Modern smartphones offer many functions to improve the quality of communication, and one of these technologies is Wi-Fi calling (Wi-Fi Calling). This option allows you to make voice calls over a wireless Internet network, which is especially important in areas of poor cellular signal reception. However, not all users benefit from this feature: sometimes it causes problems when switching between networks, degrades sound quality, or is simply not supported by the tariff plan.
If you are faced with the fact that your phone persistently tries to make calls via Wi-Fi, ignoring a stable cellular network, or you simply want to save traffic for other tasks, you will need to change the device settings. The deactivation process may vary depending on the manufacturer of your gadget and the version of the operating system Android. In this article we will look at all possible ways to solve this problem, from standard menus to hidden engineering settings.
Disabling this function often solves problems with communication “failures” when leaving the router’s coverage area. Many users complain that when talking over Wi-Fi, the call ends abruptly when they go outside, whereas a regular cell call would transfer smoothly to the tower. Let's take a look at how to take back control of your connection.
Why do you need calls over Wi-Fi and when should you turn them off
Technology VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) was developed by telecom operators to expand coverage area. Essentially, your smartphone uses the Internet channel to transmit voice traffic, packaging it in special data packets. This works ideally in basements, country houses with thick walls, or in offices where there is little or no cellular signal.
However, there are situations where this feature becomes more of a hindrance than a help. For example, if you have a router in your home with low bandwidth or high bandwidth usage from other devices, your voice quality may become robotic or choppy. In addition, some users prefer to use instant messengers for calls over the Internet, and want to leave the standard phone book exclusively for the cellular network.
Another reason for disabling is roaming. While many carriers include Wi-Fi calling as part of the basic plan at no extra cost when abroad, in some cases this may result in unexpected charges or conflicts with local network settings. If you travel frequently, full control over the type of connection becomes critical.
- 📶 Unstable router: If your home Wi-Fi often “lags” when watching videos, calls through it will also suffer from delays.
- 🔋 Battery consumption: Constantly searching and holding a connection for voice packets may slightly, but will increase power consumption in mode standby.
- 🔄 Switching problems: The smartphone does not always correctly transfer a call from Wi-Fi to the mobile network when leaving home, which leads to the connection being reset.
⚠️ Attention: Before disabling the function, make sure that there is a strong cellular signal in your current location. In “dead zones” without Wi-Fi Calling, you may be completely unavailable to subscribers.
Universal way to disable it through the phone settings
Most modern smartphones based on Android have a built-in menu to control this function. The path to the settings may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same for all devices. You need to find the section responsible for the parameters of the SIM card or mobile network. This is usually done through the main settings menu.
Go to the section Settings and find the item Connections or Network and Internet. Inside this menu you should look for a subsection Mobile network or specific settings SIM cardsif you have two of them. This is where the switch responsible for the priority of the connection type for voice calls is hidden.
The interface can be called differently: “Wi-Fi calls”, “Wi-Fi calls” or “Wi-Fi calls”. Find this item and move the toggle switch to the inactive position. The system may ask you to confirm the action, since disabling this option affects the way the connection is established. After this, the handset icon with the Wi-Fi symbol should disappear from the status bar.
☑️ Setting search algorithm
In some shells, for example, in MIUI from Xiaomi or One UI from Samsung, this item can be placed in a separate “Advanced settings” menu inside the SIM card section. If you do not find the switch right away, carefully look through all the sub-items of the mobile network menu; sometimes it is hidden at the very bottom of the list.
Instructions for popular brands: Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel
Smartphone manufacturers often modify the standard interface Android, adding your own unique shells. This means that the names of menu items and their locations may vary significantly. Let's look at specific paths for the most popular brands so that you don't get lost in the jungle of settings.
For owners Samsung the path usually looks like this: open the “Phone” application, click on the three dots in the corner of the screen and select “Settings”. There will be an item called “Wi-Fi calling”. An alternative way is through the general settings: Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi calling. In new versions of One UI, this option may be duplicated in the settings of each SIM card separately.
Users Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco need to act differently. Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks. Select the desired SIM card, if there are two. Scroll down to Wi-Fi Calling and turn it off. It is important to note that on some global firmware versions this item may not be available if the operator does not support the function in your region.
On “pure” Android, which is used in Google Pixel, Motorola and Nokia smartphones, the setting is in the section Network and Internet → Mobile network → Wi-Fi calling. Here you can also select the operating mode: “Prefer mobile network” or “Prefer Wi-Fi”. Selecting the “Prefer Mobile Network” mode actually disables the function at home, leaving it active only when there is no cellular signal.
| Smartphone brand | Path to settings | Item name |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Settings → Connections | Wi-Fi calls |
| Xiaomi / Redmi | Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks | Wi-Fi calls |
| Google Pixel | Settings → Network and Internet → Mobile network | Wi-Fi calling |
| Honor / Huawei | Settings → Wireless networks | Wi-Fi calling |
If you can't find the setting in the menu, try searching in your phone settings. Just enter the word “Wi-Fi” or “Calls” in the search bar, and the system itself will show the desired section.
Disconnection through your operator’s application
Sometimes setting up calls via a wireless network is controlled not only at the phone level, but also on the operator’s side. In this case, even if you disable the function in the smartphone menu, the network can forcibly redirect voice traffic through the available Internet channel, if this is provided for by your tariff.
To be sure to disable the service, go to the personal application of your mobile operator (for example, “My MTS”, “MegaFon”, “Beeline” or “Tele2”). In the services or tariff settings section, find the “Wi-Fi calling” or “VoWiFi” option. Turn the switch to the "Off" position. This action will send a command to the operator’s server, and the function will be deactivated for your number.
If the application does not have such an option, the only solution is to call the support service or visit a communication store. The operator can disable the service remotely at your request. This is especially true for corporate tariffs, where network settings can be strictly fixed by the administrator.
⚠️ Attention: The terms and conditions of the VoWiFi service can be changed unilaterally by the operator. If, after disabling the setting on your phone, calls still go through Wi-Fi, be sure to contact the provider's support to check the status of the service on the server.
Hidden menus and engineering codes for advanced users
For those who have not found a standard switch or want to make sure that the function is disabled at the deep level of the radio module, there are engineering menus. They are accessed through a set of special codes in the Phone application. This method requires caution, since changing other parameters may disrupt the operation of the device.
Try entering the code ##4636##. If your device supports this code, the Verify menu will open. Select "Phone Information". Here you can find the switch VoWiFi Provisioned. Unchecking this item prevents the phone from registering on the network for voice calls over Wi-Fi. However, on many modern smartphones this item may be hidden or inactive.
For devices on processors MediaTek a code ##3646633##is often used that opens a full engineering menu. In the Telephony section you can find VoWiFi settings and disable them. Be extremely careful: do not change the settings of frequencies or network modes if you do not know exactly what they are responsible for.
What to do if the codes do not work?
On many new smartphones (especially Samsung and Huawei), access to the engineering menus through codes is blocked by the manufacturer. In this case, the only safe way is to use standard settings or contact a service center to reflash the radio module.
Using engineering codes is a last resort. In 95% of cases, the problem can be solved through the regular settings menu. You should only resort to hidden menus if you are confident in your actions and understand the risks. Incorrect configuration of the radio module can lead to a complete loss of communication.
Why the setting may not be saved or missing
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the Wi-Fi calling switch is either missing from the menu or is automatically turned back on after a reboot. This can be caused by several factors, from software failures to restrictions on the part of the operator.
The first reason is operator firmware. If you bought a phone locked to a specific telecom operator (branded version), the network settings may be hard-coded into the system. In such cases, the operator forcibly turns on VoWiFi to improve the quality of communication of its subscribers, and it is impossible to disable this using standard means.
The second reason is outdated software. In older versions Android or custom firmware, the menu may not work correctly. Updating the system to the latest available version often returns menu items or fixes bugs while saving settings. It is also worth checking for operator profile updates in the SIM card settings.
- 📱 Branded firmware: Phones purchased in communication stores with the operator’s logo often have hidden settings that are inaccessible to the user.
- 🔄 Network profile failure: Sometimes deleting and re-adding the APN access point or resetting the settings helps network.
- 🚫 Lack of support: Some budget models or older smartphones do not physically support VoWiFi technology, so there is simply no menu item.
If the switch returns to the active position after each reboot, most likely the function is forcibly enabled on the telecom operator's side or in the system firmware of the device.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does disabling Wi-Fi calling affect the Internet speed?
No, disabling the VoWiFi function does not affect the data transfer speed. Voice calls and Internet traffic use different prioritization channels. You will be able to use the Internet as quickly as before, just voice calls will be made exclusively through the cell tower.
Will you be charged for calls via Wi-Fi while roaming?
It depends on the tariff of your operator. Typically, calls via Wi-Fi while roaming are charged as regular home calls, which is beneficial. But if you turn this feature off, calls will go through your local cellular network, which can cost significantly more. Check the conditions with your operator.
Is it possible to disable Wi-Fi Calling for only one SIM card?
Yes, in most modern smartphones that support two SIM cards, the settings are applied individually for each of them. Go to the settings of a specific SIM card and disable the function only for it, leaving the second active.
Why does the Wi-Fi Calling icon not disappear after disconnecting?
The icon may remain in the status bar for some time due to interface caching. Try rebooting your phone. If the icon remains, check to see if the feature is enabled in the operator's app or if Airplane mode is active with Wi-Fi turned on (this can be confusing in some implementations).
Will the connection quality deteriorate after disabling?
The quality of the connection depends on the strength of the cellular network signal in your location. If you have poor cellular reception at home, then after turning off Wi-Fi Calling, the quality of calls may actually deteriorate or the connection will disappear altogether. If the cellular network signal is good, then the quality will not change or even become more stable.