Modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi And POCO are equipped with a variety of advanced features designed to improve connection quality. One such technology is Wi-Fi Calling, which allows you to make voice calls over a wireless network when the cellular signal is weak or absent. This option is useful in basements, country houses, or offices with thick walls where a regular signal cannot penetrate.
However, not all users appreciate their phone automatically switching to internet calls. This can sometimes lead to unexpected data usage, reduced sound quality due to an unstable router, or SIM card conflicts. In such cases, it may be necessary to deactivate the feature. In this article, we'll detail how to disable Wi-Fi Calling on Xiaomi devices, explore various MIUI and HyperOS interface scenarios, and answer frequently asked questions.
It's important to understand that the settings location may vary depending on the firmware version and the region for which the smartphone was released. We'll cover the basic troubleshooting steps that cover most current models. If you encounter difficulties, follow the instructions carefully to avoid disrupting other important network settings.
What is VoWiFi and why should you disable it?
VoWiFi Voice over Wi-Fi (Voice over Wi-Fi) is a technology for transmitting voice calls over IP protocols, similar to how instant messaging apps work, but integrated into a standard phone book. For the user, this means they can make calls from a regular number while in a strong Wi-Fi zone, even if there's no cellular network coverage at all. This technology is actively promoted by operators to reduce the load on base stations.
Despite the obvious benefits, there are situations where this feature becomes a burden. For example, if your router is far from your phone or is overloaded with multiple connected devices, connection quality may drop sharply. Voice will be interrupted and calls will be dropped. In such cases, it's more logical to switch to a standard cellular network or 2G/3G mode if voice is more important than internet speed.
Another reason to disable this feature is to conserve battery life and data. Constantly searching for and maintaining a connection for voice packets can increase power consumption. Furthermore, some tariff plans do not include unlimited internet calls or bill them separately. By disabling this feature, you ensure that calls will be made exclusively through your mobile operator under the standard tariff terms.
The standard way to disable it is through the phone settings.
The easiest and most common method for disabling the feature is in the standard Android settings menu. Interface MIUI and new HyperOS is based on a single logic, so the path to the switch is usually the same for most models, be it a flagship Xiaomi 14 or budget Redmi Note.
To get started, open your smartphone's main settings menu. Find the section responsible for connections and wireless networks. Depending on your OS version, it may be called "SIM cards and mobile networks" or simply "Mobile network." This is where all the key SIM card settings are located.
The further algorithm of actions looks like this:
- 📱 Select the desired SIM card if your device has two, as the settings are applied individually for each.
- 📶 Find "Wi-Fi Calling" or "Wi-Fi Calling" in the list of available options.
- 🔘 Tap the switch to change its state to "Off".
- ✅ Confirm the action if the system asks you to confirm the service deactivation.
After completing these steps, the handset icon with the Wi-Fi symbol should disappear from the status bar. This means the phone will no longer attempt to initiate calls over the wireless network. If the switch is enabled but calls are not working, try restarting the device.
☑️ Check if the feature is disabled
Hiding a function via the engineering menu (for advanced users)
In some cases, especially with global firmware versions or when using SIM cards from certain carriers, the standard switch in the menu may be missing, or the function may be forced on by the carrier. This is where the engineering menu—a hidden diagnostics section accessed with a special code—comes to the rescue.
To access this section, open the Phone app (dialer) and dial the combination ##86583##In some models or software versions the code may differ, for example ##869434##After entering the code, a pop-up notification should appear on the screen stating that "Wi-Fi Calling switch is disabled" or "enabled." This message confirms that the hidden switch in the system has been enabled or disabled.
⚠️ Warning: The engineering menu is intended for testing hardware. Do not change other parameters whose values you do not know, as this may result in incorrect operation of the radio module or signal loss.
If the code worked, return to the default settings (Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks). The previously hidden "Wi-Fi Calling" option should now appear, which you can safely disable. If the code doesn't work or returns an error, your software version doesn't support this hidden control method, and you'll need to use other methods.
What to do if the code doesn't work?
If entering the code doesn't work, your Android version or MIUI may be blocking access to this engineering menu. Try an alternative code. ##4636##, go to About Phone and look for options related to your preferred network type, although a direct VoWiFi toggle is rarely found there.
Control via operator settings
It's often forgotten that VoWiFi is provided not only by your phone but also by your telecom operator. Even if you've disabled the feature on your smartphone, if it's enabled by your provider, your phone may continue to attempt to use it if a Wi-Fi network is available. To completely disable it, check your personal account or use USSD commands.
Major operators (MTS, Beeline, Megafon, Tele2, and others) typically manage their services through a mobile app or personal account on the website. Find the "Services," "Price," or "Communication Settings" section. There may be a "Wi-Fi Calling" or "VoWiFi" option, which requires manual deactivation.
An alternative method is to use USSD commands. Each operator has its own, but they are usually short codes starting with an asterisk. For example, disabling the service can be done with a command like 111...#It's best to check the exact code on your operator's official website or with customer support, as they change frequently.
It's also worth keeping in mind that changes made by the carrier may not take effect immediately. After disabling the service in your personal account, we recommend restarting your phone or turning Flight Mode on and off so the network can re-register the device with the updated service profile.
Comparison of shutdown methods and their features
Different deactivation methods have their pros and cons. Understanding these differences will help you choose the best option for your situation. Below is a table comparing the main methods of managing this feature.
| Method | Complexity | Efficiency | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Via MIUI/HyperOS settings | Low | High | Minimum |
| Engineering menu (code) | Average | Average | Average (input error) |
| Operator's personal account | Low | High | No |
| Reset network settings | High | Maximum | High (lost Wi-Fi passwords) |
As the table shows, the standard settings route is the safest and preferred by most users. Using the engineering menu requires caution, and contacting your operator ensures the service isn't forced upon you.
In rare cases where none of these methods work and the feature continues to activate on its own, a more drastic step may be necessary: resetting network settings. However, this will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, so this method should only be used as a last resort.
Possible problems and their solutions
Disabling the feature can be a bit of a hassle. Users often encounter the switch being grayed out (inactive) or resetting after a reboot. This may be because operator profile Hard-codes the priority of Wi-Fi calls.
If the switch is inactive, try removing the SIM card, wiping the contacts, and reinserting it. Sometimes simply changing the SIM card slot helps. You should also check for system updates in the Settings → About phone → MIUI/HyperOS versionIn new security patches, manufacturers often fix bugs related to the operation of network modules.
⚠️ Note: Mobile app interfaces and settings menus may be updated. If you don't find the item described, search your phone's settings for "Wi-Fi" or "Calls."
Another common issue is a conflict with VPN apps. If you have a VPN enabled, it may intercept traffic and block VoWiFi or, conversely, prevent it from disconnecting. Try temporarily disabling the VPN and then check again.
Impact of shutdown on autonomy and communication
After disabling Wi-Fi Calling, you may notice changes in your smartphone's behavior. First, your phone will no longer switch between Wi-Fi and cellular networks during calls. This may result in a more stable connection in areas with strong cellular coverage, as the "jumping" between signal sources will be eliminated.
As for battery life, the results can vary. On the one hand, disabling constant VoWiFi availability checks can slightly reduce background power consumption. On the other hand, if you're in an area with poor cellular coverage (where Wi-Fi would have previously been sufficient), the phone will spend more energy searching for a base station, which will drain the battery faster.
The impact on sound quality is also worth noting. Cellular calls (especially VoLTE) often have more predictable quality than calls over a congested home Wi-Fi network. However, if the cellular network is operating in 2G/EDGE mode due to poor coverage, the sound will be monophonic and quiet, unlike HD audio over Wi-Fi.
Why did calls disappear after disabling Wi-Fi Calling?
This can happen if the cellular signal in your area is very weak, and Wi-Fi Calling was the only way to connect. Try moving to a window or going outside to check if the signal is restored. Also, make sure Airplane Mode isn't activated.
Sometimes operators block voice calls if VoWiFi isn't activated, but this is rare. Check your balance and plan status.
Is it possible to disable Wi-Fi Calling for only one SIM card?
Yes, dual-SIM Xiaomi smartphones have individual settings. You need to access each SIM card's settings separately.Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → SIM 1 / SIM 2) and change the call parameter for each of them independently.
Do Wi-Fi Calling settings reset when I update my phone?
Updating your Android or MIUI/HyperOS version may reset your network settings to factory defaults. This means Wi-Fi Calling may re-enable automatically. It's recommended to recheck this setting after a major system update.
Does disabling this feature affect internet speed?
No, voice calls over Wi-Fi use a separate traffic priority but don't take up a significant portion of the bandwidth. Disabling this feature will neither speed up nor slow down your internet. Speed depends on your router and provider.
What should I do if the Wi-Fi handset icon is on, but calls are not made?
This indicates a settings conflict. Try turning off Wi-Fi completely, calling someone, then turning it back on. If the problem persists, delete the saved Wi-Fi network (forget the network) and reconnect, entering the password.