WiFi calling lets you make and receive calls over internet instead of cellular signal, but you can disable it in your phone's settings if you don't want to use it

WiFi calling is turned on by default on most modern phones, but many people disable it because they prefer to use their regular cellular network, want to avoid unexpected data charges, or experience call quality problems on WiFi. The steps to turn it off differ slightly between iPhones and Android phones, but both take less than a minute.

You do not need to contact your carrier or change your phone plan to disable WiFi calling. It is a setting you control directly on your device. If you turn it off and later change your mind, you can turn it back on the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhones, go to Settings > Phone > WiFi Calling and toggle it off.
  • On Android phones, the setting is usually in Settings > Advanced > WiFi Calling, though the exact path varies by manufacturer.
  • Disabling WiFi calling does not affect your regular cellular service or data plan.
  • You can turn WiFi calling back on at any time using the same settings menu.

How to disable WiFi calling on iPhone

Open the Settings app and tap Phone. Scroll down until you see WiFi Calling, then tap it. Toggle the switch next to "WiFi Calling on This iPhone" to the off position. The switch will turn gray when it is off.

If you do not see the WiFi Calling option in the Phone settings, your carrier may not support it on your plan, or your phone model may not have the feature. iPhones from iPhone 6s and newer support WiFi calling, but some carriers require you to have a compatible plan before the setting appears.

How to disable WiFi calling on Android

The exact location of the WiFi calling setting varies depending on your phone's manufacturer. On most Android phones, open Settings and look for Phone or Call Settings. From there, tap Advanced or More Settings, then find WiFi Calling. Toggle it off.

If you cannot find it in those locations, try searching for "WiFi calling" in your phone's Settings search bar — most Android phones have a search function at the top of the Settings app. You can also check your carrier's support page, since some carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T place the setting in slightly different locations depending on the phone model.

What happens when you turn WiFi calling off

When WiFi calling is disabled, your phone will only make and receive calls using your cellular network. If you are in an area with poor cellular signal but strong WiFi, calls may drop or fail to connect. Your regular data plan is not affected — you can still use WiFi for internet browsing, email, and apps.

Text messages sent through your regular SMS service will continue to work normally. If you use iMessage or other internet-based messaging apps, those will still work over WiFi even when WiFi calling is off.

When you might want to disable WiFi calling

Some people turn off WiFi calling because they experience worse call quality on WiFi than on cellular. Others disable it to avoid connecting to public WiFi networks automatically, since some public networks are less secure. If you travel internationally, disabling WiFi calling can prevent unexpected charges if your carrier does not support it in certain countries.

You might also disable it if you share WiFi with others and want to ensure calls only use your cellular connection. There is no performance penalty to your phone for having it off — it simply will not be an option when you make calls.

Turning WiFi calling back on

If you change your mind, you can re-enable WiFi calling by following the same steps and toggling the setting back on. Your phone will remember your WiFi networks and reconnect to them automatically for calling once it is turned back on.

You do not lose any settings or data by turning WiFi calling off and on. Your contacts, call history, and voicemail remain unchanged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will turning off WiFi calling affect my regular phone service?

No. Your cellular service and data plan work exactly the same whether WiFi calling is on or off. Disabling WiFi calling only removes the option to make calls over internet — it does not change how your phone connects to your carrier's network.

Can I disable WiFi calling for just one contact or one call?

No, the setting is all-or-nothing. When WiFi calling is off, it is off for all calls. You cannot turn it off for specific people. If you want to make a call without WiFi calling, make sure the setting is disabled before you dial.

Does WiFi calling cost extra money?

No. WiFi calling uses your regular phone plan minutes and does not charge you separately. However, it does use data from your WiFi connection, so if you have a limited WiFi plan from your internet provider, heavy WiFi calling could count toward that limit.

What if I cannot find the WiFi calling setting on my Android phone?

Not all Android phones or carriers support WiFi calling. Check your carrier's website to confirm your plan includes it. If your phone supports it but you cannot find the setting, try searching "WiFi calling" in Settings, or contact your carrier's support line for the exact location on your model.