Xiaomi’s current smartphones, which are powered by MIUI shells or the new HyperOS, offer users extensive communications management capabilities. However, the abundance of features sometimes leads to confusion, especially when it comes to different types of connections. Users often look for ways to turn off voice calls, meaning either disabling Voice over LTE (VoLTE) or blocking incoming calls from unwanted subscribers.
It should be clearly understood that completely disabling the ability to make calls per se can lead to the inability to call emergency services or contact loved ones in a critical situation. In most cases, “disabling” means setting specific network parameters or filtering incoming traffic.
In this article, we will discuss all aspects of voice connection management in detail. You will learn how to manage communication quality through settings. LTE, You can set up a smart spam lock and understand how the hidden functions of the engineering menu work. SIM-Cards that are not recommended for everyday use.
Differences between VoLTE and conventional voice calls
Before you make changes to the settings, it is worth understanding the terminology. Voice calls can be made through standard 2G/3G channels or through 4G/5G packet data. VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology allows you to transmit voice in high quality simultaneously using the mobile Internet. If you have problems with sound or desire to save traffic, this feature can be deactivated.
Disabling VoLTE puts the phone in 3G/2G standby mode during a call, which can reduce the quality of communication, but sometimes solves problems with “lost” sound. On Xiaomi devices, the switch is often hidden or depends on operator support.
It's worth considering that in some regions, telecom operators force the transfer of subscribers to VoLTE, and standard methods to disable this will not work, in which case a deeper intervention in the system or the use of special codes is required.
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Before changing your network settings, write down the current APN settings so that you can quickly restore access in case of Internet problems.
Disable VoLTE function through the standard menu
The safest and easiest way to manage call types is to use the standard MIUI interface. However, in recent firmware versions, manufacturers often hide this switch, relying on automatic network definition. If your carrier supports manual control, you will find this option in the SIM card menu.
To access the settings, you need to go to the Settings section → SIM-Maps and mobile networks. Here you select an active SIM card, and then you open the menu of its parameters. If the VoLTE Use switch is missing, it means that it is hidden by the service provider or software manufacturer for your particular model.
Sometimes it helps to reset your network to factory settings, which returns hidden menu items. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. After you reboot, check for the presence of the VoLTE option again. Remember that after the reset you will have to re-enter passwords from Wi-Fi networks.
☑️ Verification of VoLTE settings
Using an Engineering Menu to Manage a Network
If standard methods don't work, the Android engineering menu comes to the rescue, which is a hidden part of the system, designed for testing equipment. On Xiaomi smartphones, access to it is often limited, but you can try to log in through a special dial. Be careful: changing unknown parameters can lead to unstable operation of the communication module.
To enter the test menu, dial ##4636## in the call. If the menu opens, select Phone Information. Here you can find the Set Preferred Network Type switch. Choosing WCDMA only or GSM only mode will force LTE, and therefore VoLTE, leaving only normal voice calls.
⚠️ Warning: Never change the settings in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose.Resetting the radio module can lead to temporary loss of signal or inability to register with the operator's network.
In new versions of HyperOS, access to this menu by code may be closed, in which case you need to install a special activator application or use the system. ADB-It's a more complex method, requiring the presence of a computer. USB-Debugging and basic knowledge of working with the command line.
What to do if the engineering menu code doesn’t work?
Blocking incoming voice calls
Often, when users say "how to disable calls," they mean they want to stop calling from telemarketers or specific numbers. The built-in MIUI Security antivirus has a powerful locking tool that allows you to create blacklists and filter unknown numbers.
To set up, go to Security → Antispam → Settings. You can activate locking of all unknown numbers or only hidden numbers. There is also a feature called Quiet Mode, which does not reject a call, but makes it soundless and vibrational, sending a caller immediately to voicemail or resetting without horns for you.
- 📞 Blacklist: Adding specific numbers to the stop list through call log.
- 🤫 Don't Disturb: A mode that only skips calls from selected contacts.
- 🚫 Locking Hidden: Automatic screening of numbers without a determinant.
The effectiveness of blocking depends on the relevance of spam databases, which are updated automatically. For maximum protection, it is recommended to enable synchronization with the cloud databases of known scammers.
Comparison of methods for disabling communication functions
The choice of method depends on your ultimate goal: whether you want to improve the quality of communication, save battery or just take a break from calls.
| Purpose | Method | Difficulty | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shut down. HD-calls (VoLTE) | Settings SIM-map | Low. | Minimum |
| Forced 2G/3G | Engineering menu | Tall. | Loss of network |
| Blocking spam | MIUI Antispam | Low. | Passing important |
| Total peace. | Flight mode | Low. | No connection at all. |
As you can see from the table, most tasks are fairly standard settings, and the use of an engineering menu is only justified in specific cases where standard tools do not produce the desired result or equipment testing is required under low signal conditions.
Flight mode and alternative methods
The most radical way to turn off all voice calls is to activate Flight Mode, which completely disables the smartphone's radio module, but modern smartphones allow for flexible settings to this mode, for example, you can leave Wi-Fi on for instant messengers, completely turning off the cellular network.
To do this, turn on the flight mode, and then manually activate Wi-Fi. In this state, incoming voice calls through the cellular network will not arrive (the subscriber will hear "subscriber is unavailable"), but you can use the Internet. This is ideal for work or recreation, when you only need digital contact.
⚠️ Warning: In flight mode, you cannot make a call to emergency services (112, 911, etc.), even if you are in flight mode. SIM-The card is blocked or missing.
Another option is to use the Redirect function. By setting up an unconditional forwarding to any non-functioning number or to the operator's voicemail, you effectively disable incoming calls on your device, redirecting them to another location. The forwarding control codes depend on the operator (for example, **21*number#).
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Flight mode with Wi-Fi enabled is the best way to cut off cell calls, retaining access to Internet resources and instant messengers.