How to disable VoLTE on Xiaomi Redmi 6: step-by-step instructions

Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi 6 come with a host of advanced communications technologies, including Voice over LTE (VoLTE), which allows voice calls to be transmitted over fourth-generation networks, providing crystal clear sound and instant connectivity. However, despite the obvious advantages, the technology is not without drawbacks, especially in the context of unstable coverage or specific operator settings.

Users often experience a situation where activating this option leads to a quick battery drain or even blocks the ability to make calls in certain regions. Redmi 6 owners are no exception and sometimes wonder how to forcefully deactivate this mode.

Bear in mind that the MIUI shell interface may vary depending on the firmware version and installation region, and we will look at both standard methods through the settings menu and deeper ways to interfere with system settings if the standard path is not available, which will help you regain full control of your device's communication settings.

What is VoLTE and why turn it off

Voice over LTE is a technology that uses high-speed 4G internet to transmit voice, rather than switching to old 2G or 3G standards while talking, theoretically allowing you to use fast internet and talk at the same time, and improves sound quality. However, in practice, implementing this feature on various models, including the Xiaomi Redmi 6, may not work properly.

The main reason users are looking to turn off this option is because of increased power consumption. Constant search and retention of LTE signals for voice calls can significantly reduce battery life. In addition, in areas with poor 4G coverage, the phone can often lose network or even stop accepting incoming calls, remaining in “out of range” mode.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling VoLTE may cause the Internet connection to switch to the standard during a conversation 3G or 2G, This will reduce the speed of data transmission at this point.

Also worth mentioning is carrier compatibility. Not all SIM cards and plans support voice over LTE. If your carrier has not certified this feature for your region, the included VoLTE icon in the status bar may be just an indicator of the phone’s readiness, but not the actual function, which puts extra strain on the modem.

Standard way to disable through settings

The simplest and safest method of managing communication functions is built into the standard settings menu of the Android operating system with a MIUI shell. In most cases, Xiaomi developers leave the ability to manually control this setting so that the user can adapt the smartphone to his needs.

First, you need to go to the Settings section on the home screen or in the notification curtain. SIM-This is where all the basic parameters of mobile communication are concentrated, including the choice of preferred network type and the management of additional services.

Select the SIM card you want to change if you have two SIM cards installed on your device. Find a switch that says Use VoLTE or Wi-Fi calls (sometimes nearby), put the slider inactive. If the HD or VoLTE icon is gone from the status bar, then the function is successfully deactivated.

• 📱 Open the Settings app on your Xiaomi Redmi 6.
• 📡 Go to section"SIM-maps and mobile networks".
• 🔌 Select the desired SIM card from the list of available.
• 🚫 Find the "Use VoLTE" switch and turn it off.

Use of the Engineering Menu for Advanced Users

In situations where the standard switch in the settings menu is missing or not working, the Android engineering menu comes to the rescue. It is a hidden part of the system, designed for testing equipment and network diagnostics by specialists. On Redmi 6, it can be accessed through a standard call.

To get into this section, open the Phone app and type a special code. The most common code for MediaTek-based devices installed in Redmi 6 is ##4636##. Once you enter the last digit, the menu should open automatically, without having to press the call button.

##4636##

From the menu that opens, select Phone Information. Scroll down until you find VoLTE Provisioned or Allow VoLTE. Uncheck or switch the switch to OFF. This will force the modem to not register on the network for voice calls over LTE.

⚠️ Attention: Changing the settings in the engineering menu can affect the stability of the communication module. Do not change other settings unless you are sure of their purpose.

Hidden codes and commands for network management

In addition to logging into the engineering menu through code, there are alternative ways to interact with system communication settings. Sometimes the standard code ##4636## can be blocked by the operator or manufacturer in a particular firmware version, in which case you can try using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands if you have access to a computer.

To work with ADB, you need to enable USB debugging mode in the For Developers section. Once you connect your smartphone to your PC, you can send a command that will change the global configuration of the system, but this method requires an installed driver and minimal knowledge of the command line.

There is also code #86583##, which on some versions of MIUI hides or shows the VoLTE key in the standard settings menu, and entering this combination can activate the hidden switch, after which it can be turned off in the usual way through the SIM card settings.

If none of the codes work, consider installing third-party apps from the Google Play store, such as “Force LTE Only (4G/5G).” They create a shortcut to the hidden radio module settings menu, allowing you to manage the network type and VoLTE settings without entering complex combinations.

The Impact of the MIUI firmware Version on Communication Settings

The MIUI shell installed on the Xiaomi Redmi 6 is constantly updated, and with each update the logic of the system settings may change. In the early versions of Android and MIUI, VoLTE management was more open, whereas in new builds, manufacturers often hide these options to ensure stability with operators.

Global ROM users may not have a VoLTE switch, while China ROM may have one available by default, due to device certification in different regions and agreements with local telecom operators.

If you upgrade to a new version of the system and notice that the usual switch is gone, this may be due to changes in security policy or network profiles, in which case, returning to the previous version of the firmware (rollback) may return functionality, but this is a risky operation that requires unlocking the bootloader.

Problems with communication operators and their solution

Often the problem is not with the Xiaomi Redmi 6, but with the operator’s settings. Even if you turn off VoLTE on your phone, the operator may force you to try to translate your call to HD Voice, especially in networks where 2G and 3G are already redistributed in favor of 4G and 5G.

In some cases, the SIM card may be old and may not support modern standards for encryption of voice calls. Replacing the SIM card with a new one from your carrier can automatically solve the problem of incorrect network behavior, as new cards have updated profiles.

It is also worth checking whether the service "VoLTE" is activated in the personal account of the subscriber. Many operators allow you to manage this service through the application or through the application. USSD-If the service is activated on the operator side, the phone will constantly try to use this channel.

• 📞 Contact your operator’s support team to clarify the status of the service.
• 💾 Replace your old SIM card with a new one with support 4G/LTE.
• ⚙️ Check the subscriber’s personal account for the availability of active additional services.
• 🌐 Make sure that your operator maintains a stable signal in your area. 4G.

⚠️ Note: Forced shutdown of VoLTE on the operator side may not be possible if it is the only available communication standard in your location (for example, when you turn off networks). 2G/3G).

Diagnosis and verification of the result

After you've done all the manipulations, you need to make sure that the changes are effective, and the easiest way to check is behind the status bar at the top of the screen, and if the VoLTE, HD, or 4G+ icon (in the context of calls) is gone when you connect to the network, then the setting is applied.

For a deeper diagnosis, you can make a test call. During a conversation, pay attention to the network type indicator. If the phone switched to H+ or 3G, and the Internet became slower or lost (depending on the settings), this means that the call is going through standard channels, not through LTE.

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Use network monitor applications such as Network Cell Info Lite to see in real time which standard (LTE, WCDMA, GSM) is connecting through when you call.

If the icon is still there but the calls don't go through, try restarting the device. The Xiaomi Redmi 6 reboot resets the network module cache and forces the phone to re-register with new settings, often solving the problem of sticking in old settings.

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Rebooting the device after changing the network settings is a mandatory step for applying changes at the modem level.

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