Xiaomi’s modern smartphones, including the popular Redmi model 6A, Supports voice transmission technology through networks LTE, This feature is designed to improve the quality of voice communication, allowing you to simultaneously talk and use high-speed Internet without switching to older standards. 3G or 2G. However, despite the obvious benefits, many users face situations where the option needs to be forcibly deactivated, often due to unstable operator operations in a particular region or specific settings. SIM-map.
Owners of Redmi 6A may notice that after activation of VoLTE mobile Internet stops working during incoming or outgoing call, or the icon "HD" in the status bar begins to annoy with its constant presence. In some cases, the feature on leads to increased battery consumption, as the communication module constantly tries to keep the priority data channel. That is why the question of how to turn off VoLTE on Xiaomi Redmi 6A, remains extremely relevant for those who prefer stability of the device over innovation.
The deactivation process can vary depending on the version of the MIUI firmware and the region for which the device is released. In the standard settings menu, the corresponding switch is sometimes hidden from the user's eyes, which requires additional methods of accessing engineering menus or using special codes. Understanding the reasons why the technology can interfere with the normal operation of the gadget will help you make the right decision about whether to turn it off.
Reasons for disabling VoLTE technology on a smartphone
The main reason that encourages users to look for a way to remove the VoLTE icon and the function itself is the incorrect operation of mobile operators. 4G/LTE It doesn't cover all areas evenly, and in areas of insecure reception, the phone can constantly jump between communication standards, which leads to the fact that during a conversation the subscriber hears interruptions, and the interlocutor complains about a metal voice or complete loss of communication.
Another important factor is compatibility. SIM-Older SIM cards released years ago may not work properly with modern voice encryption protocols. hardware and software conflict causes Redmi smartphone to run properly 6A Cannot properly register on the network IMS, And that's what causes these persistent connection errors, and it's easier to go back to the classic voice.
Also worth mentioning is the impact on device autonomy. Although the technology was designed to be optimized, in reality, on low-end models with Helio processors, the VoLTE implementation may not be fully optimized. The communication module consumes more power in an attempt to maintain a high-quality channel, which significantly reduces battery life in standby and conversation mode.
⚠️ Note: Before disabling VoLTE, make sure your carrier supports this technology in your area.In some cases, a forced shutdown may result in you being unable to make calls if the network is in place. 2G/3G Your location has already been disabled by the operator.
There are several scenarios where deactivation is the only way out:
- 📶 Constant communication interruptions during a conversation while in the coverage area 4G.
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge associated with active network search LTE Voice.
- 📱 Inability to use mobile Internet at the same time as voice calls (paradoxically, but sometimes turning on the function blocks the data channel).
- 🚫 Absence of a badge HD after switching on, but there are communication problems, which indicates a failure of registration in the operator's network.
Users often forget that the quality of communication depends not only on the smartphone, but also on base stations. If you often move between the city and the countryside, where 4G coverage is fragmented, it is better to switch to standard mode, which will provide more predictable behavior of the device at critical moments when you need to urgently call someone.
Standard method of disabling through MIUI settings
The easiest and safest way to manage voice communication is in the standard operating system settings menu. In most cases, Xiaomi developers leave this switch available to the user so that he can independently adjust the network settings. First, you need to unlock the screen of your Redmi 6A and go to the main desktop.
Find the Settings icon, which usually looks like a gear, and click on it. In the settings list that opens, you need to find the connection section. MIUI It may be called differently, but most often it is a paragraph. SIM-Maps and mobile networks, or just mobile networks, and that's where all the key connectivity parameters are.
After entering the mobile network menu, select SIM-The card you want to change your settings for if you have two SIMs on your device, find a item called "Use VoLTE" or "Calls on" LTE". It should have a slider next to it, and if it's active (blue or green), press it to put it inactive. HD in the state line should disappear.
☑️ Pre-switch check
In some cases, especially on global firmware versions, this switch may not be visually available even if the function is supported by hardware. Then the system automatically controls mode depending on the operator's command. If the slider is not, the standard method will not work, and you will have to resort to more advanced methods described below. Remember that after changing the settings, the phone may briefly lose the network for re-registration.
Use of the Engineering Menu for Advanced Users
If the standard MIUI interface doesn't provide access to VoLTE management, an engineering menu comes to the rescue, and it's a hidden part of the system that's designed to test hardware and fine-tune the radio module, and it's accessed through a special set of commands in the Phone app. Be careful when you change the settings in this menu, because incorrect actions can affect communication.
To enter the engineering menu on Redmi 6A, open the dialer and enter the code ##4636##. Once the last digit (*) is entered, the menu should open automatically. If this does not happen, your firmware version may block access by default, and you will need to install a special application from the Play Market, such as "Force LTE Only".
From the menu that opens, select Phone Information. Scroll down until you find the section that connects to the network type you want to install. Here you can see a drop-down list where you can select modes, such as "LTE Only" or "WCDMA/GSM." But we're interested in the VoLTE switch.
Phone Information -> Set Preferred Network TypeFind a checkbox with the words VoLTE provisioned or Turn off VoLTE. If such a item is present, uncheck it or switch the switch to OFF. This action will forcibly prohibit the communication module from registering in the IMS network for voice calls. After performing manipulations, it is recommended to restart the device so that the changes take effect permanently.
⚠️ Warning: In the engineering menu, do not change the values in fields whose purpose you do not know. Resetting the radio module settings can cause the phone to stop seeing SIM-Card or lose the ability to make emergency calls.
It's important to understand that the engineering menu is a tool for developers and testers. It's minimalistic, it's devoid of the security mechanisms that you would normally have in your settings. Any change here takes precedence over the software settings of the system. If you've done that, you've lost all communication, try to reset the values back to their original state or reset the network.
What if the code doesn't work?
Application of third-party applications for network management
When Xiaomi’s built-in tools and engineering codes are unavailable or blocked by the manufacturer, specialized applications from the Google Play store come to the rescue. These utilities use system APIs to access the radio module settings that are hidden from the average user. One of the most popular and proven solutions is Force LTE Only (4G/5G).
Once you install the app, you need to give it the necessary permissions, usually require access to the phone and device status. Once launched, the app will offer several activation methods. For Redmi 6A, the most common is "Method 1: Android 11+" or "Method 2: Android 6-10", since this model was originally shipped with Android 8, but could be updated.
You can find the "Old Method" or "New Method" button in the interface of the program, depending on the version of Android. Then you will open the menu where you need to select Phone Information. Here, as in the engineering menu, you can find the Set Preferred Network Type. To turn off VoLTE, it is often enough to simply change the network type to the Internet type"LTE only" (only) LTE) or vice versa"WCDMA/GSM", If you want to leave completely 4G, What will automatically disable VoLTE.
- 📲 Force LTE Only is a simple application with a minimalist interface, ideal for quick switching modes.
- 🔧 NetBridge is a more complex tool that allows you to manage DNS other parameters of the network, but having the functions of switching modes.
- 🚀 4G Switcher – a utility, specifically designed for creating widgets for quick switching on and off 4G/VoLTE desk-top.
Using third-party software gives you the flexibility that standard settings don't. You can create a scenario where VoLTE only turns on at a certain time or at a certain geolocation, although Redmi 6A often requires just a static shutdown. Remember that these applications work as intermediaries and don't make changes to system files, so they're safe to delete at any time.
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If the app requests root rights and your phone doesn’t have them, try using the method of root rights. ADB-This allows you to access hidden settings without having to unlock the bootloader and get full superuser rights.
Comparison of network modes and their impact
Understanding the difference between network modes helps make an informed decision: When you turn off VoLTE, the phone goes into CSFB (Circuit Switched Fallback) mode, which means that when a call is made or out, the device is forced to switch to 2G or 3G networks. Once the call is over, it returns to 4G. This process takes 2 to 5 seconds, during which the Internet may not work.
The table below compares the main characteristics of working with VoLTE on and off on the example of Xiaomi Redmi 6A:
| Parameter | VoLTE Included | VoLTE is off. |
|---|---|---|
| Sound quality | High (HD Voice) | Standard. |
| Access to the Internet during the call | It works through 4G. | Often unavailable or slow (3G/2G) |
| Connection time | Instant (0-1 sec) | Switching delay (2-5 seconds) |
| Battery consumption | Maybe higher. | Usually more stable. |
CSFB, which is activated when VoLTE is turned off, is an older and time-tested standard that ensures that a call takes place almost anywhere with some cellular coverage, even if it is an ancient EDGE standard. For users who are often on business trips or traveling to remote areas, this mode can be more reliable, despite the lack of “crystal” sound.
On the other hand, if you are in a large, densely built city where 2G/3G signals can be jammed and 4G breaks through better, the absence of VoLTE will create dead zones for indoor calls. So before you finally shut down the feature, run a test: try calling from different locations where you normally are to assess the real losses as a connection.
Solving problems after disabling the function
Once you've managed to turn off VoLTE on the Redmi 6A, there may be new nuances in the device's operation. The most common problem is that the phone gets stuck in 3G or 2G and doesn't want to go back to 4G even for the Internet, in which case a short-term flight mode (Air mode) switch on for 10-15 seconds will help, which will force the communication module to reconnect to the base station with new parameters.
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where after disabling the function icon"HD" It's gone, but the Internet's gone, which may indicate that the access point settings are not working at all (APN) You've lost your parameters. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) and select Reset or Restore by default, which will return the correct settings for your operator.
⚠️ Warning: If after all the manipulations, the phone says "No network" or "Emergency only," don't panic. SIM-map, wipe the contacts with soft cloth and paste back. If that doesn't work, complete network reset in the menu Advanced settings → Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Internet and Bluetooth.
In rare cases, especially on custom firmware, disabling VoLTE can cause a second slot to be SIM-The card will stop seeing the network, and it's because of the way the modem is distributed, and if you're using two SIM cards, try swapping them or just keeping one slot active. 6A The first slot often takes priority in supporting modern communication standards.
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Disabling VoLTE is a trade-off between sound quality and connection stability, and if you're not sure if this feature is needed in your region, it's best to leave it on by default.