Modern cellular technologies are constantly evolving, and one of these functions is Voice over Wi-Fi, which allows voice calls over a wireless network. For MTS subscribers, this option is often enabled automatically when upgrading a plan or changing a device, providing coverage in areas where a regular GSM/3G/4G signal is unavailable. However, in some cases, users are required to forcibly deactivate this service so that voice calls operate exclusively through the operator's base stations.
There can be many reasons for this: from unstable operation of a home router to specific corporate security settings. It's important to understand that disabling VoWiFi doesn't affect internet access, but it does change the voice traffic route. In this article, we'll cover in detail all the available ways to manage this feature through your smartphone, SIM card, and personal account settings.
Before we get into the technical details, it's worth noting that connection quality directly depends on your equipment configuration. MTS We're actively implementing new standards, so interfaces and menu item names may vary slightly across different phone models. We'll cover universal algorithms that work for most modern Android and iOS devices, and also touch on the nuances of setting up network gateways.
What is VoWiFi and why should you disable it?
Technology VoWiFi Voice over Wi-Fi (Voice over Wi-Fi) transmits voice traffic over IP protocols, similar to how instant messaging apps work, but integrated into a regular phone book. To the subscriber, it appears like a standard call, but the signal travels not from a cell tower, but through a Wi-Fi access point. MTS supports this feature to improve coverage in buildings with thick walls or in remote areas.
Despite the obvious benefits, there are scenarios where the user needs to remove this option. Often, the problem lies in unstable internet connectionIf your router is losing data packets or has a high ping, conversations are interrupted, the voice sounds robotic, or calls don't connect at all. In these cases, switching to a standard cellular network provides a more stable connection.
Another reason could be saving battery powerConstantly searching for and maintaining a connection to VoWiFi servers while performing other tasks can sometimes lead to increased battery consumption, especially on older smartphone models. Furthermore, some corporate security policies prohibit voice data transmission over unsecured or guest Wi-Fi networks.
⚠️ Attention: Disabling Wi-Fi calling in areas with poor cellular reception (such as basements or hidden corners of buildings) can cause your connection to be completely lost. Ensure you have reliable 3G or 4G coverage where you are.
It's also worth keeping in mind that with VoWiFi enabled, calls may be charged differently when abroad, although MTS often treats such calls as if they were in your home region. However, if you want to ensure you're using local roaming or avoid potential routing conflicts, completely disabling the option on your device is the most reliable solution.
Disabling the feature in Android settings
On smartphones running the operating system Android Voice call management over wireless networks is quite flexible, but menu item names may vary depending on the OS version and manufacturer's shell (Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor, etc.). The basic algorithm is usually hidden in the SIM card or mobile network settings.
To begin, you need to go to the main settings menu of your device. Find the section responsible for connections, which may be called Connections, Network and Internet or Mobile network. Inside this section you should look for the item Wi-Fi calling or Wi-Fi CallingIf you don't see this option right away, try clicking on the name of your SIM card (for example, "MTS"), as settings are often tied to a specific slot.
- 📱 Open
Settingsand go to the section Connections. - 📡 Select an item Wi-Fi calling or find it by searching in settings.
- 🔘 Move the switch to the position Off (Off).
- 💾 If required, confirm the action in the pop-up window.
In some cases, especially on dual SIM devices, the settings may be different. Make sure you change the setting specifically for the card. MTSIf the standard method doesn't work, try searching through your phone's settings: enter "Wi-Fi Calling" in the search bar, and the system will automatically redirect you to the appropriate section.
⚠️ Note: Android user interfaces (OneUI, MIUI, EMUI) are updated regularly. The layout of menu items may change after a system update. If you don't see the described items, check your smartphone manufacturer's help for the current menu structure.
Phones received from a carrier or with specific firmware require special attention. In these cases, the option may be more deeply hidden or require a reboot to apply the changes. After disabling the feature, the phone icon with a Wi-Fi handset or the word "VoWiFi" should disappear from the status bar (at the top of the screen).
Setting up iPhone and iOS
For smartphone owners Apple We're fortunate to have a more unified interface, but there are still some nuances. Voice over LTE/Wi-Fi technology controls in iOS are centralized and located in the Cellular section. Disabling the feature on an iPhone requires several steps in the Settings menu.
Open the app Settings and select a section Cellular communicationsIf you have a dual-SIM iPhone, select the line that corresponds to your carrier. MTS. Next, find the item Wi-Fi callingThe menu that opens will contain a toggle switch that needs to be deactivated. The system may ask for confirmation, warning that calls will now only be made via the cellular network.
There is also an alternative path if the first option is unavailable or hidden by the operator:
- 🍏 Go to
Settings→ Telephone. - 📞 Find the line Wi-Fi calling in the list of options.
- ❌ Turn off the toggle switch Wi-Fi calling on this iPhone.
It's important to note that iOS has an "Add Other Devices" feature that allows you to receive calls on your iPad or Mac. Disabling this feature on your iPhone will automatically break this connection for voice calls over Wi-Fi. If the icon persists after toggling the switch, try toggling it on and off. Airplane mode to reboot the communication modules.
Why might settings be hidden on iPhone?
On some iOS versions or with certain MTS carrier profile configurations, the Wi-Fi call control center may be blocked or moved. This often happens if the SIM card is very old and doesn't support modern provisioning standards, or if the carrier is temporarily performing network maintenance.
After completing all the steps, it's recommended to check the connection status. In the upper left corner of the screen, next to the operator name, the "Wi-Fi" prefix shouldn't appear. If it still appears, but the feature is disabled in the menu, it's possible that the phone is using Wi-Fi for data (internet), but voice traffic is already going through GSM, as expected.
Control via USSD commands and the MTS app
In addition to the phone's settings, service management is often available through the operator. MTS provides several tools for managing enabled options, including USSD codes and a mobile app. This is especially convenient if the phone menu is blocked or doesn't contain the necessary switches.
The fastest way is to use a USSD request. Enter the command on your phone's keypad. *111*1966# (The code may vary, but the current one is always listed in your personal account.) After submitting the request, a menu for managing the "Wi-Fi Calling" service will appear on the screen, where you can select to disable it. You can also try the command *111# and sequentially go through the menu of services.
A more convenient and informative way is to use the official application. MTS Bank or My MTSIn an app, the functionality is usually more visual:
- 📲 Open the app My MTS.
- 👤 Go to your profile or section Services.
- 🔍 Find in the search or list Wi-Fi calling.
- 🚫 Click the button Disable.
Please note that changes made through the operator's server may not take effect immediately. Sometimes a device reboot or re-registration with the network is required. If the service status in the app is shown as "Connected" but it is disabled on the phone, the device setting takes precedence. Conversely, if the service is disabled on the server, the phone will not be able to initiate a Wi-Fi call, even if the checkbox is checked in the menu.
Setting up routers and possible conflicts
In rare cases, the problem with unwanted Wi-Fi calls may be related to the settings of the router itself, especially if it is provided by the operator (for example, MTS Home). Some router models have built-in traffic prioritization features or proprietary calling apps that may conflict with your smartphone's settings.
If you are using a third-party router, make sure it does not have any features enabled. SIP ALG (Application Layer Gateway), which sometimes incorrectly handle VoWiFi packets, causing crashes. To access these settings, you need to log in to the router's web interface, usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Where to find | Impact on VoWiFi |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIP ALG | Disable | NAT / Firewall | Prevents packet corruption |
| IGMP Snooping | Enable | LAN / Wireless | Improves multicast traffic |
| QoS | High Priority for Voice | Traffic Control | Reduces conversation delays |
| DNS | Automatically or 8.8.8.8 | WAN / Internet | Affects the speed of resolution |
The table shows the basic parameters that can affect the stability of voice transmission. However, for a simple shutdowns This feature typically doesn't require the user to delve into the router's settings. Simply change the network priority on the smartphone itself, which is discussed below.
⚠️ Attention: Inexperienced users are advised not to change NAT and firewall settings on their router without understanding the consequences. This could disrupt other network services or reduce the security of your home network.
If your router is dual-band (supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), try switching your phone to the 5 GHz band. It's less congested and provides a more stable data channel, which may resolve connection issues without completely disabling the feature if interference was the cause.
Network Priority: Wi-Fi or Mobile
One of the key settings in the VoWiFi menu is network priority. Even if Wi-Fi calling is enabled, you can configure your phone to prioritize the mobile network. This is a compromise that allows you to leave the feature enabled in case the GSM signal is completely lost, but use it only as a backup.
In the Wi-Fi calling settings menu, you will often find the option Preferences or Network priorityYou can choose an option there. Prefer mobile network (Prefer Mobile Network). With this option selected, the phone will always attempt to make a call through the MTS base station and will only switch to Wi-Fi if the signal is completely lost.
☑️ Check network priority
This setting is especially relevant for users who frequently move between home and outside. It ensures seamless handover without connection interruption, but with a clear priority shift toward cellular coverage. If your goal is to completely eliminate Wi-Fi use for voice, this setting won't help; you'll need to turn off the feature's toggle switch.
Also worth mentioning is the feature Roaming over Wi-FiIf you're abroad, make sure this option is also disabled if you don't want to use your internet connection for calls. When roaming, your phone's behavior may vary, and network priorities may sometimes be disrupted.
Common problems and their solutions
When disabling or using this feature, users may encounter various technical difficulties. Understanding the nature of these issues will help quickly restore the connection. The most common scenarios are listed below.
VoWiFi icon does not disappear after disconnecting. This may mean that the phone has "remembered" the network status. Solution: turn on Airplane mode for 10 seconds, then turn it off. This will force the device to re-register with the new network settings.
Calls do not go through either Wi-Fi or the network. It's possible that disabling VoWiFi messed up the network type setting. Check that the network type is set correctly in the section Mobile network the mode was selected 4G/3G/2G (auto), not just 2G or 3G.
The phone constantly switches between Wi-Fi Call and LTE. This indicates a borderline reception area. In this case, it is best to manually select the network in the settings (Settings → Mobile network → Network selection), disabling the automatic mode, and force selection MTS RUS.
What should I do if the internet goes down after a disconnection?
Disabling Wi-Fi calling shouldn't affect your mobile data. If your internet connection is lost, check that you haven't enabled "Data Saver" mode or have a data limit. Also, make sure your Access Point Name (APN) settings are set correctly for MTS (name: internet.mts.ru).
Does disabling VoWiFi affect billing?
No, the rate per minute of call is the same whether it's made via Wi-Fi or a base station, as long as you're in your home region. The only difference may be in roaming, where operator rules may vary.
Do I need to reboot my phone after making changes?
In most cases, simply toggling Airplane Mode is sufficient. However, if the settings don't apply or the phone becomes unstable, a hard reset (Shutdown → Turning on) will help reset the network module cache and apply the configuration correctly.
Is it possible to disable VoWiFi for one SIM card on a dual SIM phone?
Yes, the settings are tied to a specific SIM card slot. In the SIM card management menu, select the desired SIM card (MTS) and change the Wi-Fi calling setting for that SIM card only. The second SIM card will remain unchanged.
Why does the function turn off by itself?
This can happen when updating your carrier profile or when leaving a Wi-Fi coverage area if mobile network priority is set. Also, some power-saving modes can force Wi-Fi to be disabled for calls.
In summary, managing Wi-Fi calling is in the hands of the user. Whether you want to save battery life, improve call quality in areas with strong GSM coverage, or simply prefer traditional telephony, following these instructions will allow you to configure your smartphone to suit your needs.