Modern Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with many advanced communication technologies, one of which is VoWiFi. This feature allows you to make voice calls over a wireless Wi-Fi network, which is especially true in areas with poor coverage of the cellular operator. However, in some situations, such as when using corporate gateways or specific routers, this option can cause conflicts or simply be undesirable for the user.
Many owners of Redmi and Poco devices are faced with the need to deactivate this mode, as it may not correctly display the status of the call or consume resources of background processes. On some Xiaomi models, the menu item for managing this feature is hidden by default or moved depending on the firmware version. Understanding where to look for the right switch will save you time and nerves.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the ways to turn off Voice over Wi-Fi technology. We will look at standard ways through system settings, hidden engineering menus and forced network reset options, and you will be able to adapt your gadget to your needs by eliminating possible interference in mobile communication.
What is VoWiFi Technology and Why Disable It
Voice over Wi-Fi technology is the transmission of voice traffic over the Internet protocol, using a wireless connection instead of standard GSM or LTE frequencies. For users, this means the ability to make calls in basements, country houses or offices with thick walls, where the cell tower signal does not break through, but catches the Wi-Fi router.
However, this function does not always work perfectly. In some cases, the phone may get stuck on Wi-Fi calls even when the cellular network is already available, which leads to communication interruptions when leaving the coverage area of the router.
Disabling VoWiFi is often required for enthusiasts who test networks, or users who prefer to use messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) rather than a standard phone number. Forced transfer of a smartphone to work only through cell towers helps stabilize the modem.
- 📶 Improved connection stability in the low signal areas of the router.
- 🔋 Reduced background activity of the Wi-Fi module when the screen is locked.
- 🚫 Avoiding unintentional calls over Wi-Fi in roaming.
- 🛠 Solving problems with determining the subscriber number when calling.
The standard way to disable via Android settings
The simplest and safest method of deactivating the function is found in the standard operating system settings menu. Current versions of the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS have unified the path to this switch, although visually it may differ slightly depending on the regional version of the firmware (Global, CN, EEA).
You have to open the main settings menu and go to the SIM card and mobile network section, and that's where all the voice and data settings are concentrated, and look for a section called "Use Wi-Fi for calls" or "Wi-Fi calls."
Once you have found the right menu, simply put the slider in an inactive position, the system can request confirmation of action or warn you that the quality of communication may deteriorate when you leave the coverage area of the cellular network, this is the normal behavior of the system, and it should be ignored if your goal is to completely abandon the technology.
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If you don’t see the switch right away, try clicking on your name. SIM-maps in the settings list – sometimes the VoWiFi option is hidden inside the menu of a particular SIM.
It is important to note that once this feature is turned off, the VoWiFi or Wi-Fi Call icon in the status bar should disappear. If the indicator is left, it is possible that the carrier imposes this service on the network level, and a support call will be required to disable it on the provider side.
Step-by-step instructions for MIUI and HyperOS
For owners of Xiaomi smartphones with the shell MIUI 12, 13, 14 or new HyperOS algorithm of actions has its own peculiarities. the interface of settings here can be slightly changed compared to stock Android, which sometimes leaves users baffled.
First, open the Settings app (cog icon). In the list, find the section "SIM-maps and mobile networks. If you have a dual-sim phone, the system will tell you to choose which card you want to change the settings for, or will show a general list.
☑️ Algorithm to disable VoWiFi
Inside a specific menu SIM-If you're looking for a card, look for the line "Use Wi-Fi for calls." In some builds, this item may be called "Enable Wi-Fi calls." Click on it to open the submenu where you want to select "Disconnected" or just remove the box.
If this menu doesn't have the item you want, try searching by settings. Click on the magnifying glass at the top of the settings screen and type in the "Wi-Fi" request. The system will highlight the section you want, even if it's hidden in the bottom of the menu.
It is worth remembering that on some global firmware versions for certain regions (for example, India or some countries in Europe), this feature can be blocked by the manufacturer or operator, in which case it will not be possible to turn it on or off by standard methods.
| Shell version | The way is on the menu | Presence of function |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12/13 | SIM-map → Wi-Fi calls | Got (often) |
| MIUI 14 | Mobile network → Wi-Fi challenges | Depends on the region. |
| HyperOS 1.0 | Mobile network → Additionally. | Hidden/Eat |
| Android Stock | Network and Internet → Mobile Network | Standard |
Hidden settings and engineering menu
If the standard interface does not allow access to VoWiFi management, you can try to use the hidden engineering menu of Android, which is designed for advanced users and requires caution, since changing the wrong settings can lead to unstable operation of the communication module.
To enter the test menu, you need to open the Phone app and type a special code. The most common code for devices based on Qualcomm and MediaTek processors is ##4636##. After entering the last digit, the Testing menu should open.
⚠️ Warning: Don't change the values in the parts you're not sure about. Resetting the radio module settings may temporarily deprive you of communication.
In the menu that opens, select Phone Information. Scroll down to Set up your preferred network type or Set your preferred network type. Here you can try selecting a mode that does not support VoWiFi, such as switching to LTE only (LTE only) or 3G/2G, although this will temporarily limit Internet speed.
What if the code doesn't work?
A more radical method is the use of ADB-commands to change global parameters. That requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and having debugging on the computer. USB. The command to disable may look like changing the value in the settings database:
adb shell settings put global ims_wfc_mode 0This command compels Wi-Fi Calling to be “off,” but its effectiveness depends on whether your carrier has prioritized control over these settings.
Resetting network settings as a solution to problems
In situations where VoWiFi is not working properly, is buggy or cannot be turned off through a standard menu, a complete reset of network settings becomes an effective solution, which returns all connection settings to factory values by removing stored Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings.
To do this, go to Settings → Connection and Sharing (or Additional Features) and find Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Networks and Bluetooth, and the system will alert you that all stored networks will be forgotten.
Once reset, the phone will reset the communication modules, and when you first connect to Wi-Fi, you will need to re-enter the password, and often after this procedure, software errors that prevented normal switching between call modes disappear.
- 🔄 Remove conflicting configurations of telecom operators.
- 🗑 Clears the cache of Android network services.
- 📡 Updates registration in the network of the mobile operator.
- ⚙️ Resets Network Choice Priorities (LTE/3G/2G).
This method is especially useful if you have recently updated your firmware or changed it. SIM-map, and the settings of the new operator overlapped with the old configurations, causing a conflict of priorities between VoLTE and VoWiFi.
Impact of the Communications Operator and Regional Features
It is important to understand that the availability and behavior of VoWiFi functionality is highly dependent on your mobile carrier, MTS, Beeline, Tele2, Vodafone is actively promoting this technology and can force it to activate on their own devices. SIM-maps, ignoring phone settings.
There is also the concept of a “white list” of devices, and carriers often certify specific smartphone models to work with Voice over Wi-Fi. If your Xiaomi isn’t on this list for your region, the feature may not appear on the menu or may not work smoothly.
Different countries have different rules, for example, in some regions of the European Union, the feature can be turned on by default for all iPhone and Android users to provide coverage, while in other countries it requires separate activation via the Internet. USSD-request.
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If you have changed the operator or region, but the phone settings remain old, resetting the network settings is a must for the correct operation of the communication.
Also, when roaming abroad, VoWiFi may be charged as a normal call in the country of residence, which is often more advantageous than standard roaming, so it is worth checking the fare conditions before disabling the function in travel.