In a modern metropolis, the quality of indoor cellular communication can be unstable, and many operators, including MTS, offer technology VoWiFi To solve this problem, this feature allows voice calls to be made over a wireless network when the base station signal is weak or absent. However, this service may not be suitable for all subscribers, as it may be automatically activated on the smartphone, causing confusion regarding billing or data usage.
Users often encounter a situation where the phone switches itself to Wi-Fi Calling without the owner's knowledge. This may occur due to operating system updates or carrier settings. If you want to prevent the device from using the internet for voice calls and force it to operate only over the standard cellular network, you will need to perform a series of steps to deactivate this option.
In this guide, we'll cover all available methods for disabling the service in detail. We'll cover settings directly in the smartphone interface, using USSD commands, and managing it through your personal account. Understanding how it works network integration and your phone, will help you control your device's costs and performance in different signal reception conditions.
What is VoWiFi and why should you disable it?
Technology VoWiFi Voice over Wi-Fi (Voice over Wi-Fi) is a method of transmitting voice over IP protocols. Simply put, your phone uses your internet connection to transmit voice packets, rather than a cell tower's radio signal. For MTS subscribers, this often means staying connected in remote areas, such as basements, thick-walled buildings, or remote locations where regular GSM/LTE networks have poor coverage.
Despite the obvious benefits, there are compelling reasons why users tend to disable this feature. Firstly, connection quality directly depends on the stability of the wireless access point. If the router is overloaded or the channel is busy, voice quality may be interrupted, echoing, or delayed, making conversation impossible. Secondly, some data plans may count Wi-Fi minutes differently, requiring careful review of the contract terms.
It's also worth noting the impact on device battery life. Constantly searching for and maintaining a voice connection can drain battery power faster than a regular cellular connection. Furthermore, when moving outside from the router's coverage area, the connection may be lost unless seamless handover between networks is configured. Disabling Wi-Fi Calling forces your phone to use SIM-only mode, ignoring available wireless networks for voice calls.
⚠️ Attention: Before disabling the service, make sure you have a stable MTS cellular signal in your location. If you're in a cellular dead zone, disabling VoWiFi may make you unavailable for incoming calls.
Some corporate networks or secure Wi-Fi networks may block ports required for voice transmission, preventing calls from being made. In such cases, the only solution is to completely eliminate the internet connection for telephony and switch to standard communication protocols.
Checking service status via USSD and app
Before making any changes to your phone settings, it's a good idea to check whether the service is active with your carrier. MTS offers convenient subscription management tools that let you instantly check your connection status. The fastest way is to use USSD requests, which work even without mobile data.
To check the service status, you can use a number combination, which will display information about your connected options. However, a more informative method is to use the official "My MTS" app. It displays a complete overview of your connections, including additional and communication services.
In the app, go to the services section and find the category related to communications or additional options. There you'll see a toggle or status for the "Wi-Fi Calling" service. If the slider is active, the service is enabled. If you don't see this option in the list of connected services, it may not be activated at the plan level, and the issue lies in the smartphone settings.
- 📱 Open the "My MTS" app and log in using your phone number.
- 🔍 Go to the "Services" section or search for "Wi-Fi".
- ✅ Check the status of the "Wi-Fi Calling" service and, if necessary, press the disable button.
- 💬 Alternatively, send a USSD request *111*1586# to manage the service (code may vary).
Please note that changes to tariffs and terms of service may occur regularly. The app interface and available USSD codes may be updated by the operator without prior notice.
⚠️ Attention: USSD codes and the menu structure in the app are subject to change. If the codes listed don't work, use the search within the "My MTS" app or contact support chat for the latest command.
How to disable Wi-Fi calling on Android
Devices based on the operating system Android They have multiple interfaces, so the settings layout may vary depending on the smartphone model (Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor, etc.). However, the general procedure remains similar. You'll need to find the section responsible for mobile network or connections.
Typically, the setup process is as follows: go to the phone's general settings and select "Connections" or "Mobile Network." This is where you'll find the switch that allows or prohibits the use of the wireless network for voice calls. In some firmware versions, this option may be called "Wi-Fi Calling."
☑️ Disabling algorithm on Android
If you can't find the item you need in the main settings, try searching within the settings menu. Enter "Wi-Fi" or "Calls," and the system will automatically suggest the appropriate menu. It's also worth checking the settings for the Phone app itself, as some skins have this feature managed there.
- 🔧 Go to
Settingsyour device. - 📡 Find the section
Connections,Mobile networkorSIM cards and mobile networks. - 📞 Open the menu
Wi-Fi callingand disable the option. - 🔄 Reboot your device to apply the changes.
It's important to note that some smartphones may automatically turn off when you leave your home network's coverage area, but it's best to control this process manually to avoid unexpected switches.
iPhone Settings: Disabling via iOS
For smartphone owners Apple We're lucky to have a more unified interface. In iOS, Wi-Fi calling settings are located in a separate, easily accessible menu. To deactivate the feature, open Settings and go to the "Phone" section. This is the standard method for all current versions of the operating system.
Within the "Phone" menu, find "Wi-Fi Calling." Tap it to reveal a toggle switch. If it's green, the feature is active. To disable it, simply tap it until it turns gray. The system may ask for confirmation, warning you that calls will no longer be made over the internet if your cellular signal is poor.
You can also use this menu to configure how your device behaves when switching between networks. For example, you can prevent other Apple devices (iPad, Mac) from being added to your iCloud calling number. This will increase security and prevent accidental connections.
- 🍏 Open
Settingson your iPhone. - 📞 Go to the section
Telephone. - 📶 Select an item
Wi-Fi calling. - ❌ Move the toggle switch to the position
Off.
After completing these steps, the "Wi-Fi" label next to the MTS operator name will disappear from the status bar. This indicates that the phone is now exclusively using the cellular radio channel for voice traffic.
Management via Personal Account and support
If your phone settings aren't working, or you want to completely block your carrier from providing this service at the network level, you should use your profile management tools. Your personal account on the MTS website allows you to fine-tune the services linked to your number. This is especially helpful if you use multiple devices or want to manage your settings centrally.
In the web version of your personal account or in the app, you can find a section for communication services. There, you can often find the option to block additional services. If there's no automatic switch, the most reliable option is to contact customer support. Operators have access to deeper profile settings and can disable services server-side.
You can contact support via in-app chat, by phone, or through the company's social media channels. When contacting, please specify that you want to completely disable Wi-Fi calling (VoWiFi) to prevent the network from rerouting your traffic.
| Control method | Availability | Efficiency | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartphone settings | Instantly | High | Low |
| My MTS app | Internet access required | Average | Low |
| USSD commands | Everywhere (without internet) | High | Average |
| Contacting support | During working hours | Maximum | High |
Using your personal account also allows you to track your minutes and data usage, which helps you understand whether your channel is being used for calls. Regularly monitoring statistics is a good way to monitor your communication services.
Common problems and troubleshooting
Even after following all the instructions, users may encounter a situation where the phone continues to try to use Wi-Fi for calls or, conversely, fails to detect the network. One common issue is carrier caching of settings. Changes made in the app may not take effect immediately, but may take 10-15 minutes.
Another common issue is a router settings conflict. Some routers have traffic prioritization features or built-in VoIP gateways that can intercept voice traffic. In this case, it's recommended to check the router's security settings or temporarily change the Wi-Fi network to test the issue.
It's also worth considering that some phone models have a hidden engineering menu where network priority can be hard-coded. If standard methods don't help, you can try resetting the network settings to factory defaults, but this will require re-entering your Wi-Fi network passwords.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting network settings will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth device settings. Use this method only as a last resort when other methods have failed.
In rare cases, the problem may be related to the SIM card itself. If the card is very old and doesn't support modern authentication protocols, the phone may not correctly process signals from the operator regarding VoWiFi. Replacing the SIM card with a new one at an MTS store often resolves such technical issues.
Impact of the shutdown on pricing and quality
Disconnection VoWiFi Returns you to the standard minute rate. If your plan offers unlimited minutes to all networks, you won't notice any difference. However, if you have a bundled minute rate, it's important to understand that Wi-Fi calls are often charged the same as regular calls, but there may be some differences when roaming abroad.
When roaming, Wi-Fi calls can be treated as calls from your home network, which is significantly cheaper. Disabling this feature while abroad can result in increased roaming charges for incoming and outgoing calls. Therefore, it's recommended to double-check your settings before traveling.
Voice quality with Wi-Fi Calling disabled will depend solely on MTS coverage in your location. In urban areas, where tower density is high, the difference may be imperceptible. In suburban homes or offices with shielding materials, connection quality may degrade, with noise or interruptions.
In summary, managing this feature gives the user complete control over how their device interacts with the world. Knowing How to disable MTS Wi-Fi calling, you can flexibly configure your phone to suit your current needs, whether it's battery saving, security, or simply your preference for traditional cellular communications.
Is it possible to disable Wi-Fi Calling for only one SIM card on a dual SIM phone?
Yes, you can manage the settings for each SIM card separately in the Android and iOS mobile network settings. Go to the SIM card settings and disable Wi-Fi calling for the desired number, leaving the other one enabled.
Are there any extra charges for using Wi-Fi Calling?
The service itself is usually free, and minutes are charged according to your basic plan. However, data used for the call may be deducted if you're not connected to your home Wi-Fi but are using mobile data or a paid hotspot.
What should I do if incoming calls disappear after disconnecting?
Most likely, there's no MTS cellular coverage where you're located, and your phone was relying on Wi-Fi. Check your signal indicator. If there's none, you'll need to move to an area with better coverage or temporarily turn the feature back on.
Does disabling the service affect mobile internet speed?
No, disabling VoWiFi does not affect data transfer speeds. Voice and internet traffic are logically separated. However, if the phone stops trying to maintain a voice connection over an unstable channel, overall device stability may improve.