Modern smartphones Xiaomi And Redmi equipped with many functions to improve the quality of communication, one of which is VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi). This technology allows voice calls to be made over a wireless network, which is especially useful in areas with poor cellular signal. However, not all users appreciate the phone being forced to switch to Wi-Fi for calls, or the feature itself can cause SIM card issues.
Device owners often encounter situations where the Wi-Fi handset icon appears at the most inopportune moments, or internet calls are poor quality due to an unstable router. In such cases, it becomes necessary to forcefully disable the feature. In this article, we'll cover all available deactivation methods in detail. Wi-Fi Calling on the shell MIUI And HyperOS, and we'll also look at hidden settings that advanced users might need.
It's important to understand that the menu interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version and the region for which the smartphone was released. However, the operating logic remains the same for most models in the line. Redmi Note, Redmi And Xiaomi MiWe'll cover both standard settings-based methods and more in-depth system interventions.
What is VoWiFi and why should you disable it?
Technology Voice over Wi-Fi This feature transmits voice traffic over an internet channel, bypassing standard cell phone towers. This allows for communication in basements, thick-walled country houses, or offices where GSM signal is virtually nonexistent. Carriers actively promote this feature because it reduces the load on base stations.
Despite its obvious advantages, many users tend to disable this feature. The main reason is the network switcher malfunctioning: the phone can become stuck on weak Wi-Fi when the cellular network is stable nearby, leading to dropped calls or the inability to make calls. Furthermore, some data plans don't support this feature, or it may be charged for when roaming.
⚠️ Caution: Disabling VoWiFi may result in complete loss of service in areas where the cellular signal doesn't penetrate walls but wireless internet is available. Ensure you have stable network coverage in your area before disabling this feature.
Another annoying factor is the visual interface element. The handset icon with the Wi-Fi symbol appearing in the status bar can obstruct the view or simply be unattractive. Some users also report increased battery drain when actively searching for voice call networks, even though modern modems are quite efficient.
The standard way to disable it is through the phone settings.
The easiest and safest way to deactivate this feature is to use the standard Android settings menu. In current versions of the shell MIUI This switch is usually located in the section responsible for SIM cards and mobile networks. The procedure is quite simple and does not require root access.
To get started, open the Settings app and find the section SIM cards and mobile networksIf you have a dual-SIM smartphone, the system will prompt you to select a specific card, as settings may be specific to each slot. Select the SIM card on which you want to disable the feature.
Next you need to find an item that may be called Wi-Fi Calling, Wi-Fi Calling or VoWiFiIn some regions and firmware versions, this option may be hidden within the "Additional Settings" or "Advanced Settings" menu within the SIM card profile. If the toggle is active, simply tap it to gray it out or move it to the left.
☑️ Disabling algorithm in MIUI
In some cases, after disabling the feature, the phone may require a reboot for the changes to take effect. This is normal, as the mobile phone module must re-register with the carrier's network without VoWiFi support. If the toggle is missing or grayed out, this indicates a restriction imposed by the carrier or firmware, and other methods will be required.
Settings via the engineering menu and codes
If the standard interface doesn't allow you to control a function, you can use the engineering menu or special USSD codes that may be enabled by your carrier. The engineering menu is a hidden section of the system designed for hardware testing, but it also allows you to control some radio module parameters.
To enter the testing menu, a code is often used ##4636##After entering the combination, the "Testing" menu should open in the "Phone" app (dialer). Here you need to select the option Phone Information (Phone Information). In the list that opens, look for the option related to VoWiFi or IMS status.
Menu path (may vary):
Phone Information -> Toggle VoWiFi Provisioned
However, on modern versions Android 11/12/13/14 Access to these settings is often blocked. In this case, using third-party apps to open hidden menus or installing a special APK file called "Activity Launcher," which allows you to launch hidden system activities, can help. Find the activity com.android.settings and search for keywords VoWiFi or IMS.
⚠️ Caution: Use extreme caution in the engineering menu. Changing settings you're unsure of (such as the preferred network type or frequency) may result in signal loss or unstable phone operation. Only change settings directly related to VoWiFi.
It's also worth checking your operator codes. Some providers activate the service by default, and it can only be disabled through their service commands. For example, by sending a USSD request like *123# (The code depends on the operator). It's best to look for this information on your operator's official website in the help section.
Using hidden settings via ADB
For advanced users who aren't afraid to connect their smartphone to a computer, there's a method for disabling the feature via USB debugging (ADB). This method allows you to make changes to system databases that aren't accessible through the regular interface. You'll need a PC, a USB cable, and installed ADB drivers.
First, you need to enable developer mode on your phone. To do this, tap the build number seven times in the section About the phoneThen, in the "For Developers" menu, enable the option USB debuggingConnect your phone to your computer and enable debugging on your smartphone's screen.
The command to disable VoWiFi may vary depending on the chipset manufacturer (Snapdragon or MediaTek) and Android versions. The global setting is often used ims_ra_enabled or specific flags. Example command for global disabling:
adb shell settings put global ims_ra_enabled 0After running the command, be sure to reboot your device. If this method doesn't work, your carrier may be using its own configuration flags. In this case, look for commands containing the word volte or vowifi in the settings system or globalThis method provides the most control, but requires care when entering the syntax.
Risks of using ADB
Using ADB commands can cause system malfunction if critical settings are changed. Always back up important data before tampering with system settings. Incorrect actions may require a factory reset.
Impact of carrier and SIM profile
It is important to remember that the presence and operation of the function VoWiFi Depends directly on your mobile carrier. Even if there's a switch in your phone's settings, the service itself must be activated by your provider. Some carriers force this feature, while others require it to be activated through your personal account.
The VoWiFi icon often appears because the carrier has updated the network profile (OTA settings) and forced this option on the SIM card. In this case, simply turning off the switch on the phone may not help—the system will re-enable it each time you re-register with the network.
To solve the problem radically, you can:
- 📞 Call your carrier's customer support and ask them to disable the "Wi-Fi Calling" service on your number.
- 📱 Log in to your operator's mobile app and find the relevant section in your tariff or service settings.
- 💾 Reset network settings on your phone. This will delete the configurations received from your operator, but will require you to re-enter your Wi-Fi passwords.
| Action | Efficiency | Complexity | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone settings | High | Low | No |
| Request to the operator | Maximum | Average | No |
| Engineering menu | Average | High | Average |
| ADB commands | High | Very high | Tall |
If your carrier insists on using VoWiFi to improve coverage in your area, they may ignore disconnection requests, citing concerns about connection quality. In such cases, the only solution is to change your SIM card to a different carrier or use internet calling apps (Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram) while disabling standard Wi-Fi dialing.
Problems after disconnection and their solutions
After you have turned it off VoWiFi, some issues may arise with your phone's operation. The most common issue is that the phone stops detecting the network in areas where calls previously worked fine due to internet transmission. This isn't a malfunction, but expected behavior: the device can no longer use Wi-Fi as a bridge for voice communication.
You may also receive notifications from your operator that the service has been disabled, or, conversely, the system may attempt to automatically re-enable it. If you see the switch in the settings automatically reset to the "On" position, this indicates that the settings are hardcoded in your operator profile.
In rare cases, after manipulating the engineering menu or ADB, the 4G/LTE icon may disappear, and the phone will remain in 3G or 2G mode. This means you accidentally touched the settings. IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem). To restore, you need:
- 🔄 Perform a full reset of network settings in the phone menu.
- 🗑️ Delete and re-add your carrier's APN access point.
- 📲 As a last resort, perform a factory reset (Hard Reset).
- 📞 Contact a service center to reflash the modem.
⚠️ Please note: Operating system interfaces and carrier terms are constantly changing. What worked on MIUI 12 may work differently on HyperOS. Always check the latest instructions for your specific model and software version.
Don't panic if your connection quality deteriorates after disabling this feature. This is a sign that your cellular signal is truly poor, and your phone is using Wi-Fi as a substitute. In this situation, the best solution is to install a home base station (Femtocell) from your carrier or switch to messaging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did the VoWiFi icon appear again after updating the firmware?
When updating the system MIUI or HyperOS The radio module's user settings are often reset, and the phone rereads the SIM card profile. If your carrier reactivates the service by default, the icon will return. You'll need to disable the feature again through the settings or contact your carrier.
Does VoWiFi affect internet speed?
Voice traffic has high priority but doesn't take up much bandwidth. However, if you're using a weak Wi-Fi connection, simultaneously talking and downloading files can cause lag in both processes. Disabling VoWiFi may free up some bandwidth for data, but not much.
Is it possible to disable VoWiFi for only one SIM card?
Yes, in the settings SIM cards and mobile networks You select a specific card and change the settings only for it. This is convenient if, for example, you need the service on your work SIM card but not on your personal one.
Do operators charge extra for VoWiFi?
In most cases, domestic Wi-Fi calls are charged as part of the standard package minutes. However, international roaming rules may differ: Wi-Fi calls may be counted as incoming and outgoing calls in your home region, saving you money, or they may be charged separately. Check with your provider for details.
What should I do if the VoWiFi option is not available in the settings menu?
This means either your phone model doesn't support this feature, your carrier hasn't certified it for your region, or it's hidden in the firmware. In this case, the only solutions available are the engineering menu or ADB methods described above.