Modern smartphones Samsung Galaxy offer many advanced features to improve the quality of communication, and one of them is the technology VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi). It allows voice calls over a wireless network, which is especially useful in areas with poor cellular coverage. However, not all users need this mode, as it can drain battery power or conflict with corporate security settings.
Many Android device owners encounter a situation where the phone icon with the Wi-Fi symbol appears on its own, and they don't know how to remove it. The deactivation process may vary depending on the operating system version. One UI and your gadget model. In this article, we'll cover in detail all the available methods for disabling this feature.
It's important to understand that disabling internet calls returns your device to its default cellular mode. This may be necessary to resolve sound quality issues or to save data on limited internet plans. Let's look at how to restore your default settings.
Understanding VoWiFi Technology on Samsung Devices
Technology VoWiFi It is the transmission of voice traffic over an Internet protocol, similar to how instant messengers work, but at the system call level. Smartphones Samsung This feature is being actively implemented to ensure uninterrupted communication in basements, offices with thick walls, or country houses. To the user, it appears like a regular call, but the signal travels through the router rather than the base station.
⚠️ Attention: Using VoWiFi may consume your home or mobile data plan. Make sure you have an unlimited plan or have Wi-Fi Calling enabled in your carrier settings to avoid unnecessary charges.
The main advantage of this technology is high-quality sound and the ability to make calls in areas where a regular cellular signal is unavailable. However, if you're in a strong 4G/5G coverage area, switching to Wi-Fi may be unnecessary. Furthermore, some users notice that when using Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Calling The phone may not switch between networks correctly during a call.
In the interface One UI This feature is managed by a separate module integrated into the Phone system app. It runs in the background and constantly monitors connection quality. If you choose to disable this option, the phone will ignore Wi-Fi for voice calls, even if it's connected, and will force it to use the cellular network.
Disabling via the standard phone settings menu
The easiest and most reliable way to disable Wi-Fi calls is to use the standard settings menu of your Samsung Galaxy. Interface One UI It's quite logical, and the switch you need is usually located in the mobile networks section. This method works for most modern models, including the Galaxy S, Galaxy A And Galaxy Z.
To get started, you need to open the main menu and find the section responsible for connections. The path may vary slightly depending on your Android version, but the general structure remains the same. You need to find the item Connections, which is usually located at the top of the settings list.
After going to the connections section, find the subsection Mobile networkThis is where you'll find the main SIM card settings. If you have two SIM cards in your phone, the system will prompt you to select which one you want to change the settings for. Select the active SIM card, the one with the Wi-Fi calling icon lit up.
- 📱 Open
Settingson your Samsung device. - 🔗 Go to the section
Connections. - 📡 Select an item
Mobile network. - 📞 Find the switch Wi-Fi calling and turn it to the "Off" position.
After completing these steps, the Wi-Fi handset icon should disappear from the status bar. If the toggle is missing, it may mean your carrier doesn't support this feature or it's blocked. In this case, standard disabling methods may not work, and additional steps will be required.
☑️ Check network settings
Controlling the function via the Phone app
An alternative and often faster way to manage calls is to use the call app's menu. In the shell One UI application Telephone (Samsung Dialer) has its own settings that can override system parameters. This is convenient, as it doesn't require deep delving into general system settings.
To use this method, open the app you usually use to make calls. In the upper right corner of the screen, you'll see an icon with three dots—this is the additional actions menu. Tapping it will access the option Settings.
In the list of options that opens, look for the section related to internet calls. It may be called Internet calls or Wi-Fi callsInside, you'll find a toggle that completely prevents the app from using the internet for voice calls. This action is equivalent to disabling the feature in system settings.
Some carriers embed their own settings directly into this menu. In this case, there may be a link to the carrier settings next to the toggle. If the default toggle is grayed out, try clicking the "Carrier Settings" or "Advanced" text to unlock the controls.
⚠️ Attention: Changes in the Phone app may not be applied immediately. Sometimes you may need to completely close the app (unload it from memory) and reopen it for the new feature status to be reflected correctly.
If you are using a third party calling app, such as Google or Viber (in integration mode), the settings can be located within these applications. However, the system icon VoWiFi controlled by the native module Samsung, so changing settings in third-party programs does not always remove the system indicator.
Hidden menus and engineering codes for diagnostics
In situations where standard methods fail, you can resort to using the Android engineering menu. This is a hidden section of the system designed for hardware testing and network diagnostics. It is accessed through a special set of commands in the call app.
To enter the testing menu, enter the code ##4636## in the dialer. On some models Samsung This code may be blocked by the manufacturer or operator. If nothing happens after entering the code, try the code *#0011#, which opens the service status menu.
In the menu that opens Testing select an item Phone informationScroll down the list until you find the section related to VoWiFi. There may be a checkbox here. VoWiFi Provisioned or IMS Voice EnabledUnchecking these options forcibly disables the ability to register for voice calls over the internet.
| Code | Function | Risk of change |
|---|---|---|
##4636## |
Android Testing Menu | Average |
*#0011# |
Samsung Service Status | Short |
*#2263# |
Selecting a network mode (Band) | High |
*#9900# |
System dump (SysDump) | Short |
Be extremely careful when changing settings in the engineering menu. Incorrectly configuring the radio module parameters can result in the phone losing network connectivity altogether. If you're unsure of what you're doing, it's best not to change values in sections whose names are unfamiliar.
What to do if the code doesn't work?
If entering the code doesn't open the menu, your firmware may be restricting access to the engineering features. In this case, try installing the "Samsung Members" app from the Galaxy Store and using the built-in diagnostics.
Carrier influence on feature availability
Often, the inability to disable or enable Wi-Fi calling is due to carrier policy. Mobile carriers can force the service to be activated. VoWiFi on the network side, and then the phone settings become inactive (locked). This is done to reduce the load on base stations in densely populated areas.
To check the service status, the easiest way is to access your operator's personal account or call customer support. For some providers, such as MTS, Beeline or Tele2This feature is managed in a separate menu in the operator's app. There, you can find the "Wi-Fi Calling" toggle and disable it.
It's also worth keeping in mind that this feature requires support from your tariff plan. If you've switched to an archive or corporate plan, your carrier may have automatically disabled the ability to manage this feature. In this case, you can only remove the icon by changing your tariff or submitting a request to a mobile service provider.
- 📞 Call your operator's support service.
- 💻 Log in to your personal account or operator app.
- 📜 Check your connected additional services.
- 🚫 Ask your operator to disable the "Wi-Fi Calling" service on the network side.
If your carrier says the service isn't connected, but the icon on your phone is lit, there may be a problem with your access point name (APN) settings. Try resetting your access point settings to factory defaults in the mobile networks menu. This will restore the default connection settings provided by your SIM card.
⚠️ Attention: Operators' personal account interfaces and plan terms change frequently. Always check your provider's official website for up-to-date information on VoWiFi support and how to manage the service.
Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions
Even after following all the instructions, issues may arise. For example, the icon may disappear and reappear after a reboot. This indicates that the system is prioritizing the Wi-Fi network, considering the cellular signal too weak. In such cases, temporarily enabling airplane mode and then resuming cellular service only can help.
Another common issue is a conflict with VPN apps. If you have a VPN enabled, it can intercept voice traffic and attempt to route it through a secure tunnel, triggering the VoWiFi indicator. Disabling the VPN often resolves the issue.
If all else fails, you can reset your network settings. This will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but will return all network settings to factory defaults. Here's how to reset: Settings → General Settings → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
Keep in mind that disabling this feature completely can reduce connection quality in areas with poor cellular coverage. If you live in an area where your phone frequently loses network coverage, leaving VoWiFi enabled may be the only way to stay connected.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Does turning off Wi-Fi calling affect internet speed?
No, disabling voice calls over Wi-Fi does not affect data transfer speeds. Your internet will continue to function normally; however, voice traffic will no longer be prioritized by the system as a voice call, but will instead be treated as regular data (as if you were calling via Messenger).
Does the operator charge per minute for Wi-Fi calls?
This depends on the terms of your tariff plan. Most modern plans include these minutes in the overall package, but some operators may charge them separately or require a special option. Check with your provider.
Is it possible to disable Wi-Fi calling for only one SIM card?
Yes, in dual SIM smartphones Samsung Mobile network settings are separate. You can go to each SIM card's settings separately and disable the feature. VoWiFi only for one of them, leaving the second active.
Why does the Wi-Fi calling icon appear in games?
This can happen if the game is heavily using the network, and the system incorrectly classifies traffic or switches priorities. It can also occur when the cellular signal is poor, causing the phone to frantically try to find an alternative path for voice traffic.
Do I need to restart my phone after disabling the feature?
In most cases, changes are applied immediately. However, if the icon persists, a reboot is required to re-register the device with the operator's network with the new settings.