Modern smartphones offer a variety of features to improve communication quality, and one of the most notable among them is the technology Voice over Wi-Fi, or, more simply, Wi-Fi calling. This option allows you to make voice calls even in areas with poor cellular coverage, using your home or public internet connection. However, not all users find it convenient to have their device forced to switch to a wireless network for calls, especially if pricing or connection quality are an issue.
Gadget owners often encounter situations where a phone icon with a Wi-Fi symbol appears in the status bar without their knowledge, or calls are dropped due to a weak router signal. In such cases, there is an urgent need remove a call via Wi-Fi and restore standard call routing through your mobile operator. The deactivation process may vary depending on your device model and operating system version.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at how to manage this feature on various platforms, why it can interfere with your phone's normal operation, and which hidden settings may require your attention. Understanding these mechanisms will help you avoid unexpected charges and improve the stability of your voice communication in everyday use.
Why you should disable Wi-Fi calling
The main reason why users seek disable VoWiFiThe problem stems from connection instability. Despite high-speed home internet, routers often fail to prioritize voice traffic, resulting in a sharp drop in call quality when downloading files or watching 4K video. Voices become choppy, delays appear, and in the worst case, the call is simply dropped, which is critical for important conversations.
Another important aspect is tariffingSome carriers may charge special rates for minutes spent using Wi-Fi Calling, or even exclude them from their plans entirely, if you're roaming. While this often saves battery life and improves coverage, in some scenarios, the standard cellular network proves more reliable and predictable for the user.
⚠️ Attention: Disabling Wi-Fi calling can result in loss of service in basements or remote areas where cellular coverage is nonexistent. Ensure you have an alternative means of communication in case of emergency.
It's also worth considering that some corporate networks have strict security rules and may block ports necessary for stable voice services. In such offices, attempting to make a call over Wi-Fi is doomed to failure, and the phone will constantly try to switch, wasting processor resources.
Disabling the feature on Apple iPhone devices
For smartphone owners from Apple We're lucky in terms of the interface—the company has made this setting easily accessible. To disable Wi-Fi ringing, you won't need to delve into deep engineering menus. Simply open the standard "Settings" app and go to the "Cellular" section.
Here, you need to find the "Wi-Fi Calling" option. Inside, you'll see a toggle that enables or disables this feature at the system level. If the slider is green, the technology is active, and the phone will attempt to use the wireless network for calls whenever possible.
It's important to note that on some iOS versions and with certain carriers, settings may be hidden or moved. In this case, check the "General" section or search for the settings by entering a query. Wi-Fi CallingThis will allow you to quickly find the desired switch, even in the updated interface.
Once this feature is disabled, the Wi-Fi handset icon will disappear from the status bar, and all calls will be routed through the standard cellular network. This ensures your phone won't rely on a weak router signal, sacrificing connection quality.
VoWiFi settings on Android smartphones
In the world Android The situation is a bit more complicated due to the huge number of shells from different manufacturers. Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, and other brands may name and arrange the necessary menu items differently. However, the general procedure remains the same: you need to access the network settings.
Typically the path looks like this: Settings → Connections → Mobile networkThis is where the "Wi-Fi Calling" toggle is hidden. On some Samsung models, this option may be located directly in the "Connections" menu, without having to sign in to a mobile network. If you're using a Xiaomi or Redmi device, look for the option in the "SIM cards and mobile networks" section.
For advanced users who haven't found a clear switch, there's the option of using the engineering menu or USSD codes, although modern versions of Android increasingly block these methods. The standard settings method remains the safest and most reliable way to control this feature.
⚠️ Attention: Android interfaces are constantly changing. If you don't see the options described above, search your phone's settings for "Wi-Fi" or "Calls."
Keep in mind that on dual-SIM phones, settings are applied individually to each SIM card. If you want to disable Wi-Fi calling completely, check the settings for both SIM cards; otherwise, one of the SIM cards may still use this technology.
☑️ Check Android settings
Comparison of telecom operators' capabilities
Not all mobile operators support VoWiFi equally. In some cases, the feature may be blocked by the provider, and no phone settings will enable it or, conversely, disable it if forced control is enabled.
| Operator | VoWiFi support | Control via app | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | Eat | Yes | Service activation required |
| Beeline | Eat | Yes | Works on most smartphones |
| Megaphone | Eat | Yes | Automatic switching |
| Tele2 | Eat | No | Setting only in the phone menu |
As the table shows, support availability varies by carrier. If you change your SIM card but keep your phone settings the same, the feature may stop working or, conversely, become enabled by default if the new carrier actively promotes this technology.
In some rare cases, the operator may force the service to be enabled for subscribers with poor coverage in certain regions. If you notice the icon appears spontaneously, contact customer support or check your account.
Hiding the icon in the status bar
Many users are irritated not by the feature itself, but by the visual noise in the form of a Wi-Fi phone icon. On some smartphone models, especially on Samsung And Xiaomi, it is possible to hide this indicator without disabling the technology itself.
This often requires entering a special menu. On Samsung, for example, you need to enter a code in the dialer. ##4636## (This doesn't work on all firmware versions) or use the Activity Launcher app to find hidden system activities. However, an easier way is to search in the icon display settings.
Go to Settings → Notifications → Status Bar → Hide iconsHere you can find the option for VoWiFi and uncheck it. This will allow your phone to continue using Wi-Fi for calls, but the status bar will remain clear, which is especially helpful for minimalists.
⚠️ Attention: Hiding the icon doesn't disable the feature. If you want to completely block internet calls, you need to use the toggle in the main network settings, not simply hide the icon.
It's worth remembering that after updating the operating system, these settings may be reset and the icon will reappear. In this case, you'll need to repeat the procedure.
Solving network switching problems
A common problem is when the phone gets stuck on Wi-Fi Calling even with a good cellular signal, or, conversely, fails to switch to Wi-Fi in the basement. This is due to algorithms. network prioritization, laid down by the manufacturer.
To get your phone to behave predictably, you can try resetting the network settings. This will return all settings to factory defaults and remove any software errors that may be preventing proper switching. The path is usually located in the System → Reset → Reset network settings.
What happens when you reset network settings?
Resetting network settings deletes saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth settings, and mobile network settings. Your personal data (photos, contacts) remains intact, but you'll have to re-enter your home internet passwords.
If the problem persists, it's worth checking whether you have a carrier-issued app installed that could be intercepting communication settings. Removing or updating such software often resolves the phone's behavior.
The Impact of Roaming on VoWiFi Operation
When traveling abroad, Wi-Fi calling becomes especially useful, as it allows you to make calls at your home country's rates while within Wi-Fi coverage. However, if your goal is to completely avoid roaming costs, disabling this feature may be part of your cost-saving strategy.
When roaming, your phone can aggressively search for available Wi-Fi networks for calls, ignoring local carriers. If you only want to receive calls through your local SIM card or don't want to receive incoming calls at all, disabling VoWiFi in combination with Airplane mode (with Wi-Fi enabled) will achieve the desired effect.
It's important to understand the difference: when roaming, VoWiFi often functions as a "home network," so calls will be processed as normal calls, not international ones. By disabling this feature, you return your phone to its standard roaming behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will I be charged for making calls over Wi-Fi?
Typically, minutes are used from your main package, just like for regular calls. However, roaming conditions may vary, so it's best to check with your carrier.
Why does the icon remain after disabling the function?
Sometimes the system needs time to update the status. Try restarting your phone or turning airplane mode on and off to reset network settings.
Is it possible to disable VoWiFi for only one SIM card?
Yes, you can manage this feature separately for each SIM card in the mobile network settings of dual SIM phones.
Does disabling the feature affect the sound quality in messengers?
No, this setting only applies to regular voice calls made through your phone book. Calls in WhatsApp, Telegram, and other apps work independently.