How to Disable VoWiFi: A Complete Guide to Setting Up Calls

Modern smartphones offer many features to improve communication quality, one of which is the technology VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi). It allows you to make voice calls over a wireless network when the cellular signal is weak or absent. However, this feature is not useful for all users: it can cause connection drops when switching between networks or interfere with smart home systems.

Device owners often encounter a situation where the phone “clings” to weak Wi-Fi instead of using a stable 4G/LTE, which leads to dropped calls. Disabling VoWiFi solves this problem by returning priority to the cell tower. In this article, we'll discuss how to disable this feature on different operating systems and why it might be necessary for you.

The setup process may vary depending on the device model and operating system version. Some devices require a single menu button, while others require entering the engineering menu or using special codes. Below are proven methods for the most popular platforms.

Why is it necessary to disable Wi-Fi calling?

The main reason why users are looking for a way deactivating VoWiFi, is rooted in router instability. Routers, especially budget models, may incorrectly process priority data packets required for voice communication. As a result, conversations may be interrupted, the other party's voice may become robotic, or the call may even drop completely upon entering the home network's coverage area.

Another factor is battery consumptionConstantly searching for and maintaining a connection for voice calls over Wi-Fi, especially when the router's signal is weak, forces the smartphone's radio module to work in overdrive. This leads to a faster battery drain compared to using a standard cellular network.

⚠️ Important: Before making any changes to your network settings, make sure you have an alternative method of communication. In some areas, cellular coverage may be unstable, and disabling VoWiFi will prevent calls from being made inside buildings.

It is also worth mentioning conflicts with devices smart homeSome IoT devices are sensitive to the channel load created by voice calls. Disabling this feature helps reduce bandwidth congestion and improve the response of actuators.

Disabling VoWiFi on Android smartphones

In the Android operating system, settings can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer's shell (Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI, Stock Android). However, the general principle remains the same: you need to find the section responsible for the mobile network. Most often, the path looks like this: Settings → Connections → Mobile network.

Inside the mobile networks menu you should look for the item Wi-Fi Calling or Wi-Fi CallingIf this option isn't available in the main menu, try going to the "Phone" app, tapping the three dots in the corner, and selecting "Settings." This is often where the switch that needs to be toggled to the "Off" position is hidden.

On some devices, such as Xiaomi or HuaweiThe option may be hidden in the engineering menu or SIM card-specific. If the standard method doesn't work, try removing the SIM card, turning on the phone, and then reinserting it—sometimes the menu resets.

If you don't find the switch you need, use the settings search by entering "Wi-Fi" or "VoWiFi."

iPhone Setup: How to Remove the VoWiFi Icon

For device owners Apple luckily, we have a more unified interface. To disable the feature on iOS, you need to go to the standard app. Settings. Next, select the section Cellular CommunicationsIf you have two SIM cards, be sure to select the one for which you want to change the settings.

In the menu that opens, find the item Wi-Fi CallingThe switch should be active (green). Tap it to deactivate the feature. The system may ask for confirmation, warning you that wireless calls will no longer be made.

⚠️ Note: On iPhones, this setting can only be applied to one SIM card if two are installed. Check the feature status for each number separately.

If the "Wi-Fi Calling" option is missing from the "Cellular" menu, it may mean that your carrier doesn't support this feature or it's blocked at the profile level. In this case, disabling is not required since the function is not active.

The specifics of the settings of different telecom operators

Many users don't know that the ability to use VoWiFi depends not only on the phone, but also on tariff plan and operator settings. Large federal carriers often activate this service by default when issuing a new SIM card.

Sometimes, disabling the feature at the network level requires more than just phone settings. You'll need to access your subscriber account or use USSD commands. Each operator has its own codes and menus, which are subject to change.

Let's look at the main methods of managing the service for popular operators:

• 📱 MTS: Management is often available through the My MTS app in the services section. The command also works *111*879# to check the status.
• 📱 Megaphone: The "Internet Calls" service is managed in your personal account or through the team *550#.
• 📱 Beeline: Please check the "Services" section in the "My Beeline" app. Disabling the service is possible via chat with the bot.
• 📱 Tele2: Control via the "My Tele2" application or command *610#.

Mobile app interfaces are updated regularly. If the specified commands don't work, check the latest USSD codes in the official help section on your operator's website.

Using the Engineering Menu for Advanced Users

If standard methods do not produce results, you can use engineering menuThis is a hidden section of the system designed for hardware testing. It is accessed by entering special codes in the Phone app.

For devices based on processors MediaTek the code often works ##4636##. Once entered, the testing menu will open. Select "Phone Information." Scroll down to the item VoWiFi or Turn off VoWiFi and change the value.

For devices Samsung the code is used #0011# or #197328640#The interface may differ, but the search logic remains the same: look for sections related to Voice over LTE/Wi-Fi.

Examples of codes for entering the menu (do not work on all models):
- ##4636## (Universal Android)
- *#0011# (Samsung)
- ##3646633## (Some MediaTek)

⚠️ Warning: Use extreme caution in the engineering menu. Changing unknown parameters may result in unstable modem operation or complete loss of signal. Only change settings you are confident in.

On devices Xiaomi With MIUI, you may need to enable developer mode. To do this, tap the build number in the "About phone" section several times, then find the toggle in the expanded menu. Enable VoWiFi Carrier Check and turn it off.

Comparison of voice transmission technologies

To better understand what exactly you're disabling, it's helpful to compare the technologies. The table below summarizes the key differences between standard calls, VoLTE, and VoWiFi.

As can be seen from the table, VoLTE is often a more reliable alternative. If you have 4G coverage indoors but poor Wi-Fi for calls, it's best to leave VoLTE enabled. This will ensure high-quality audio without the risk of connection drops when switching networks.

Solving common problems after disconnection

After you have completed disabling VoWiFi, some issues may arise. For example, the phone may lose network connectivity in a basement or deep room where Wi-Fi was previously the only solution. In such cases, it's recommended to manually switch network modes or move to an open area.

Sometimes the function icon remains in the status bar even after being turned off. This is a software glitch in the interface. To fix it, restart your device. If that doesn't help, try resetting your network settings: Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth settings.

• 🔄 Reboot: The easiest way to update your online registration.
• 📶 Re-import profile: Remove and reinsert the SIM card.
• ⚙️ Reset APN: In your mobile network settings, find "Access Point Names (APN)" and reset it to factory defaults.

If call quality issues persist even after disabling VoWiFi and resetting the settings, the smartphone's antenna may be faulty or the SIM card may be worn out. In this case, you should contact a service center or mobile phone store for a replacement.