Modern mobile communication technologies are constantly improving, introducing new features to improve the quality of calls. One such option is VoWiFi, which allows voice calls over wireless networks. However, not all users find it convenient when their phone automatically switches to this mode, especially if the internet connection is unstable. The question of how to disable WiFi calling on Tele2 becomes relevant for those who prefer traditional cellular service or encounter call routing issues.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all the nuances of managing this feature on devices with different operating systems. You'll learn where the necessary switches are hidden in the smartphone menu and what to do if standard methods don't work. Understanding the operating principles Voice over WiFi will help you avoid unexpected expenses or loss of connection at an important moment.
Sometimes automatic switching can occur at the most inopportune moments, such as during a video conference or a low-latency game. In such cases, manually managing network priorities becomes an essential skill. We'll cover the steps for different operating system versions and phone models so you can fully control your device's performance.
What is VoWiFi and why should you disable it?
Technology VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi) allows voice traffic to be transmitted over the internet rather than through standard cell towers. For Tele2 subscribers, this means they can stay connected even in areas with poor GSM coverage but still have stable wireless internet. This feature is especially useful in basements, country houses with thick walls, or offices with shielded walls.
Despite the obvious advantages, there are situations when the user needs to be forced deactivate This option is not recommended. For example, corporate Wi-Fi networks often have strict security settings that block voice traffic or prioritize work apps, which can cause calls to be dropped or not connect at all. In such cases, the phone may attempt to use the blocked channel instead of a working cellular network.
Another reason for disabling the service may be to conserve battery power. Constantly searching for and maintaining a connection for voice calls over a wireless network can consume more power, especially if the router's signal is weak. Furthermore, some data plans or roaming policies may treat such calls differently than regular voice minutes, requiring careful consideration of the settings.
⚠️ Attention: In some regions or for certain smartphone models, your carrier may automatically activate this service on the network. If you can't find the switch on your phone, you may need to request a deactivation through your account or customer support.
It's also important to keep in mind that connection quality is directly dependent on channel bandwidth. If multiple devices downloading heavy content are connected to a single access point, voice quality may deteriorate sharply, resulting in crackling or delays. In such a situation, it's best to switch to a standard cellular network if its signal is strong enough for reliable reception.
Disabling the feature on Android smartphones
In the operating system Android Settings can vary significantly depending on the device manufacturer and the shell version. However, the general principle remains the same: find the section responsible for mobile network or connections. Most often, the desired item is located in the menu. Settings → Connections → Mobile network or Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks.
On Samsung devices, for example, you need to go to the section Settings, choose Connections, then Mobile networkThere you will see a switch. Calling over Wi-FiBy disabling it, you prevent your phone from using the internet connection for voice calls. On Xiaomi or Redmi smartphones, the path may look like this: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Select SIM card for calls, where there is also a separate toggle switch for Wi-Fi calls.
If you can't find a setting using the standard search method, use the settings menu search. Enter "WiFi" or "VoWiFi" in the search bar, and the system will automatically highlight the desired option. This is especially useful for devices with custom skins, where the menu may be heavily customized by the manufacturer.
☑️ Check Android settings
It's worth noting that on some Android models, this setting may be hidden in the engineering menu or unavailable for change if the carrier has hardcoded the profile. In this case, you may need to reset the network settings or contact a service center to reflash the radio module, although such cases are rare on official devices.
iPhone (iOS) settings for Tele2
For owners of devices from Apple luckily, we have a more unified interface. To disable the feature on iPhone, you need to open the app. Settings and go to the section Cellular communicationsIf you have a dual SIM model, select a specific Tele2 number from the list.
Next, find the item Wi-Fi callingMove the slider to the position Off (gray color). After this, the iPhone will stop initiating voice connections over the wireless network, even if the cellular signal is weak.
In some cases, especially after updating the operating system iOS, the settings may reset to factory defaults, which often include connectivity enhancements enabled. Therefore, if you previously disabled this feature, it's a good idea to recheck the menu after each major software update.
What to do if the item has disappeared?
Sometimes the Wi-Fi Calling option may disappear from the iPhone menu. This happens if your carrier temporarily doesn't support the feature in your region, or if your SIM card is too old and doesn't have the required profiles. Try removing and reinserting your SIM card, or contact a service provider for a USIM replacement.
It is also worth considering the function Wi-Fi Assist (Wi-Fi Assistant), which is located at the very bottom of the cellular menu. While it's not directly responsible for voice calls, it regulates mobile data usage when the wireless signal is weak. For complete control over your data usage, we recommend checking this setting and ensuring it's configured according to your preferences.
Control via USSD codes and personal account
If the phone settings are unavailable or hidden, Tele2 offers alternative ways to manage the service. The operator allows you to activate and deactivate the option using special character combinations. Service management often uses a short code or a USSD request, which is sent like a regular call.
The most universal method is to use your personal account or the My Tele2 mobile app. In the "Services" or "Communication Settings" section, you can often find a switch for VoWiFiThis is convenient because the settings are applied on the network side, and you don't need to delve into the depths of your phone's menu.
Below is a table of basic codes and actions for managing communication services that may be useful for troubleshooting:
| Action | Code / Command | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| Checking the status of services | *105# |
Call menu |
| Personal account (mobile) | Application | App Store / Google Play |
| Reset network settings | Manual | Phone settings |
| Balance and tariffs | *100# |
Call menu |
Please note that using USSD codes may be free, but in some roaming situations, sending a request may incur a fee based on your operator's rates. Always check the terms before using paid services.
Compatibility issues and old hardware
Not all smartphones support the technology. VoWiFi, even if they're relatively new. Support depends not only on the operating system but also on the modem hardware and the firmware installed by the manufacturer. If your phone doesn't have the appropriate menus, it's likely that the device simply doesn't support this feature.
Particular attention should be paid to SIM cards. Modern Tele2 services require a standard card. USIM (4G/5G). If you're using an older SIM card, issued more than 5-7 years ago, it may not physically support the necessary encryption and data transfer protocols for VoWiFi. In this case, no adjustments will help until you get the card replaced at a mobile phone store.
There are also issues with custom firmware. If you own a Chinese-brand smartphone and installed a global firmware yourself (or it was installed by the seller), some system functions may not work correctly. In such cases, menus may not be fully translated, or key switches may be hidden.
⚠️ Attention: On devices not certified for Russian networks, the function may have a different name, such as "Wi-Fi Calling" or "Internet Call." Look for similar names in the settings.
The router also plays a role. Older wireless routers may struggle with voice traffic prioritization (QoS), leading to constant disconnects. In this situation, the phone may constantly try to switch to WiFi for calls and then immediately drop the connection, creating the impression of an unstable connection.
Impact on connection quality and traffic consumption
Many users are concerned that making calls over WiFi will consume their data plan's bundled data. It's important to understand that when using the native feature VoWiFi With Tele2, minutes are used from your voice plan, just like a regular call. Internet traffic is either not used at all or is used minimally for service calls, which are often free.
However, if you use third-party calling apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber), they actually use megabytes. Don't confuse these two technologies. Disabling the native VoWiFi feature in your phone's settings doesn't affect the performance of these messaging apps.
Sound quality over WiFi can be higher (HD Voice), but only if the channel is ideal. If the channel is clogged, you'll hear a robotic voice or complete silence. A regular cellular network is often more reliable in such conditions, as it uses dedicated voice frequencies rather than sharing them with video streams and downloads.
It's also worth mentioning the impact on geolocation. When calling emergency services (112) via WiFi, it may be difficult to determine your location, as the call is routed through an IP address, which may be linked to another city. This isn't a concern for regular calls, but in an emergency, it's better to rely on the cellular network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do you charge for calls over WiFi when roaming?
Tele2's roaming conditions may vary. Often, calls made via WiFi while abroad are charged as incoming/outgoing calls in your home region or at special rates under the "Unlimited Roaming" option. However, technically, the call is made over the internet. Critical Before traveling, check the current terms and conditions in your operator's app, as rules may vary for different countries and tariffs.
Why did the WiFi icon next to the operator name disappear after disabling the feature?
Icon WiFi or VoWiFi The icon appears in the status bar only when the feature is active and the phone is ready to make calls over the wireless network. Once the feature is disabled, the icon disappears, which is normal system behavior, confirming that the phone will only use the cellular network for voice calls.
Is it possible to disable WiFi calls remotely through the website?
There may not be a direct "Disable VoWiFi" button on the Tele2 website, as this is usually a terminal (phone) setting. However, you can check your connected services in your personal account. If the feature is imposed as a service, you can disable it there. If it's a smartphone setting, you can manage it directly in the device menu.
Does the shutdown affect internet speed?
No, disabling voice calls over WiFi does not affect data transfer speeds. Your internet will continue to function normally. The only change will be to voice traffic routing, which will now be routed exclusively through GSM/LTE channels.
What should I do if the phone itself turns the function back on?
This behavior may occur after rebooting the device or updating system files. Some carriers (push) configuration SMS messages that update the network profile. If this occurs repeatedly, try deleting the carrier profile in the cellular settings and adding it again, or contact support to check the network settings.