The Wi-Fi handset icon on your phone screen: what it means and how to remove it

You glanced at your smartphone screen and noticed an unfamiliar icon: a handset with a Wi-Fi symbol in the status bar. It may be constantly lit or appear intermittently, and when you hover over it, a message like "VoWiFi" or "Wi-Fi Calling" often appears in the notification shade. What is this function, why was it activated without your knowledge—and most importantly, Can it be turned off?, if it interferes or drains the battery?

This icon is a technology indicator. VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi), which allows you to make calls over the internet, not just a cellular network. It's useful in areas with poor mobile coverage, but it's not always reliable. In this article, we'll cover:

• 🔍 What does it mean? Wi-Fi handset icon on Android And iPhone
• 📶 How is it turned on? VoWiFi function - automatic or manual
• ⚡ Pros and cons Wi-Fi calling: when it's beneficial and when it's better to turn it off
• ⚙️ Step-by-step instructionsHow to remove the icon on phones of different brands
• ❓ Common problemsWhy isn't VoWiFi working? How to check for carrier support.

If you notice this icon after updating your firmware or changing your SIM card, don't panic. It's not a virus or a system glitch, but a standard feature of modern smartphones. However, its settings depend on your phone model and mobile operator. Below is a detailed explanation with images and tips.

1. What does the Wi-Fi handset icon on my phone mean?

Icon tubes with a Wi-Fi symbol indicates that the function is enabled VoWiFi (from English) Voice over Wi-Fi — "voice over Wi-Fi"). This is a technology that allows you to make calls and send SMS. via Internet connection, and not just over the cellular network. It works alongside regular calls and is often activated automatically if:

• 📱 Yours smartphone supports VoWiFi (most models after 2018)
• 📶 Yours mobile operator provides this service (MegaFon, MTS, Beeline, Tele2, etc.)
• 🔄 It's turned on on the phone Wi-Fi or mobile Internet (LTE/5G)

VoWiFi is not the same as VoLTE (4G calls). The latter uses the mobile network, while VoWiFi uses the internet connection. Both technologies can work simultaneously. For example, if you're calling from a basement with no network but Wi-Fi, the call will go through the internet.

⚠️ Attention: If the icon appears after a firmware update, this is normal - many manufacturers (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi) enable VoWiFi by default in new versions of Android.

What the icon looks like on different phones:

2. Why is VoWiFi needed: the pros and cons of the technology

The VoWiFi feature is useful in several cases:

• 🏢 Poor cellular network coverage (For example, in an office with thick walls or at a dacha). Calls will go through Wi-Fi, even if there's no network coverage.
• 🌍 Roaming abroadSome operators allow you to make calls over Wi-Fi at no extra charge, just like over your home network.
• 🔋 Battery savingIn areas with a weak signal, the phone uses a lot of energy searching for a network. VoWiFi reduces the load.
• 🎧 Best sound qualityWith a stable Wi-Fi connection, voice is transmitted more clearly than over 2G/3G.

However, the technology also has its drawbacks:

• 🔌 Wi-Fi addictionIf the internet connection is disconnected during a call, the call will be dropped (unlike regular calls, which are switched to 2G).
• 📉 Traffic consumptionWi-Fi calls consume data (about 1 MB/minute). If you have a limited data plan, this can be a problem.
• 🔄 Not all operators supportFor example, some virtual operators (such as SberMobil or Tinkoff Mobile) may not provide VoWiFi.
• 🛠️ Crashes and bugs. On some firmware (especially MIUI or ColorOS) the function works unstable - calls are dropped or do not reach you.

3. How to check if your phone and carrier support VoWiFi

Before setting up or disabling this feature, make sure it's available for your device and SIM card. Here's how:

Step 1: Check smartphone support

VoWiFi works on most phones released after 2018. Here's a list of supported brands and models:

• 📱 Apple: All iPhone starting with 6s (iOS 10 and later)
• 🤖 Samsung: Galaxy S8/S9/S10/S20/S21/S22/S23 series, Note 8/9/10/20, A-series (A50 and later)
• 🧩 Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: models on MIUI 12 and newer (e.g. Redmi Note 10, Poco X3, Mi 11)
• 📡 Huawei/Honor: P30/P40/P50 series, Mate 20/30/40, Nova 7/8/9
• ⚡ Google Pixel: all models starting with Pixel 3
• 🔧 Other brands: Check your SIM card settings for the option "Wi-Fi Calling" or "VoWiFi".

Step 2: Check carrier support

In Russia, VoWiFi is officially supported by:

• 🟢 MTS (for subscribers with tariffs "Tarifische", "Ultra", "Smart" and others)
• 🔴 Megaphone (on the "Everything," "Unlimited," and "Get Connected!" tariffs)
• 🟡 Beeline (on most tariffs, except "Simple")
• 🔵 Tele2 (Limited support, please check in your personal account)

How do I find out if my MegaFon or MTS plan supports VoWiFi?

Log in to your operator's personal account on the website or in the app. Under "Services" or "My Options," you should see a line labeled "Wi-Fi Calling." If it's not there, the feature is unavailable.

Step 3. Checking the function's activity

To make sure VoWiFi is enabled:

1. Open Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks (on Android).
2. Select your SIM card.
3. Find the item "Wi-Fi calling" or "VoWiFi" If the switch is active, the function works.

On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Wi-Fi Calling.

4. How to Disable VoWiFi on Android and iPhone: Step-by-Step Instructions

If the Wi-Fi handset icon is annoying or you don't use the feature, you can disable it. Instructions vary depending on your phone manufacturer.

📱 Disabling on Android

General algorithm for most smartphones:

1. Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks.
2. Select your SIM card (if you have more than one).
3. Find the item "Wi-Fi calling" or "VoWiFi" And turn off the slider.
4. Confirm the action if a warning appears.

Features for popular brands:

• 🔹 Samsung: Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Wi-Fi calling.
• 🔹 Xiaomi/Redmi: Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → Wi-Fi calling (may be called "Wi-Fi Calling").
• 🔹 Huawei/Honor: Settings → Wireless & networks → Mobile networks → Wi-Fi calling.
• 🔹 Google Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIM cards → Wi-Fi calling.

🍎 Disabling on iPhone

On iPhones the process is simpler:

1. Open Settings → Cellular.
2. Tap on the item "Wi-Fi calling».
3. Move the slider to the position Off
4. If prompted, confirm deactivation for your SIM card.

After disconnecting, the Wi-Fi handset icon should disappear within a few seconds. If this doesn't happen, reboot your phone.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 13 on Xiaomi) After disabling VoWiFi, a gray icon may remain. This is a bug and will disappear after updating the system or resetting network settings.

5. Why VoWiFi May Not Work: Common Problems and Solutions

Sometimes the VoWiFi feature is enabled, but Wi-Fi calls don't connect. Here are some possible causes and solutions:

If VoWiFi is not working on iPhone, try:

1. Update iOS to the latest version.
2. Reinstall operator profile: Settings → General → About → Network operator.
3. Reset network settings: Settings → General → Transfer or reset → Reset network settings.

On Android additional steps:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone in safe mode (Hold the power button → "Safe Mode"). If VoWiFi works, the problem is with a third-party app.
• 📦 Clear your phone service cache: Settings → Apps → Three dots → Show system → Phone → Storage → Clear cache.

6. VoWiFi vs. VoLTE: What's the Difference and Which is Better?

In addition to VoWiFi, the icon may light up on the phone VoLTE (a handset labeled "4G" or "HD"). This is a different technology that also improves call quality, but it works differently:

🔹 When is it best to use VoWiFi:

• In places with poor cellular coverage but good Wi-Fi.
• Abroad, if your operator allows Wi-Fi calls at no extra charge.
• If you have unlimited internet but limited minutes for calls.

🔹 When is it best to use VoLTE:

• In areas with stable 4G/5G coverage.
• If you don’t want to waste your internet traffic on calls.
• If VoWiFi is unstable (breaks, echo).

Both technologies can be used simultaneously. For example, a phone might use VoLTE when outdoors, but automatically switch to VoWiFi when indoors.

7. How does VoWiFi affect battery and traffic?

Many users complain that their phone's battery drains faster after the Wi-Fi handset icon appears. Let's find out if this is true:

🔋 Impact on battery

• ✅ Plus: In areas with weak VoWiFi signal saves charge, since the phone does not waste energy searching for a cellular network.
• ❌ Minus: If Wi-Fi is unstable, the phone constantly switches between networks, which increases battery consumption.

📊 Impact on traffic

• A call via VoWiFi uses about 0.5–1.5 MB/minute (depends on the codec).
• If you have unlimited tariff, it's not critical.
• If the Internet limited, it is better to turn off VoWiFi or use it only via Wi-Fi (not via mobile data).

📌 How to reduce battery consumption:

• Turn off VoWiFi if you are not using it.
• In the VoWiFi settings, select the option "Wi-Fi only" (so that mobile data is not used).
• Update your firmware - new versions of Android/iOS have optimized power consumption.

8. Frequently asked questions about the Wi-Fi handset icon

❓ Why did the VoWiFi icon appear by itself?

The function could be enabled automatically after:

• Firmware updates (manufacturer added support).
• Change SIM card (new operator supports VoWiFi).
• Reset network settings.

This is not an error - the phone has simply detected that your operator and tariff support the technology.

❓ Is it possible to make VoWiFi calls without a SIM card?

No. VoWiFi is a supplement to regular calls, not a SIM card replacement. An active SIM card that supports the feature is required.

If you need calls only via the Internet without SIM, use instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) or IP telephony (Zadarma, Mango Office).

❓ Is VoWiFi paid or free?

The function itself free, But:

• Calls are charged according to your tariff (like regular calls).
• If you call via mobile Internet (not Wi-Fi), traffic is consumed.
• Additional roaming charges may apply – please check with your operator.

❓ Why can't the other person hear me when I'm making a VoWiFi call?

The problem may be:

• Unstable Wi-Fi (reconnect to the network).
• Block ports on the router (open ports UDP 500, 4500).
• Incorrect codec settings (try disabling/enabling VoWiFi again).

If the problem persists, disable VoWiFi and call using your regular network.

❓ How do I enable VoWiFi on my phone if it's not in the settings?

If there is no "Wi-Fi Calling" option:

1. Check if your phone and operator support the function (see section 3).
2. Update your firmware to the latest version.
3. Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and Bluetooth.
4. If nothing helps, contact your operator's support (service activation may be required).