iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
If your Android phone keeps joining a network called Carrier Wi-Fi, open Wi-Fi settings, select that network, and tap Disconnect. Android documents that this blocks automatic reconnection to that network for 24 hours—not permanently. If instead you want calls to stop using Wi-Fi, turn off Wi-Fi Calling for the relevant phone line. These are separate features, so use the control that matches what you mean by “Carrier Wi-Fi.”
First, identify what “Carrier Wi-Fi” means on your phone
Carrier Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Calling are easy to confuse, but they do different things. Android’s Carrier Wi-Fi feature can automatically connect a device to a carrier-implemented Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi Calling uses a Wi-Fi connection to make or receive calls when supported by the phone and carrier. Turning off one does not necessarily turn off the other.
| What you want to stop | Control to use | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic connection to a carrier-operated Wi-Fi network | Disconnect from that network in Android Wi-Fi settings | Android documents a 24-hour block on automatic reconnection to that network; you can still connect manually. Android Open Source Project |
| Calls using Wi-Fi | Turn off Wi-Fi Calling for the relevant SIM or line | Wi-Fi is removed as a calling route; the alternative depends on cellular coverage, device support, and carrier terms. Apple |
| All Wi-Fi connections | Turn off Wi-Fi | Disconnects from ordinary Wi-Fi networks too, so it is broader than either targeted setting. |
Stop Android from automatically joining a Carrier Wi-Fi network
- Open your phone’s Wi-Fi settings. The exact route and labels vary by manufacturer and Android version.
- Select the connected carrier Wi-Fi network.
- Tap Disconnect.
Android documents Carrier Wi-Fi as an automatic connection feature available on Android 9 and later, for networks implemented by carriers. After a manual disconnect, Android deny-lists that network for 24 hours to prevent automatic reconnection. This is a temporary suppression, not a permanent opt-out, and you can still connect to the network manually. Android Open Source Project: Carrier Wi-Fi
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsIf the phone reconnects after that period, disconnecting again may temporarily suppress auto-connection. The documented behavior does not establish a universal permanent switch; availability and menu wording depend on the device and carrier.
#1 Best Overall
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Turn off Wi-Fi Calling
On iPhone
- Open Settings > Cellular.
- If you use more than one cellular line, tap the line you want to change.
- Tap Wi-Fi Calling, then turn off Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone.
Apple’s documented setting is per line on a dual-SIM iPhone. Apple iPhone User Guide
On Android
- Open Settings and search for Wi-Fi Calling.
- Open the result for the relevant SIM or carrier line and switch Wi-Fi Calling off.
On supported Android devices, Google documents this route: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > carrier SIM > Wi-Fi calling. Menus differ by phone and carrier; some devices place the setting under Call Settings. Google Phone Help and Verizon Wi-Fi Calling FAQ
Rank #2
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
If the setting is missing or unavailable, the carrier or device may not support the feature, or the account may need carrier-side assistance. Contact your carrier for device- or account-specific help. Do not switch off Wi-Fi altogether unless you also want to lose ordinary Wi-Fi internet access.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What happens to calls when Wi-Fi Calling is off?
Wi-Fi Calling provides a calling route when cellular reception is weak. Turning it off removes that route; whether ordinary calls can connect then depends on cellular signal, device and network support, and your carrier’s service. Apple says an iPhone call may 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. Apple and Motorola Support
Rank #3
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
Check emergency calling and charges before changing the setting
Emergency calls depend on carrier and location
Apple says an iPhone uses cellular for emergency calls when cellular service is available; if it is not and Wi-Fi Calling is enabled, an emergency call may be made over Wi-Fi. Some carriers may rely on the address registered for Wi-Fi Calling, and Apple warns that an iPhone connected to Wi-Fi Calling may not receive emergency alerts. Verizon describes collecting a registered address for its U.S. service and says calls first try cellular. Motorola advises callers to give the emergency operator their location and notes that Wi-Fi or power outages can affect calling. These practices are provider- and location-specific, not universal rules. Apple, Verizon, and Motorola Support
Calling costs vary
Charges can depend on carrier, plan, destination, and country. For example, Verizon’s U.S. FAQ says calls and texts to U.S. numbers over Wi-Fi do not use its cellular data allowance, while international calls may be charged under the applicable international plan or pay-as-you-go rates; the Wi-Fi network itself may also charge access fees. Motorola’s Verizon guide says calls and texts use the existing cellular rate plan, including while roaming. These are provider-specific examples, not general billing rules. Check your carrier’s current terms, especially before traveling. Verizon Wi-Fi Calling FAQ and Motorola Support
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
- Full Gigabit Ports - Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
- Boosted Coverage - Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology extend and concentrate the Wi-Fi signals
- MU-MIMO technology - (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
Rank #4
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕: Powered by Wi-Fi 7 technology, enjoy faster speeds with Multi-Link Operation, increased reliability with Multi-RUs, and more data capacity with 4K-QAM, delivering enhanced performance for all your devices.
- 𝐁𝐄𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫: Delivers up to 2882 Mbps (5 GHz), and 688 Mbps (2.4 GHz) speeds for 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming & more. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance, and obstacles like walls.
- 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐆𝐢𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟑×𝟏𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬: Maximize Gigabitplus internet with one 2.5G WAN/LAN port, one 2.5 Gbps LAN port, plus three additional 1 Gbps LAN ports. Break the 1G barrier for seamless, high-speed connectivity from the internet to multiple LAN devices for enhanced performance.
- 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭-𝐆𝐞𝐧 𝟐.𝟎 𝐆𝐇𝐳 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐝-𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫: Experience power and precision with a state-of-the-art processor that effortlessly manages high throughput. Eliminate lag and enjoy fast connections with minimal latency, even during heavy data transmissions.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 - Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft. for up to 60 devices at a time. 4 internal antennas and beamforming technology focus Wi-Fi signals toward hard-to-reach areas. Seamlessly connect phones, TVs, and gaming consoles.
If the phone still connects or the setting is unavailable
- It reconnects after a day: Android’s documented automatic-reconnection block after disconnecting lasts 24 hours. The documentation does not describe that action as a permanent opt-out.
- You changed Wi-Fi Calling but still see a carrier network: The network connection and calling feature are separate; disconnect from the network in Wi-Fi settings.
- You cannot find Wi-Fi Calling: Search Settings for the feature, check the line or SIM you intend to change, and ask your carrier whether the device and account support it.
- You need calls where cellular reception is unreliable: Consider the coverage trade-off before disabling Wi-Fi Calling, and verify emergency-calling and billing details with your provider.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
