Modern smartphones offer many features to improve communication quality, and one of these technologies is Voice over Wi-FiIt allows voice calls over a wireless internet network, which is especially useful in areas with poor cellular coverage. However, despite its obvious advantages, users often need to deactivate this feature due to equipment conflicts or billing issues.
The question "How to disable VoWiFi" becomes relevant when your phone tries to use a weak Wi-Fi signal instead of a stable 4G connection, causing call drops. Furthermore, some carriers may not support this feature on certain plans or devices, leading to connection errors. In this article, we'll cover all the ways to manage this feature in detail.
You don't need to be a techie to change your communication settings. Interfaces Android and iOS operating systems are fairly intuitive, but sometimes the necessary switches are hidden in deep menus or carrier-specific. We'll cover the steps for different phone models and explain why they might be right for you.
What is VoWiFi technology and why should you disable it?
Technology Voice over Wi-Fi (also known as Wi-Fi Calling) allows voice traffic to be transmitted over the Internet protocol, bypassing traditional cellular networks. This ensures high-quality audio and the ability to make calls from locations where traditional cellular networks don't reach, such as basements or thick-walled buildings. However, if the access point has low bandwidth, call quality may drop sharply.
One of the main reasons users search for a way to disable VoWiFi is the issue with emergency services. When calling over Wi-Fi, the operator may not receive the subscriber's precise geolocation data, as the coordinates are determined by the router's IP address, not the cell tower. This can significantly hinder the work of emergency responders in a critical situation.
⚠️ Please note: When using VoWiFi while roaming, additional data charges may apply unless you have a special plan. Always check with your carrier before activating the feature abroad.
It's also worth mentioning conflicts with some router models. If your equipment doesn't support traffic prioritization (QoS), voice packets may be lost in the general data stream, causing echo or delays. In such cases, transferring the call to a standard GSM/4G network solves the problem.
Disabling the feature on iPhone (iOS) devices
Apple smartphone owners usually have the easiest time finding the right setting because Cupertino residents We standardized the interface. To disable VoWiFi, you need to go to the phone's main settings. It's important to understand that if your carrier doesn't support the feature, the menu option may simply not exist.
Follow the next algorithm: open the application Settings, then select the section Cellular communicationsIn the list that opens, find the item Wi-Fi callingThe switch next to "Wi-Fi Calling on iPhone" should be turned off (gray).
In some cases, especially on dual SIM devices, settings may apply individually to each line. Make sure you've changed the setting for the correct number. If, after switching, the icon VoWiFi or Wi-Fi Call has not disappeared from the status bar, try restarting your device.
Sometimes users encounter a situation where the feature is disabled automatically after an iOS update. This is normal system behavior if the carrier profile has been updated. Recheck your settings after each major system update.
Managing VoWiFi on Android smartphones
On the platform 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 position the necessary switches differently. However, the general principle remains the same for most devices.
The standard path looks like this: go to Settings, select Connections or Network and Internet. Next, find the section Mobile network or SIM cardsThat's where the item is usually hidden. Wi-Fi callingOn some Samsung models the path may differ: Phone → Three dots (menu) → Settings → Wi-Fi Calling.
If you can't find the switch in the menu, use the settings search. Enter "Wi-Fi" or "VoWiFi" in the search bar, and the system will highlight the appropriate option. On Xiaomi and Redmi devices, this feature is often located within the app. Telephone in the Mi SIM account settings.
☑️ Check before disconnecting
It's worth noting that this feature may not work correctly on some custom firmware versions or "gray" smartphones. In such cases, completely disabling VoWiFi via the engineering menu or hidden settings may be the only solution, but caution is required.
Hidden codes and engineering menu
For advanced users who can't find a standard switch, there are special USSD codes and commands for the engineering menu. However, using this method requires caution, as changing system parameters may affect the operation of the communication module.
On many Android devices, the advanced testing menu is accessed by entering the command ##86583## or ##4636##In the menu that opens, you need to find the section Phone Information and look for the switch associated with Voice over WiFiMake sure you don't change any other settings, such as your preferred network type.
##86583## — code for enabling/disabling the VoWiFi menu (not available on all models)
##4636## — Android's general engineering menu⚠️ Caution: Do not change values in the engineering menu if you are unsure of them. Resetting the radio module may result in temporary signal loss or the need to reflash the phone.
There are also operator codes that forcibly disable the service on the network side. For example, with some providers, Wi-Fi Calling can be cancelled through your personal account or a USSD request. This is a more secure method, as it doesn't affect the smartphone's software.
What to do if the codes don't work?
If the standard engineering codes don't open the menu, your device manufacturer has blocked access to them. In this case, try installing the Activity Launcher app from Google Play, find it in the "Settings" list, and look for hidden activities related to IMS or VoWiFi.
The influence of the telecom operator and tariff plan
Often, the problem isn't with your phone, but with your carrier's settings. Even if you've figured out how to disable VoWiFi on your device, the network may still try to force the call to use it if the service is activated on the SIM card. Different providers (MTS, Beeline, Megafon, Tele2) may have different behavior.
Below is a table with sample steps for popular operators to manage the service:
| Operator | Disconnection method | USSD command | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | Personal account / Application | Not required | Calls via Wi-Fi service |
| Beeline | Phone settings | *110*181# | Checking service status |
| Megaphone | Personal account | *105*0053# | Management in the "Services" section |
| Tele2 | Automatically | No code | Depends on the phone model |
It's important to understand that some carriers enable this feature automatically when you first connect to a Wi-Fi network if your phone supports it. Therefore, disabling it only in the smartphone menu may not be sufficient—you'll need to deactivate the service through your provider as well.
If you travel frequently, be mindful of roaming charges. In many countries, Wi-Fi calls are charged at the local rate, but this only works when VoWiFi is enabled. If you disable VoWiFi, incoming and outgoing calls will be charged at international roaming rates, which can be significantly more expensive.
Diagnosing connection quality issues
Before completely abandoning the technology, it's worth running diagnostics. The problem may not be with the VoWiFi function itself, but with channel congestion or router settings. If you hear a robotic voice or constant interruptions, try changing the Wi-Fi channel.
Use Wi-Fi network analysis apps to find a clear frequency band. Switching from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz often resolves voice quality issues. Also, make sure your router isn't located near a microwave or Bluetooth devices that could cause interference.
- 📶 Check the speed: For stable VoWiFi, a minimum of 1 Mbps is required for transmission and reception.
- 🔋 Energy saving: Your phone's power saving mode may aggressively limit background network activity, degrading call quality.
- 🔄 Firmware update: Outdated router software may not correctly process SIP voice traffic packets.
If the quality hasn't improved after all these steps, it's a good idea to leave the feature disabled. Ultimately, connection reliability is more important than experimenting with technology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do operators charge extra for VoWiFi?
In most cases, domestic Wi-Fi calls are charged according to your primary plan, just like regular minutes. However, international roaming rules may differ, and data may be charged separately.
Is the VoWiFi icon visible to the other person?
No, your caller won't see any indicators on their screen. To them, it will be a normal incoming call. The connection status is visible only to you in the status bar on your smartphone.
Is it possible to use VoWiFi without a SIM card?
Technically, a SIM card is required for initial service activation and registration with the operator's network. However, after activation, some devices allow emergency calls or calls through certain apps even without an active SIM card, but full functionality is not possible.
Why did the internet disappear after disabling VoWiFi?
This is unlikely, as the features are independent. However, if you had the "Wi-Fi only for calls" priority enabled, your phone may have blocked mobile data during a call. After disabling this feature, mobile data should work normally.