Modern smartphones are chock-full of features designed to improve connection quality, but sometimes their performance raises more questions than it's worth. One such feature is Wi-Fi Calling, which allows you to make calls over a wireless network when the cell tower signal is weak. Users often encounter a situation where their phone persistently tries to make calls over the internet, even when the mobile network is working properly, which can lead to delays or unexpected data consumption.
In some cases, an incomprehensible phone icon with a Wi-Fi symbol appears on the screen, confusing device owners. This raises the obvious question: how do you disable Wi-Fi Calling if you don't need it or it interferes with normal use of your device? The deactivation process may vary depending on the phone model and operating system version, but the steps are generally the same.
In this article, we'll explore all the nuances of setting up voice calls over the internet on popular platforms. You'll learn why it's worth it. disable Wi-Fi Calling in certain situations, and get step-by-step instructions for devices based on iOS And AndroidThis will help you regain full control over your smartphone and avoid unnecessary expenses or connection problems.
Why is this feature needed and when should it be disabled?
VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) technology was developed to solve the problem of "dead zones" where there is virtually no cellular signal, but there is access to a wireless network. Wi-Fi Calling Allows voice transmission over internet protocols, ensuring clear audio in areas where traditional calls are impossible. However, this feature doesn't always work perfectly, and in some situations it's best to disable it.
The main reason users look for a way to disable this option is connection instability. If your router is overloaded or your Wi-Fi signal is weak, call quality may be worse than when using 3G or 4G. Furthermore, some carriers may charge for these minutes separately or round up the call time, leading to overpayments.
⚠️ Attention: Before disabling Wi-Fi Calling, make sure you have reliable mobile network coverage in your current location. If you're in a basement or remote area, disabling the feature may result in a complete loss of connection.
It's also worth remembering that calls may be interrupted when switching between networks. If you move out of the router's range, your phone should seamlessly switch to the cellular network, but in practice, this doesn't always happen smoothly. Disabling this feature is especially important for users who use SIM cards from foreign operators while roaming, as it may affect their billing.
How to Disable Wi-Fi Calling on iPhone (iOS)
Smartphone owners Apple have a fairly simple and unified settings interface, making it easy to find the necessary settings. Voice calling over Wi-Fi is included in the ecosystem. iOS It is deeply integrated into the phone's system settings and can be managed centrally for all SIM cards or individually for each one.
To deactivate this option, open the standard "Settings" app and go to the "Phone" section. This is where you'll find all the settings related to incoming and outgoing calls. If you have two SIM cards installed on your device, you'll see a "Wi-Fi Calling" subsection where you can select a specific number.
Once in the menu, find the switch labeled "Wi-Fi Calling" and toggle it off. The system may ask you to confirm this action, warning you that internet calls will no longer be made. Tap "Disable" or "Turn Off" for the changes to take effect immediately.
- 📱 Open the app
Settingson the main screen. - 📞 Go to the section
Telephone(orCellular communicationsin some versions). - 📶 Find the item
Wi-Fi callingand click on it. - 🚫 Move the slider
Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhoneleft to turn off.
It is important to note that after updating the operating system iOS The settings may reset to factory defaults, so it's a good idea to check this setting after the upgrade. It's also worth keeping in mind that some carriers may hide this option or, conversely, prevent it from being disabled through the standard menu, requiring you to contact support.
☑️ Check iPhone settings
Disabling the feature on Android smartphones
The situation with devices based on Android The situation is somewhat more complicated due to the huge variety of shells from different manufacturers. The settings menu on Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei or Google Pixel The menu may look different, but the search logic remains the same. You'll need to find the section responsible for network connections or SIM card settings.
The most common way to do this is through the general network settings. Open "Settings," select "Connections" or "Network & Internet." Next, look for the "SIM cards and mobile networks" section. This is where you'll usually find the switch that controls network priority for calls.
On some phone models, for example, from SamsungThe option may be called "Wi-Fi Calling" and be located right in the notification shade. If you don't find it there, try searching through your settings and searching for "Wi-Fi Calling" or "Calls."
- 🔧 Go to
Settingsyour Android smartphone. - 📡 Select a section
ConnectionsorNetwork and Internet. - 📱 Click on
Mobile networkor select your SIM card. - ❌ Find the switch
Wi-Fi callingand turn it off.
It is worth mentioning that on custom firmwares such as MIUI or OneUI, the names of the options may be translated incorrectly or differ from the standard ones. If you can't find the switch you need, use the built-in search in the settings, which is usually available at the top of the menu screen.
What to do if the item is not in the menu?
If you don't find the toggle in your settings, it may mean your carrier doesn't support this feature or it's blocked at the firmware level. Try updating your phone's software or contacting your carrier.
Specific settings for Samsung, Xiaomi, and Huawei
Major electronics manufacturers frequently change the layout of interface elements, causing confusion among users. Let's look at the specifics of disabling Wi-Fi Calling on devices from the most popular brands, so you can quickly navigate the menu.
On smartphones Samsung with shell One UI The path most often looks like this: "Settings" → "Connections" → "Wi-Fi Calling." Here you can not only disable the feature but also select the network priority: "Mobile network preferred" or "Wi-Fi network preferred." To disable it completely, simply uncheck the box or move the slider.
Devices Xiaomi (including Redmi And POCO) with shell MIUI or HyperOS This setting is hidden deeper. You need to go to "Settings" → "SIM cards and mobile networks" → select a specific SIM card → "Use Wi-Fi for calls." Sometimes this option is hidden in the "Advanced settings" menu.
Smartphones Huawei And Honor have a similar structure: "Settings" → "Mobile network" → "Wi-Fi calling", which on some models without services Google This feature may not work reliably, and disabling it is even recommended to improve battery life.
| Brand | Path to the menu | Option name |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Connections | Wi-Fi calling |
| Xiaomi / Redmi | SIM cards and mobile networks | Use Wi-Fi for calls |
| Huawei / Honor | Mobile network | Wi-Fi calling |
| Google Pixel | Network and Internet | Wi-Fi Settings (Calls) |
| Realme | Mobile network | Calling over Wi-Fi |
If you don't find an exact match, use the settings search. Type "Wi-Fi" and view all telephony-related results. This is the fastest way to find a hidden option on any version. Android.
The Impact of Wi-Fi Calling on Battery Life and Traffic
One of the key factors that prompts users to disable this feature is increased energy consumption. When Wi-Fi Calling When active, the wireless module operates in a constant state of readiness for voice transmission, which requires more power than normal cellular standby mode. This is especially noticeable on older smartphone models.
There's also a myth that Wi-Fi calling doesn't consume data. This isn't entirely true: although many carriers don't charge for Wi-Fi calling voice traffic, technically, data is transmitted over your internet connection. If you have a limited plan or low speed, this can impact the overall network performance in your home.
⚠️ Attention: When using Wi-Fi networks (such as cafes and airports), making calls using this feature may be unsafe, as the voice traffic, although encrypted, passes through someone else's equipment. It's best to disable this feature in such locations.
Disabling this feature can give your device an hour or two of battery life, especially if you're in an area with poor Wi-Fi coverage where the phone is constantly trying to reconnect or maintain a signal. This is an important consideration for those who value battery life.
Common problems and solutions
Even after attempting to disable the feature, users may find that the Wi-Fi handset icon remains, or calls continue to be dropped. This could be due to settings caching by the carrier or a software glitch in the phone itself. In such cases, a more in-depth diagnosis is required.
The first thing to do is reboot your device. This is a simple but often effective step, forcing the phone to re-register with the carrier's network and update its settings profile. If this doesn't help, try removing the SIM card and reinserting it, after cleaning the contacts.
Sometimes the problem lies with an outdated carrier profile. Go to Network Settings and select "Update Carrier Settings" (on iPhone) or reset your network settings to factory defaults (on Android). Keep in mind that resetting your network will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords, so you'll have to re-enter them.
- 🔄 Perform a full reboot of your smartphone.
- 📲 Remove and reinstall the SIM card.
- ⚙️ Reset network settings in the system menu.
- 📞 Contact your operator to update server-side services.
If all else fails, the service may have been forced into service by your carrier. In this case, your only option is to call customer support or visit a mobile phone store so they can disable the "Voice Calls over Wi-Fi" service in your account.
Is it possible to disable Wi-Fi Calling remotely through my personal account?
Yes, many major carriers allow you to manage additional services through a mobile app or personal account on their website. Find the "Services" or "Price" section and look for the "Wi-Fi Calling" or "VoWiFi" option. If there's a toggle switch, you can deactivate the feature without accessing your phone's settings.
Does the shutdown affect the quality of calls indoors?
If your home or office has a very poor cellular signal but excellent Wi-Fi, disabling this feature will degrade the connection. You may experience interruptions or even lose service altogether. In such cases, it's best to leave the feature enabled or consider installing a femtocell.
Do operators charge for Wi-Fi calls?
Most Russian and international operators charge these minutes according to your basic plan, just like regular calls. However, when roaming internationally, incoming and outgoing calls via Wi-Fi Calling may be charged as calls from your home network, which is significantly cheaper than roaming rates.
Why does the Wi-Fi Calling icon reappear after turning it off?
This can happen during automatic carrier profile updates or after a phone reboot if the system priority is set to "Wi-Fi Preferred." Check your network priority settings and ensure you've selected "Mobile Network" or disabled the feature completely in the SIM card menu.
Do I need to turn off Wi-Fi Calling for video calls?
No, this setting only applies to regular voice calls through the default dialer. Video calls in messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, FaceTime) use the internet directly and are not affected by the VoWiFi system setting, although connection quality will also depend on your Wi-Fi speed.