To turn off Wi-Fi calling on Android, open your phone's Settings and follow the path specific to your device model. Disabling Wi-Fi calling forces your phone to use the cellular network for all calls, which can improve call quality if your Wi-Fi connection is unstable or reduce battery drain caused by the phone constantly switching between networks.
How to turn off Wi-Fi calling on a Samsung Galaxy
- Open the Settings app on your Samsung Galaxy phone.
- Tap Connections.
- Select Wi-Fi Calling.
- Tap the switch to turn it off.
Some Samsung Galaxy phones also have a Wi-Fi Calling icon in the Quick settings panel. Swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping that icon toggles the feature on or off without needing to enter the full Settings menu. This is useful if you frequently switch between Wi-Fi calling and cellular calling based on your location or network conditions. Samsung says some phones also expose a Wi‑Fi Calling icon in the Quick settings panel, and tapping it toggles the feature on or off.
How to turn off Wi-Fi calling on a Google Pixel or stock Android
- Open the Settings app on your Pixel or stock Android phone.
- Tap Network & internet.
- Tap SIMs.
- Select your carrier SIM.
- Tap Wi-Fi calling and toggle it off.
On devices running a near-stock version of Android, this is the standard path. If your carrier does not support Wi-Fi calling or you have a dual-SIM setup, make sure you are adjusting the setting for the correct SIM. For Google Fi users, the same Settings > Network & Internet area is used for Wi-Fi calling troubleshooting, though the direct off switch is found under the SIM settings as described.
How to turn off Wi-Fi calling in the Google Voice app
- Open the Google Voice app.
- Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines).
- Tap Settings.
- Under Calls, tap Making and receiving calls.
- Select Use carrier only.
This setting disables Wi-Fi calling specifically for calls made through Google Voice. Google Voice's Wi‑Fi calling setting is documented in the Voice app on Android and iOS. If you use Google Voice alongside your regular carrier number, you may also want to review your Google Voice and internet calling options to ensure calls route exactly as you prefer. Google warns that if Wi-Fi calling is not possible, Voice may fall back to using your carrier minutes, and carrier charges may apply. This is especially important if you have a limited calling plan or are traveling internationally.
What happens when you turn off Wi-Fi calling
When you disable Wi-Fi calling, all calls will use your cellular network instead. This does not affect your phone bill, as Wi-Fi calling typically uses your existing voice plan minutes. However, if you use Google Voice and select "Use carrier only," calls that cannot be completed over Wi-Fi may incur carrier charges. Additionally, turning off Wi-Fi calling may affect certain location-based features. On iPhone, Apple documents turning Wi‑Fi Calling off in Settings > Apps > Phone by switching off Wi‑Fi Calling on This iPhone; for other devices, go to Calls on Other Devices and turn off Allow Calls on Other Devices, then disable the specific device in the list. Apple says turning off Wi‑Fi Calling may affect features tied to the service, including location-related sharing for short code calls unless Location Services for Wi‑Fi Calling is separately turned off in Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services. While this specific setting is documented for iPhone, similar location-related behaviors can occur on Android devices that rely on Wi-Fi calling for emergency location sharing. If you need to block unwanted calls entirely, see our guide on blocking calls and numbers for steps that work across all phone types. For users considering switching carriers or devices, check compatibility lists for unlocked phones that work with T-Mobile WiFi calling before making a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will turning off Wi-Fi calling save battery?
Yes, disabling Wi-Fi calling can save battery because your phone stops scanning for and maintaining a Wi-Fi connection specifically for calls. This is most noticeable in areas where your Wi-Fi signal is weak or unstable.
Can I turn off Wi-Fi calling for specific phone numbers?
No, the Wi-Fi calling setting on Android applies to all calls. There is no built-in option to disable it for individual contacts or phone numbers.
Does turning off Wi-Fi calling affect text messages?
Wi-Fi calling typically covers both calls and SMS/MMS messages. When you turn it off, text messages will also switch to using the cellular network. If you have poor cellular signal, you may experience delays in sending or receiving texts.
Will I still be able to use Wi-Fi for data after turning off Wi-Fi calling?
Yes, disabling Wi-Fi calling only affects how calls are routed. Your phone will still connect to Wi-Fi networks for internet browsing, app updates, and other data tasks.
Why does my phone keep re-enabling Wi-Fi calling?
Some carriers automatically re-enable Wi-Fi calling after a software update or when you insert a new SIM card. Check your carrier's settings or contact them if this happens frequently, as it may be a network-side preference.
For the wider topic, see blocking calls and numbers.
