Modern smartphones, including the popular model Samsung Galaxy A5, are equipped with a variety of features designed to improve connection quality. One such option is VoWiFi technology, which allows for wireless calls when the cellular signal is weak. However, in some situations, this feature may not work properly, may cause connection drops, or may simply be unnecessary for users who prefer a standard mobile network.
If you are faced with the need disable Wi-Fi calling, it's important to do this correctly so as not to disrupt the operation of other system components. Device owners Android Users often get confused in the settings menu, as the location of the required switch can vary depending on the operating system version and carrier firmware. In this article, we'll cover all the ways to disable this feature in detail.
We'll cover not only standard methods through phone settings, but also more complex cases that require accessing hidden menus or resetting network settings. Understanding how it works Internet telephony on your gadget will help you avoid unexpected expenses and problems with incoming calls. Let's get started setting up your Samsung A5.
Why might you need to disable the VoWiFi feature?
Voice over Wi-Fi technology was developed to improve coverage in areas with poor cellular signal reception. However, in reality, users Samsung Galaxy A5 Often, users encounter situations where this option causes more problems than it's worth. For example, a phone may become stuck on a weak router signal, ignoring a stable 4G network and making it impossible to make an emergency call.
Another common cause is unstable operation of the function itself at the firmware level. In some cases, Internet calls Calls can be interrupted when switching between rooms or when entering an elevator, where the Wi-Fi signal suddenly drops and switching to a mobile network takes too long. This creates a "dead phone" effect, where the other person can't hear you for several seconds.
⚠️ Attention: If your carrier doesn't officially support VoWiFi, enabling this feature may result in data charges or connection failure. Always check with your provider for pricing details.
It's also worth considering that some corporate networks or secure Wi-Fi access points may block ports used for voice traffic. Under these conditions, attempting to call through Wi-Fi Calling would be simply useless, draining battery power in the background. Disabling the feature in such scenarios is a logical solution to optimize device performance.
Finally, many users simply prefer to have complete control over which network their voice traffic is routed through. Forced use of the cellular network ensures that calls will be made even if their home router is temporarily disabled, which is especially important for those with unlimited minutes plans.
Basic method of disabling via the standard menu
The easiest and most secure method to disable wireless calling is in your phone's main settings. On the model Samsung Galaxy A5 The path to this parameter is usually standardized, but there may be slight differences depending on the shell version. One UI or Tizen (for older models). First, you need to unlock the screen and find the "Settings" icon.
Once you've entered the menu, scroll down to the section responsible for communications. Depending on your system's localization, this item may be called "Connections," "Network and Internet," or simply appear as a separate block with an antenna icon. This is where all the settings are located. communication parameters your smartphone.
Within the Connections section, find the "Mobile Network" or "SIM Cards" option. Tapping it will display a list of available options for your SIM card. Look for the line labeled "Wi-Fi Calling." Next to it, there will be a slider that should be set to the "Off" position (gray).
If you use two SIM cards, make sure to disable the feature for the card you plan to use for calls. Sometimes the system prompts you to select a preferred network for calls, in which case you should select "Mobile Network" instead of "Wi-Fi Preferred." This ensures your phone will always attempt to connect through your cellular provider.
Settings via the Phone app
In some software versions Samsung Galaxy A5 VoWiFi control has been integrated directly into the calling app. This is designed to be convenient for users who frequently change communication settings during a call. To access the required menu, open the standard "dialer" icon—the green handset on the home screen.
In the upper right corner of the app interface, there's a "More" button or three vertical dots. Tapping this button opens a drop-down menu where you should select "Settings." Within this section, look for the "Wi-Fi Calling" subsection. Here, you can control the feature in more detail.
The system may offer several options for how your phone behaves when a wireless network is available. You can select "Off" to completely block internet calls. Another common option is "On, prefer mobile network," which allows Wi-Fi to be used only in extreme cases, a compromise.
However, if you see a handset icon with a Wi-Fi symbol at the top of the screen (in the status bar), this means the feature is still active. Check your settings again to ensure the switch has actually been disabled.
Using the engineering menu and hidden codes
For advanced users who haven't found a standard switch, there's the option of using hidden system codes. On devices Samsung entering a combination ##4636## or *#0011# in the dial pad may open the service testing menu. However, extreme caution is advised: changing unknown parameters may cause modem malfunctions.
In the service menu, find the section related to Phone Information or SIM Status. There may be a "Turn off radio" option or a specific setting for VoWiFi provisioning. If you see an active checkbox there, unchecking it will forcibly prevent the phone from registering with IMS networks for internet voice calls.
It is worth noting that in modern versions Android Access to these codes is often restricted by the manufacturer. In this case, entering the combination will have no effect. This is done for security purposes to prevent inexperienced users from disrupting the system. base station phone programmatically.
⚠️ Attention: Don't change the values in the engineering menu unless you're 100% sure of their purpose. Resetting the radio module settings can result in complete loss of network signal, making it difficult to restore without a firmware update.
If the standard codes don't work, you can try entering #27663368378# (specific to some Samsung models), but this is the exception rather than the rule. The primary control method remains the graphical settings interface, and the engineering codes are used more for diagnostics than for everyday use.
Resetting network settings as a radical method
In situations where Wi-Fi Calling can't be disabled using standard methods or is not working correctly (for example, it re-enables itself after a reboot), you may need to perform a full network reset. This will reset all connection settings to factory defaults, deleting saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings.
To perform this procedure on Samsung Galaxy A5 need to go to Settings → General settings → ResetHere, select "Reset network settings." The system will warn you that Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and mobile network data will be deleted. Confirm the action by entering your screen unlock PIN.
After rebooting, your phone will behave as if it were new in terms of connections. VoWiFi should be disabled by default unless it's activated automatically by your carrier profile (which is rare). You'll need to re-enter your home and work wireless network passwords.
☑️ Checklist before resetting the network
This method is especially effective if the system has accumulated software errors that prevent it from switching between connection types correctly. A reset clears the network service cache and resolves configuration file conflicts that may have arisen after a firmware update.
The influence of the telecom operator and the SIM card
It's important to remember that the availability and behavior of the VoWiFi feature directly depends on your carrier. Some providers push this service by automatically activating it on the network when you register your SIM card. In this case, even with the switch turned off on your phone, you may still see the Wi-Fi Calling icon.
To completely disable the service, you may need to contact your carrier's support team or use your personal account in the mobile app. For example, some carriers have a separate "Internet Calls" service that needs to be deactivated in the list of enabled options. Without this step, your phone will constantly attempt to initiate a Wi-Fi connection.
The condition of the SIM card itself is also important. Older cards, issued several years ago, may not work correctly with modern VoWiFi standards. Samsung Galaxy A5If you haven't replaced your SIM card in a while, it's worth visiting a mobile phone store to get a new one that supports all the latest communication protocols.
| Parameter | Impact on VoWiFi | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| Tariff plan | Can block or allow the function | Check the tariff terms in the operator's app |
| SIM card version | Older cards may not support IMS | Replace your SIM card with a USIM card at the dealership |
| Roaming | VoWiFi often works differently when roaming | Disable manually when traveling abroad |
| Profile updates | The operator can reset the settings remotely. | Control settings after reboot |
Additionally, when roaming, Wi-Fi Calling may be charged as a standard domestic call, but this depends on the specific terms of your plan. In some cases, however, Wi-Fi calls are free while roaming, but require special activation.
Troubleshooting shutdown issues and errors
Users often encounter a situation where, after disabling a feature, the status bar icon doesn't disappear. This may indicate a frozen process in the system. In this case, a simple device reboot helps. Turn off Samsung A5 completely and turn it on again - this will restart all network services.
Another common issue is the inability to turn on the switch (it's grayed out or inactive). This means the current SIM card doesn't support the feature, or it's blocked by the security settings of the corporate network you're connected to. In this case, there's nothing to worry about—the feature doesn't work anyway.
What should I do if my phone turns on Wi-Fi Calling on its own?
This could be caused by your carrier profile. Try removing the SIM card, turning on the phone without it, then reinsert the card. If that doesn't help, reset the network settings.
If you use third-party calling apps (e.g., Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram), they are not affected by the "Wi-Fi Calling" system feature. This system setting only affects regular phone calls made via your SIM card. Don't confuse these two when trying to disable Wi-Fi calling in messaging apps through your phone settings.
In rare cases, the problem may be caused by a bug in a specific firmware version. If nothing helps, check for system updates in the section Settings → Software UpdateSamsung regularly releases patches that fix errors in the modem and network interfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will there be a charge for using VoWiFi?
This depends on your plan. Typically, minutes spent using Wi-Fi Calling are deducted from your basic package, just like a regular call. However, your internet traffic is not deducted. Check with your carrier for details, as these may vary.
Does disabling this feature affect mobile internet speed?
No, disabling voice calls over Wi-Fi does not affect data transfer speeds on your mobile network (3G/4G). These channels operate independently. However, your phone may switch between towers faster because it won't try to maintain a weak Wi-Fi signal for voice calls.
Is it possible to disable Wi-Fi Calling for only one SIM card?
Yes, in the settings Samsung Galaxy A5 You can manage the settings for each SIM card separately. Go to your mobile network settings, select the desired SIM card, and disable the feature for that card only, leaving the second number unchanged.
Why did the call quality get worse after disabling the feature?
Perhaps the cellular signal in your area is very poor, forcing your phone to use Wi-Fi to connect. By disabling this option, you've returned your phone to poor reception. In such cases, it's best to use Wi-Fi Calling or find a location with a better signal.