How to disable Wi-Fi calling on your smartphone

Modern smartphones offer a variety of features to improve call quality, one of which is VoWiFi technology. It allows for wireless calls when the cellular signal is weak or nonexistent. However, in practice, users often experience inconsistency with this feature, with calls dropping out or the sound quality becoming tinny.

In such cases, it may be necessary to force the device to use only the cellular network. This may be necessary if the router is overloaded, or if the mobile plan offers unlimited minutes but the home internet is limited. Disabling the function often solves echo and delay problems.

In this article, we'll take a detailed look at how to disable this option on various operating systems. We'll cover the nuances for Android And iOS, and we'll also explain why your phone may ignore your settings in certain situations.

Please note that menu interfaces may differ depending on your device model and firmware version. Manufacturers often change the location of switches, hiding them in deep submenus or renaming items.

Reasons for disabling VoWiFi technology

The main reason users seek a way to block Wi-Fi calls is connection instability. The router may be located far from the phone, or there may be too many neighboring networks in the air, creating interference. As a result, voice packets are lost, and the other party hears interruptions.

Another important consideration is roaming. Some carriers may charge Wi-Fi calls as international calls if you're abroad, even if you're connected to a hotel's home network. Deactivating the option in this case it helps to avoid unexpected expenses.

⚠️ Note: If you're in an area with poor cellular coverage, completely disabling Wi-Fi Calling may result in connection loss. Ensure your network signal is sufficient for calls.

There are also situations when a smartphone gets stuck on a weak Wi-Fi signal and won't switch to the mobile network, even after leaving the house. This results in incoming calls simply not being received. Forced switching to cellular mode solves this problem.

Some corporate security networks block voice traffic or prioritize work data, resulting in poor call quality. In office environments, it's often necessary to use only standard GSM or LTE channels.

Instructions for iPhone (iOS) owners

In devices from Apple This feature is fairly simple to manage, but it has its own unique features. The settings are located in the phone's standard settings menu. You don't need to download additional apps or use hidden codes.

To disable the feature, go to Settings and select the item Telephone. Next, find the section Wi-Fi callingThere will be a switch here that needs to be toggled to the off position. If you have two SIM cards, the settings may be separate for each.

Sometimes after updating the operating system iOS The settings may reset. So, if you've previously disabled this option but the problem has returned, check the menu again. This is a common occurrence after major updates.

It's worth noting that iPhones have a "Wi-Fi Preference" feature. If enabled, the phone will attempt to use the wireless network even when a cellular signal is available. Disabling the primary toggle switch Wi-Fi calling automatically ignores this setting.

Android Setup: Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei

On the platform Android The situation is more complicated due to the variety of shells. The path to the switch may be named differently by different manufacturers. It's usually located in the call menu or in the general connection settings.

On smartphones Samsung needs to be opened Settings, then go to Connections and find Wi-Fi callingOn devices Xiaomi And Redmi the path often lies through Settings → SIM cards and mobile networksIn some versions of MIUI, you need to tap on the SIM card itself in the list.

On phones Huawei And Honor look for the item in the section Mobile networkIf you can't find the option using the standard search methods, try searching through your settings. Enter "Wi-Fi" or "Calls" in the search bar, and the system will automatically suggest the appropriate option.

In this case, looking for a switch is useless, since the phone modem does not support VoWiFi technology.

⚠️ Note: The menu interface may change after a firmware update. If you can't find the item using the path described above, use the search in your phone's settings.

Problems switching between networks

One of the most annoying problems is when your phone refuses to let go of Wi-Fi when you leave the house. You go outside, the wireless signal disappears, but the phone continues to try to make calls over it instead of switching to LTE. This is called "stickiness."

Setting priorities can partially solve this problem. Some Android models have a hidden menu or additional settings where you can specify cellular network priority. However, most devices lack this fine-grained setting.

In this case, temporarily disabling Wi-Fi when leaving the house can help. However, this is inconvenient, as you have to constantly monitor the screen. A more effective solution is to completely disable Wi-Fi calling, which we discuss in this article.

If you use messaging apps for calls (Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram), they will always use an active internet connection, whether Wi-Fi or mobile data. Disabling the system VoWiFi feature will not affect the operation of these apps.

Comparison of voice transmission technologies

To better understand what exactly you're disabling, it's helpful to know the difference between standards. A standard call goes through GSM or 3G channels, which are dedicated by the operator specifically for voice. Quality is stable there, but depends on tower load.

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology transmits voice over 4G networks. This provides high-quality sound (HD Voice) and fast dialing. Wi-Fi calling (VoWiFi) effectively extends VoLTE coverage by using your home hotspot as a mini base station.

As can be seen from the table, VoWiFi It has its advantages in buildings with thick walls where cellular signal is difficult to penetrate. However, for mobility and stability on the road, it's better to rely on standard carrier networks.

It's important to note that when using VoWiFi, traffic is typically not billed as internet traffic, but as regular package minutes. However, this rule doesn't apply in all countries and with all operators.

Influence of the telecom operator

It's important to remember that enabling or disabling this feature depends not only on the phone but also on the SIM card. The carrier must support the technology and send a special settings profile to the phone.

Some providers have this feature enabled by default and cannot be disabled through the regular menu. In such cases, you may need to contact customer support or use a special USSD code provided by your provider.

There are also restrictions on phone models. Carriers often maintain lists of certified devices. If your smartphone isn't on the list, the feature may not work correctly or be available, even if your phone technically supports it.

⚠️ Please note: Wi-Fi call rates may vary when roaming. Check with your carrier for details before traveling abroad.

Sometimes operators perform maintenance, during which the VoWiFi service may be temporarily unavailable. During these times, the phone will automatically switch to the regular network, if possible.

Diagnostics and problem solving

If you've disabled the feature but the handset icon with the Wi-Fi symbol remains in the status bar, try restarting your device. This is a standard procedure that forces the phone to re-register with the carrier's network and update its profiles.

In rare cases, removing the SIM card and cleaning the contacts may help. Oxidation can cause profile data to be incorrectly read. Wipe the chip with a soft cloth and reinsert it.

If the problem is that your phone constantly switches between Wi-Fi and cellular data during a call (you hear clicking sounds), try "forgetting" the Wi-Fi network in your phone settings and reconnecting. This will clear the connection cache.

Advanced users can use the engineering menu, but this is not recommended without experience. Incorrect changes in the engineering menu can lead to a complete loss of connection.

Frequently Asked Questions