The appearance of an unfamiliar icon in your smartphone's status bar can often be confusing, especially if it looks like a telephone handset with a wireless symbol. This indicator indicates that the wireless function is activated on your device. Wi-Fi Calling, which allows you to make voice calls over an internet connection. For many users, this is a useful feature, improving call quality in areas with poor cellular coverage, but for others, it may be disruptive or unnecessary.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at what exactly this symbol means and why it appeared on your screen. Android-devices and how to disable it. We'll cover standard system menu paths, interface features of different manufacturers, and also address issues related to mobile operator tariffs.
It's important to understand that the deactivation process may vary slightly depending on the operating system version and the installed shell. Below are general methods that will help you restore the familiar status bar appearance and manage voice calls over Wi-Fi as you see fit.
What does the handset icon with the Wi-Fi symbol mean?
An indicator that looks like a telephone handset with diverging arcs or a Wi-Fi symbol indicates that the technology is activated VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi). This technology allows a smartphone to use a wireless internet connection to transmit voice, instead of traditional GSM or LTE cellular channels. Essentially, your phone becomes akin to an IP phone, but retains your regular phone number.
The main purpose of this feature being implemented by telecom operators is to improve voice quality in areas where the cellular signal is weak or nonexistent, but there is a stable Wi-Fi connection. This is especially true for basements, remote country houses, or buildings with thick walls. However, if you have a stable 4G/5G signal, this icon may simply be a redundant interface element.
⚠️ Attention: Using Wi-Fi Calling may consume your home or mobile data plan. While most carriers don't charge for this data plan separately, but instead count it as part of your plan, special rules may apply when roaming or using corporate networks.
The presence of the icon also indicates that your device and SIM card fully support IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) technology. This is a modern standard that is gradually replacing older voice transmission protocols. Disabling this feature will not affect your ability to make regular calls as long as you have cellular coverage in your area.
Disabling the feature globally in Android settings
The easiest and most reliable way to remove the icon is to use the built-in settings menu of the operating system. In most modern smartphones running Android This option is located in a separate connections subsection. First, go to your device's main settings menu.
The next step usually looks like this: find the section responsible for SIM cards and mobile network. Depending on your phone model, it may be called "Connections," "Network & Internet," or "Mobile Network." This is where the switch that controls voice call mode is located.
- 📱 Open Settings and select "Connections" or "Network and Internet".
- 📶 Go to the "Mobile network" or "SIM cards" menu.
- 📞 Find the line “Wi-Fi Calling” and move the toggle switch to the “Off” position.
- 🔄 Check your status bar - the Wi-Fi handset icon should disappear.
If you don't find this switch in the specified location, your carrier may not have provided a settings profile for this device, or the feature is hidden in the dialer menu itself. In some cases, a device reboot is required after changing the settings for the changes to take effect and display correctly.
Instructions for Samsung smartphones
Devices from the South Korean giant Samsung They have their own One UI skin, which has a distinct menu layout. To disable the icon on a Galaxy, you'll need to search through the settings or navigate a specific path in the deep menu. This is one of the most frequently requested requests, as the icon is quite prominent on Samsung screens.
First, open the Settings app and select Connections. Here, look for "Wi-Fi Calling." If you don't see it right away, try tapping the three dots in the corner of the screen or searching for "Wi-Fi Calling" in Settings. In the menu that opens, select "Mobile network preferred" or disable the feature completely, if available.
☑️ Checking Samsung settings
It is important to note that on some Samsung models supplied to certain regions, the menu may be slightly modified. Path Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Wi-Fi calling This is standard, but in older versions of One UI, it might be located directly in the Phone app. Tap the three dots in the phone app, select "Settings," and look for the corresponding toggle there.
| Samsung model | Path to setup | Peculiarity |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S21-S24 | Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Calling | A separate menu item |
| Galaxy A series | Settings → Connections → Mobile network | Inside the network submenu |
| Galaxy Note 10/20 | Phone app → Settings | Old One UI interface |
| Galaxy Fold/Flip | Settings → Connections | Similar to the S series |
After making changes, the icon may not disappear immediately. Try turning airplane mode on and off to restart the communication modules. This will force the system to re-register with the carrier's network without using the VoWiFi protocol, and the indicator should disappear.
Setting up Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO (MIUI/HyperOS)
The company's smartphones Xiaomi, including brands Redmi And POCO, run MIUI or the new HyperOS. The menu logic here also has its own peculiarities. Users often can't find the setting, as it may be hidden or misnamed. First, check whether "Wi-Fi Calling" is enabled in your SIM card profile.
Go to "Settings" and select "SIM cards & mobile networks." Select the desired SIM card if you have two. In the list that opens, look for "Use Wi-Fi for calls" or "Wi-Fi calling." If the switch is active, turn it off. In some firmware versions, this option may simply be called "Wi-Fi calling."
⚠️ Attention: On some global Xiaomi firmware versions, this feature may be blocked by your carrier or region. If the menu item is missing but the icon is lit, try resetting your network settings, but keep in mind that this will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords.
You should also check the "Security" or "Settings" app within the Mi Dialer app itself. Depending on which dialer is set as default (Google or Mi), the path may differ. In the Google Phone app, the path leads through the three dots in the corner of the screen to "Settings" → "Calls" → "Preferred network type" or a similar option.
What to do if there is no menu item?
If you can't find the switch in the standard menu, your carrier may not support manual control of this feature on Xiaomi devices. In this case, entering the code in the engineering menu is risky. It's best to contact your carrier's support team to disable the service on the network side.
Solution for Honor, Huawei and other brands
Devices from Honor And Huawei (especially new models without Google services) have MagicOS or EMUI. Here, the setting is often prominently displayed, as the manufacturer positions call quality as a key feature. The switch you're looking for is usually located along the path: Settings → Mobile Network → Wi-Fi Calling.
On smartphones of other brands such as Realme, Oppo or VivoThe logic is similar. Look for the "Mobile Network" section in the general settings. If there's no direct toggle there, use the search bar at the top of the settings menu. Type "Wi-Fi" or "VoWiFi," and the system will automatically highlight the appropriate option.
- 🔍 Use the search in Settings by entering “Wi-Fi Calling” or “VoWiFi”.
- 📱 Check the SIM Manager app (if available).
- ⚙️ In the "Mobile Data" menu, find the subsection for voice calls.
- 📞 In the Phone app, check the advanced call settings.
If the icon is lit, the feature is active on at least one of the SIM cards. You'll need to check the settings for both SIM cards separately to completely remove the indicator.
Disabling the service through your telecom operator
Sometimes, your phone's software settings don't produce the desired result because the service is activated by your carrier. In this case, the icon may appear automatically when connecting to a known Wi-Fi network, ignoring your attempts to disable it in the smartphone menu. The solution lies in your personal account or USSD commands.
Most major carriers allow you to manage additional services through a mobile app or personal account on their website. Find the section for communication services or additional options and locate "Wi-Fi Calling" or "VoWiFi." Disabling this option will definitely remove the icon, as the network will no longer support this protocol for your number.
Examples of USSD commands (subject to change): 111..# (code depends on operator)
Sending an SMS with the text STOP to a short number
You can also call customer support. The operator will not only deactivate the service but also explain why it was activated. This often happens automatically when you purchase a new SIM card or upgrade your plan. Make sure that deactivating won't affect the loss of other important features, although these are usually independent services.
⚠️ Attention: VoWiFi service terms are subject to change by operators. Before completely disabling your service, check the latest information in your operator's official app to ensure it won't affect your roaming call rates if you're planning to travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the Wi-Fi Calling icon affect data usage?
Yes, calls are made over the internet, but most carriers don't charge for this data if you're in your home region. However, if you use mobile data instead of Wi-Fi, your data will be deducted from your basic data plan.
Could this icon be draining my battery quickly?
The icon itself is simply an indicator. However, constantly scanning for a network and switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data (if the signal is unstable) can increase battery consumption. If you don't use this feature, it's best to disable it to conserve battery.
What should I do if the icon disappeared on its own?
This could mean you're out of Wi-Fi range, the feature was updated by your carrier, or there's a SIM card issue. Try restarting your phone. If the issue persists, check your settings in the menu.
Does Wi-Fi Calling work without internet on my phone?
No, an active Wi-Fi connection is required for this technology to work. Without internet, the phone will use standard cellular data channels, and the Wi-Fi handset icon will not be displayed.