Modern smartphones of the line Xiaomi have many advanced features designed to improve the user experience, and one of them is the technology VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi). This option allows you to make voice calls over a wireless internet connection, which is especially useful in areas with poor cellular coverage but a strong router signal. However, not all users need this feature, as it can cause unpredictable device behavior when switching between signal sources.
Gadget owners often encounter situations where their phone suddenly switches from Wi-Fi to mobile data or vice versa during a call, resulting in connection interruptions or echo. There are also cases where the subscriber is in a strong cellular network area, but the device persistently tries to use a weak Wi-Fi connection for the call, degrading the audio. In such situations, the only reliable solution is to disable this feature through the system menu.
In this article, we will examine in detail all the available methods for deactivating this option on the shell. MIUI and new HyperOSYou'll learn how to find hidden settings, which parameters affect network priority, and why your carrier may block manual control of this feature. We'll cover the nuances of different models, from budget Redmi to flagship Mi, so you can customize your connection to suit your needs.
Why might you need to disable VoWiFi on your smartphone?
The main reason users seek to disable internet calling is due to traffic routing instability. Algorithms Android They don't always accurately detect when the wireless signal quality drops below the critical level required for voice transmission. As a result, the phone may "hang" on Wi-Fi, even though its speed is no longer sufficient for a call, leading to connection drops or severe voice distortion.
Another important aspect is service pricing. Some mobile operators may bill minutes spent using VoWiFi differently, or may not support this technology at all in certain regions. If your plan doesn't include free on-net minutes when using Wi-Fi Calling, the cost-effectiveness of this feature is lost, and the risk of overspending increases. Furthermore, using this option while roaming without first clarifying the terms and conditions can lead to unpleasant surprises on your bill.
⚠️ Important: Before changing communication settings, make sure your carrier supports VoWiFi technology in your region. In some cases, forcibly enabling or disabling the feature through the engineering menu may temporarily disable voice calls.
It's also worth considering the impact on the device's battery life. Constantly monitoring network availability and switching between them drains battery life faster than using a single, stable connection. If you're at home, where the cellular signal is excellent, then having both modules work twice as fast is simply pointless. By disabling this unnecessary feature, you can slightly extend your smartphone's battery life.
- 📉 Unstable sound quality and frequent connection drops when switching networks.
- 💰 Risk of unexpected expenses on pay-per-minute plans.
- 🔋 Increased battery consumption due to the operation of two communication modules.
- 🌍 Problems registering online while roaming.
Step-by-step instructions: disabling via the standard settings menu
The easiest and safest way to manage this feature is through the phone's standard settings interface. The manufacturer has made this process as straightforward as possible, although the layout of the options may vary slightly depending on the operating system version. First, open the main application menu and find the gear icon, which denotes the section. Settings.
Once you've entered the menu, scroll down to the section responsible for SIM card operation. Depending on your shell version, MIUIThis section may be called "SIM cards and mobile networks" or simply "Mobile network." Within this section, you need to select the specific SIM card for which you want to change the settings if your device has two modules. Next, look for the switch labeled "Wi-Fi Calling."
If the switch is active (blue or green), simply tap it to deactivate the feature. The system may ask you to confirm the action, warning you that calls will now be made only over the cellular network. After confirmation, the handset icon with the Wi-Fi symbol should disappear from the top status bar of the screen, indicating success.
☑️ Check if the feature is disabled
In some cases, especially on devices purchased from certain carriers, this option may be hidden or blocked. If you can't find the switch in the specified location, try searching through Settings. Enter "Wi-Fi" or "Calls" in the search bar, and the system will automatically highlight the appropriate section. This is a universal method that works on almost all versions of Android.
Network Priority Settings: What to Choose
In addition to completely disabling the function, modern smartphones Xiaomi Allows you to flexibly configure network priority. This means you can leave the feature enabled but tell your phone which network to use first. This setting is useful for those who want a backup connection in case of cellular signal loss but prefer to call through their carrier's default network.
A common option in the call settings menu is "Preferred network for calls." Here, you may be presented with three options: "Preferred mobile network," "Preferred Wi-Fi network," or "Always ask." Selecting the first option will force the phone to ignore Wi-Fi for calls until the cellular signal is completely lost. This is the happy medium for most users.
| Opening hours | Description of behavior | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile network | Calls are made through the mobile operator, Wi-Fi is ignored | For stable coverage and traffic savings |
| Wi-Fi is preferred | The phone will always try to make calls over the internet. | For areas with poor cellular signal |
| Always ask | Each time you make a call, a network selection will appear. | For advanced users |
It's worth noting that changing the priority isn't always instantaneous. It may take a few seconds or even a reboot of the phone's interface for the new settings to take effect. If you see the VoWiFi icon persist after changing the settings, try toggling Airplane Mode on and off. This will force the device to re-register with the network using the new settings.
Using the Engineering Menu for Advanced Users
For those who can't find the standard switches or want to access hidden radio module parameters, there's an engineering menu. This diagnostic interface is designed for technicians, but is also accessible to regular users. It's accessed by entering a special code in the "Phone" app. The most common code for devices Xiaomi — ##4636##.
After entering the code, the testing menu will open. Select "Phone Information." Depending on your Android version and model, there may be a section related to VoWiFi. Look for lines labeled "VoWiFi," "WFC," or "IMS Status." If there's a checkbox next to them, unchecking it will disable the feature at the firmware level.
However, extreme caution is advised. Changing settings in the engineering menu without understanding their purpose may result in the phone losing network connectivity or functioning incorrectly. Changing the values in the IMS Status section may result in the SIM card becoming completely inoperable until the network settings are reset. If you are not confident in your actions, it is better to limit yourself to standard setup methods.
What to do if the code doesn't work?
On some devices, access to the engineering menu via dialing is blocked by the manufacturer or operator. In this case, you can try downloading a special app from the Play Market, such as Shortcut Master, which allows you to create shortcuts to hidden system activities, including the engineering menu.
In new versions HyperOS Access to these settings via codes is often blocked for security reasons. If the code doesn't respond, this method is unavailable for your model. Avoid downloading dubious apps that promise to unlock hidden features, as they may contain malicious code.
Impact of carrier and APN profile
It's important to remember that VoWiFi support depends not only on your phone's settings but also on carrier support. Even if you've enabled the feature in the menu, it won't work if your plan or carrier doesn't offer it. In Russia, the major carriers (the "big four") support VoWiFi, but activation often requires accessing your account or using a USSD request.
Sometimes the problem lies in the access point name (APN) settings. If the internet settings are incorrect, the phone will not be able to establish a secure connection to the operator's gateways for voice transmission. Check the APN settings in the "Mobile Network" -> "Access Point Names (APN)" section. Your operator's profile should be there. Resetting the APN settings to factory defaults often resolves VoWiFi registration issues.
⚠️ Please note: APN settings and VoWiFi service terms are subject to change by your operator. Up-to-date information on access point parameters can always be found on your operator's official website or by contacting customer support.
There's also the concept of SIM card "profiling." Old SIM cards you've been using for years may not contain the necessary applets for modern features. If all else fails, it might be worth contacting a mobile phone store to replace your SIM card with a new one that supports 4G/VoLTE/VoWiFi.
Common problems and solutions
Despite the simplicity of setup, users often encounter a number of common issues. One of the most common is the absence of the switch in the menu. This may be due to the region for which the smartphone version was released (for example, the Chinese version of the global firmware). In this case, changing the region in the settings ("Advanced Settings" -> "Region") to a country where the feature is officially supported, such as India or Russia, can help.
Another issue: the VoWiFi icon is lit, but calls are still dropped. This indicates a problem with the router or internet connection. Wi-Fi Calling requires a stable ping and unblocked ports. If your router uses complex DNS settings or ad blockers, they may interfere with the service. Try temporarily disabling these features or rebooting the router.
If your phone continues to behave strangely after all these steps (heating up, battery draining quickly), there may be a network settings conflict. In this case, it's best to reset your network settings. This won't delete your personal data (photos, contacts), but it will return all Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile network settings to factory defaults.
- 🔄 Changing your device's region may unlock hidden features.
- 📡 Check your internet speed and ping to the operator's servers.
- 🔁 Resetting network settings resolves software conflicts.
- 🆕 Replacing your old SIM card with a new one that supports modern standards.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Will I be charged for making calls over Wi-Fi?
Rates vary depending on your carrier. Most often, minutes spent via VoWiFi are deducted from your basic plan's minutes, just like regular calls. However, when roaming internationally, Wi-Fi calls may be charged as incoming and outgoing calls from your home network, which is significantly cheaper than roaming rates. Always check with your carrier for details.
Why did the VoWiFi icon disappear after a system update?
Firmware update MIUI or HyperOS The user settings may have been reset or the menu structure may have changed. Your carrier may also have updated their profiles, and the old one may no longer be compatible. Check your settings again and ensure the service is activated in your carrier's personal account.
Is it possible to disable VoWiFi for only one SIM card?
Yes, in dual SIM smartphones Xiaomi Mobile network and Wi-Fi calling settings are configured individually for each SIM card. You need to go to the settings for a specific SIM card and change the settings for that card only; the other SIM card will remain unchanged.
Does disabling VoWiFi affect mobile internet speed?
No, disabling voice calls over Wi-Fi does not directly affect mobile data speeds (4G/5G). However, it can indirectly improve connection stability, as the modem won't waste resources constantly searching for and assessing the availability of Wi-Fi networks for voice traffic.