Calls at the wrong time can become a real problem - be it an important meeting, a night's sleep, or just a desire to be in silence. On Android you can disable the dialer in several ways: from standard settings to using third-party applications. But not all methods are equally effective: some block only sound, others completely stop calls, and still others work selectively (for example, only for unknown numbers).

In this article we will analyze 5 proven methodsincluding hidden functions Android 14/15, manufacturer settings (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS) and solutions for corporate phones. You will learn how to turn off calls temporarily or permanentlywithout losing the ability to make calls yourself, as well as how to bypass operator restrictions. Important: some methods may conflict with services Google or settings eSIM —we will also warn you about this.

1. Standard mute: quickly, but not completely

The most obvious way is to switch the phone to silent mode. However, this does not turn off the dialer itself, but only removes the sound and vibration alerts. Calls will still be received, and a notification will appear in the status bar.

How to do it:

  • 🔕 Press the physical button volume and move the slider to the icon 🔔 with a crossed out speaker.
  • 📱 On some models (for example, Samsung Galaxy) hold the volume button down until the mode menu appears - select Mute.
  • 🔧 In Settings → Sound enable the option Do not disturb (more about it in the next section).

⚠️ Attention: In silent mode Android by default, it skips repeated calls from the same number within 3 minutes. If they call you persistently, the phone may vibrate or make a sound despite the settings.

📊 Why do you turn off the dialer?
So as not to be distracted at work
Sleep without interruptions
Avoid annoying calls
Testing the phone
Other

2. Do Not Disturb mode: flexible settings for different scenarios

Function Do not disturb (Do Not Disturb, DND) allows you not only to mute calls, but also to block notifications, vibration and even the indicator light. Unlike silent mode, here you can configure exceptions -for example, skip calls from selected contacts or repeat calls.

Instructions for Android 12+:

  1. Open Settings → Sound → Do Not Disturb.
  2. Activate the slider Enable now.
  3. Press Scheduleto configure automatic switching on (for example, at night).
  4. In the section Exceptions select which calls to skip:
    • 📞 Calls from → Contact or Favorites
    • ⏰ Repeated calls (if one number calls twice within 15 minutes)
    • 🚨 Alerts and reminders (for example, an alarm clock)

Is Do Not Disturb mode activated?

Have you set an automatic turn-on schedule?

Have exceptions been added for important contacts?

Is vibration disabled in this mode?-->

💡 Tip for Xiaomi: In MIUI DND mode is called Blocking notifications and is hidden in Settings → Applications → Permissions → Blocking notifications. There you can also set up a “Black List” for calls.

3. Blocking numbers: how to block calls from specific subscribers

If you are bothered by calls from certain numbers (for example, spam or debt collectors), you can block them manually. This method does not turn off the dialer completely, but filters unwanted calls.

Blocking methods:

  • 📵 Through the call log: Open the application Phone, find the number in the history, click on it → Block or Add to blacklist.
  • 🔍 Through settings: Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Blocking numbers and add numbers manually.
  • 🤖 Using Google Messages: If the call came through RCS, open a chat with the number → Details → Block and report spam.
Manufacturer Path to the black list Features
Samsung (One UI) Phone → ⋮ → Settings → Blocking numbers You can block unknown numbers automatically
Xiaomi (MIUI) Security → Blacklist There is an option to block SMS along with calls
Google Pixel (Stock Android) Phone → History → ⋮ → Block number Integration with Google Spam Protection
Huawei (EMUI) Phone → Blocking → Blacklist Supports blocking by keywords in the number

⚠️ Attention: Blocked numbers can leave voice messages (if you have activated the voice mail service from your operator). To disable them, contact the support of your tariff (for example, MTS, Beeline, Tele2).

4. Disabling the dialer through the engineering menu (for advanced)

If standard methods do not help, you can use engineering menu Android. This method is suitable for disabling calls at the system level, but requires caution - incorrect settings can disrupt the operation of the phone.

Instructions:

  1. Open the application Phone and enter the code: 
    ##4636##

    Some models (Samsung, LG) may require a code #0# or *#9900#.

  2. In the menu that opens, select Phone information or Phone Information.
  3. Scroll down to the section Turn off radio or Disable voice calls (the name depends on the firmware).
  4. Activate the option and reboot the phone.
What to do if the engineering menu does not open?

On some phones (especially those with Android 13+), manufacturers block access to the engineering menu through codes. Alternative:

1. Use applications like MTK Engineering Mode (for processors Mediatek).

2. Connect your phone to the PC and use ADBcommands:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings

3. On Samsung try the code *#0011# to access the service menu.

Important: Disabling the radio module through the engineering menu may lead to loss of the network (including mobile data). To return everything back, re-enter the menu and select Turn on radio.

5. Third-party applications: full control over calls

If built-in. tools Android do not suit you, you can install specialized applications. They offer advanced functions: blocking schedule, filtering by geolocation, automatically turning off calls at a certain time and even simulating a “busy” signal.

Top 3 applications for blocking calls:

  • 🛡️ Call Blocker - blocks calls and SMS in black/white. lists, supports regular expressions for numbers.
  • 🕒 Do Not Disturb — allows you to set up a silence schedule taking into account days of the week and holidays.
  • 🤫 Truecaller —detects spam numbers and blocks them automatically (there are databases by region).

⚠️ Attention: Call blocking applications require permissions to access Journal calls . On SMS. On Android 10+ some functions may not work due to privacy policy restrictions. Before installation, check the reviews for compatibility with your phone model. Google. Before installation, check reviews for compatibility with your phone model.

💡

If calls still go through after installing the application, try disabling battery optimization for it in Settings → Applications → Special access → Battery optimization.

6. Radical methods: disabling SIM or resetting settings

If you need completely disable the ability to make calls (for example, on a corporate phone or a device for a child), you can take radical measures. These methods have side effects, so use them only as a last resort.

Options:

  • 📶 Disable the SIM card: Physically remove the SIM or disable it in the settings (Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → [Your SIM] → Disable). Without a SIM, the phone will not be able to make or receive calls, but will retain access to Wi-Fi and applications.
  • 🔄 Reset network settings: Go to Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings. This will delete all saved networks and call settings, but will not affect personal data.
  • 🛠️ Deleting the “Phone” application: Using ADB you can deactivate standard calling application (developer rights required). Command: 
    adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.server.telecom
    Consequence: You will not be able to make calls even manually until you restore the application.
💡

Disabling the SIM or resetting the network will lead to loss of access to the mobile data and SMS. If you only need data, consider the option with eSIM —some operators allow you to disable voice services, leaving only the Internet.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about disabling the dialer

Is it possible to disable calls, but leave SMS?

Yes, but the methods depend on firmware:

  • On stock Android (for example, Google Pixel) use the mode Do not disturb with the exception for SMS.
  • On Samsung in the application settings Messages turn off call notifications, but leave SMS notifications.
  • Third-party applications like Truecaller allow you to flexibly configure filtering.

⚠️ On some phones (for example, Xiaomi), call blocking automatically blocks SMS from the same numbers.

Why do calls still go through after muting the sound?

Possible reasons:

  • Activated mode Recall in settings Do not disturb.
  • The operator uses VoLTE or VoWiFi —these calls may bypass some blocking.
  • The dialer application has high priority in the battery settings (check Settings → Applications → Phone → Battery → Unlimited).

Solution: check the settings Do not disturb or use third-party blockers.

How to turn off calls only at night?

Use Do not disturb with a schedule:

  1. Open Settings → Sound → Do not disturb → Schedule.
  2. Set the time (for example, from 23:00 to 7:00).
  3. In Exceptions allow alarm clock and repeat calls (optional).

On Xiaomi a similar function is called Night mode and is located in Settings → Screen and brightness.

Is it possible to turn off calls, but leave the ability to make calls yourself?

Yes, for this:

  • Use the mode Do not disturb with an exception for outgoing calls (on some firmware).
  • Install the application Call Blocker and set up a filter for incoming calls only.
  • Disable the mobile network for incoming calls through the engineering menu (risky!).

💡 On Android 14 a function appeared Outgoing only in the SIM card settings - check its availability.

What to do if the operator blocks the disconnection calls?

Some operators (for example, corporate tariffs) limit the ability to turn off voice. Solutions:

  • Call support and ask to disable voice services, leaving only the Internet.
  • Switch to a tariff without voice (for example, “Internet for devices” at MTS).
  • Use eSIM s a separate tariff only for data.

⚠️ Disabling voice may affect services associated with the number (for example, Sberbank Online or Government services).