Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones support advanced communication technologies, including voice calls over a Wi-Fi network, known as VoWiFi. This feature is designed to improve the quality of communication in areas of poor cellular reception, but in practice, users often face incorrect call operation or reluctance to use the Internet channel for voice communication. Disabling VoWiFi can be a necessary solution if your carrier does not support this service or if the phone constantly tries to switch to Wi-Fi, interrupting the call.
In the MIUI or HyperOS shell interface, settings can be hidden or not clearly located, which causes difficulties for device owners. Sometimes the option simply disappears from the menu after updating the firmware, leaving the user one-on-one with the problem. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to deactivate the function, from standard settings to using the engineering menu.
It’s important to understand that managing this feature directly affects how your smartphone routes voice traffic. A complete VoWiFi shutdown causes your device to ignore Wi-Fi for calls and use only 2G/3G/4G/5G networks, which in some cases stabilizes the connection. Let’s look at the algorithm for actions for different scenarios.
Why you might need to shut down VoWiFi
Wi-Fi Calling (VoWiFi) is designed to provide seamless connectivity in basements, country houses or offices with thick walls where cell tower signal is weak. However, if the router is far away or the channel is overloaded, the sound quality can plummet, there will be delays or the call will fail.
Another common reason is carrier incompatibility: Not all mobile operators support VoWiFi technology, especially in roaming or on old lines. If the phone is forced to register with the Wi-Fi network for calls, and the operator's server does not respond, you can see the status of "Emergency Calls Only" or constant incoming misses.
Also worth mentioning is the impact on autonomy: While the technology is energy efficient, constantly finding and retaining a connection for voice calls over Wi-Fi in unstable signal conditions can lead to increased battery consumption.
⚠️ Note: Before making changes to your network settings, make sure you have an alternative way to communicate, as in the area where there is no cellular signal without VoWiFi, calls will not be available.
Users often confuse VoWiFi with regular calls via instant messengers (Viber, WhatsApp), but these are different technologies. VoWiFi is integrated into a standard "bell ringer" and uses your regular phone number without requiring a separate application from the interlocutor.
Standard way to disable through settings SIM-map
The easiest and safest method to deactivate the feature is in the phone’s standard settings menu.The path to the desired switch may vary slightly depending on the MIUI or HyperOS version, but the overall logic remains the same for all Xiaomi and Redmi devices.
First, you need to open the main settings menu on your smartphone, and then you need to find the partition that connects to the network "SIM-maps and mobile networks. That's where the basic voice settings are.
☑️ Pre-switch check
Inside the control menu SIM-Select the one you want to configure with your cards if you have two SIMs on your device. Often users forget that the settings are applied individually for each slot".
Turn the slider to off. If the system requests confirmation, agree to it, then the VoWiFi status in the notification curtain should disappear, and the phone will go to the standard cellular network for making calls.
In some cases, especially on global firmware versions, the path may look different. Try to navigate the route: Settings → Connection & Sharing → Wi-Fi calls. If you don't see this item, it's possible that your model or carrier doesn't support the feature and it's hidden by default.
Using the Engineering Menu for Hidden Settings
If the standard switch is missing or not working, you can use the Android Engineering Menu, a powerful diagnostic and radio module setup tool available on most Xiaomi smartphones. Be careful when changing settings without knowing their purpose.
To enter the menu, type a special code in the phone book. Most often, the combination ##4636## works for MIUI. After dialling the last digit, the Testing menu should automatically open. If the code does not work, it may be blocked by the operator or manufacturer.
In the list that opens, select "Phone Information"; if there are two SIM cards, you'll be asked to choose Phone 1 or Phone 2. Scroll down to the VoWiFi section, and there may be a "VoWiFi Provisioned" or similar switch.
- 📱 Find the line "VoWiFi" or "IMS status.
- 🔘 Change the value to Disabled or Not Provisioned if this option is available.
- 💾 Press the Refresh button or just exit the menu, settings are often automatically applied.
⚠️ Note: Do not change the values of parameters you are not sure about, especially those related to bands, this can lead to the complete disappearance of the network.
After leaving the engineering menu, it is recommended to restart the device, which will allow the system to re-register on the network with updated parameters, If after the reboot the VoWiFi icon appears again, then the settings are forcibly returned by the operator or firmware.
What if the code doesn't work?
Comparison of methods of disabling VoWiFi
The choice of method depends on your specific situation: firmware version, smartphone model and level of technical training. Below is a table that will help you determine the best way to solve the problem.
| Method | Difficulty | Risk of error | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through SIM settings | Low. | Minimum | High (official) |
| Engineering menu | Medium | Medium. | High (deep) |
| Through the operator's application | Low. | Minimum | Depends on the operator. |
| Resetting network settings | Low. | Medium (password reset) | Medium |
As you can see from the table, the standard method through settings is the most preferred method for the average user, it is safe and reversible in one click. The use of the engineering menu is justified only in cases where the regular funds do not work.
Your mobile phone’s app may also take precedence over your phone’s settings, with some carriers implementing their own profiles that force VoWiFi to be activated, so you should check the settings inside the My Operator app or similar service.
Problems with two. SIM-map
Redmi and Xiaomi smartphone owners often use two numbers at once, which creates an added complexity, as VoWiFi settings apply independently for each SIM card. If you turn off the feature on one but forget about the other, the phone can continue to behave strangely.
Check the settings for both slots. Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → (Choose. SIM 1) → Calls over Wi-Fi. Repeat the procedure for the second SIM card. Make sure the sliders are turned off wherever they need to.
You should also pay attention to the default setting for voice calls. If it is installed on a SIM card where VoWiFi is active and you are trying to call through another, routing conflicts may occur. It is better to clearly indicate which SIM is used for calls if you are not using Always Ask mode.
Sometimes, temporarily retrieving a second SIM card helps, turning off the phone, pulling out an unnecessary card, turning on the device, and checking the calls, which will help you see if the second SIM card is creating a conflict of network profiles.
What to do if the setting is not saved
It's rare, but possible, to have your phone turn on VoWiFi when it's turned off, most often due to operator caching or an error in the MIUI firmware itself. First of all, try resetting the network settings.
This operation will not delete your personal data (photos, contacts), but will clear your stored Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings. Go along the way: Settings → Connection & Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth → Reset settings.
Once reset, the phone will reboot. You'll need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords, but this often solves the problem of stuck network configurations. If that doesn't work, check for system updates.
- 🔄 Go to Settings. → About the phone and check for updates.
- 📡 Make sure that the operator’s application does not tick “Activate VoWiFi by default".
- 🔌 Try switching the network mode (for example, with the 5G on 4G/LTE) and turn off VoWiFi again.
⚠️ Note: Resetting your network settings will remove any saved passwords from Wi-Fi. Make sure you remember them or have the opportunity to learn them again before performing this procedure.
If the problem persists on a particular firmware version, it may be a known bug. In such cases, it is worth searching for information on the forums of the owners of your Xiaomi model, sometimes waiting for the next security patch helps.
💡
Useful tip: If you travel frequently, create a roaming profile where VoWiFi is disabled to avoid accidental connections to paid hotspots or unstable hotel networks.
The Impact of System Updates on VoWiFi
Xiaomi regularly updates its software, and with the release of new versions of HyperOS or Android security updates, the menu structure may change, functions may move, be renamed or temporarily disappear.
Often, after a major firmware update, network settings are reset to factory values. If the operator supports VoWiFi, the system can automatically activate this feature when you first log in to the network, and you will have to manually turn it off again.
Watch for changelogs in updates. Sometimes developers say, "VoWiFi stability improved" or "Wi-Fi and LTE switched over optimized." These changes can affect the aggressiveness with which a phone tries to use Wi-Fi for calls.
💡
Regular firmware updates are the best way to eliminate software errors related to the operation of network modules and VoWiFi.
In rare cases, rolling back to the previous firmware version helps, but it is a complex procedure that requires unlocking the bootloader and having a computer. For most users, it is easier to wait for a fix from the developers or use the workarounds described above.