Modern smartphones offer many features to improve communication quality, and one of the most popular technologies is Wi-Fi CallingIt allows you to make voice calls and send SMS messages over a wireless network, bypassing cellular base stations. This solution is ideal for areas with poor signal strength, but in some cases, users may need to disable this option.
Reasons why VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) can cause a variety of issues when a device owner is no longer satisfied. Sometimes, a phone incorrectly switches between mobile data and Wi-Fi, causing connection drops, while in other cases, the user simply wants to save data or reduce battery drain. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at how to manage this feature on various operating systems.
Before we move on to the settings, it is important to understand that disabling calls via Wi-Fi This won't remove the feature from your phone's firmware. You'll only prevent the device from using the internet connection for voice transmission, forcing it to switch to standard 2G, 3G, or 4G/5G voice channels. This can be critical in areas with strong cellular coverage, where connection quality through a router may be lower due to channel congestion.
Why you should disable Wi-Fi calling
Despite the obvious advantages of this technology, there are scenarios where its active use causes more problems than it's worth. One of the main arguments against it is the unstable connection when moving. If you move out of the router's range, your smartphone should instantly switch the call to the cellular network, but in practice, this process (handover) often results in dropped calls or a complete loss of connection.
Another important aspect is that device autonomyConstantly monitoring Wi-Fi signal quality to maintain a voice connection can result in additional power consumption, especially if the router is at the limit of its range. In situations where every percent of battery life counts, disabling unnecessary background services is a smart move to extend the battery life of your device.
⚠️ Please note: Some mobile carrier plans may not include Wi-Fi call minutes in the overall package, especially when traveling abroad. Always check roaming terms to avoid unexpected charges.
Sound quality is also worth mentioning. While HD Voice technology allows for high-definition audio transmission, it's entirely dependent on your local network's bandwidth. If everyone in the house is downloading torrents or watching 4K videos at the same time, voice quality can degrade dramatically, with artifacts and echoes appearing. Under these conditions, standard cellular service is often more stable.
Disabling VoWiFi on Samsung smartphones
South Korean Samsung devices run the One UI interface, which has its own unique settings layout. To disable this feature, go to the main settings menu and find the section responsible for connections. The interface may vary slightly depending on the operating system version. Android and phone models.
In most cases, the algorithm of actions looks like this: open Settings, select the item Connections. Next, find the line that is called - Calls via Wi-FiWithin this menu, there will be a switch that needs to be toggled to the off position. If you don't see this option right away, try searching for "Wi-Fi Calling" in your settings.
- 📱 Open the Settings app from your home screen.
- 🔗 Go to the "Connections" or "Network and Internet" section.
- 📞 Find the "Wi-Fi Calling" item and tap on it.
- ❌ Move the slider to the "Off" position.
After completing these steps, the Wi-Fi icon at the top of the screen, where you usually see the phone icon with the Wi-Fi symbol, should disappear. Now all incoming and outgoing calls will be made exclusively through your mobile network. If the icon remains, try restarting your device or turning airplane mode on and off.
iPhone Setup: Managing Calls in iOS
Apple smartphone owners need to look for settings in a slightly different place. Ecosystem iOS Groups communication settings within the phone's menu, rather than in the general network settings. This is designed to make it easier for users who frequently change SIM cards or use dual-SIM mode.
To disable the feature, go to Settings and scroll down to the item TelephoneHere you need to find the "Wi-Fi Calling" option. In some regions or with certain carriers, this option may be called "Wi-Fi Calling." Inside, you'll see a switch that enables the technology on all networks or only on the current network.
It's important to note that on an iPhone with two SIM cards (or one physical and one eSIM), settings can be applied individually for each number. Make sure you disable this feature for the SIM card used for voice calls by default. Otherwise, the phone may continue to use the data connection for one of the numbers.
| Action | Path to the iOS menu | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Main shutdown | Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling | The feature is disabled globally. |
| Setting preferences | Settings > Cellular > SIM Selection | Selecting a priority network |
| Checking status | Status bar | The Wi-Fi icon has disappeared from my phone. |
| Reset network settings | General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset | Resetting network settings to factory defaults |
If the standard method doesn't produce the desired result, the settings may be blocked by your carrier profile. In this case, you may need to update your carrier settings. This usually happens automatically when you have an internet connection, but you can check manually in "General" -> "About this device."
☑️ Check before disconnecting
Instructions for Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO smartphones
Devices running on the shell MIUI or new HyperOS, have their own interface features. The settings menu here is often more detailed, allowing for flexible control of communication parameters. To remove VoWiFi, you will need to go to the SIM card settings section.
Open Settings and select the item SIM cards and mobile networksSelect a specific SIM card if you have multiple installed. In the menu that opens, find the switch for "Use Wi-Fi for calls" or "Calling over Wi-Fi." Disabling this option will immediately switch the phone to base station operation.
The path may differ for some Xiaomi firmware versions: Settings -> Connection and sharing -> Calls via Wi-FiIf you can't find this option, use the built-in search at the top of the Settings screen. Type "Wi-Fi" and select the corresponding result from the drop-down list.
⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models intended for the Chinese market (CN Version), the Wi-Fi calling feature may be hidden by software or not supported by carriers in other countries. In this case, you won't find the corresponding switch in the menu.
After making changes, it's recommended to make a short test call. This will ensure that your phone is actually using the mobile network and not trying to route the call through the router. If the call is successful and the icon in the status bar changes, the configuration is correct.
What to do if there is no settings item?
If you don't find the toggle in the menu, it may mean your carrier doesn't support VoWiFi technology or hasn't provided the appropriate configuration profile for your phone model. In this case, the feature is disabled by default, and there's nothing to disable.
Hidden codes and the Android engineering menu
For advanced users who don't find the options they need in the standard interface, a hidden engineering menu is available. This method allows for deeper control of network parameters. However, extreme caution is advised: changing unknown parameters may lead to unstable operation of the communication module.
To access the testing menu, open the application Telephone (dialer) and enter a special code. For most devices based on MediaTek and some Qualcomm processors, this combination ##4636##After entering the last digit, the "Testing" menu should open, where you need to select "Phone Information".
In the list that opens, look for the item related to VoWiFi Provisioning or "Turn off VoWiFi." If such a switch exists, disabling it will prevent the system from using the internet for calls. Keep in mind that the engineering menu interface may vary significantly depending on the Android version and chipset manufacturer.
- 🔢 Enter the code
##4636##in the calling app. - 📱 Select "Phone Information" or "Phone Information".
- ⚙️ Find the option related to VoWiFi Provisioning.
- 🚫 Switch the value to "Disable" or "Off".
If the code doesn't work, your smartphone manufacturer may have blocked access to the engineering menu. In this case, you can use third-party apps for hidden settings available in the Play Store, but their effectiveness is not guaranteed. The primary way to control this feature remains through the standard settings menu.
Impact of outage on call quality and battery
After you have turned it off Wi-Fi Calling, you may notice changes in your smartphone's behavior. This primarily affects connection speed during calls. Switching to the cellular network may take a couple of seconds, which is normal. In areas with good coverage, sound quality often becomes clearer and more stable, as priority is given to dedicated voice channels.
In terms of power consumption, disabling the Wi-Fi constant scanning for voice calls can slightly extend battery life. This is especially noticeable when the Wi-Fi signal is weak and the phone is constantly trying to maintain a connection, consuming power. However, in a modern smartphone, the difference may not be as significant as it was a couple of years ago.
It's also worth considering that in some scenarios, using a mobile network may be less cost-effective. If you have unlimited home internet but a limited minutes package, Wi-Fi calls can save you minutes. By disabling this feature, you revert to your carrier's standard plan.
⚠️ Note: Settings interfaces and menu item names may change after updating the operating system. If you don't find the item you're looking for, check the latest documentation on your device manufacturer's official website.
It's important to check your connection status periodically, especially after traveling to other regions or countries. Carrier roaming agreements may automatically activate or deactivate certain communication features, and your manual settings may be reset or changed by the system.
Troubleshooting when switching modes
Users often encounter a situation where, after disabling the feature, the phone continues to display the Wi-Fi calling icon. This could be a software glitch in the interface. In such cases, a full device reboot or briefly enabling Airplane mode, which resets all network modules, can help.
Another issue is the inability to make a call immediately after switching. The smartphone may become stuck between networks. The solution is simple: wait until the Wi-Fi icon next to the network indicator completely disappears, or forcefully switch the network type in the settings (for example, from 5G to 4G and back) to initiate re-registration with the operator's network.
If problems persist, it might be worth resetting your network settings. This will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but will return all network settings, including call settings, to their factory defaults. The path to this feature is usually located in the System -> Reset settings -> Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth settings.
Why does resetting network settings help?
The reset clears the network configuration cache and removes any operator profile conflicts that may have arisen after software updates or SIM card changes.
Is it safe to disable VoWiFi completely?
Yes, it's completely safe for your device. You're simply selecting a priority communication channel. This feature isn't critical to your smartphone's operation, and disabling it won't damage the device or SIM card.
Will I receive SMS messages if Wi-Fi Calling is turned off?
Yes, regular SMS messages will be received via the cellular network. However, iMessages (on iPhone) or messages sent via internet services (WhatsApp, Telegram) will only work with an active internet connection, regardless of your call settings.
Can the operator prevent this feature from being turned off?
Technically, your carrier can't prevent you from changing the settings in your phone's menu, but they may not provide VoWiFi service if it's not included in your plan, or, conversely, they may force it to be activated on the network side to improve connection quality in areas with poor coverage.
Does the shutdown affect mobile internet speed?
No, disabling voice calls over Wi-Fi does not affect internet data transfer speeds. These processes use different channels and priorities in the smartphone's communication module.
Do I need to restart my phone after changing settings?
In most cases, changes are applied immediately. A reboot is only required if you experience network instability or the feature icon doesn't disappear after moving the slider.