WiFi calling is usually on by default — here's how to switch it off

WiFi calling lets your phone make and receive calls over a wireless internet connection instead of your cellular network. Your carrier turns it on automatically on most phones, and you can turn it off in your phone's settings in under a minute. The steps differ slightly between iPhone and Android, but both are straightforward.

You might want to disable it if you're on a network you don't trust, if it's draining your battery faster than usual, or if you straightforward prefer to use cellular service. Turning it off doesn't affect your ability to use data or send text messages — it only stops calls from routing through WiFi.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > WiFi Calling and toggle it off; on Android, the path is usually Settings > Advanced > WiFi Calling, though it varies by manufacturer.
  • Disabling WiFi calling means your phone will use your cellular network for calls instead, which requires cell signal but may use less battery.
  • You can turn WiFi calling back on at any time using the same settings menu.
  • Some carriers charge the same rate for WiFi calls as cellular calls, while others count them differently — check your plan if cost is a concern.

How to disable WiFi calling on iPhone

Open the Settings app and tap Phone. Scroll down until you see WiFi Calling. Tap the toggle next to it to turn it off — the toggle will turn gray when it's disabled. That's all you need to do. Your phone will now route calls through your cellular network instead.

If you don't see the WiFi Calling option, your carrier may not support it on your account, or you may be using an older iPhone model. You can check with your carrier to confirm whether the feature is available to you.

How to disable WiFi calling on Android

The exact path depends on your phone's manufacturer, but the general route is Settings > Advanced > WiFi Calling. On Samsung phones specifically, go to Settings > Connections > WiFi Calling and toggle it off. On Google Pixel phones, the path is Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Advanced > WiFi Calling.

If you can't find the option, search your settings for "WiFi calling" using the search bar at the top of the Settings app — most Android phones have one. If nothing appears, your carrier may not offer the feature on your account or device.

Why your battery might drain faster with WiFi calling on

WiFi calling requires your phone to maintain a connection to both WiFi and your cellular network at the same time. This dual connection uses more power than relying on one or the other alone, which is why some people notice their battery drains faster when the feature is enabled.

If battery life is your main concern, turning off WiFi calling is worth trying for a day or two to see if you notice a difference. The impact varies depending on your phone model, how strong your WiFi signal is, and how many calls you make.

When you might want to keep WiFi calling on

WiFi calling is useful in places where cellular signal is weak but WiFi is strong — like basements, rural areas, or buildings with thick walls. It also works when you're traveling internationally, since you can make calls over WiFi without paying roaming charges (though you should confirm this with your carrier first).

If you have a weak cellular signal at home or work, leaving WiFi calling on means your calls won't drop or sound garbled. You can always disable it temporarily if you're concerned about battery drain during a specific day.

What happens to your calls and texts when WiFi calling is off

Turning off WiFi calling only affects voice calls. Your phone will route them through your cellular network instead, so you'll need cell signal to make or receive calls. Text messages and data use will continue to work normally over WiFi or cellular, depending on what's available.

If you're in an area with no cell signal but strong WiFi, you won't be able to make or receive calls with WiFi calling disabled — but you can still use messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, or iMessage, which work over WiFi alone.

Turning WiFi calling back on if you change your mind

You can re-enable WiFi calling at any time by going back to the same settings menu and toggling it on. The process takes the same amount of time as turning it off. Your carrier settings will remain the same, so you won't need to contact your carrier or reconfigure anything.

Some people turn WiFi calling on and off depending on where they are — off at home where cell signal is strong, on at work where it's weak. There's no penalty for switching it back and forth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does turning off WiFi calling affect my data or text messages?

No. Disabling WiFi calling only stops calls from routing through WiFi. Your data and text messages will continue to work over WiFi or cellular service as usual.

Will I lose service if I turn off WiFi calling?

You won't lose service, but you'll need cellular signal to make or receive calls. If you're in an area with weak cell signal, you may have trouble with calls until you move to a location with better coverage or turn WiFi calling back on.

Does WiFi calling cost extra?

Most carriers charge the same rate for WiFi calls as cellular calls and count them against your plan the same way. A few carriers offer different pricing, so check your plan details or contact your carrier if cost is a concern.

Why can't I find the WiFi calling option on my phone?

Your carrier may not support WiFi calling on your account or device, or your phone model may be too old. Contact your carrier to confirm whether the feature is available to you.