Modern smartphones are equipped with many features designed to improve the quality of communication, and one of these options is Wi-Fi calls (VoWiFi). This technology allows you to make calls over a wireless network when the cellular signal is weak or absent. However, users often encounter situations where this feature becomes a nuisance: the phone fails to switch to the mobile network when leaving the house, or the sound quality through the router is worse than through the base station.
The question of how to disable Wi-Fi calls is especially relevant for those who frequently move between different coverage areas. Incorrectly setting priorities can lead to calls being dropped when going outside or, conversely, when entering a building. In this article, we'll examine in detail how this technology works, the reasons why it should be disabled, and provide clear instructions for various device models.
You don't need to be a tech expert to manage these settings. We'll cover standard methods through the phone menu, as well as more advanced options if the standard operator interface doesn't produce the desired result. Understanding how your smartphone Selecting a network for voice communication will help avoid unpleasant surprises at an important moment in a conversation.
Why you should disable VoWiFi
Although Voice over Wi-Fi technology was intended as a convenient feature, in practice it often creates more problems than it solves. The main reason users search for a way to disable Wi-Fi calling is because of improper handovers between networks. When you're at home and talking, and then go outside, your phone must immediately hand over the connection from the router to the cellular tower. In reality, this process (handover) often occurs with delays or errors, causing the call to be dropped.
Another important aspect is that device autonomyConstantly searching for and maintaining a connection for voice services over a wireless network can lead to increased battery drain, especially if the router's signal is unstable. The smartphone begins to work in an enhanced mode to maintain the channel quality, which significantly impacts battery life throughout the day.
⚠️ Attention: If you live in an area with poor cellular coverage but have a stable internet connection at home, completely disabling VoWiFi may result in a loss of connection indoors. Assess the LTE/3G signal quality in your location before changing settings.
It's also worth considering hardware compatibility. Not all routers Not all phone models correctly prioritize voice packets. If your router is overloaded with downloads or video streaming, Wi-Fi call quality may become unbearable due to interruptions and echo, while a regular cellular network would provide clear sound.
Disabling VoWiFi on Android devices
The process for disabling the feature on Android smartphones may vary depending on the shell manufacturer and operating system version. Most often, the setting is located in the mobile networks section, but some vendors, such as Samsung or Xiaomi, they can move it to a separate menu or hide it depending on the SIM card settings.
To get started, open the default Phone app or go to the general system settings. You'll need to find the option related to connections or SIM cards. If you don't see the toggle right away, try searching through the settings and searching for "Wi-Fi calling" or "VoWiFi." The interface may change, but the logic remains the same: find the toggle and toggle it to the "Off" position.
In some cases, especially on custom firmware or with certain carriers, the standard switch may be missing. In this case, it's worth checking for a dedicated app from your mobile carrier, which often duplicates these settings and has higher priority. It's also helpful to know that resetting network settings can restore the switch if it disappeared after a system update.
- 📱 Open
Settingsand go to the sectionConnectionsorNetwork and Internet. - 📶 Select your SIM card (if you have two) and find the item
Wi-Fi calling. - ❌ Move the slider to the position Off to cancel the function.
- 🔄 If you don't see this option, check the Google Phone app:
Settings→Challenges→Wi-Fi calling.
iPhone Settings: iOS and Carrier Profiles
For device owners Apple We're fortunate to have a more unified interface, but there are still some nuances. Managing the VoWiFi feature on iPhone is closely tied to carrier settings, which are updated automatically. If you want to disable Wi-Fi calling, you'll need to access the cellular menu, which may be hidden if your carrier doesn't support this feature or has blocked its removal.
To disable, go to Settings → Cellular communicationsHere you should see the "Wi-Fi Calling" option. If it's not in the main menu, go to the submenu for your specific SIM card. It's important to understand that changing this setting on an iPhone may require confirmation via a pop-up warning that emergency services may not be able to locate you.
It's worth noting that the "On Other Devices" feature on iOS also relies on Wi-Fi calling. If you disable VoWiFi on your phone, the ability to receive calls on your iPad or Mac using the same number may no longer function correctly. This is an important consideration for Apple users who are accustomed to answering calls from their tablet or computer.
- 🍏 Go to
Settingsand selectCellular communications. - 📞 Find the section
Wi-Fi callingand turn off the toggle switch. - 📲 Check the settings on other Apple ID devices if you use them for calls.
- 🔒 Make sure your operator profile doesn't restrict changes to network settings.
Problems switching between networks
One of the most annoying issues users encounter is network ping-pong. The phone constantly tries to switch from LTE to Wi-Fi and back, even when you're just sitting still. This occurs due to aggressive power-saving algorithms or incorrect operation. radio moduleAs a result, the battery drains in a matter of hours, and the connection becomes unstable.
A partial solution may involve changing the priority rather than disabling the feature completely. Some smartphones allow you to select "Prefer Mobile Network" or "Prefer Wi-Fi." If your phone supports these settings, select the mobile network as your primary network. This will force the device to use Wi-Fi for calls only when there is no cellular signal.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The call ends when I leave the house | Handover delay | Disable VoWiFi completely |
| The phone gets hot and runs out of battery quickly. | Constantly searching for network / weak signal | Check coverage, disable function |
| You hear an echo or a robotic voice. | Low Wi-Fi bandwidth | Switch to mobile network |
| SMS messages are not received when Wi-Fi is turned on | IMS service conflict | Reset network settings or disable VoWiFi |
If the problem is that your phone is stuck on weak Wi-Fi and won't switch to the excellent 4G network, temporarily disabling the wireless network while making a call will help. However, this is inconvenient. A more radical but effective method is to forget the Wi-Fi network at home, if you know you have good cellular coverage there, and connect to it only for internet, disabling its use for calls through the engineering menu (if available).
Using the engineering menu and codes
For advanced users who haven't found the standard switch, there are codes to enter the engineering menu. This is a hidden interface designed for hardware testing, where you can control radio module parameters, including forced switching of network types. Be careful: changing unknown parameters may cause unstable phone operation.
On many Android devices (especially those with MediaTek processors) the code is available ##4636##Once in the "Phone Information" menu, you'll find the "Set Preferred Network Type" option. While there may not be a direct VoWiFi switch, selecting LTE-only or GSM/3G-only mode can indirectly affect the operation of IMS services, which include VoWiFi.
Is the engineering menu dangerous?
Changing settings in the Engineering Mode menu may cause the communication modules to operate incorrectly. Do not change values unless you are sure of their purpose. You can reset the settings to factory defaults in this menu, but it's best to avoid unnecessary experimentation.
There are special codes for Samsung devices, for example, *#27663368378#, which open the Wi-Fi Calling test menu. However, on modern OneUI firmware versions, these codes are often blocked or require special permissions. If standard methods don't work and the feature is interfering with your life, the only safe option is to contact a mobile phone store to have your SIM card profile reflashed.
- 🔧 Dial
##4636##in the dialer application (does not work on all models). - 📡 Select from the menu
Phone informationto view the network status. - ⚙️ Look for options related to IMS Status or VoWiFi.
- ⚠️ Please remember that resetting the settings in this menu will return the device to factory settings.
Influence of the telecom operator on settings
It's important to remember that Wi-Fi calling is controlled by your carrier. Even if your phone has a switch, it may not work or be hidden if your plan or region doesn't support this service. Carriers frequently update their OTA (Over-The-Air) profiles, which can suddenly reactivate the feature after you've disabled it.
Additionally, some carriers require mandatory device registration with their network for VoWiFi to work. If you've changed your phone or updated its firmware, the network may stop allowing you to use voice calls over Wi-Fi but still attempt to route traffic, causing problems. In such cases, simply requesting a network settings update by calling support can help.
⚠️ Attention: VoWiFi service terms and availability, as well as the availability of the toggle menu, may vary by region and plan. Details are subject to change, so it's best to check your SIM card's support status in your operator's account or on the official website.
It's also worth keeping in mind that when roaming abroad, Wi-Fi calls may be charged as local calls (if you're calling your home region) or as international calls, depending on your carrier's policy. Disabling this feature before your trip will help avoid unexpected charges if you're unsure of the pricing terms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will the internet work if I turn off Wi-Fi calling?
Yes, absolutely. Disabling VoWiFi only affects voice calls. Your Wi-Fi internet will continue to function as usual, allowing you to browse the web, watch videos, and use apps. Only voice and data channels are separated.
Why did the function turn on automatically after updating my phone?
When updating your operating system or carrier profile, the settings may reset to default values. Because carriers want to reduce the load on their base stations, they often prioritize Wi-Fi calls. You'll need to disable this option manually after each major update.
Is it possible to disable VoWiFi for only one SIM card?
Yes, most modern dual-SIM smartphones have independent settings. You can leave the feature enabled for your work SIM and disabled for your personal SIM, or vice versa. To do this, you need to access each SIM card's settings separately in the menu. Network and Internet.
Does disabling the feature affect the sound quality in messengers?
No, this does not affect WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, or FaceTime. These apps use a standard internet connection (IP) to transmit voice and video, while VoWiFi technology applies exclusively to regular phone calls via a SIM card.