Your Wi-Fi disconnects during phone calls because your phone and network may not support simultaneous voice and data connections. This usually happens if your device falls back to older 3G or 2G networks for calls, which don't handle data alongside voice, or if settings like VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling are disabled. Enabling these features and adjusting network settings can help keep your Wi-Fi connected during calls.
Why does my Wi-Fi disconnect every time I get a phone call?
When you receive a phone call, your smartphone must manage voice and data connections at the same time. On older networks or devices, calls use 3G or 2G voice channels that don't support simultaneous data, causing your Wi-Fi connection to drop or pause temporarily.
Some phones also prioritize cellular voice over Wi-Fi during calls to maintain call quality, temporarily disabling Wi-Fi. Without technologies like VoLTE (Voice over LTE) or Wi-Fi Calling, your phone relies on these older voice networks, which interrupt data connections.
Other factors include network congestion, weak Wi-Fi signals, or settings that automatically switch your phone from Wi-Fi to cellular data when signal strength drops. These can all contribute to Wi-Fi disconnecting during incoming calls.
Does my phone support simultaneous voice and data over Wi-Fi?
Simultaneous voice and data support depends mainly on two technologies: VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling. VoLTE routes calls over LTE (4G), allowing voice and data to work together without dropping Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi Calling uses your Wi-Fi network to make and receive calls, helping maintain the data connection.
Most modern smartphones and carriers support VoLTE, but it must be enabled on your device and supported by your network. Wi-Fi Calling availability varies by carrier and device; sometimes it’s off by default and needs to be turned on.
If your phone or carrier doesn’t support these features, calls will fall back to 3G or 2G networks, which can’t handle simultaneous data, causing your Wi-Fi to disconnect. Checking your device settings and your carrier’s documentation will show what is supported.
How to fix Wi-Fi disconnects when calls come in
- Enable VoLTE on your phone:
Settings > Mobile Network > VoLTE (or Enhanced 4G LTE Mode)Turn this on to allow voice and data simultaneously over LTE.
- Enable Wi-Fi Calling if your carrier supports it:
Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi CallingThis lets your phone use Wi-Fi for calls, keeping your data connection active.
- Set your preferred network type to LTE only:
Settings > Mobile Network > Preferred Network TypeSelecting LTE only prevents fallback to 3G or 2G during calls.
- Update your phone’s software:
Keep your operating system and carrier settings up to date to fix network switching bugs.
- Adjust Wi-Fi settings:
Disable features like Wi-Fi Assist that switch to cellular data automatically when Wi-Fi is weak.
- Restart your phone and router:
A reboot can reset network connections and resolve conflicts.
If these steps don’t work, review any carrier-specific settings or contact your carrier for help.
How to verify if your fixes worked
After applying the fixes, test your phone by making or receiving a call while connected to Wi-Fi. Watch if your Wi-Fi icon stays on and if apps requiring data continue working without interruption.
Try these checks:
- Call someone and see if your Wi-Fi disconnects.
- Use apps that rely on Wi-Fi during the call, such as messaging or streaming apps.
If Wi-Fi remains connected and these apps work smoothly, the fixes succeeded. If Wi-Fi still disconnects, double-check your settings or try a different network to rule out carrier issues.
When should you contact your carrier or get a new device?
If your phone is relatively new, and you’ve enabled VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling but still face Wi-Fi drops during calls, the issue might be with your carrier’s network. Some carriers don’t fully support simultaneous voice and data on certain plans or in certain locations.
Contact your carrier to confirm if your account and area support VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling. They may offer network updates or specific settings to apply.
If your device is older and lacks VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling support, or if your carrier can’t provide simultaneous voice and data, consider upgrading to a newer phone. Without these features, preventing Wi-Fi drops during calls is difficult.
Conclusion
Start by enabling VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling, as these are the most effective ways to keep Wi-Fi connected during calls. If problems continue, check with your carrier about network support or consider upgrading your device. Test your phone after adjustments to confirm whether the issue is resolved or if further help is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does receiving a call always disable Wi-Fi on all phones?
No. Many modern phones and networks support simultaneous voice and data, so Wi-Fi stays connected during calls. This problem mainly happens on older devices or networks without VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling.
Can Wi-Fi Calling improve call quality and connectivity?
Yes. Wi-Fi Calling routes calls over your Wi-Fi network, which can improve call clarity and keep your data connection active even when cellular signals are weak.
Does using Wi-Fi during calls drain battery faster?
It might use slightly more battery because your phone maintains multiple connections, but the difference is usually small on modern devices.
Are there differences between how Android and iPhones handle this issue?
Both support VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling, but availability and default settings vary by manufacturer, carrier, and model, so behavior can differ.