Modern mobile communication standards are being implemented rapidly, and technology VoLTE (Voice over LTE) has become commonplace for most subscribers. It allows you to make calls over a 4G network, providing crystal clear sound and fast dialing without a drop in Internet speed. However, in a number of situations, users need to know how to disable VoLTE on Androidin order to solve communication problems or save battery power.
The need to disable it often arises due to incompatible tariff plans, unstable coverage in a particular region, or specific requirements for the operation of the modem. Some subscribers notice that when VoLTE is active, the phone drains faster in weak signal areas, as the device constantly tries to maintain a connection to the 4G tower even in standby mode. In other cases, the feature is simply not supported correctly by the operator, causing calls to drop.
The deactivation process may vary depending on your device manufacturer and operating system version. In this article, we will examine in detail standard methods through settings, hidden engineering codes and specific menus for popular brands. You will receive comprehensive information on how to manage voice communication settings on your smartphone.
What is VoLTE and why disable it
Technology VoLTE transmits voice traffic as data packets in the LTE network, bypassing traditional 2G and 3G channels. This provides high quality sound (HD Voice) and the ability to simultaneously use the Internet and voice communications. However, not all operators and smartphones are perfectly synchronized in this matter. Sometimes the option enabled by default creates more problems than benefits.
The main reason why users are looking for a way disable VoLTEis connection instability. If you are on the edge of 4G coverage, your phone may constantly switch between standards, resulting in dropped calls. In such a situation, forcing a switch to 3G or 2G for voice calls often solves the problem of connection reliability.
It is also worth considering the impact on the autonomy of the device. Finding and maintaining an LTE signal requires more energy than previous generations of networks. If you often travel to areas with weak signal, disabling this feature can significantly extend the battery life of your smartphone.
⚠️ Attention: Before disabling the feature, make sure that your operator supports alternative communication standards (CSFB) in your area. In some remote areas, 4G coverage may be the only option available for making calls.
In addition, there are tariff restrictions. Some older plans do not include VoLTE service, and attempting to use it may result in technical glitches or incorrect charges. In such cases, manual control of network settings becomes a necessity.
Standard method of deactivation through Android settings
The simplest and safest deactivation method is to use the built-in settings menu. The interface may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell, but the logic of action remains the same. You will need access to the mobile network management section.
First, open the application Settings on your device. Find the section responsible for connecting to the network. In pure Android it is usually called Network and Internet, and in shells like MIUI or OneUI it can be hidden in the item Connections or SIM cards and mobile networks.
Select the desired SIM card if your phone has two. Next, find the switch labeled Allow VoLTE or Calls via LTE. Move the toggle switch to the inactive position. If there is no such item in the main menu, try diving into additional call type settings.
☑️ Check before disconnecting
In some versions of Android, the setting may be hidden in menu Preferred network type. Here you need to select a mode that does not include voice communication via LTE, for example 3G/2G (auto) or 3G only. This will force voice calls to the old standards.
After changing the settings, it is recommended to restart the device. This is necessary for the modem to correctly re-register in the operator’s network with new parameters. Sometimes the changes take effect instantly, but a reboot ensures that all configurations are applied.
Specifics of disabling on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones
The company's devices Xiaomirunning on the MIUI or HyperOS shell often hide the standard VoLTE switch from the user. The developers believe that this feature should work automatically if the operator supports it. However, hidden menus are available for manual control.
To access advanced settings, open the application Phone and enter the secret code ##86583##. If the entry is successful, you will see a notification VoLTE carrier check was disabled. This action unlocks the standard switch in the SIM card settings menu.
If the code does not work or you have a new firmware version, you can try an alternative path through the engineering menu. Enter the code ##4636##, select Phone information and find the item Toggle VoLTE verification. Disabling the verification will allow you to manually manage the function through the main settings.
What to do if the code does not work on Xiaomi?
On new versions of MIUI, some engineering codes may be blocked. In this case, try installing the Activity Launcher application, find the "VoLTE" or "IMS" activity in the list and try to launch the hidden settings menu directly.
After unlocking the item, go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks. Now there should be an active switch Use VoLTEthat you can turn off. Remember that after updating the system, the settings may be reset and the procedure will have to be repeated.
⚠️ Attention: Using engineering codes on Xiaomi devices can lead to unpredictable network behavior if other parameters are configured incorrectly. Change only those values that directly relate to VoLTE.
It is important to note that on some global versions of Xiaomi smartphones, the VoLTE function may be completely cut out of the firmware for certain regions. In this case, even hidden menus will not help to activate or deactivate something that is not physically in the software.
Network management on Samsung Galaxy devices
Smartphones Samsung with the OneUI shell have fairly flexible network settings, but the location of the items may change with each Android update. The standard disconnect path is usually found in the deep connection menus.
Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks. Select the desired SIM card. Here you should see the item Calls via LTE. Disable it to return calls to standard mode. If this item is missing, the operator may have blocked the ability to manually control.
For advanced users, there is access to the service menu via code *#0011#. This menu displays technical information about the network status, but does not always allow you to change VoLTE settings directly. For deeper intervention, an application is often required Samsung Good Lock or specialized utilities that require root access.
| Samsung model | Setting location | Nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S20-S24 | Connections → Mobile networks | The item may be hidden when roaming |
| Galaxy A series | Connections → SIM Manager | Requires active card selection |
| Galaxy Note | Connections → Mobile networks | Similar to S series flagships |
| Budget models | Settings → General settings | The interface can be simplified |
If standard methods do not help, you can try resetting the network settings. This action will return all connection parameters to factory defaults. Path to function: Settings → General settings → Reset → Reset network settings. Please note that this will also delete saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth devices.
Before resetting your network settings, write down the passwords for important Wi-Fi networks, as they will not be restored automatically after a reset.
Engineering menu and hidden settings for other brands
For smartphones from other manufacturers, such as Realme, Oppo, Honor or OnePlus, the logic of actions is similar to Xiaomi, but the access codes may differ. The engineering menu is a powerful tool that allows you to control the parameters of the radio module at a low level.
Universal code for entering the testing menu on many Android devices - ##4636##. After entering, you will be taken to the menu Testing, where you need to select Phone Information. Scroll down the list to item VoLTE Provisioned or similar. Unchecking this item disables the function at the firmware level.
On devices Realme i Oppo the code ##86583##often runs, similar to Xiaomi, which disables operator verification. After this, the standard switch appears in the menu Settings → SIM card and mobile data. In some cases, you may need a code ##869434## to disable VoLTE verification.
It is worth remembering that access to the engineering menu may be blocked by the manufacturer in the latest versions of Android for security reasons. If the codes do not work, the only solution may be to use ADB commands through the computer, which requires USB debugging.
To use ADB, you will need to connect the phone to the PC, enter the command adb shell, and then use specific commands to change global settings. For example, the command settings put global volte_enabled 0 can forcefully disable the function, but its performance depends on the specific model.
⚠️ Attention: Changing settings through the engineering menu or ADB is done at your own risk. Incorrect actions can lead to a complete loss of communication, which will require resetting the device to factory settings or flashing it.
The impact of disabling VoLTE on call quality and battery
After you have completed the disabling steps VoLTE, it is important to understand what changes will occur in the operation of your smartphone. The quality of voice communication may change: the sound will become less voluminous, background noise characteristic of 2G and 3G networks.
On the other hand, the stability of the connection in areas of poor 4G reception often increases. The phone will stop trying to hold onto the "shaky" LTE signal for calls and switch to longer-range 3G or 2G frequencies. This is especially true for country trips and trips on the subway.
As for energy consumption, the situation here is ambiguous. On the one hand, maintaining an LTE connection requires energy. On the other hand, if the 4G signal is very weak, the phone spends a huge amount of resources on strengthening the signal. Switching to stable 3G in such a situation can even increase increase the battery life.
Disabling VoLTE is a compromise between high sound quality and connection stability in conditions of poor network coverage.
It is also worth considering that when disabled During a VoLTE call, the Internet may temporarily turn off or become very slow if your operator does not support the technology of simultaneous transmission of voice and data over 3G networks. For modern tariffs with high traffic consumption, this can be a significant disadvantage.
Frequent problems after disabling and their solutions
Sometimes, after manually disabling the function, users are faced with the fact that the icon HD or VoLTE returns after a reboot. This may mean that the operator is forcibly activating the service on the network side, or there is a background process running on the phone that restores settings.
In this case, it is recommended to check for software updates. Sometimes bugs in the firmware lead to incorrect saving of user preferences. Installing the latest software from the manufacturer may correct this error.
If the icon constantly returns and calls are interrupted, try removing the SIM card and inserting it into another slot (if there are two) or wiping the contacts. Physical poor contact can cause failures in network registration and incorrect display of service statuses.
In extreme cases, when software methods do not help, you can contact the operator's communication shop with a request to disable the VoLTE service at the tariff plan level. This is guaranteed to remove the ability to use the technology, regardless of the phone settings.
Why does the Internet work slower during a call after turning off VoLTE?
When VoLTE is turned off, the phone switches to 3G or 2G networks for a voice call. Many operators do not support simultaneous transmission of voice and high-speed Internet in these standards (DTM technology is not available everywhere). Therefore, during a conversation, the phone may fall into 2G (Edge) mode, where the Internet speed is minimal.
Can I turn VoLTE back on if I change my mind?
Yes, you can always activate the function back. To do this, just go to the same settings (Settings → SIM cards or engineering menu) and move the switch to the active position. If the switch is missing, use engineering codes to unlock it.
Does disabling VoLTE affect the cost of calls?
The use of VoLTE technology itself is not charged separately for most operators and is included in the cost of a minute of conversation according to your tariff. However, calls over the Internet (Wi-Fi Calling) may have different conditions. Disabling VoLTE does not change the pricing of regular minutes, but check the terms and conditions of your operator.
Why is there no option to disable VoLTE on my phone?
Smartphone manufacturers often hide this option, relying on automatic configuration by the operator's network. The item may also be missing if the phone's firmware is not certified to work with VoLTE in your region. In such cases, engineering codes or resetting network settings help.
Will WhatsApp and instant messengers work when VoLTE is turned off?
Yes, instant messengers will work correctly. Disabling VoLTE only affects standard phone service. However, if during a call the phone switches to the 2G network, the speed of the mobile data may drop so much that voice calls on WhatsApp will become impossible until the end of the conversation.