Many modern smartphone owners notice the appearance of an unusual icon at the top of the screen, which resembles a telephone receiver with Wi-Fi symbols next to it. This indicator often causes confusion among users who haven't activated any additional features and don't understand why it appears. In fact, it's a standard system notification. Android, signaling the operation of the technology VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi).
Owners of brand devices Samsung encounter this most often, since the interface One UI Displays the status of all connections in considerable detail. When this icon appears, it means your phone is currently using the wireless network to transmit voice calls, bypassing standard cell phone towers. This can be useful in areas with poor reception, but can sometimes interfere with the user interface.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at what exactly this symbol means, why it's constantly lit, and how to remove it if you don't need it. We'll cover the settings both in the smartphone menu itself and through hidden engineering codes, which are available on most models. GalaxyUnderstanding these processes will help you better control the operation of your device.
What does the Wi-Fi handset icon mean on a Samsung?
An icon resembling a telephone handset with diverging arcs or a Wi-Fi symbol indicates that the function is activated Wi-Fi CallingThis technology allows you to make and receive voice calls over an internet connection, rather than a standard GSM or LTE cellular network. To the user, it appears like a regular call, but technically, the traffic is transmitted through the router.
The main goal of implementation VoWiFi — Improving connection quality in areas where cellular signal is weak or absent but wireless internet access is available. For example, in basements, offices with thick walls, or country houses with poor network coverage. The system automatically switches calls to Wi-Fi, ensuring a stable connection.
It's important to note that the audio quality when using this feature is often higher than with a regular call, as it uses a wideband audio codec. However, the appearance of the icon may be annoying for those accustomed to a minimalist status bar or who don't want to highlight the use of Wi-Fi for calls.
⚠️ Attention: Using Wi-Fi Calling may consume your home or mobile data plan. If you have a limited data plan, monitor your data usage.
On devices Samsung This indicator may appear differently depending on your operating system version. Android and shells One UISometimes it's just a handset, sometimes it's a handset with the letters "Wi-Fi" written on it. In some cases, the icon only appears during a call, while in others, it's permanently visible if the feature is enabled in the settings.
Advantages and disadvantages of VoWiFi technology
Before completely disabling the feature, it's worth weighing the pros and cons. Technology VoWiFi While it does solve many communication problems, it also has its own peculiarities that may not suit all users. Understanding these nuances will help you make the right decision.
The main advantages include the ability to stay connected in "dead zones." If you're in a building with concrete walls and no network coverage, but have a router, you'll still be able to take an important call. Furthermore, when roaming, Wi-Fi calls are often charged at the local rate, saving you money.
- 📶 Stability: Calls are not interrupted when moving between rooms if the routers are configured into a single Mesh network.
- 🔋 Energy efficiency: Searching for a network in a poor reception area drains the battery faster than a stable connection via Wi-Fi.
- 🎙️ Quality: HD sound support makes the other person's voice more natural and understandable.
On the other hand, there are some drawbacks. The main one is the dependence on internet connection quality. If your Wi-Fi router is overloaded or the channel is unstable, your voice may be interrupted or echo. Also, some carriers may not support this feature or require it to be activated separately through your plan.
⚠️ Attention: When making calls via Wi-Fi, the location of the subscriber determined by emergency services (112, 911) may be inaccurate, since geolocation is determined by the IP address of the router, and not by the cell tower.
Another drawback is that you can't use this feature without prior configuration with your carrier. Even if you enable the feature on your phone, the icon may not appear if the service isn't activated on your SIM card. In such cases, the phone simply ignores the Wi-Fi Calling setting.
Preparing to disable the feature on Samsung
Disabling the icon and the feature itself is fairly simple, but it's recommended to check a few settings before making any changes. This will help prevent situations where disabling VoWiFi completely disables your connection in areas with poor coverage.
Make sure you have an alternative method of communication or are in a strong cellular coverage area. If you disable Wi-Fi Calling while in a basement without GSM coverage, you will be unavailable for calls. It's also worth checking whether other apps, such as contact syncing, rely on this feature.
☑️ Check before disconnecting
On smartphones Samsung The settings may be hidden in different sections of the menu depending on the model. For owners of older models, such as Galaxy S7 or Note 8, you may have to look for the option deeper in the menu than users of the new flagships of the series S23 or S24.
It is recommended to find out your carrier model in advance. Some carriers (for example, MTS, Beeline, Megafon in the Russian Federation or T-Mobile, Verizon (In the US) may block the VoWiFi settings menu, hiding it from the user. In this case, the standard disable option through settings may be unavailable.
Method 1: Disabling via the standard settings menu
The easiest and safest way to remove the Wi-Fi handset icon is to use your smartphone's default settings menu. This method doesn't require installing any additional software and is available on 90% of devices. Samsung with current firmware.
To get started, open the Settings app (gear icon). Find the section Connections (Connections). This is where all the parameters related to data transfer and voice communication are concentrated. In some versions of the shell One UI This item may be called simply "Network and Internet".
Inside the section, find the item Wi-Fi CallingIt may be located at the very top of the list or hidden in the "Mobile Network" submenu. If you see a toggle next to it, simply tap it to make it gray. The icon at the top of the screen should disappear instantly.
If Wi-Fi Calling is not listed in the Connections section, try the following: Settings → ApplicationsFind the "Phone" system app in the list. Go to its settings and look for the corresponding switch there. On some models Samsung call control is located there.
What should I do if the Wi-Fi Calling option is not in the menu?
If you don't find the switch in the standard menu, it means your carrier doesn't support manual control of this feature or has hidden it. In this case, try using the code ##86943## or contact a communication salon.
After disabling the feature, your phone may require a reboot for the changes to take effect. If the icon doesn't disappear immediately, try toggling Airplane Mode on and off to restart the communication modules.
Method 2: Using the engineering menu and codes
In cases where the telecom operator has hidden the default setting, special service codes come to the rescue. They allow you to access a hidden diagnostic menu, where you can force a shutdown. VoWiFiThis method is more advanced and requires attention.
Open the Phone app (dialer) and dial the combination ##86943##This code is specifically designed for debugging VoLTE and VoWiFi features on devices. SamsungAfter entering the last digit (#), a hidden menu should automatically open. VoWiFi Debug.
In the menu that opens, you will see the item Enable VoWiFi or Carrier VoWiFi. Uncheck the box or switch the toggle switch to the on position. OFF. It is also useful to disable the item VoWiFi Icon, if it exists separately, this will remove the icon, even if the function remains active in the background.
Not all codes work on all models. If the code ##86943## If it doesn't work, try the universal code to enter the engineering menu. *#0011#. You need to be very careful here: find the section QoS or Debug and look for settings related to IMS or VoWiFi.
⚠️ Attention: In the engineering menu, do not change settings whose meaning you do not know. This may result in incorrect operation of the communication module or complete loss of network connectivity.
After making changes through the engineering menu, be sure to reboot the device. Simply turning off the screen isn't enough; the system must fully reconnect to the network with the new settings.
Setup via the operator's app
Often, the icon's appearance isn't caused by phone settings, but by an activated service on the carrier's end. Many providers automatically connect VoWiFi When changing your plan or upgrading your SIM card, your phone's settings may reset automatically.
To completely disable the service, go to your operator's official app (e.g., My MTS, Megafon, Beeline, etc.). Log in using the password you received via SMS. In your personal account, find the "Services" or "Price" section.
In the list of active options, look for "Wi-Fi Calling," "VoWiFi," or "Wi-Fi Calling." Tap on the service and select "Disable." Then, request a network settings update or simply restart your phone.
Sometimes a service doesn't appear in the active list, but it still works. In this case, try sending a USSD command to disable it. The codes vary by operator (for example, 111..), they can be found on the provider's official website in the help section.
Comparison of VoWiFi Disabling Methods
To help you choose the right method, we've prepared a comparison table. It will help you assess the risks and complexity of each method for your specific situation.
| Disconnection method | Complexity | Efficiency | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through the settings menu | Low | High | Minimum |
| Engineering code (##86943##) | Average | High | Average (input error) |
| Operator application | Low | Average | The service may return |
| Third-party applications | High | Low | High (viruses, access) |
As the table shows, the standard settings path is the preferred one. Engineering codes should only be used if the operator has blocked the standard interface. Using third-party apps for this purpose is not recommended for security reasons.
In this case, the procedure will need to be repeated. This is normal system behavior, designed to ensure maximum compatibility with the operator's networks.
Possible problems and their solutions
Even following the instructions, you may encounter difficulties. For example, the icon may disappear, but calls will stop working, or the phone will constantly search for a network. Let's look at some common scenarios.
If you lose sound from your speaker after disabling VoWiFi, check whether the audio output has switched to your Bluetooth headset. Sometimes the system "forgets" to redirect the audio stream back to the phone speaker after changing the call mode.
If the icon returns on its own after some time, check for system updates. Some carriers embed their settings profiles in security updates that automatically reactivate them. VoWiFi.
- 🔄 Reset network settings: If nothing helps, reset your network settings (
Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settings). This will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but will return the communication module to its factory state. - 📱 Replacing the SIM card: New communication protocols may not work correctly on very old SIM cards (issued before 2015). Replacing the SIM card with a new one from your operator often resolves the "glitchy" icon issue.
- 🛠️ IMEI Check: Make sure your phone isn't locked to a specific carrier (for example, if you brought it from the US to AT&T). On such devices, hiding the icon is virtually impossible without flashing the firmware.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting network settings will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords. Make sure you remember your home network password to reconnect.
If the problem is systemic and occurs on different devices, it may be due to incompatibility with a specific firmware version. Samsung and your operator's equipment. In this case, you should wait for a software update or contact the manufacturer's technical support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the Wi-Fi handset icon affect data usage?
Yes, it does. When this icon is lit, voice traffic is transmitted over the internet. If you're calling over your home Wi-Fi with an unlimited plan, it's free. If you're calling over mobile data, your minutes or megabytes are used, depending on your carrier's plan.
Is it possible to remove only the icon but leave the function?
In standard settings Samsung There is no such option: either the function is working and the icon is there, or everything is turned off. However, in the engineering menu (code ##86943##) sometimes there is a separate item VoWiFi Icon, which allows you to hide the icon while leaving the technology active.
Why does the icon only appear when there is an incoming call?
This means that the phone uses the cellular network when idle, but when a call comes in, the system detects a weak cellular signal and automatically switches the call to Wi-Fi. This is the default behavior of the Call Enhancement feature.
Will VoWiFi work if I'm abroad?
Yes, this is one of the advantages of this technology. While roaming, you can make calls over Wi-Fi as if you were at home. The charges will depend on your carrier's terms: some consider this a domestic call, while others charge data roaming rates.
Will the icon disappear if I just turn off Wi-Fi?
Yes, if you turn off Wi-Fi in the notification shade, the Wi-Fi handset icon will disappear because the technology will no longer be physically active. However, once you turn Wi-Fi back on, the icon may reappear if the feature is enabled in the settings.