Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which run MIUI shells or the new HyperOS, have extensive functionality to improve communication quality. One such feature is WiFi Calling, which allows voice calls over a wireless network when the cellular signal is weak. However, in some situations this option may not work correctly, cause connection breaks or simply be unnecessary for a user who prefers a classic cellular network.
There are a number of ways to disable Internet calls on Redmi and Poco devices, from standard system settings to deeper engineering menus. It's important to understand that the interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version and region, but the logic of action remains the same for most models. In this article, we'll take a look at all the available methods for deactivating the function in detail.
Often, users find that the phone prioritizes using Wi-Fi for calls, even if the cellular signal level is sufficient, which can lead to delays in connection or poor sound if the Internet channel is unstable, and competently setting communication priorities will help avoid these problems and ensure stable voice communication in all conditions.
What is VoWiFi and why turn it off on Xiaomi
VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi) is a voice traffic transmission over Internet protocols, similar to how messengers work, but at the carrier level. Xiaomi smartphones automatically switch to this mode if they find that the base station signal is weak and the wireless network is available, this is convenient in basements or buildings with thick walls, where cellular communication does not break.
However, there are reasons why it is advisable to disable WiFi Calling: First, some operators may charge such minutes separately or not support this feature correctly in roaming. Second, with a weak router signal, the sound quality can be worse than through a standard router. GSM/LTE Third, constantly finding an affordable network to call can slightly increase the power consumption of the device.
Redmi Note or Mi users often notice that a handset icon with a Wi-Fi symbol appears in the status bar without their knowledge, which means that the system has made its own decision to route the call. If you want to have full control over which channel the conversation will go through, you need to manually change the priorities settings in the SIM card menu.
⚠️ Note: Before making changes to your communication settings, make sure you have an alternative method of communication, as in some rare cases, when all call channels are disabled, the device may temporarily lose registration with the operator’s network.
In addition, disabling this option may be necessary to diagnose communication problems, if after turning off VoWiFi, breaks disappeared or sound quality improved, then the problem lies in the unstable operation of the Internet or the operator’s settings.
Basic settings through the menu SIM-maps and nets
The easiest and safest way to manage calls over the Internet is to use the regular Android settings menu. MIUI And HyperOS, this partition is usually well hidden, but it's accessible through the standard path. You'll need to go to Settings, then select the item. SIM-Maps and mobile networks. This is where the basic parameters of communication are managed.
Once you log in, select the specific SIM card you want to change your settings for. If you have a dual-sim smartphone, the settings apply individually to each slot. Find a switch called "Calls over Wi-Fi" or "WiFi Calling." Put the slider in the "Switched Off" position. Some firmware versions may require you to select network priority.
☑️ Checking the communication settings
The interface can offer several ways of doing things, like Preferably always trying to use Wi-Fi, even if the cellular signal is good, Wi-Fi only will completely shut down the cellular network for calls while the Internet is available, and we need to shut down mode or prioritize the cellular network.
If you don't find the switch right away, try searching by settings, type "WiFi Calling" or "Wi-Fi Calling" into the search box, and the system will redirect you to the desired section, which is especially true for newer versions of HyperOS, where the menu structure has been redesigned.
After changing the settings, it is recommended to restart the device so that the changes apply at the modem level. Check the status bar: the Wi-Fi tube icon should disappear, which will indicate a successful shutdown of the function.
Use of the Engineering Menu for Advanced Users
For those who don't find a standard switch or want to access hidden radio settings, there's an engineering menu, a powerful diagnostic tool built into Android that allows you to manage network settings at a deeper level, and on Xiaomi smartphones, you can log in through a special code in the Phone app.
Dial the combination ##86583##. If the code is entered correctly, a notification "VoWiFi carrier check was disabled" (or enabled if you repeat the action) should appear on the screen. This command forcibly hides or shows the VoWiFi switch in the main settings if it was blocked by the operator or firmware.
Another useful code for accessing LTE and GSM testing is ##4636##. Going through it, select Phone Information. Here you can find the line "Set Preferred Network Type." Although this is primarily a menu for choosing the type of network (2G/3G/4G), some firmware modifications here you can find additional flags that affect the priority of IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem), which also includes VoWiFi.
- 📱 Enter the codes carefully, without unnecessary symbols and pauses.
- ⚙️ Be careful when changing unknown parameters in the engineering menu.
- 🔄 After changes to the engineering menu, always reboot.
Using the #86583## engineering code is the most effective method if the standard switch is not on the menu, it works at the operator verification level and often unlocks hidden functions.
⚠️ Warning: The engineering menu is designed for testing. Do not change parameters that you do not know the value of, as this can lead to unstable modem operation or loss of communication.
It is worth noting that some global firmware versions may have limited access to the engineering menu, in which case the above codes may fail or display an error message, which is normal security behavior.
Settings for different versions of MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi shells are constantly updated, and the location of settings can vary from version to version. In older versions of MIUI 12 and MIUI 13, the settings were often in the expanded SIM menu. In the newer MIUI 14 and HyperOS, the interface became more minimalist, and some items could be moved or combined.
On HyperOS devices, the customization search algorithm remains the same, but the visual design has become flatter. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Calls over Wi-Fi are basic, however, if the carrier does not support the feature in your region, the menu item can be hidden automatically.
Why did the VoWiFi switch go missing?
Chinese firmware (CN) versions may have different interfaces than global (Global) builds, and Chinese builds may have additional settings for local carriers that are unmatched in global versions, and if you have a Chinese smartphone with global firmware, the functionality usually meets international standards.
For users who have upgraded to the latest version of the software and can not find the settings, it is recommended to check the section Additional settings. Sometimes, depending on the regional binding, the system brings call management to this place.
Comparison of disconnection methods and their effect on communication
Different ways to disable calls over Wi-Fi have different degrees of efficiency and impact on the device, and understanding these differences will help you choose the best option for your situation.
| Method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through SIM settings | Low. | Tall. | Minimum |
| Engineering code | Medium | Maximum | Medium (entry error) |
| Flight mode | Low. | Temporary. | Lack of communication |
| Resetting network settings | Tall. | Tall. | Loss of Wi-Fi passwords |
Standard shutdown via menus is preferred because it is fully controlled by the system and does not violate the integrity of the software. Using engineering codes gives more control, but requires care. Network resetting is a radical method that should be used only if other methods have not helped and glitches are observed in the operation of the communication module.
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If the quality of communication deteriorates after the VoWiFi shutdown, try to manually select the type of network (only). 4G/LTE) customized SIM-maps to avoid switching between 2G/3G.
It is important to note that completely disabling Wi-Fi Calling does not affect the ability to use the Internet over Wi-Fi for other applications. Your Xiaomi will continue to use the wireless network for browsers, instant messengers and streaming in normal mode.
Problem Solving and Frequently Asked Questions
Even after completing all the instructions, users may encounter nuances, such as a VoWiFi icon that may appear intermittently (periodically) if the phone is at the cellular coverage boundary, in which case the system may try to "save" the call by switching to Wi-Fi, ignoring priority settings if the function has not been completely blocked by the operator's code.
Another common problem is the lack of sound or echoes when calling, often not due to VoWiFi itself, but to codec conflict or noise reduction settings. If disabling the feature didn't work, try clearing the cache of the Phone app and Google Play Services.
- 🔍 Check if the Do Not Disturb mode is activated, which can block incoming inboxes.
- 📡 Make sure you're on SIM-The card does not have a limit of minutes or balance.
- 🔄 Reset network settings if the problem is systemic.
If you use third-party applications for calls (Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram), their settings are located inside the applications themselves and do not depend on the VoWiFi system switch.
⚠️ If after all the manipulations the phone stopped seeing the network at all, extract SIM-map, wipe the contacts and paste back in, and in extreme cases, a full reset to the factory settings will help, but first make a backup of the data.
Remember, the way networks work depends on your operator and your geographic location, and what works perfectly in the city center can cause disruption in the countryside, and vice versa.
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The most stable result is the combination: disconnect via the menu SIM + engineering code to hide the function + manually 4G/LTE.