Modern smartphones of the brand Xiaomi, including models of the series Redmi And POCO, are equipped with a variety of advanced features to improve communication. One of these options is technology VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi), which allows voice calls to be made over a wireless network, bypassing cellular base stations. This is especially useful in areas with poor signal strength, where regular mobile service is unstable or nonexistent.
However, not all users require this feature. In some cases, automatically switching to Wi-Fi for calls can lead to unexpected charges when using paid roaming networks or cause conflicts with Bluetooth headsets. Furthermore, constantly scanning for available networks for calls can have a minor, but not insignificant, impact on performance. autonomy devices in standby mode.
If you find yourself needing to disable this option, it is important to know where exactly to look for the required switch in the shell. MIUI or HyperOSThe menu location may vary depending on the firmware version and the region for which the device was released. In this article, we'll cover all the methods for disabling Wi-Fi calls on Xiaomi devices and cover related settings that affect call quality.
Why you should disable VoWiFi
Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology has its advantages, but in some scenarios it's best to keep it turned off. The main argument against it is roamingWhen abroad, a smartphone may attempt to make a call via a local Wi-Fi network, which, depending on the carrier's rates and the country of residence, may be considered an international call or, conversely, a money-saving measure if billed per minute.
⚠️ Attention: In some regions and with certain operators, Wi-Fi calls while roaming may be charged as incoming/outgoing calls within your home network, but if you switch to a mobile network during a call, the call counter may start at roaming rates.
Another reason to disable is the stability of the connection with peripheral devices. Some users note that with active VoWiFi Occasional disconnections with Bluetooth headphones or smartwatches are observed during incoming calls. This is due to the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules operating in similar frequency ranges, and prioritizing voice traffic can temporarily limit bandwidth for other tasks.
It's also worth keeping in mind that not all operators support this feature correctly. If your service provider hasn't certified the service on devices Xiaomi, the phone may constantly try to register with the VoWiFi network, lose the signal, and then search for it again. This cycle leads to unnecessary battery drain and heat buildup in the pocket.
The main way to disable it is through the phone settings.
The easiest and safest way to disable Wi-Fi calls is to use your smartphone's standard settings menu. The shell interface MIUI It's logical, but due to frequent updates, the section names may differ slightly. Below is a general guide suitable for most current models.
To begin, you need to open the main settings menu. You can do this by clicking the gear icon on the home screen or by selecting the corresponding item in the notification shade. Next, go to the section responsible for SIM cards and mobile networks. This is usually called... SIM cards and mobile networks.
In this menu, you'll see a list of your installed SIM cards. Select the one for which you want to disable the feature. If you have two SIM cards, you'll need to configure the settings separately for each one. Find the switch labeled Wi-Fi calling or Wi-Fi Calling and turn it to the "Off" position.
☑️ Function disabling algorithm
In some firmware versions, this option may be hidden in the "Additional Settings" submenu within the SIM card section. If you don't see the switch immediately, carefully scroll to the bottom of the screen. The option may also be grayed out if no Wi-Fi network is currently connected or if your carrier has temporarily blocked the service.
Finding the option in the call menu and engineering mode
If you don't find the switch you need in the standard SIM card settings section, you should check the menu in the Phone app itself. In older versions of the shell MIUI Call settings were often hidden there. Open the calling app, tap the three dots in the corner of the screen or the menu button, and select Settings.
In the list that opens, look for the item "Calling Accounts" or "Accounts." This is where the global switch for the function may be located. Wi-Fi CallingIn newer versions of the interface, this option may simply be called "Wi-Fi Calling" and be located at the top of the app's settings list.
Advanced users can access the engineering menu, which allows them to control more advanced radio module settings. To access it, open the Phone app and enter the following combination: ##86583##If everything is done correctly, you will see the message "VoWiFi carrier check was DISABLED" (or ENABLED). Entering the command again changes the status.
##86583##⚠️ Attention: Be careful when using engineering codes. Changing unknown parameters may cause the communication module to malfunction. Use this method only if standard solutions fail.
It's worth noting that on global firmware versions, access to the engineering menu via codes is often blocked by the manufacturer. In this case, the system simply doesn't respond to entering the code. Unlocking these functions requires special permissions or third-party apps, which is not recommended for regular users for security reasons.
What to do if the code doesn't work?
If entering the code doesn't work, your MIUI version may be blocking access to the engineering menu. Try installing the "QuickShortcutMaker" app from trusted sources, find "SIM Tool Kit" or "Phone" in the list, and launch the test menu from there. However, this doesn't work on all models.
Disabling via operator settings
Sometimes the problem isn't with your phone, but with your carrier's settings. VoWiFi may be activated by the provider, and the smartphone, upon receiving the appropriate signals, persistently tries to use it. To completely disable Wi-Fi calling, check your carrier's account or app.
Open the app (for example, "My MTS," "Megafon," "Beeline," or "My Tele2") and find the section with connected services. There may be an option called "Wi-Fi Calling" or "VoWiFi." If it's enabled, simply disable it. Afterward, it's recommended to restart your smartphone to allow the network to update the profile.
An alternative method is to send a USSD request. Each operator has its own code for managing services. For example, this could be a command like *111*123#The exact code is best found on the operator's official website or in the command help by typing *111# or similar service number.
If you can't deactivate the service via the app or USSD codes, the only sure solution is to call technical support. The operator will be able to forcibly deactivate the service in their subscriber profile, after which Xiaomi The ability to make calls via Wi-Fi will be lost, even if the switch in the settings remains active.
Comparison of shutdown methods and their features
Different methods for disabling the feature have their own nuances and consequences for the device's operation. Understanding these differences will help you choose the most appropriate option for your situation. Below is a table comparing the main methods.
| Method | Complexity | Efficiency | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIM card settings | Low | High | None |
| Phone application menu | Low | Average | Minimum |
| Engineering code | High | High | Medium (network failure) |
| Request from the operator | Average | Maximum | None |
The safest and most recommended way is to use the default settings in the menu. SIM cards and mobile networksThis method requires no specialized knowledge and is fully reversible. Engineering codes should only be used in extreme cases when other options are unavailable and the network switching issue is acute.
Therefore, if you notice that the handset icon with the Wi-Fi symbol has reappeared after the update, you will need to check your settings again.
Impact of the function on battery and connection quality
Many users are wondering how powerful the feature is VoWiFi Affects the smartphone's battery life. With a stable Wi-Fi signal, power consumption is comparable to normal standby mode. However, if the router is far away or the signal is unstable, the phone begins to increase its transmit power, leading to faster battery drain.
The audio quality of Wi-Fi calls is generally higher than standard 2G/3G voice channels, thanks to the use of a wideband codec. However, there's a catch: if the internet connection is busy with other devices (for example, downloading movies or games), the quality may drop sharply, causing lag and a robotic voice.
By disabling this feature, you restore priority to the cellular network. This can be useful in apartment buildings, where multiple neighboring routers create a signal clutter that interferes with VoWiFi performance. In such conditions, a standard GSM/4G call may be more reliable.
Common problems and solutions
Even after disabling the feature, users may experience artifacts. For example, the Wi-Fi handset icon may appear and disappear intermittently. This often indicates that the carrier is forcing the service through a network profile. In this case, a full reset of the network settings is the only solution.
To do this, go to Settings → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and BluetoothPlease note that this action will delete saved passwords for Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices, but will not affect your personal data, photos, or contacts.
Another common issue is the inability to make calls after disabling VoWiFi, if you're in an area with no cellular service and only Wi-Fi. In this case, the phone simply won't be able to make a call until you return to a cell tower or re-enable the feature.
⚠️ Attention: Operating system interfaces and operator apps are constantly being updated. The layout of menu items may change. If you don't find the option described above, search your phone's settings by entering the keywords "Wi-Fi" or "Calls."
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Will the internet work on my Xiaomi if I disable Wi-Fi calling?
Yes, Wi-Fi internet will continue to function as normal. Disabling VoWiFi only affects voice calls over the internet protocol. All apps, browsers, and messaging apps will continue to function as usual.
Why does the Wi-Fi Calling icon still appear after turning off the feature?
This can happen if the service is activated by your carrier. In this case, the phone receives a command from the network to activate the mode. To resolve this, you need to deactivate the service in your carrier's account or contact their support team.
Does disabling VoWiFi affect the operation of instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram)?
No, voice calls in messengers use their own data transfer protocols (VoIP) and do not depend on the system function Wi-Fi CallingYou can make calls freely via WhatsApp or Telegram even if the system option is disabled.
Is it possible to disable this feature for only one SIM card?
Yes, it's on the menu. SIM cards and mobile networks The settings for each SIM card are independent. You can leave VoWiFi enabled for the primary SIM card and disable it for the second one, for example, if the second one is used only for internet access.
Do I need to restart my phone after changing settings?
Recommended. Although changes often take effect immediately, a reboot ensures that the communication module is fully re-registered with the updated network settings, eliminating potential errors when switching between Wi-Fi and cellular networks.