Smartphone users Samsung Galaxy often face the need to temporarily “turn off” the phone for calls, while maintaining an active data transmission channel. This is especially true during important meetings, in movie theaters, or at moments when maximum concentration is required.
In the Android operating system, and in particular in the shell One UI from Samsung, there is no single button “Turn off calls, leave the Internet,” however, there are several effective ways to achieve this result. We will look at standard system tools, network mode settings and special codes that will help isolate voice traffic without losing access to Wi-Fi or mobile 4G/5G.
It is important to understand that the methods differ in the degree of radicality: some only hide notifications, others physically block the SIM card for voice, leaving it active for packet data transfer. The choice of a specific method depends on your smartphone model and software version.
Using Do Not Disturb mode to filter calls
The softest and most flexible way to limit incoming calls without breaking your Internet connection is to use the built-in function "Do not disturb". Unlike a simple silent mode, this tool allows you to flexibly configure the rules for filtering incoming connections, letting through only selected contacts or completely blocking everyone.
To activate this function, you need to lower the notification curtain and find the icon with a crossed out circle, or go to the settings menu. Here you can set up exceptions so that important callers can still reach you, while other callers will hear a busy signal or call drop without disturbing your peace with vibration or sound.
Particular attention should be paid to setting up repeat calls. If you enable this option, the second call from the same number will go through within a few minutes, which can be critically important in emergency situations when a person cannot get through the first time.
- 🌙 Complete silence: the phone does not make sounds or vibrate when incoming.
- 📞 White list: the ability to skip calls only from contacts from “Favorites.”
- 🔁 Repeated calls: skip the call if the number rings a second time in 15 minutes.
- 🔕 Hide visual notifications: the screen does not light up when a call comes in.
This method is ideal for situations when you need to maintain access to the Internet for work, but you don’t want to distracted. However, it is worth remembering that missed calls will still appear in the call log when you turn off the mode.
Set an automatic schedule for Do Not Disturb mode so that it turns on itself during sleep or work meetings, without requiring your constant intervention.
Set your preferred network type: LTE/5G only
One of the most technical, but effective ways to turn off voice calls while maintaining mobile data on devices Samsungis to change the preferred network type. Voice communication in the classical sense (GSM/3G) requires certain protocols, while the Internet can work exclusively via LTE or 5G.
The essence of the method is to force the smartphone modem to switch to a mode that only supports data transfer, ignoring 2G and 3G voice channels. If your operator and phone support technology VoLTE (Voice over LTE), this method may not work completely, since the voice will pass through the same channel as the Internet. However, in many regions and many operators, voice and data are separated.
To perform this operation, you will need access to the engineering menu or hidden network settings. Be careful, changing these settings may temporarily result in loss of signal if there are no fourth or fifth generation networks in your coverage area.
*#2263#Entering this code in the Phone application will open the menu ServiceMode. Here you need to select item Band Selection, then select your SIM card (if there are two) and mark only items LTE or NR (for 5G). After applying the settings, the phone will no longer see 2G/3G networks, which often leads to the inability to make or receive regular voice calls, leaving the Internet active.
What to do if the code does not work?
Some operators or firmware may block access to the engineering menu through a standard dialer. In this case, try using the Phone Info Samsung application from the Play Market to access the hidden settings of the radio module.
It is worth noting that after such manipulations, your phone may display the “4G” or “5G” icon, but when you try to make an incoming call, the subscriber will hear that the number is unavailable. This happens because the device physically cannot “fall” into the 2G/3G network to receive a voice channel if VoLTE is not enabled.
Blocking all incoming calls through the call settings
A more civilized and standard method, which does not require intervention in the operation of the radio module, is to use the “Call Blocking” function directly in the phone application. This method allows you to send all incoming messages to voicemail or give a busy signal, without in any way affecting the speed and stability of your Internet connection.
To activate this function on Samsung Galaxy, you need to open the “Phone” application, click on the three dots in the corner of the screen and select “Settings”. Next, you should find the “Blocking numbers” section and activate the “Block unknown/private numbers” switch or, in a more radical option, add blocking of all numbers, if such an option is available in your version of the shell One UI.
However, standard blocking of “all numbers” often requires a paid service from the operator or the presence of configured voicemail. Without these conditions, the caller may simply hear long beeps. However, for the user, the phone will appear as disabled for calls, but the Internet will work at full speed.
- 🚫 Blocking hidden numbers: protection against telemarketing and spam.
- 📵 Automatic reset: the phone itself rejects the call without your participation.
- 📝 Call log: all blocked calls are saved in history as missed ones.
- 🔓 Easy control: you can turn it on and off in one click.
This option is good because it is software and reversible. You do not risk losing the network completely, as is the case with switching network modes, and you can allow calls back at any time.
☑️ Checking blocking settings
Comparison of methods for turning off voice
The choice of the appropriate method depends on your specific goals and device model. To make your decision easier, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you determine which method is best suited for your situation on smartphones Samsung.
| Method | Impact on the Internet | Difficulty of setting up | Risk of loss of connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not disturb | No influence | Low | Absent |
| LTE/5G only | Mobile only | High | Medium (in areas without 4G) |
| Call blocking | No influence | Average | None |
| Airplane mode + Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi only | Low | No mobile data |
As can be seen from the table, if mobile data (3G/4G/5G) is critical to you, and not Wi-Fi, then Do Not Disturb mode or software blocking are the safest options. Switching to “LTE Only” carries risks, especially if you are on the move or in an area of uncertain reception of new generation networks.
It is also worth considering that some telecom operators may charge roaming services differently. If you're using your smartphone abroad, disabling voice channels through network settings can help avoid random, expensive connections while you're using the local Internet.
Use of Bixby modes and scenarios
Smartphone owners Samsung have a unique advantage in the form of an automation system Modes and scenarios (formerly Bixby Routines). This powerful tool allows you to create complex phone behavior algorithms that can automatically switch communication settings depending on the time, location or running application.
You can create a scenario that will activate Do Not Disturb mode and block mobile data (if necessary) or, conversely, enable certain network profiles. For example, you can set up a rule: “If the Zoom or Teams application is running, then enable Do Not Disturb mode, allowing calls only from contacts.” This provides the perfect balance between accessibility to colleagues and protection from unnecessary noise.
To create such a scenario, go to settings, select “Modes and scenarios” and click “Add mode”. Select "Time" or "Location" as the condition, and "Sounds and vibration" -> "Do not disturb" as the action. More advanced users can use the plugin Good Lock to expand the functionality.
- ⏰ Time: automatic switching on at night or during business hours.
- 📍 Location: activation of rules when connected to home Wi-Fi or in the office.
- 📱 Application: change settings when launching games or video players.
- 🔄 Automation: the phone itself will return the settings back when the condition is no longer met.
Using automation eliminates the need to manually switch settings every time you need to concentrate. This makes the process of muting calls invisible and convenient, while maintaining full control over the situation.
Automation through Modes and Scenarios is the most intelligent way to manage calls, as it adapts to your actions, rather than requiring manual configuration every time.
Radical method: Airplane Mode and Wi-Fi
If your goal is to completely eliminate any incoming connections via a cellular network, but maintain access to the Internet, the most reliable, although obvious, combination of airplane mode and Wi-Fi. This method is guaranteed to turn off all radio modules associated with cellular communications, leaving only the wireless connection active.
To implement this, turn on “Airplane mode” (the airplane icon in the curtain). The screen will go dark and the network icons will disappear. Immediately after this, turn on Wi-Fi. As a result, your Samsung will work like a tablet: there is Internet through the router, applications work, but the SIM card is completely disconnected from the operator’s network. No one will be able to call you or send you an SMS.
This method is often overlooked as too simple, but it is the only 100% way to guarantee that a call will fail under any circumstances, including when networks are overloaded or unstable. However, it is worth remembering that mobile data (LTE/5G) will not work in this case, only Wi-Fi.
⚠️ Attention: When using airplane mode, your phone becomes unavailable for emergency services and important notifications from the operator. Make sure that the absence of voice communication is safe for you at the moment.
Some users combine this method with the previous ones: they use airplane mode + Wi-Fi at home, and on the street switch to “Do Not Disturb” with an active mobile data to always stay in touch with the navigator and instant messengers.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will SMS messages arrive if you disable calls only?
Yes, in most of the described methods (Do Not Disturb mode, call blocking, switching to LTE) SMS messages will arrive normally, since they use signaling channels different from the voice channel. The exception is airplane mode without Wi-Fi Calling.
Will I lose internet if I switch the network to LTE only?
No, mobile data will continue to work, and often even faster, since the phone will not try to switch between 2G/3G standards. However, if there is no 4G/5G coverage in your area, the Internet may disappear completely.
Is it possible to disable calls for one SIM card on a dual-SIM Samsung?
Yes, in the “SIM Card Manager” settings you can temporarily disable one of the SIM cards. This will completely cut off the connection on it (both calls and the Internet) until you turn it back on. This is not suitable for separating only voice and Internet on one card.
Does WhatsApp work when Do Not Disturb mode is turned on?
Yes, WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber and other instant messengers work via the Internet. Do Not Disturb mode only blocks system calls and notifications, but you can set exceptions for them in the settings of the mode itself.
Will the network settings be reset after rebooting the phone?
Usually the settings for the preferred network type (LTE only) are saved after a reboot, but in some firmware versions One UI the system can automatically return to the “5G/3G/2G (auto)” mode to ensure stable communication. It is recommended to check the settings every time you turn on the device.