Modern Xiaomi smartphones offer a variety of features to improve call quality, one of which is Wi-Fi calling. This technology allows you to make calls in areas with poor cellular coverage using a wireless internet connection. However, for many users, this feature is activated seamlessly, and they only become aware of it when a specific icon appears in the status bar or when billing their carrier.
There are situations when VoWiFi Voice over Wi-Fi (Voice over Wi-Fi) causes more problems than it helps. For example, in offices with dense networks of corporate routers or in public spaces where the connection is unstable, calls may be dropped or not connect at all. In such cases, it becomes urgent to quickly deactivate the feature so the phone switches to a standard GSM or LTE cellular network.
Shell interface MIUI and new HyperOS The functionality may vary depending on the Android version and firmware region. In some cases, the switch is located at the very top of the settings menu, while in others, you'll need to dig deep into the SIM card settings. In this article, we'll cover all the possible ways to disable this feature so you can restore your smartphone's normal behavior for incoming and outgoing calls.
⚠️ Attention: The settings menu interface may vary slightly across different Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO models. The layout of the options depends on the MIUI version (12, 13, 14) or HyperOS, as well as your mobile carrier's settings.
Why are Wi-Fi Calling issues occurring?
Voice-over-the-Internet technology is convenient, but it has its own technical peculiarities that aren't always compatible with current phone operating conditions. Users often don't even realize they have this feature enabled until they notice that calls are being routed over the internet rather than through base stations. This can lead to unexpected charges if you're roaming and connected to paid hotel Wi-Fi.
The main problem lies in network priority. A smartphone, seeing a stable Wi-Fi connection, may force voice traffic through it, ignoring the fact that the internet quality is currently poor. As a result, you hear a robotic message about a poor connection, or the call simply drops. VoWiFi protocol requires perfect stability, which a public hotspot cannot always provide.
Additionally, some carriers may charge for these minutes separately or require special packages. If you don't plan to use this service, it's best to disable it to avoid unnecessary charges. There are also cases where, after a call, the phone becomes stuck on Wi-Fi and doesn't reconnect to the 4G network, resulting in the loss of mobile internet.
Disabling via the standard settings menu
The easiest and safest way to disable this unnecessary feature is to use your smartphone's built-in interface. Xiaomi strives to make SIM card management intuitive, so the main switches are located at the top level of the menu. You won't need root access or third-party apps.
First, you need to access the SIM card management section. Typically, the path looks like this: open Settings, then we look for the item SIM cards and mobile networksOn some firmware versions, this section may be simply called Connections and Sharing or be inside the menu Additional functions, although in the latest MIUI updates it was moved to the main menu.
After entering the SIM card settings, you'll see a list of installed modules. Tap the SIM card for which you want to disable the feature. In the menu that opens, find the toggle switch. Wi-Fi calling (or Wi-Fi Calling). Set it to the inactive position. If the switch is grayed out and cannot be pressed, your carrier doesn't support this feature or it's blocked at the network level.
☑️ Check before disconnecting
It's important to check the settings for each SIM card separately if you have two. It often happens that users disable the feature on the primary SIM card, forgetting about the second one, and wonder why the icon persists. After disabling the feature, the phone may require a reboot for the changes to take effect, although most often the process happens instantly.
Settings via Control Panel and Search
If you don't want to navigate through complex settings menus, you can use the built-in settings search. This is especially useful in newer versions. HyperOS, where the menu structure has been significantly redesigned. Search allows you to instantly find the switch you need, even if you don't remember the exact section name.
Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Control Center and tap the gear icon to access Settings. At the top of the screen, you'll see a search bar. Type "Wi-Fi" or "Calling" into it. The system will automatically highlight available menu options. Select the desired result, and your phone will immediately redirect you to the corresponding settings page.
An alternative method is to use the quick action panel. Some carriers and Xiaomi models add a dedicated toggle. VoWiFi Right in the "curtain," next to Bluetooth and airplane mode. If you don't see this icon, you can try adding it by pulling the curtain all the way down and clicking the pencil (edit).
⚠️ Attention: The absence of a toggle in the notification shade doesn't mean the feature is disabled. It can run automatically in the background if enabled in the SIM card's main settings.
Using search is the fastest way to find hidden settings. Enter the word calling, if you have English localization, or calls For Russian. The system will display a list of all voice communication-related parameters, where you can find the desired switch and disable it.
Disabling specifics in different versions of MIUI and HyperOS
The MIUI skin has undergone numerous changes over the years, and the layout of important functions has constantly shifted. Owners of older devices, such as Redmi Note 8 or Xiaomi Mi 9For Android 10 or 11 users, look for the settings in the "More" section inside the mobile networks menu.
In more recent versions, starting with MIUI 12.5 and above, the logic has changed. Wi-Fi Calling They're often hidden in a submenu specific to a SIM card. This means that when you access the general network settings, you won't see the switch until you click on the operator name or phone number. This is done to avoid cluttering the interface with unnecessary elements.
With the exit HyperOS Xiaomi has begun unifying its menus. Now, communication settings are often grouped by task type. If you can't find the switch in the standard location, try going to the menu. Settings → Applications → Application settings → TelephoneIn some custom builds or versions for specific operators (for example, MTS or Beeline), call settings are located here.
What should I do if the menu differs from the description?
If you don't find an exact match with the instructions, check the "About phone" section and your MIUI version. On global firmware versions, the menu often differs from the Chinese (CN) or Russian (RU) versions. On Chinese firmware versions, the option may be called "WLAN Calling" and located under "Dual SIM cards and mobile networks."
The table below will help you find the settings depending on your system version:
| MIUI / HyperOS version | Switch location | Nuances |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 11 - 12 | Settings → SIM cards → Wi-Fi calling | Classic layout |
| MIUI 13 - 14 | Settings → SIM cards → (Select SIM card) → Wi-Fi calling | You need to select a specific SIM card |
| HyperOS 1.0 | Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Calling | Unified connections menu |
| Chinese version (CN) | Settings → Dual SIM → WLAN Calling | The term WLAN is used |
Engineering menu and hidden codes
For advanced users who haven't found the standard switch, there's access to the engineering menu. This is a hidden section of the system designed for hardware testing by developers. It allows you to forcefully disable VoWiFi support at the modem level, even if your carrier requires it.
To access the engineering menu, open the Phone app (dialer) and enter the code ##86583##After entering the last asterisk, a pop-up message should appear that says "VoLTE carrier check was disabled" or something similar. If the message says "enabled," then the check is enabled, and the phone automatically decides when to use VoWiFi. We need to force the feature to be disabled.
You can also try the code ##4636##. It opens the testing menu. Select "Phone Information." Scroll down to the item VoWiFi or IMS Preference. If there's a toggle there, turn it off. Be careful: changing other settings in this menu may result in network loss.
⚠️ Attention: Don't change any settings in the engineering menu unless you're sure of their purpose. Resetting network settings may prevent your phone from detecting the SIM card or receiving a network signal.
Please note that on newer versions of Android, access to the engineering menu via codes is often blocked by carriers or manufacturers themselves. In this case, the code simply won't work, and nothing will happen. This is a normal security response.
Influence of the telecom operator on settings
It's important to remember that Wi-Fi calling is controlled not only by the phone but also by the telecom operator. Major Russian operators (MTS, Beeline, Megafon, Tele2) support this technology, but the terms and conditions may vary. Sometimes the service is activated automatically the first time you connect to your home Wi-Fi.
If you disabled the feature on your phone, but it still works or the icon reappears, the service may be activated by your carrier. In this case, you need to log into your subscriber account or the "My Carrier" app. Find the services section and check if "Wi-Fi Calling" or "VoWiFi" is checked.
Some operators have USSD commands to control this option. For example, sending a specific code can completely block the network from providing this service. It's best to find information about codes on your operator's official website in the help section, as they change frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will the internet work if I turn off Wi-Fi calling?
Yes, absolutely. Disabling the feature VoWiFi only affects voice calls. Your Wi-Fi internet will continue to function normally, allowing you to browse websites, watch videos, and use apps. Your phone will simply stop attempting to route voice calls through this channel.
Why is the Wi-Fi Calling icon still showing after disabling it?
Sometimes the shell interface MIUI It's not updating instantly. Try turning airplane mode on and off or simply restarting your smartphone. If the icon remains, check if the service is activated through your carrier's personal account.
Does disabling this feature affect the quality of connection in the basement?
Yes, it does. If you have no cellular service in your basement but Wi-Fi, disabling this feature will prevent you from receiving calls. Your phone will search for a GSM/LTE network and won't be able to connect to the internet for a voice call. In areas with strong cellular service, you won't notice any difference.
Is it possible to disable VoWiFi for only one SIM card on a dual SIM phone?
Yes, the settings are applied individually for each slot. By going to the menu SIM cards and mobile networks, select the desired SIM card, and turn off the switch for it only. The second SIM card will remain enabled if you haven't touched it.
Do operators charge extra for this technology?
With most domestic plans, Wi-Fi calls are charged according to your main plan, just like regular minutes. However, when roaming internationally, the rates may vary. It's recommended to check with your provider before traveling.