Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are equipped with advanced LTE voice modules, known as VoLTE. This technology is designed to improve call quality and speed up connection, but in practice users often face the reverse side of the coin. In some regions, 4G coverage is unstable, leading to constant network reconnections and rapid battery consumption.
Many device owners notice that after activation of the SIM card, the phone begins to warm or loses the signal in the subway and basements. Often the culprit is the VoLTE protocol, which tries to keep the voice call in high-speed range, even if the signal is weaker than in conventional 3G. In such situations, the only sure solution is forced switching to standard communication protocols.
In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to deactivate the function, from simple settings on the menu to working with engineering code. You will learn why operators hide this option and how to safely return the stability of your gadget without losing warranty.
Why you should disable VoLTE on Xiaomi smartphones
Voice over LTE technology theoretically provides crystal clear sound and the ability to use the Internet while talking. However, the real infrastructure of mobile operators does not always meet ideal conditions. If you live in an area of insecure reception or often move between towers, your phone will constantly switch between 4G and 3G, which puts an extra strain on the modem.
The main reason users are looking for a way to turn off VoLTE is because of the device’s autonomy. The constant search for a stable channel for voice communication in the LTE standard consumes significantly more power than a regular GSM or WCDMA, especially on older models or smartphones with worn-out batteries.
⚠️ Note: Before changing your network settings, make sure you have an alternative way to communicate, as in some rare cases, an incorrect configuration may temporarily limit the ability to make outgoing calls.
In addition, in some cases, carriers have not fully optimized their networks to work with specific models of Chinese brands, which can cause voice calls to simply break down or the subscriber can not hear the beeps, disabling the feature returns the phone to a more conservative but reliable mode of operation.
- 📉 Increased battery life by reducing radio module activity.
- 📶 More stable signal in buildings with thick walls and basements.
- 🔇 Elimination of problems with echo and interruption of voice during conversation.
Standard method of disabling through MIUI settings
The easiest and safest way to manage communication features is built into the MIUI or HyperOS shell. Manufacturers often hide the VoLTE switch deep in the menu or make it visible only when you have a specific SIM card. First, try to find a standard setting that does not require special codes.
Go to the SIM and mobile settings section, which usually shows the basic parameters for each card installed. If your carrier supports the technology and it is activated on the provider side, you will see the corresponding switch, and its state can be changed at any time without rebooting the device.
However, if you don't see the switch, it doesn't mean that the function is not active. In recent firmware versions, the settings interface often hides this option by relying on automatic networking, in which case the phone decides when to use VoLTE, and the user can't influence it with standard means.
It is important to note that the presence or absence of a switch depends on the regional version of the firmware. Global ROMs may have different settings than Chinese ones (CN ROMs). If you don’t have the right item on your menu, you will have to resort to more advanced methods.
Using an engineering menu to disable the function
If the standard interface doesn't allow you to manage voice calls, an engineering menu comes to the rescue, and it's a hidden part of the system that's designed to test the hardware and set up the radio module, and it's accessed through a special character set in the Phone app.
To enter the test menu, dial the combination ##4636##. On some Xiaomi models with new versions of Android, this code may be blocked by the manufacturer, in which case you will need to install a special activator application, such as Activity Launcher, to run the hidden component of the system.
##4636##Once you're successful, you'll see a list of tests. You're interested in Phone Information. Scroll down to Set preferred network type. This is the key to managing modem modes.
⚠️ Warning: Be extremely careful in the engineering menu. changing parameters that are not related to the type of network (for example, resetting statistics or changing the system). IMEI), This can cause unstable operation of the device9.
In the drop-down list, you will see the current mode, for example, LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM (auto connect). To turn off VoLTE, you need to select a mode that does not have an LTE or IMS prefix. Often it helps to choose the “GSM only” or “WCDMA preferred” mode, but this will temporarily deprive you of 4G Internet. A softer option is to find the “VoLTE provisioned” string and uncheck it if you have one on your menu version.
- 🛠️ Access to hidden radio settings without root rights.
- 📱 Ability to forcefully select a standard 3G or 2G.
- 🔄 Instant application of settings without restarting the smartphone.
Comparison of disconnection methods: pros and cons
The choice of deactivation depends on your technical background and the specific model of the smartphone, each method has its own characteristics that should be considered before making changes to the communication system.
The standard method is through settings that are safe, but often not available. The engineering menu gives you more control, but it requires care. ADB-commands that are suitable for advanced users but require a computer connection.
| Method | Difficulty | Risk of error | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI settings | Low. | Absent. | Medium |
| Engineering menu | Medium | Low. | Tall. |
| ADB team | Tall. | Medium. | Maximum |
| Third-party annexes | Low. | Depends on the software. | Variable |
For most users, the best option is the engineering menu, because it does not require a PC connection and allows you to flexibly manage network settings, but if you are not sure about your actions, you should limit yourself to standard settings or contact a service center.
Problems after VoLTE shutdown and their solution
After forced network switching, you may experience a change in phone behavior, primarily voice quality, and without VoLTE, the phone will use classic 2G or 3G channels, which can make voice less clear but more stable9.
One of the common problems is that the 4G/LTE icon disappears in the status bar. If you select GSM only mode in the engineering menu, the phone will really stop catching high-speed Internet. To return 4G, but leave VoLTE off, you need to select LTE/WCDMA/GSM (auto connect) mode, but make sure that the provisioning flag is removed.
Sometimes, after manipulation of the network, the phone may lose registration in the operator's network, in which case it helps to simply restart the device or turn on the flight mode for 10-15 seconds, which causes the modem to re-enter the network with new parameters.
⚠️ Note: If after disabling the function, the mobile Internet disappeared, check the settings of the access point (APN). Sometimes resetting network settings requires re-entering parameters. APN your operator.
- 🔋 Significant reduction in body heating during long conversations.
- 📉 Possible reduction of data transfer speed during a call.
- 📞 Return to standard sound quality HD Voice (depends on operator).