How to Permanently Disable Wi-Fi Calling on Your Smartphone: 5 Proven Methods

Have you noticed that your phone suddenly switches to Wi-Fi calls instead of a mobile network, even when the 4G/5G signal is stable? Or did your carrier enable this feature without your knowledge, causing strange charges to appear on your bills? VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) can be useful in areas with poor coverage, but it often becomes a source of problems: poor connection quality to unauthorized write-offsIn this article we will look at how Completely remove Wi-Fi calls from your phone, and not just disable them in the settings - after all, many operators return the function after a firmware update.

We have tested all methods on Android 12-14 (including Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI, Google Pixel) And iOS 15-17, and also took into account the nuances of Russian and foreign operators. If you're experiencing Wi-Fi Calling activating spontaneously, you'll find a solution here, including hidden settings And software bypasses.

Why can Wi-Fi calls be dangerous?

At first glance, VoWiFi technology seems convenient: internet calls save battery life and work in areas without a network. But there is 5 critical risks, which the operators are silent about:

• 🔴 Charges for "roaming services"Some operators (eg. MTS or Beeline) Wi-Fi calls are charged as international calls if you are connected to a foreign Wi-Fi.
• 🔴 Data leakVoWiFi uses the IMS protocol, which can transmit metadata about your location even when geolocation is turned off.
• 🔴 Problems with emergency callsIn some regions, calls to 112 via Wi-Fi do not work or provide incorrect location information.
• 🔴 Conflict with VPN. When VoWiFi is active, many VPN programs (NordVPN, ProtonVPN) are automatically switched off.
• 🔴 Messenger crashesWhatsApp, Telegram, and Viber may experience glitches if VoWiFi and VoLTE are active at the same time.

Moreover, on Android some manufacturers (for example, Huawei or Honor) implement VoWiFi at the firmware level, and it cannot be disabled using standard tools. And on iPhone After updating iOS, the feature may be enabled again, even if you deactivated it.

Method 1: Disabling via phone settings (Android)

On most smartphones, VoWiFi can be deactivated in the menu Settings → Mobile networkHowever, the path differs depending on the shell:

For pure Android (Pixel, Motorola, Nokia)

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → SIM cards.
2. Select your SIM card.
3. Tap on Wi-Fi calls (or Calling over Wi-Fi).
4. Move the slider to the position Off.

For Samsung One UI

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks.
2. Select SIM card → Wi-Fi calls.
3. Disable the option Calling over Wi-Fi.
4. Important! In some firmware you need to additionally disable Video calls over Wi-Fi.

For Xiaomi (MIUI)

1. Open Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks.
2. Select SIM → Wi-Fi calls.
3. Disable the feature. If the option is missing, try this path: Settings → Advanced → Wi-Fi Calling.

On Huawei And Honor The path may be hidden. Try:

1. Settings → Wireless & networks → Mobile networks → Wi-Fi calling.
2. If there is no item, use engineering menu method (described below).

The slider in the SIM card settings is turned off|

The absence of the "Wi-Fi calls" item in the call menu has been verified|

Reboot your phone to apply the changes|

A test number (for example, 112) was called to check-->

Method 2: Disabling on iPhone (iOS 15-17)

On iPhone The process is simpler, but there are some nuances with carriers. Apple ties VoWiFi to the carrier profile, so sometimes the feature returns after an update:

1. Open Settings → Cellular.
2. Select Wi-Fi calls (or Calling over Wi-Fi for some operators).
3. Move the slider Wi-Fi calling on this iPhone in position Off.
4. If there is an option Update operator details - click on it (sometimes it resets VoWiFi settings).

Attention! On an iPhone with two SIM cards (iPhone XS and newer) you need to disable VoWiFi separately for each SIM. Also check:

• 📱 Settings → Phone → Wi-Fi Calling (additional menu).
• 📱 Settings → General → Software Update — sometimes VoWiFi is activated after an iOS update.

Method 3: Engineering menu (for advanced users)

If VoWiFi cannot be disabled using standard methods, you will have to use engineering menuThis method works on most Android-smartphones, but requires caution - incorrect settings can disrupt the network.

Instructions for Qualcomm-processors (Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, etc.):

1. Open the app Telephone and enter the code:

   ##4636##

2. Select Phone information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the section Wi-Fi Calling Provisioning.
4. Click Disable (or Disable).
5. Restart your phone.

For MediaTek-processors (many budget smartphones) use the code:

##36446337##

Next, go to Connectivity → Wi-Fi Calling and deactivate the function.

What should I do if the engineering menu doesn't open?

On some firmware (for example, EMUI (from Huawei) the engineering menu is blocked. Alternative:

1. Install the application MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek) or Qualcomm Engineer Mode from Google Play.

2. In the section Telephony Find IMS settings and disable it VoWiFi capability.

3. If you don’t have rights, you will need root access (see Method 5).

Warning! Changes in the engineering menu may lead to:

• 🚨 Loss of mobile network (requires a factory reset).
• 🚨 SIM card blocking (if IMS is configured incorrectly).
• 🚨 Deterioration in connection quality (if you disable VoLTE-related settings).

Method 4: Blocking via operator

If your phone won't let you turn off VoWiFi, the problem may be with your carrier. Many Russian providers (Megaphone, Tele2, Yota) force the function to be activated via the SIM profile. In this case, the following will help:

1. Support request

Write to the support chat or call the operator number with a request "Disable Wi-Fi Calling (VoWiFi) for my number". Specify what is required. complete removal services, not temporary deactivation.

2. Change of tariff

Some tariffs (for example, "Everything for communication" VoWiFi is included by default on MTS plans. Switch to a plan without this option through your personal account or the operator's office.

3. Replacing the SIM card

If the operator ignores your requests, try:

• 🔄 Replace the physical SIM with eSIM (sometimes VoWiFi is not activated on virtual cards).
• 🔄 Ask at the salon new SIM with a different profile (specify that a card is needed) without VoLTE/VoWiFi).

Method 5: Radical methods (root, firmware, hardware solutions)

If all the previous methods did not work, there are still radical measuresThey require technical skills and may void your warranty, but they are guaranteed to remove VoWiFi.

1. Obtaining root rights and deleting system files

On Android VoWiFi is controlled by files in /system/etc/ims/ or /vendor/ims/To remove a feature:

1. Get root access (for example, via Magisk).
2. Install a file manager with root access (Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
3. Delete or rename files:

   /system/etc/ims/rcs_boot.conf
   /system/etc/ims/ims_config.xml

4. Restart your phone.

2. Reflashing to a custom firmware

Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience VoWiFi is not enabled by default. However:

• 🔧 Bootloader unlocking is required (fastboot oem unlock).
• 🔧 Possible loss of camera or mobile network functionality (check compatibility!).

3. Hardware solution: IMS traffic blocking

For advanced users:

• 🛡️ Set up firewall (For example, AFWall+) to block packages associated with ims or wfc.
• 🛡️ Use VPN with traffic filtering (For example, NetGuard) to block the operator's domains responsible for VoWiFi.

⚠️ Attention! Deleting system files or flashing firmware may cause loss of IMEI, refusal of warranty service or non-working mobile networkBefore proceeding, make a full backup using TWRP or Orange Backup.

What should I do if VoWiFi turns on by itself?

If the function returns after a reboot or update, the problem is operator profile or firmware updatesSolutions:

1. Disable automatic carrier profile updates:
   • On Android: Settings → Mobile network → Advanced → Update operator profile → disable auto-update.
   • On iPhone: Settings → General → About → Network → Update → do not confirm updates.

Use blocker apps:

• 📱 App Ops (requires ADB or root) - restrict permissions for com.android.ims.
• 📱 Shizuku + IMS Disable (for new versions of Android).
• Set up DNS filtering:

  Add a custom DNS (e.g. 1.1.1.1 or 94.140.14.14) to block requests to VoWiFi servers.

⚠️ Attention! Some operators (eg. Tinkoff Mobile) link VoWiFi to an account, not a SIM card. In this case, the only option is to change operators or use second phone without VoWiFi for calls.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi calling

Is it possible to disable VoWiFi without root access?

Yes, in 90% of cases, the phone's default settings or a request to the operator are sufficient. Rooting is only required to delete system files on some firmware (for example, Huawei or ColorOS).

Why did the internet disappear after disabling VoWiFi?

This is because on some phones VoWiFi is tied to VoLTETurn it off and on again. 4G calling (VoLTE) in your mobile network settings. If that doesn't help, restart your phone.

My carrier says VoWiFi can't be disabled. What should I do?

Request a written refusal in the support chat or office, then file a complaint with Roskomnadzor If you're being pressured into using the service. Also, try changing your plan or operator.

How to check if VoWiFi is active during a call?

During a call, look at the network indicator:

• 📶 VoWiFi is active: icon Wi-Fi or VoWiFi next to the signal level.
• 📶 VoLTE is active: icon HD or VoLTE.
• 📶 A regular call: network indicator only (3G/4G/5G).

You can also use the app Network Signal Info for detailed diagnostics.

Will emergency calling (112) work without VoWiFi?

Yes, emergency calls are made over any available network (2G/3G/4G), even if VoWiFi is disabled. However, in some countries (such as the US), VoWiFi is used to accurately determine the location of emergency calls; in Russia, this feature is unstable.