Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which run on the shell of MIUI or the new HyperOS, have many advanced features to improve communication quality. One of these technologies is VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi), which allows voice calls to be made through a wireless network, rather than through a cellular operator, this is especially true in areas with poor mobile coverage but a strong router signal.
However, this option is not always useful: Many users are faced with a situation where the phone “clings” to weak Wi-Fi instead of stable 4G, which causes the quality of the conversation to fall, and the Internet can completely disappear during the call.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to turn off VoWiFi on Xiaomi to force the device to switch to a standard cellular network. We will look at standard methods through system settings, hidden engineering menus and even use of the system. ADB-Understanding these processes will help you avoid unexpected costs and improve connection stability.
What is VoWiFi Technology and Why Disable It
VoWiFi is a way of transmitting voice traffic through IP protocols, similar to how messengers work, but at the system level of the phone. For the operator, it is a way to unload base stations, and for the user, it is the ability to stay in touch in the basement, in the country house or in a building with thick walls, where the signal of the cell tower simply does not break through.
Despite the obvious advantages, there are a number of reasons why it is advisable to deactivate the feature: First, the algorithms for switching between networks in Xiaomi smartphones sometimes work incorrectly: the phone can hold on to dying Wi-Fi, negating the excellent LTE signal. Second, when roaming, VoWiFi on can lead to double charging or technical errors when connecting.
⚠️ Note: Before making changes to your network settings, make sure your plan supports or excludes calls over Wi-Fi. Incorrect settings may result in a charge-off for roaming rates.
It’s also worth noting that constantly searching for a Wi-Fi network for voice calls can slightly increase battery consumption, as the wireless module is more active. If you’re rarely in the blind spot, turning off this feature will optimize the device’s performance.
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If you travel abroad frequently, turning off VoWiFi before departure will help avoid accidental connections to airport pay hotspots during calls.
Basic way to disconnect through phone settings
The simplest and safest method of deactivating the feature is built directly into the interface of the Android operating system with the MIUI shell. The path to settings may vary slightly depending on the firmware version (Chinese or global) and the smartphone model, but the general logic remains the same for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices.
You'll need to go to the main settings menu first, and find the section that handles SIM cards and mobile networks — SIM-Maps and mobile networks. This shows all the cards you have installed on your phone. Select the SIM card you want to change the settings for if you have two.
Inside the menu of the selected SIM card, you should look for a item called Calls over Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Calling. If the operator supports the function and it is active, there will be a switch next to it, and you just need to switch it to the "Off" position so that the system stops using the Internet channel for voice communication.
- 📱 Open the Settings app on the main screen.
- 📡 Go to section. SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- 🔢 Select the SIM card from the list (Sim 1 or Sim 2).
- 📞 Find the Wi-Fi Call Switch and Turn It Off.
In some cases, especially on older versions of firmware or certain carriers, this item may be called differently or hidden in the "Advanced" submenu. If you don't see the switch right away, carefully examine the entire screen, scrolling it to the end. The absence of a clause may mean that the operator has not handed over the settings profile or the function is locked at the firmware level.
☑️ Checking VoWiFi settings
Use of the Engineering Menu for Advanced Users
If the standard interface doesn't provide access to VoWiFi management, you can use the hidden engineering menu, which is a powerful diagnostic tool built into Android that allows you to control the radio module at a low level. Be careful: changing unknown parameters can lead to unstable communication.
To enter the menu, you need to open the standard Phone app and type a special command. Most Xiaomi devices use the code ##4636##. Once you enter the last digit, the menu should open automatically, without having to press the call button.
In the list that opens, select Phone Information. There are a lot of technical options. We're interested in the section related to network settings. Look for the Turn off VoWiFi option or checkboxes associated with the phone. IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem: Removing the tick from the relevant item will force the phone to not register on the network for voice calls via Wi-Fi.
⚠️ Note: Do not change other settings in the engineering menu, especially those related to the preferred type of network (for example, switching from the network to the other settings). LTE on 2G), If you don't understand their purpose, it could completely disable your connection.
Note that on newer versions of Android (11, 12, 13, 14), access to some of the features of the engineering menu may be limited by the manufacturer for security reasons.If the code does not work or the menu is empty, this method is not available for your model and you will have to look for alternative solutions.
What if the code doesn't work?
Disabling the function through the hidden operator settings
It often happens that VoWiFi settings arrive on the phone automatically along with the carrier profile, in which case the switch in the menu may be missing or blocked (shadowed). To manage the function, sometimes you need to change the settings on the operator’s side or use special settings. USSD-team.
Many large operators allow you to manage services through personal accounts or special codes. USSD-The request can instantly turn off the Wi-Fi Call service at the network level, after which the phone will no longer receive a signal about the possibility of using the technology, and the function will be deactivated automatically.
You can also try resetting the access point settings (APN) Sometimes the profile is the factory. APN Contains parameters that are forced to activate IMS Services. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN), Select your profile and click Reset or create a new one with standard options, eliminating lines containing ims or wifi.
| Operator. | Shutdown command | Status check team | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | *111*1971# | *111*197# | Service "Calls over Wi-Fi" |
| Megaphone | *105*0051# | *105*0050# | Can require confirmation |
| Beeline | Personal office | Personal office | Using USSD is often unavailable |
| Tele2 | *155*661# | *155*660# | It works in most regions |
If USSD-The code returns an error, which means that the service is either already disabled or not supported by your tariff.
Radical methods: resetting network settings
If the software methods don’t work and the phone continues to use VoWiFi persistently, ignoring your settings, you can resort to a complete reset of network settings, which will return all mobile, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings to factory status by removing saved passwords and profiles.
To perform this operation, go to Settings → Connection and Sharing (or “Advanced Settings”) → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Confirm action. Once the phone is restarted, the network will be searched again, and the operator profile will boot from a clean slate, which often solves the problem of “stuck” function.
This method is effective when configuration errors or conflicts between MIUI updates and carrier profiles have accumulated in the system, but keep in mind that you will have to re-enter passwords from all Wi-Fi networks and re-connect Bluetooth devices such as headphones or watches.
- 🔄 Open Settings and find the Connection and Sharing section».
- 🗑️ Select Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Networks and Bluetooth.
- ✅ Confirm the reset and wait for the interface to reboot.
- 📡 Enter passwords from Wi-Fi networks again after turning on.
After the reset, carefully monitor the initial network setup process. If the operator again offers to activate VoWiFi via a pop-up notification, immediately refuse this offer.
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Resetting your network settings does not delete your personal data (photos, contacts, apps), but erases all saved passwords and network configurations.
Using ADB to force shutdown
For experienced users who are not afraid of the command line, there is a method to disable the function through debugging. USB (ADB). This way you can change the system flags that are not available through a normal interface, USB-cable and installed drivers ADB.
First, activate the developer mode on your Xiaomi phone. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly press 7 times on the MIUI Version (or OS Version). Then, in the “Additional” → “Developers” menu, turn on the Debugging by USB option.
Connect the phone to your computer, open the command prompt (CMD) in the ADB folder, and enter the command to check the connection: adb devices. The phone will have a request for debugging permission — confirm it. Next, you can use the command to change the global settings:
adb shell settings put global ims_enabled 0This command is forcibly shutting down the subsystem. IMS, The one responsible for multimedia and voice transmission LTE/Wi-Fi. In some cases, a more specific command that depends on the Android version may be required, such as changing the value. wifi_calling_enabled. After the command is executed, it is recommended to restart the device.
⚠️ Attention: Use ADB Incorrect commands can cause software failures. Backup important data before experimenting.
To get it back to normal, use the same command by swapping 0 for 1. This method is especially useful if the smartphone manufacturer has hidden all the switches, but the technical support for the feature in the firmware remains.