Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones after updating to the new operating system HyperOS Often encounter the annoying icon of a telephone receiver with waves through it. This indicator signals that the technology is working. VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi), which allows you to make calls over a wireless network, bypassing your cellular carrier. While the feature is useful in areas with poor reception, many users find the icon itself annoying or experience connection quality issues when using it.
There are several ways to disable WiFi calling on HyperOS, from the standard menu toggle to advanced configuration via the engineering menu or resetting network settings. It's important to understand that completely disabling this feature may impact subscriber availability in areas where there's no cellular coverage but WiFi is stable. Below, we'll cover all available methods for disabling and troubleshooting potential errors.
Before we start making changes, it's worth noting that the interface HyperOS has undergone significant changes compared to MIUIMenu items may have been renamed or moved, and the logic of system services may have been modified by the developers. Therefore, if you can't find an option in its usual location, use the settings search or refer to the advanced methods described in this article.
Why does the VoWiFi icon appear and how does it work?
Technology Voice over WiFi was implemented to improve the quality of voice communication in areas with poor cellular coverage. When your smartphone Xiaomi or Redmi If a stable Wi-Fi connection is detected and the operator supports this feature, the system automatically switches voice traffic to the internet channel. This allows you to continue your conversation when entering an elevator or basement where there is no cellular signal.
However, in practice, users often experience the opposite effect. Instead of improved connection, they experience intermittent sound, delays, or complete call drops when switching between Wi-Fi and a mobile network. It is in these situations that the need arises. Force disable VoWiFi functionto ensure that your phone only uses standard GSM, 3G or 4G/5G frequencies.
Furthermore, the icon may appear even when you don't plan to make calls, simply by being within range of your home network. For many, this is visual noise that distracts from the minimalist interface. Understanding how it works helps you choose the right method: either temporarily or completely, preventing the system from using the internet for calls.
⚠️ Attention: Disabling VoWiFi can result in connection loss in rooms with thick walls or in remote areas where cellular signal is weak but Wi-Fi is stable. Ensure you have reliable mobile network coverage where you are.
It's also worth keeping in mind that activation of this feature depends not only on your phone settings but also on your carrier profile. Some SIM cards require manual activation by the provider, while others enable it by default. If the icon returns after all these steps, the problem may lie with the automatic update of your carrier profile.
Standard shutdown via SIM card settings
The easiest and safest way to remove calls on WiFi HyperOS — use the system's built-in interface. In the new interface, Xiaomi has made SIM card management more intuitive, although the path to the required switch may not be immediately obvious.
To get started, go to the main settings menu. Find the section responsible for connection and data transfer. Depending on the firmware version, it may be called "SIM cards and mobile networks" or simply "Mobile network." All SIM cards installed in the device are displayed here.
Select the SIM card on which you want to disable the feature. If you have two active SIM cards, the settings apply individually to each. In the SIM card menu, find Wi-Fi calling or Wi-Fi Calling. Turn the toggle switch to the "Off" position.
☑️ Check before disconnecting
If the toggle is missing or inactive (grayed out), this means your current carrier doesn't support this feature for your plan, or your carrier profile requires an update. In this case, a standard deactivation is not possible, as the feature is not enabled at the system level.
Using the engineering menu for deep customization
If the standard switch is hidden or the function behaves incorrectly, you can use the engineering menu. This hidden section of the system is designed for hardware testing, but it allows you to control many communication parameters, including forcibly enabling or disabling VoWiFi.
To enter the engineering menu, open the Phone app and enter a special code. This is the most universal code for devices. Xiaomi And Redmi is the code ##86583##After entering the last digit, the menu should open automatically. If you see the message "Feature disabled," the feature is already disabled or region-locked.
In the list that opens, find the item VoWiFi Carrier checkBy clicking on it, you'll see the current status. Your goal is to achieve a state where the system doesn't offer to use Wi-Fi for calls. Sometimes you'll need to switch the mode several times or select an option. Disable, if it is available in your region.
⚠️ Attention: Be careful when using the engineering menu. Changing unknown parameters, such as LTE frequencies or antenna settings, may result in unstable operation of the communication module or complete loss of network connectivity.
There is also a code ##4636##, which opens the testing menu. Go to the section Phone information. Scroll down to the item Setting your preferred network typeWhile there's no direct VoWiFi toggle, selecting "GSM Only" or "LTE Only" (no IMS support) can indirectly disable Wi-Fi calling, as the IMS protocol is often tied to these settings.
Resetting network settings as a radical solution
If the VoWiFi function was enabled automatically after the update HyperOS and refuses to disconnect, or if the icon appears sporadically without your knowledge, a full network reset will help. This method returns all connection settings to factory defaults.
It's important to understand the difference: this reset won't delete your personal files, photos, or apps. It will only affect saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and mobile network settings. After the reset, you'll need to re-enter your home router password.
To perform a reset, follow this path: Settings → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and BluetoothTap the "Reset Settings" button and confirm the action with your screen unlock code. The device will reboot its network modules, and the annoying icon should disappear.
This method is especially effective if the system has experienced a software glitch that causes the carrier settings to conflict with the current firmware version. A reset clears the network configuration cache and forces the phone to re-register with the carrier's network with cleared settings.
What happens when you reset your network?
A reset deletes all saved Wi-Fi network SSIDs, resets APN settings for mobile data, and disconnects all Bluetooth connections. Personal data (contacts, photos, and apps) remains intact. This is a safe procedure for restoring communication functionality.
Configuration via the developer menu
Another level of access to hidden functions Android And HyperOS — Developer menu. Here you can find settings related to the IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem), which is the technical basis for VoWiFi and VoLTE.
To activate the developer menu, go to Settings → About phone and quickly tap "OS version" (or "MIUI version" on older builds) seven times. After the "You are now a developer" message appears, return to the main Settings menu and find "Advanced" → "Developer options."
Within the list, find the network-related block. Look for options with names like Enable VoWiFi, Show VoWiFi icon or IMS Service. Disabling the display of the icon (Show VoWiFi icon) will not disable the calling function itself, but will remove the visual reminder, which is often the user's main goal.
If you don't see these options, your version may be HyperOS hides them for regular users. In this case, you can use apps to hide status icons, but this will require additional permissions or using ADB commands on your computer.
Table: Comparison of VoWiFi Disabling Methods
To help you choose the right method, we've prepared a comparison table. It will help you assess the risks and complexity of each method for your specific situation.
| Method | Complexity | Risk of data loss | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIM card settings | Low | No | High (if available) |
| Engineering menu | Average | No | High |
| Network reset | Low | Wi-Fi/Bluetooth passwords | Maximum |
| Developer menu | High | No | Average (depending on version) |
Problems with telecom operators and profiles
Often, the persistent appearance of the VoWiFi icon is caused by the telecom operators themselves. They can forcefully update the settings profile on your smartphone, reactivating the feature even after you've manually disabled it. This is typical for large operators that actively promote VoIP services.
In some cases, removing and reinserting the SIM card helps. Turn off the phone, remove the SIM card tray, wipe the SIM card contacts with a soft cloth, and reinsert it. When you turn it on, the phone will re-read the carrier profile. If you're not connected to Wi-Fi at this point, but are using mobile data, the system may not activate VoWiFi.
It's also worth checking if you have an app installed from your carrier. Some have permission to change system network settings and can automatically enable connection enhancers, including VoWiFi. Check the permissions for such apps in "Apps" → "All Apps" → "Permissions."
⚠️ Attention: The HyperOS interface and item names may vary depending on the regional firmware version (Global, China, EEA) and device model. If you can't find the item described, search for "VoWiFi" or "Wi-Fi Calling" in the settings.
If all else fails and the icon continues to bother you, you can try changing the region in your phone's settings. Switching to a region with a different set of communication standards sometimes changes the list of available functions in the SIM card menu, making the switch visible and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does disabling VoWiFi affect call quality?
Yes, in places with poor cellular signal (basement, country house), the quality may deteriorate, as the phone will stop using a stable Wi-Fi channel for voice transmission and will try to hold on to the weak signal from the tower.
Do operators charge extra for VoWiFi?
In most cases, the service is free and is billed as your regular plan minutes. However, data used for calls may be deducted if you're roaming. Check with your carrier for details.
Can the icon reappear after updating HyperOS?
Yes, major system updates may reset user network settings to the default values set by the manufacturer or operator. It is recommended to recheck your settings after the update.
Is it safe to use the engineering menu to turn it off?
Using codes to toggle the visibility of functions (like ##86583##) is safe. However, changing the radio module parameters without understanding their purpose may lead to unstable phone operation.