Modern smartphones offer many features to improve communication quality, one of which is Wi-Fi CallingThis technology allows voice calls to be made over an internet connection, which is especially useful in areas with poor cellular signal. However, in some cases, users may need to disable this feature to avoid connection issues or unnecessary data usage.
You may need to disable this feature if your router doesn't support voice traffic prioritization or if your carrier charges such calls incorrectly. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at How to disable Wi-Fi calling on Android, we'll look at the nuances of how different shells work and explain why a standard mobile network may be preferable in some situations.
The setup process doesn't require in-depth technical knowledge, but the switch layout may vary depending on the operating system version and device model. Below are general methods and specific solutions for popular brands that will help you quickly restore your connection settings to their original state.
Why you might need to disable VoWiFi
Technology VoWiFi Voice over Wi-Fi (Voice over Wi-Fi) is designed to improve coverage, but in practice, it doesn't always work perfectly. One of the main reasons for not using this feature is the instability of your home internet connection. If your router is overloaded or your Wi-Fi signal is weak, voice quality can drop sharply, leading to delays or dropped connections, whereas a regular cellular network would otherwise be more stable.
⚠️ Important: If you're roaming, check your carrier's rates. Some providers may treat Wi-Fi calls as international calls or charge additional fees even if you're at home but connected to another country's network.
Another important issue is the problem of "sticky" connections. Your smartphone may latch onto a weak Wi-Fi signal at the edge of the coverage area, ignoring a strong cell tower signal. As a result, you may miss an important call because your phone will try to use the poor internet connection instead of a reliable 4G/LTE network.
Additionally, some corporate networks have strict security policies or restrictions on VoIP traffic. In such cases, Wi-Fi calls may simply be blocked by the network administrator, and the only way to make a call is to switch to mobile data or standard voice.
- 📉 An unstable internet connection causes conversations to drop out.
- 🔋 This feature may consume more battery power when constantly searching for a network.
- 💸 Risk of unexpected expenses in international roaming.
- 🏢 Corporate restrictions on the use of VoIP protocols.
Understanding these nuances will help you make an informed decision. If you notice that your connection quality has deteriorated since the Wi-Fi handset icon appeared, disabling this option is a logical solution.
A universal method through phone settings
In most modern Android smartphones, Wi-Fi calling controls are located in a separate menu. The default path is usually found in the main system settings. You'll need to open Settings and find the item related to connections or networks.
The interface may differ slightly, but the logic remains the same. Look for the section Network and Internet or ConnectionsThis is where the main switches for data and voice communications are located. In some versions of Android, the required option may be hidden within the SIM card menu.
After entering the SIM card menu, select the active number you usually use to make calls. There should be a switch labeled Wi-Fi calling or Wi-Fi Calling. Set it to "Off." If this option isn't there, your carrier may not support this feature or it may be hidden in an additional menu.
It's important to note that the changes take effect immediately. You don't need to restart your device, but the status bar icon may not disappear immediately, but may take a few seconds after switching.
Instructions for Samsung devices
Device owners Samsung With One UI, you can find the option you need pretty quickly, as the company has placed it in a convenient location. Open Settings and go to Connections. Here, at the very top of the list, the item is often located Wi-Fi Calling.
If you don't see this option in the main connections menu, don't panic. Go to the menu Settings -> Connections -> Mobile networkIn the list of parameters that opens, you need to find the line Wi-Fi Calling and deactivate it. On some models, this switch may be duplicated in the SIM card menu itself.
☑️ Checking Samsung settings
It's worth mentioning that this feature can operate in different modes on Samsung smartphones. Besides being completely disabled, you may also be able to select a network priority. Make sure you don't just change the priority, but actually disable the feature if you want to completely prevent its use.
⚠️ Note: The One UI interface is updated periodically. If you don't see these options, search for "Wi-Fi" in Settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen).
Setting up Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco (MIUI/HyperOS)
Devices from Xiaomi, including brands Redmi And Poco, use the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS, where the menu may be slightly modified. To disable the feature, go to Settings and select the item SIM cards and mobile networks.
In this section, you'll see a list of your installed SIM cards. Tap the one you use for calls by default. Scroll down to the "General Settings" or "Advanced" section, where you should see a toggle switch. Wi-Fi calling. Put it into inactive state.
Sometimes users encounter a situation where the slider is missing. This may mean that the carrier hasn't transferred the settings profile to the phone, or the feature is blocked at the firmware level for your region. In this case, turn off calls It won't work through the standard menu, since they don't work.
Hidden Xiaomi settings
In some cases, the function may be accessible through the engineering menu, but it is not recommended to interfere with it without experience, as this may lead to malfunctions in the communication module.
Please note your system version. The location of these options may have changed in recent HyperOS updates. If you don't see the option in the specified location, try searching through Settings and entering "VoWiFi" or "Calls."
Interface Features on Honor and Huawei Smartphones
Smartphones Honor And Huawei have their own menu specifics. To manage voice calls over the Internet, open Settings and find the section Mobile NetworkIn some versions of EMUI, this item may be called "Wireless networks".
Inside the mobile network menu, look for the option Wi-Fi callingIf it is not on the main section screen, check the subsection "Additionally"On dual-SIM devices, the setting is applied individually for each number, so check both SIM cards if you use them simultaneously.
Interestingly, on some Huawei models, the switch may only be active when Wi-Fi is connected. If you disable Wi-Fi, the settings item may become grayed out or disappear. Enable Wi-Fi, disable the phone feature, and only then can you disable the wireless module itself.
- 📱 Open Settings -> Mobile network.
- 🔍 Find the Wi-Fi Calling option.
- 📉 Switch the slider to the Off position
- ✅ Check the status of the second SIM card.
Comparison of interfaces from different manufacturers
For ease of navigation, we've prepared a table to help you navigate menu names on different devices. Understanding the manufacturer's logic significantly speeds up finding the option you need.
| Brand / Shell | Path to setup | Option name |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung (One UI) | Connections -> Mobile Network | Wi-Fi calling |
| Xiaomi (MIUI) | SIM cards and mobile networks -> (SIM selection) | Wi-Fi calling |
| Huawei (EMUI) | Mobile Network -> More | Wi-Fi calling |
| Google Pixel | Network and Internet -> Mobile Network | SIM Settings -> Wi-Fi Calling |
As you can see from the table, despite the differences in section names, the keywords remain similar. Focus should be on sections related to mobile network and management SIM cards.
Troubleshooting: If the feature won't turn off
Sometimes, when a user tries to disable a feature, the switch either returns to its original position or doesn't respond at all. This could be caused by a software glitch or a conflict with the operator's settings.
The first thing you should do is reboot your smartphone. This is a standard procedure that clears temporary files and restarts the communication module. Often, after a reboot network settings are updated and the function is safely disabled.
If a simple reboot doesn't help, try resetting 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. The typical path is as follows: Settings -> System -> Reset settings -> Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth settings.
⚠️ Note: After resetting your network settings, you will need to re-enter passwords for all saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices.
In rare cases, the problem lies with your carrier profile. You can contact a mobile phone store or your provider's support team and request that they disable the VoWiFi service on the network side. This will definitely disable Wi-Fi calling, even if your phone has a Wi-Fi toggle switch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does disabling Wi-Fi calling affect internet speed?
No, disabling VoWiFi does not affect data transfer speeds. Voice calls and internet traffic use different channels and priorities, so disabling Voice over Wi-Fi will only free up a minimal amount of resources, which won't be noticeable in practice.
Will I still receive missed calls notifications if I turn this feature off?
Yes, you will receive all notifications about missed calls and SMS messages, but only if you have cellular coverage at the time. If you're in a Wi-Fi-only area (like a basement) and the feature is disabled, you'll have no connection at all.
Is it possible to disable Wi-Fi calling for only one SIM card?
Yes, most modern smartphones have settings specific to each SIM card. You need to go to the settings for that specific SIM card and toggle the option for that card only, leaving the other one unchanged.
Does the disabled feature consume battery?
If the feature is disabled in the settings, it doesn't drain the battery. However, if it's enabled but the Wi-Fi signal is weak, the phone may use more power maintaining the connection and constantly attempting to reconnect, leading to battery drain.
What should I do if I can't make calls after disconnecting?
This is a rare software glitch. Try turning Airplane Mode on and off. If that doesn't help, check if there's a limit on outgoing calls in your SIM card settings and make sure your account balance is positive.