The appearance of an unidentifiable icon in a smartphone's status bar often causes confusion, especially if it appears suddenly and obscures the view. A telephone handset symbol with the words "Wi-Fi" or a similar symbol indicates the function is active. VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) is a technology that allows voice calls to be made over a wireless network, which is especially useful in areas with poor cellular signal.
While this option is useful for improving connection quality in basements or offices with thick walls, not all users need it constantly. Many notice that the icon remains even when there's a strong 4G signal, which can be confusing. In this article, we'll detail how to deactivate this feature on various devices and why it might have turned on by itself.
It's worth noting that operating system interfaces are constantly updated, and the location of the switches may change. If you don't find the menu item described above, it's worth checking the official help section for your device or contacting your carrier, as support for this technology depends on your data plan.
What does the Wi-Fi calling icon mean?
Indicator VoWiFi This indicates that your smartphone is rerouting voice traffic over the Internet protocol, using the current Wi-Fi connection instead of standard cellular channels. This isn't just data transfer, as in messaging apps, but a full-fledged call using a standard phone number, which doesn't require installing additional apps.
This technology was developed to address the problem of "dead zones" where cellular signal is weak but wireless internet is available. Carriers are actively implementing this feature to reduce the load on base stations and improve indoor coverage. However, if your router is located far away or the network is congested, Wi-Fi connection quality may be worse than that of a mobile network.
It is important to understand the difference between Wi-Fi Calling and calls via internet apps. In the former case, your regular number is used and you're charged according to your mobile operator's terms (often the same as regular minutes), while in the latter case, you use your data plan or credits for the specific service. The icon appears only when the phone prioritizes Wi-Fi for voice calls.
Technical details of VoWiFi operation
The protocol uses IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) encryption for secure voice transmission. Unlike Skype or WhatsApp, the connection is established directly with the operator's switchboard, ensuring greater stability and the ability to make location-based emergency calls.
Disabling the feature on Samsung smartphones
The South Korean corporation's devices have their own shell One UI, where communication settings are located in a separate menu. To remove the icon, you need to find the specific switch, which may be called "Wi-Fi Calling." The process of disabling it is fairly simple, but requires careful navigation.
First, open the default "Phone" app, which you use to make calls. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner or go to Settings from the device's main menu. Find the section for additional communication features.
In the list that opens, look for the item Wi-Fi callingIf the slider is active (blue or green), tap it to turn it off. The icon at the top of the screen should disappear within a few seconds.
☑️ Samsung Disable Algorithm
If you can't find this option in the phone app, try the global settings. Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile network. There may also be a duplicate switch for the function Wi-Fi Calling.
Setting up Android on other models (Xiaomi, Huawei, Honor)
Chinese manufacturers often use their own interpretation of the interface. Android, known as MIUI, EMUI, or MagicOS. The logic for finding settings here may differ from stock Android or Samsung. In most cases, controls are hidden in deep SIM card menus.
Go to the main device settings and select "SIM cards and mobile networks." All active SIM cards are displayed here. Select the one with the icon if you have more than one. In the menu that opens, look for the line Wi-Fi calling.
Sometimes this feature is hidden under the "More" or "Advanced Settings" button. If you have a dual-SIM phone, make sure you've disabled this option for both cards if the icon doesn't disappear immediately. Some models require a reboot after changing network settings.
On devices Xiaomi And Redmi the path may look like this: Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → Select SIM card → Wi-Fi callingMake sure there is no active check mark next to the item.
How to remove the icon on iPhone (iOS)
In the ecosystem Apple This feature is called "Wi-Fi Calling." The iOS interface is the same for all models starting with the iPhone 6, so the instructions will be the same for both older and newer devices. The controls are located in the phone's standard settings menu.
Open the Settings app and scroll down to Phone. Inside this section, look for the line Wi-Fi callingClick on it to see the current status of the function.
Turn off the switch. If you're using an iPad or Mac with the "Calls from Other Devices" feature, the icon may appear there, but on your iPhone, it will disappear immediately after turning it off. You may be prompted to confirm this action, as your carrier warns you about the potential sharing of location data.
| Device | Path to the menu | Function name |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Phone → Settings | Wi-Fi calling |
| Xiaomi / Redmi | Settings → SIM cards | Wi-Fi calling |
| iPhone (iOS) | Settings → Phone | Wi-Fi calling |
| Huawei / Honor | Settings → Mobile network | Calling over Wi-Fi |
Why did the icon appear on its own?
Users often encounter situations where the function is activated without their knowledge. This happens because modern telecom operators are implementing VoWiFi as a standard service. When updating the network profile or replacing the SIM card, the settings may be applied automatically.
Another reason is an operating system update. After installing a new version Android or iOS Some settings are reset to factory defaults or those recommended by the manufacturer. Since the technology is considered beneficial for call quality, it may be enabled by default.
⚠️ Attention: In some cases, the icon may only appear when you're in an area with very weak cellular coverage. The phone automatically switches to Wi-Fi to ensure uninterrupted calls. If the icon disappears when you go outside, it means the automatic mode is active.
It's also worth checking whether the Phone app or your carrier settings have been updated. Carriers can remotely push configuration files that change network priorities. If you don't use this feature, it's best to keep it disabled to avoid potential issues with incoming calls when the router is off.
Problems and solutions when disconnecting
There are situations where the user follows the instructions, but the icon remains. This may indicate a software glitch or status caching in the system. The first step is to simply reboot the smartphone. This clears temporary files and forces the modem to re-register with the network.
If rebooting doesn't help, check if Do Not Disturb mode or special profiles are enabled. Sometimes third-party call management apps can conflict with system settings. Try temporarily uninstalling such apps.
In rare cases, the problem lies with the carrier. The service may be forced on you as part of your plan. In this case, disabling the toggle switch on your phone may not have a lasting effect, and the icon will return.
Influence of the carrier on the display of the icon
Not all operators support the technology. VoWiFi They're all the same. Some require pre-activation of the service in your personal account or via a USSD command. If the service is activated by the provider, the phone will attempt to use it whenever Wi-Fi is available.
Different carriers may have different icons. For example, one might have a handset with a label, while another might just have a Wi-Fi symbol next to the connection indicator. Understanding your carrier's specifics will help you find the right setting faster.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure your plan supports free Wi-Fi calls. In some cases, especially when roaming, these calls may be charged separately or, conversely, free, which is an advantage.
Disabling the service at the network level often requires calling support or visiting an office. However, in 90% of cases, changing the settings on the smartphone itself is sufficient, as the device takes precedence over network profiles when selecting an interface.
Hidden codes for checking status
On some Android smartphones you can enter a code ##869434## in dialer to open the hidden VoWiFi debug menu, but this does not work on all models and requires caution.
Can disabling the icon affect connection quality?
Yes, if you are in a place where the cellular signal is very weak or absent (basement, country house), turning off VoWiFi This may result in you not receiving calls or having them constantly dropped. In areas with good coverage, there will be no difference.
Is there a charge for making calls over Wi-Fi?
Typically, such calls are charged according to your basic plan, just like regular minutes. However, if you're abroad, the rules may differ: the call may be counted as an incoming/outgoing call in your home region, which is beneficial when roaming. Check with your operator for details.
Why does the icon appear only on one SIM card?
Communication settings are applied individually to each SIM card. If you have a dual-SIM phone, the feature may be disabled on the second card but enabled on the first. Check the settings for each SIM card separately in the SIM card management menu.
Is internet required for this feature to work?
Yes, to establish a connection through Wi-Fi Calling Internet access is required. Without a router connection, the feature won't work, and the phone will switch to the regular cellular network if available.
How do I know if my phone supports VoWiFi?
Most modern smartphones released after 2018 support this technology. If you don't see the corresponding option in your phone's settings, your carrier may not have certified your model for VoWiFi, or a firmware update may be required.