Implementing Wi-Fi calling is an excellent solution to troubleshoot mobile network issues while on a call. It could be a meeting with a friend or even a meeting with a client.
A seamless call experience is the essence of the phone. However, a superior feature can sometimes reach its limit. Thus, I want you to disable WiFi calls for the time being.
Although there may be several reasons behind this, let’s solve the mystery to turn it off in a few minutes.
What are calls over Wi-Fi?
The WiFi calling feature has lived up to its name ever since its introduction to the smartphone industry.
It allows you to make calls regardless of the cellular network coverage in your area.
What else? It is enabled by default on all LTE enabled smartphones. Hence, it offers an excellent emergency backup and connection service.
Wi-Fi calling issues
- Unable to make calls
- Problems with the latest update
- Poor call quality
Wi-Fi calling issues
Even with its excellent features, WiFi calls sometimes fall short of expectations. If you have experienced this before, it could be due to the following reasons:
1. Out of coverage area
Although this message is familiar to the cellular network, you can also associate it with your WiFi. The main reason is the range your WiFi router offers.
A typical WiFi router provides coverage within 5-10 meters. You can expand it with additional routers, but this requires more effort.
Thus, if you go out of range of your Wi-Fi network, your calls will be affected.
2. Problems with the latest update
This can apply to both your router and your smartphone. If any of them have received the latest updates, it can make your calls difficult.
Your Wi-Fi provider may have undergone an update that unexpectedly affected its services. Or updating on Android or iOS devices can also cause this issue.
3. Bad network or connection quality
This becomes possible if your Wi-Fi router serves devices that exceed its capabilities. Yes it’s true.
A regular WiFi router is configured to work with 5 devices at the same time. Although, this number is subject to change.
Multiple devices connected to the same router will share its bandwidth. As a result, speed and performance will impact your call requirements.
Steps to turn off calls over Wi-Fi
- On Android phones
- On iPhones
- On Samsung phones
- On iPad
- On Google phones
- On Xiaomi phones
- On OnePlus phones
- On Mac
Steps to turn off calls over Wi-Fi
1. On Android phones
Here are the steps to disable Wi-Fi calling on your Android phone:
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Select the connections menu or search for it in the settings search bar.
- Under that, you will find the WiFi calling option. Use the toggle button to turn it off.
2. On iPhones
You can use the following steps to turn off Wi-Fi calls on your iPhone:
- Launch the Settings app on your device.
- Click Cellular to open the detailed menu.
- You should be able to find the Wi-Fi calling option.
- Use the toggle button and set it.
3. On Samsung phones
If you are using any of the Samsung Galaxy smartphones, this guide will help you disable Wi-Fi calls.
- Open the call or phone app from the home screen of Samsung devices.
- You should see a set of three vertical dots in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Click on it to open your phone settings.
- Scroll down the menu to find Wi-Fi calling.
- Then turn it off and you’re done!
4. On the iPad
Turning off Wi-Fi calls on iPad takes a tortuous path. Along with the iPad, you will also need an iPhone to disable this feature. Here are the steps to do it:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Press and open the Cellular menu.
- Below it, look for the “Call on other devices”option.
- Then find the “Allow Calls”menu and click on it.
- Now find your iPad in the list of available devices.
- You should now see a toggle switch in front of your iPad.
- Click on it and disable this feature until you’re ready for it.
5. On Google phones
Here are quick steps to disable calls over Wi-Fi on Google Pixel devices.
- Launch the call or phone app on your Pixel device. It’s the blue phone icon on the home screen.
- Click on the 3 vertical dots in the top right corner of the screen.
- This will launch the phone settings app.
- Now tap on the Calls menu and you will find the option to call the Wi-Fi network.
- If necessary, turn off the Wi-Fi calling service until you need it next time.
6. On Xiaomi phones
For Xiaomi users, here is the easiest set of steps to turn off wireless network calls on your phone:
- Open Settings on your phone.
- Next, open the SIM cards and mobile networks menu.
- At the same time, select the main SIM card for making phone calls.
- You should find the “Calls using WiFi”option.
- Disable it and your phone will now rely on cellular connectivity to make future data calls.
7. On OnePlus phones
Follow the steps given below and turn off WiFi calls.
- Swipe down on the menu bar available on your phone’s home screen.
- You should see your carrier’s name in the bottom left corner of the menu bar.
- Click on it to open the SIM and network settings.
- Click on an available SIM card and a menu of its detailed settings will open.
- Next, you should see a button to toggle Wi-Fi calling options. Click the switch to turn it off.
8. Mac
Turning off Wi-Fi calls on your Mac can be easily done using your iPhone device. Here are the steps for that:
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Open the Cellular menu and tap the Calls to Other Devices option.
- In doing so, you will find the “Allow Calls”option.
- Find your Mac in this list and tap the switch to turn it off.
If necessary, your device will no longer be able to make or receive calls over the Wi-Fi network.
FAQ
What are the disadvantages of Wi-Fi calling?
You may experience problems making WiFi calls if you are using a public WiFi connection loaded by devices. Or, you may also experience connection issues if you go outside of your WiFi router’s coverage area.
Why is my phone using Wi-Fi calls?
All LTE-based smartphones have Wi-Fi calling enabled. So your phone calls can automatically switch to it when it’s available.
What happens if you disable Wi-Fi calls?
If Wi-Fi calling is disabled, your phone calls will be affected by cellular coverage. The experience depends on the services offered by your network provider. At the same time, this may lead to an increase in Internet charges. The chances increase if you frequently use live or WhatsApp video calls.
How to turn off Wi-Fi when calling Samsung?
You will need to open the settings of your Samsung device and then look for the Wi-Fi Calling option. Next, disable the button available for WiFi network calls.