Samsung Wi-Fi handset icon: What is it and how to remove it

You looked at your status bar Samsung Galaxy and suddenly discovered an unfamiliar icon: a handset with a Wi-Fi antenna. It might be on fire. gray, blue Or even blink—and you have no idea what the feature is, why it's activated, or whether it's eating up your data. Spoiler: in 90% of cases, this is a useful technology, but sometimes it's better to disable it.

This icon means VoWiFi Voice over Wi-Fi (Voice over Wi-Fi) is a technology that transmits voice calls over Wi-Fi networks instead of cellular data. It automatically connects when the mobile network signal is weak but a stable Wi-Fi connection is available, such as in a basement, elevator, or country house. However, this feature has its own set of issues, from battery drain to potential roaming issues. Let's take a look at how it works. Samsung (including models Galaxy S23, A54, Z Flip5 and others), and what to do if the icon is in the way or does not disappear.

Important: If you're seeing this icon for the first time, don't panic—it's not a virus or a system glitch. But don't ignore it either: in some cases, VoWiFi can lead to unexpected call charges while roaming, even if you're connected to your home Wi-Fi. More details are available in the pricing section.

What does the Wi-Fi handset icon mean on a Samsung?

The handset icon with Wi-Fi waves is a visual indication of the active function. VoWiFi (or Wi-Fi Calling). The technology allows you to make and receive calls over the internet, rather than through your mobile operator's network. Here are the key points:

• 📶 What is it for?: improves connection quality in areas with poor 4G/5G coverage, saving battery power (the phone does not need to "catch" a weak signal).
• 🌍 Where does it work?: automatically activated when the mobile network signal is weak, if Wi-Fi is connected (even without a SIM card in some cases).
• 🔄 How is it different from VoLTE?VoLTE uses 4G for calls, while VoWiFi uses Wi-Fi. They can work simultaneously.
• ⚠️ Pitfalls: When roaming, the call may be charged as an international call, even if you are connected to a hotel or cafe.

On Samsung The icon can be displayed in three states:

• 🔵 Blue tube: VoWiFi is active and ready for calls.
• ⚪ Gray tube: The feature is enabled but not in use (for example, there is no active call).
• 🔄 Flashing tube: Switching between Wi-Fi and cellular network (may indicate connection problems).

The technology is supported by most modern smartphones. Samsung (starting from Galaxy S8 And Note 8), but its operation depends on three factors:

1. Support from the telecom operator (at MTS, Beeline, Megaphone And Tele2 There is VoWiFi, but tariffs may be limited).
2. Phone settings (the function can be disabled manually).
3. The quality of the Wi-Fi network (if the internet is weak, calls will be dropped).

How to enable or disable VoWiFi on Samsung

If the icon is bothering you or you suspect it's causing your account to be debited, you can deactivate the feature. Instructions for Android 13/14 (on older versions the path may differ):

1. Open Settings → Connections → Mobile networks.
2. Select your SIM card (if you have more than one).
3. Find the item Wi-Fi calling (or VoWiFi).
4. Move the slider to the position Off.

On some models (eg, Galaxy A73 or S22) the path may be different:

Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → [Select SIM] → Wi-Fi calling

If the item is not in the menu, it means:

• 📱 Your phone does not support VoWiFi (check on official Samsung website according to the model).
• 📡 Your operator does not provide this service (check in your personal account or by dialing *111#).
• 🔄 You need to update the firmware (check in Settings → Software Update).

⚠️ AttentionSome carriers automatically enable VoWiFi without notification on some plans. If the icon remains after disabling the feature, contact support—the service may be activated on your SIM card.

Why is the VoWiFi icon grayed out?

The grey Wi-Fi handset icon means that the function is disabled included but not used at the moment. This is a normal condition if:

• 📞 You do not make or receive calls.
• 📶 The cellular network signal is strong enough (the phone doesn’t see the need to switch to Wi-Fi).
• 🌐 Wi-Fi is connected, but not stable (the phone tests the network before use).

However, if the gray icon does not disappear for a long time, the reasons may be different:

If the gray icon appeared after a firmware update, it could be a bug. Check if a new update has been released (sometimes Samsung (fixes such errors in the following patches).

VoWiFi and roaming: Why you might be charged

One of the most insidious features of VoWiFi is tariffing in roamingMany users think that connecting to Wi-Fi at a hotel or airport will protect them from additional charges, but this isn't always the case.

The point is that operators may consider calls via VoWiFi as international, If:

• 🌎 You are abroad, even if you are connected to local Wi-Fi.
• 📡 Your home operator does not have a partnership agreement with a local provider.
• 💳 You don't have the "Unlimited Calls in Roaming" package activated.

Example: You're in Turkey, connected to your hotel's Wi-Fi, but you call a Russian number using VoWiFi. Your operator may charge you a roaming call from Turkey to Russia (up to 100₽/min!).

⚠️ AttentionBefore traveling abroad, disable VoWiFi in your settings or check with your operator for pricing. Some (for example, Megaphone) offer special options for VoWiFi in roaming, but these are often paid.

To avoid unexpected charges:

1. Before your trip, check your roaming settings in your operator account.
2. Use instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) for calls via Wi-Fi - they do not depend on VoWiFi.
3. Disable automatic connection to public networks (in hotels, cafes).

How VoWiFi impacts battery life and internet speed

Many users worry that VoWiFi drains their battery or slows down their internet connection. Let's find out if this is true:

1. Battery consumption:

• ⚡ With a good Wi-Fi signal VoWiFi saves charge, since the phone does not waste energy searching for a cellular network.
• ⚠️ When Wi-Fi is weak (for example, at the edge of the router's coverage area), the phone constantly switches between networks, which increases consumption by 5-15%.

2. Internet speed:

• 📈 VoWiFi uses up to 100 KB/min for a voice call—this is insignificant for modern plans (but can be critical if you have limited traffic).
• 🎮 During a VoWiFi call, the internet speed on other devices (laptop, tablet) may temporarily drop if the router is weak.

Tests show that with VoWiFi active:

• 🔋 Samsung Galaxy S23 loses ~2% of charge per hour (versus 3% when using VoLTE).
• 📉 File download speed drops by 10–20 Mbps (if the router supports up to 100 Mbps).

If you notice significant battery drain after activating VoWiFi, please check:

• 🔌 Wi-Fi signal quality (in Settings → Wi-Fi (check the signal level).
• 🔄 Power saving settings (Settings → Device Care → Battery → Power Saving Mode).
• 📊 Battery consumption statistics (Settings → Device Care → Battery → Battery Usage).

How to check actual VoWiFi traffic consumption?

Open Settings → Connections → Data Usage → Mobile DataVoWiFi calls may appear as "IMS Service" or "Wi-Fi Calling".

What to do if VoWiFi doesn't work or drops out

If the Wi-Fi handset icon keeps appearing and disappearing, or VoWiFi calls are dropping, try these steps:

1. Check operator support:

• 📞 Call *100# (MTS), *111# (Beeline), *555# (MegaFon), or *611# (Tele2) to check if the service is available on your plan.
• 🌐 Log in to your account on the operator's website and check your VoWiFi status.

2. Update your network settings:

1. Go to Settings → General Management → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
2. Confirm the reset (this will delete saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords).
3. Restart your phone.

3. Check your Wi-Fi settings:

• 🔄 Turn Wi-Fi off and on again.
• 🔒 Make sure that your router does not block ports for VoWiFi (usually TCP/UDP 500, 4500).
• 📡 Reconnect to the network (forget the network in the settings and enter the password again).

4. Update the firmware:

Sometimes VoWiFi bugs are fixed in new software versions. Check for updates:

Settings → Software Update → Download and Install

If nothing helps, contact support Samsung or an operator with error logs (they can be obtained through the diagnostic mode: *#0011#).

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

Many people confuse VoWiFi and VoLTE, but they are two different technologies with different advantages:

What to choose?

• 🏠 At home or in the office: VoWiFi is preferred (better quality, battery saving).
• 🚗 On the way: VoLTE is more reliable (no problems with switching between towers).
• ✈️ In roaming: It is better to disable both functions and use instant messengers.

On Samsung You can enable both technologies simultaneously—the phone will automatically select the best option. To do this:

1. Activate VoLTE in Settings → Mobile networks → Network mode (select LTE/3G/2G).
2. Enable VoWiFi as described above.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the VoWiFi icon on Samsung

❓ Why did the VoWiFi icon appear by itself?

Operators often activate VoWiFi automatically when updating network settings. The feature can also be enabled after a firmware update. Samsung or if the cellular network signal is weak, check the settings in Mobile networks.

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

Yes, some operators (eg. Megaphone) allow you to make SIM-free VoWiFi calls if your phone is linked to an account (for example, via eSIM). However, this doesn't work with all plans. Check with your carrier.

❓ Why isn't VoWiFi working on my Samsung?

The reasons may be different:

• 📱 The phone does not support VoWiFi (check on Samsung website).
• 📡 The operator does not provide the service on your tariff.
• 🔧 VoWiFi ports are blocked in your router settings (ask your network administrator to open UDP 500, 4500).

❓ How do I know if a call is made via VoWiFi?

During a call, look at the status bar:

• 📞 If it's on blue Wi-Fi handset — the call is made via VoWiFi.
• 📶 If it's on 4G/5G — VoLTE or regular cellular communication is used.

❓ Is VoWiFi eating up my internet traffic?

Yes, but not significantly. A voice call over VoWiFi consumes ~100 KB/min (about 6 MB/hour). This is low for unlimited plans, but may be noticeable with limited data. Video calls over VoWiFi are not supported; messaging apps are used for these.

If your question isn't covered in the FAQ, check your phone settings or contact your carrier. VoWiFi is a useful feature, but its performance depends on many factors: phone model, firmware, carrier, and even the router.