First identify what you want to stop: an Android phone automatically joining a carrier-operated Wi-Fi network, or calls using Wi-Fi through Wi-Fi Calling. They are separate features. To stop a carrier network from auto-connecting, disconnect from that network in Android Wi-Fi settings; Android documents a 24-hour block on automatic reconnection after manual disconnection. To stop calls using Wi-Fi, turn off Wi-Fi Calling for the relevant phone line.
Choose the control that matches the connection
| Your goal | Setting to change | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Stop Android from automatically joining a carrier-operated Wi-Fi network | Disconnect from that network in Wi-Fi settings | Android blocks automatic reconnection to that network for 24 hours after manual disconnection; you can still join it manually. Android Open Source Project |
| Stop calls from using Wi-Fi | Turn off Wi-Fi Calling for the relevant SIM or cellular line | The phone no longer uses Wi-Fi as a calling route; available cellular service and carrier rules determine the alternative. Apple |
| Disconnect from all Wi-Fi | Turn off Wi-Fi | This also disconnects ordinary Wi-Fi connections, so it is broader than either targeted change. |
Android’s Carrier Wi-Fi feature, available on Android 9 and later when implemented by a carrier, can automatically connect a device to carrier-operated networks. Wi-Fi Calling instead carries calls over a Wi-Fi connection. One setting does not replace the other, and exact menus depend on the phone and carrier. Android Open Source Project
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Stop automatic joining of a carrier Wi-Fi network on Android
- Open your phone’s Wi-Fi settings.
- Select the carrier Wi-Fi network you are currently connected to.
- Tap Disconnect.
Android documents that a manually disconnected carrier network is denylisted for 24 hours, preventing automatic reconnection during that period. You can still connect to it manually. This is a temporary auto-connect block, not a permanent opt-out. The feature and menu labels may differ by device and carrier. Android Open Source Project
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On iPhone
- Open Settings > Cellular.
- If you use dual SIM, tap the cellular line you want to change.
- Tap Wi-Fi Calling and turn off Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone.
Wi-Fi Calling is configured per line, so check the intended line if your iPhone has more than one. Apple iPhone User Guide
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On Android
- Open the Settings app and search for Wi-Fi Calling.
- Open the setting for the carrier SIM you want to change, then turn Wi-Fi Calling off.
On supported devices, Google documents this route: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > carrier SIM > Wi-Fi calling. Other Android phones may place the control under Call Settings or use different wording. If the option is missing or unavailable, the device or carrier may not support the feature; contact your carrier for device- or account-specific help. Google Phone Help Verizon Wi-Fi Calling FAQs
What turning off Wi-Fi Calling means for calls
Wi-Fi Calling can provide a calling route when cellular reception is weak. With it turned off, calls depend on the phone’s available cellular connection and the device and plan’s support for cellular calling. Apple says an iPhone call can switch to cellular VoLTE if Wi-Fi is lost and VoLTE is available and enabled; Motorola’s guidance says calls use the carrier’s mobile network when the phone is not connected to Wi-Fi. These behaviors depend on the device, carrier and service. Apple Motorola Support
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Check emergency calling and charges with your carrier
Emergency-call handling is not the same for every carrier or location. Apple says an iPhone uses cellular for emergency calls when available; if cellular is unavailable and Wi-Fi Calling is enabled, an emergency call may use Wi-Fi. Some carriers rely on the address registered for Wi-Fi Calling, and Apple notes that an iPhone connected to Wi-Fi Calling may not receive emergency alerts. Verizon describes registered-address practices for its US service. Motorola advises callers to tell the emergency operator their location and warns that Wi-Fi or power outages can affect calls. Follow your carrier’s local emergency-calling guidance rather than assuming one provider’s rules apply everywhere. Apple Verizon Motorola Support
Calling costs also vary by carrier, plan, destination and country. As one US-specific example, Verizon says calls and texts to US numbers over Wi-Fi do not use its cellular data allowance, while international calls may be billed according to the customer’s international plan or pay-as-you-go rates; the Wi-Fi provider may also charge for access. Motorola’s Verizon device guidance says calls and texts use the existing cellular rate plan, including while roaming. Check your own carrier’s current terms, especially before traveling; these examples are not universal billing rules. Verizon Wi-Fi Calling FAQs Motorola Support
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