4G VoLTE in Xiaomi phone: what it is, how it works and why you need it

Have you ever noticed that while you're on the phone, the Internet suddenly hangs up or switches to slow 3G? Or are you annoyed that the voice of the interlocutor sounds like a barrel, even though you have full signal level? Most likely, the problem lies in the lack of support for VoLTE, a technology that dramatically changes the quality of mobile communication. In Xiaomi smartphones, this feature is often turned off by default, and users do not even suspect that half of the capabilities of their devices are being deprived.

In this article, we will understand what 4G VoLTE is in practice (not the language of complex technical standards), why your Redmi, POCO or Mi work half-heartedly without it, and how to set up the technology on different models. You will learn which operators in Russia and the CIS support VoLTE, how to check its availability on your phone, and what to do if the function does not work at all settings.

What is VoLTE in a phone in simple words

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) — This is voice transmission technology on networks. 4G, Not out of date. 2G/3G, Imagine that before, your phone would jump off a high-speed phone when you called. 4G slow-moving 3G or 2G, VoLTE doesn't do that, it's just the same thing. 4G-channel, as is the Internet.

Why is this important to Xiaomi owners? The thing is, without VoLTE, you're:

• 📉 Losing Internet speed during a conversation (pages load 5-10 times slower).
• 🔊 Hearing the other person worse due to compression of voice in old networks.
• ⚡ Spending more battery power on constant switching between networks.
• 🚫 You can not use the mobile Internet during the call (unless the operator supports the same time). 3G+4G).

In Xiaomi smartphones starting in 2018 (Redmi Note 7, Mi 9 and later), VoLTE is supported at the hardware level, but often disabled by default due to the “features” of MIUI firmware. This means that even if your phone is technically capable on VoLTE, you will have to turn it on manually – otherwise you will use outdated technology, as in 2010.

How VoLTE differs from regular calls: 5 key benefits

To see if you’re tinkering with settings, compare VoLTE to traditional 2G/3G calls. The difference isn’t just in internet speed – it affects communication quality, connection times, and even cost to operators (which indirectly affects tariffs).

But there are nuances, too. VoLTE won't improve communication in a low 4G area -- if you have only 1-2 sticks, the call can be interrupted, just like it is with 3G. But in cities where 4G is stable, the difference is felt immediately: voice becomes "bulk", delays disappear, and the Internet continues to work at full speed even during a conversation.

⚠️ Note: Some operators (e.g. Tele2 in certain regions) may charge for VoLTE calls as for internet traffic.Clarify rates with your provider to avoid unexpected write-offs.

How to check if your Xiaomi VoLTE supports

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support VoLTE, especially older models or devices for the Chinese market (with China ROM firmware).

Method 1: Testing by model

VoLTE is guaranteed to work on the following series (starting with the specified models):

• 📱 Redmi Note: Note 7 and later (including Note 8 Pro, Note 9, Note 10, Note 11).
• 📱 Redmi: Redmi 9, Redmi 10, Redmi K20/K30/K40/K50.
• 📱 POCO: POCO X3, POCO F3, POCO M3 newer.
• 📱 Mi: Mi 9, Mi 10, Mi 11 and all the flagships after them.

If your model is older (such as the Redmi Note 5 or Mi 8), VoLTE may not work at all.

Method 2: Checking through settings

Open the Settings menu → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Network type, if there's a item on the list 4G (VoLTE) or LTE/VoLTE, Your phone supports technology, but if you have the maximum option — 4G (recommended) without mentioning VoLTE, the function is either missing or hidden.

Method 3: Test call

The most reliable method is to call someone and watch the network indicator:

• 🔄 If the badge is on the phone 4G shift 3G or+ — VoLTE is offline.
• 📶 If 4G and the word "Volte" appears next to it, or HD — function.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) VoLTE can be enabled but not displayed in the status bar. To make sure, look at Settings. → The phone. → Status. SIM-maps - there should be a line VoLTE: included.

Step-by-step: how to enable VoLTE on Xiaomi

If your phone supports VoLTE but the feature is disabled, follow this instruction.The process may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the general logic is maintained.

Step 1: Activate VoLTE in the settings SIM-map

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.

2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).

3.Tap on Network Type and select 4G (VoLTE) or LTE/VoLTE.

4. Go back and turn on the VoLTE call switch (if any).

Step 2: Update the operator settings

Sometimes VoLTE doesn't work because of outdated operator configurations.

1. Open the Phone app.

2. Dial the combination: ##86583## (for some models - #4636###).

3. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information → Update configuration.

4. Reboot the phone.

Step 3: Check the APN settings

If VoLTE still doesn't work, there may be a problem in APNs. reset them to factory ones:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Access points (APN).

2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Reset to default values.

3. Reboot the phone.

Step 4: Alternative Method (for Advanced)

If the standard methods do not work, you can turn on VoLTE through the engineering menu:

1. Enter the phone code ##4636##.
2. Select Phone Information.
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
4. Select LTE only or LTE/UMTS auto (PRL).
5. Return and turn on the Enhanced 4G LTE Mode switch (if any).

💡

If after turning on VoLTE mobile Internet disappeared, try to disable the Wi-Fi Calling function in the settings SIM-Cards – sometimes these two options conflict.

VoLTE on Xiaomi: common problems and solutions

Even if you have enabled VoLTE correctly, you may experience failures, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: VoLTE is turned on but not working

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 SIM card does not support VoLTE: check with the operator whether the service is activated on your tariff. For example, MTS VoLTE is available only on the tariffs "Price plan" and "Smart».
• 📱 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔄 Conflict with Wi-Fi Calling: Turn off Wi-Fi calls in settings SIM-map.

Problem 2: Battery goes down quickly after VoLTE is turned on

This is normal in the first 1-2 days, the phone adapts to the new network, and if the discharge stays high for longer:

• 🔋 Check the background processes in Settings → Battery → Battery utilization.
• 📶 Turn off Network Auto Search in Settings SIM-map.
• 🔄 Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

Problem 3: VoLTE works, but communication quality has deteriorated

Paradoxically, sometimes VoLTE can produce a worse sound than 3G.

• 📡 Weak signal. 4G: VoLTE requires stable coverage. If you have 1-2 sticks, you'd better go back to the top. 3G.
• 🔊 Codec problems: Some operators use outdated codecs (e.g., codecs, AMR instead AMR-WB). Call another number and compare the quality.
• 📱 Hardware restrictions: On cheap models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) VoLTE may be unstable due to a weak processor.

💡

If you have lost mobile internet after you turn on VoLTE, check if you have activated the 4G Only option in your network settings. Some carriers (e.g. Yota) require 4G/3G/2G (auto) mode to work properly.

VoLTE vs Wi-Fi Calling: Which is Best for Xiaomi?

Many people confuse VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling, but these are different technologies with different pros and cons. Let's compare them for Xiaomi smartphones:

VoLTE is suitable for everyday use in a city with good 4G coverage. Wi-Fi Calling will come in handy in places with weak mobile signal (for example, in the basement or outside the city), but can eat up the battery faster.

On Xiaomi smartphones, these technologies can be used together, but sometimes they conflict. If VoLTE (or vice versa) stopped working after Wi-Fi Calling was turned on, try turning one of the features off.

FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi