Have you ever noticed that while talking on the phone, the Internet suddenly disappears and the quality of communication leaves much to be desired? Most likely, it is the lack of support for VoLTE, a technology that radically changes the way we approach voice communication. Owners of Xiaomi Redmi smartphones often face the question: what is this feature, why does it not work out of the box and how to set it up correctly?
In this article, we will not only explain what VoLTE means on the Xiaomi Redmi phone, but also analyze:
- ๐น How VoLTE is Different from Normal Calls (and Why It Matters) 4G/5G)
- ๐น Why the feature can be disabled by default even on new models
- ๐น Step-by-step activation instructions taking into account the features MIUI
- ๐น Typical errors and ways to fix them (including operator problems)
We will focus on the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and the flagships of the K series, where VoLTE settings can be hidden in unexpected places, and at the end, answers to frequent questions that are not covered even in the official documentation of Xiaomi.
What is VoLTE and why is it important for Xiaomi Redmi?
VoLTE (Voice over LTE) โ This is a voice transmission technology over the network. 4G LTE, Not through outdated standards. 2G/3G, The main advantage is that calls become clearer (quality). HD-voices, and the Internet does not disappear during a conversation.
For Xiaomi Redmi owners, this is especially true for three reasons:
- ๐ถ Battery savings: With VoLTE, the phone doesnโt switch between networks, which reduces the load on the communication module.
- ๐ง Cleaner sound: no noise and echoes typical of analog networks.
- ๐ Fast connection: the call is connected to 1-2 seconds against 3-5 second-in-second 3G).
However, there is a caveat: not all operators in Russia and the CIS support VoLTE at the infrastructure level. For example, MTS and Beeline are actively developing the technology, and Tele2 and Iota may limit it for some regions.
How VoLTE works on Xiaomi Redmi: technical details
Xiaomi's VoLTE technology is implemented at the modem and firmware level of MIUI. When you call, phone:
- Checks whether the operator supports VoLTE in the current location.
- Set up IMS-linkage (IP Multimedia Subsystem through 4G.
- Encodes voice into data packets and transmits them over the network (as in a video call on WhatsApp).
Important: for VoLTE to work on Redmi, the following conditions must be met:
| Conditions | Requirements | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Operator support | The VoLTE must be activated on the SIM-map | Call support or check in your personal account |
| Hardware support | Smartphone modem should support VoLTE (all Redmi since 2018) | View the model specifications on mi.com |
| MIUI settings | The function is included in the menu SIM cards and mobile networks | Instructions below in the article |
| Firmware | Up-to-date version of MIUI (not lower than 11 for older models) | Settings โ The phone. โ Version. MIUI |
Fun fact: on some Redmi models (like the Note 8 Pro), VoLTE only works on the first model. SIM-This is due to the limitations of the Mediatek Helio chip. G90T, which does not support dual VoLTE (simultaneous operation of two) SIM into 4G).
What is Dual VoLTE?
Step-by-step: how to turn on VoLTE on Xiaomi Redmi
The VoLTE activation algorithm depends on the MIUI version and the phone model, and below is a universal instruction that is suitable for most devices (from Redmi 9 to Redmi Note 12).
Make sure that SIM-The card supports VoLTE (check with the operator)
Update MIUI to the latest version (Settings โ About Phone โ System Update)
Restart your phone before setting up
Check the 4G signal strength (should be at least 2-3 divisions)
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Step 1. Open Settings and go to SIM cards and mobile networks.
Step 2. Choose SIM-The card you want to activate VoLTE for (if there are two of them).
Step 3: Find VoLTE (or VoLTE) and move the slider to the right. On some firmware, this item may be called Improved Calls or 4G-challenge.
Step 4: Reboot your phone โ this is a must for settings!
If the VoLTE item is not on the menu, try an alternative method:
- Enter the code in the phone app: ##4636##
- Select Phone Information.
- Scroll down to Enable VoLTE and activate the option.
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If after activation of VoLTE calls began to be interrupted, try to disable the Wi-Fi Calling function in the settings. SIM-Maps โ Sometimes these technologies conflict.
Typical VoLTE issues on Xiaomi Redmi and their solutions
Even after you set up the VoLTE correctly, we can look at some of the most common bugs and how to fix them.
1. VoLTE not turned on (gray slider)
Causes and solutions:
- ๐ฑ Outdated firmware: Update MIUI through settings โ The phone. โ Updating the system.
- ๐ถ No operator support: check VoLTE coverage in your area (e.g. on MTS coverage map).
- ๐ง Failure of settings: reset network settings (Settings) โ SIM cards. โ Resetting mobile network settings).
2. Calls are interrupted or not connected
Possible culprits:
- ๐ Weak signal. 4G: Go to the best coverage area or turn on Flight Mode for 30 seconds, then turn off.
- ๐ ๏ธ Conflict with Wi-Fi Calling: Disable this feature in the settings SIM-map.
- ๐ฆ Problems with IMS: Enter the code ##4636## in the phone application, select Phone Information and click Update IMS.
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After the update MIUI VoLTE stopped working, try manually selecting the network. 4G/LTE customized SIM-maps (Network type) โ Only LTE).
3.VolTE works, but sound quality is poor
This may be related to:
- ๐๏ธ Voice codecs: some operators use outdated codecs (e.g., codecs, AMR instead EVS). No solution, just wait for the update from the operator.
- ๐ก Network congestion: during peak hours (18:00-22:00) quality may deteriorate.
โ ๏ธ Note: On Redmi models with Snapdragon processor 4xx (Like Redmi. 9A) VoLTE may not work properly due to a weak modem, in which case it is recommended to disable the function and use standard calls.
VoLTE vs Wi-Fi Calling: Whatโs Best for Xiaomi Redmi
Many people confuse VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling, but these are different technologies:
| Characteristics | VoLTE | Wi-Fi Calling |
|---|---|---|
| Type of network | 4G/5G | Wi-Fi |
| Quality of communication | Depends on 4G coverage | Depends on the speed of Wi-Fi. |
| It works without the internet. | Yes (via mobile network) | No. |
| Support for operators | MTS, Beeline, MegaFon | Only MTS and Beeline (limited) |
On Xiaomi Redmi, these features can be used together, but sometimes they conflict. For example, if both options are enabled, the phone may try to connect over Wi-Fi even when it is good. 4G-signaling, which leads to delays.
When is the best time to use VoLTE:
- ๐ You often move around (in the car, subway) โ VoLTE is more stable when switching towers.
- ๐ข You're in the office with a good one. 4G, but weak WiFi.
When is the best time to use Wi-Fi Calling:
- ๐ Homes or places with poor mobile signal but stable Wi-Fi.
- ๐ Abroad (if the operator supports roaming Wi-Fi Calling).
VoLTE on old Xiaomi Redmi models: features and limitations
If you have a Redmi 5/6/7 or other models before 2019, VoLTE may be a challenge.
Hardware limitations:
- ๐ฑ Models on Snapdragon 430/450 (Like Redmi. 5 Plus) supports VoLTE, but only on one SIM-map.
- ๐ฑ Devices on Mediatek Helio P22/P35 (Like Redmi. 7A) They may not support VoLTE at all.
Programmatic limitations:
- ๐ง Nana MIUI 9-10 VoLTE may not be on the menu. Solution: Update the firmware to MIUI 11+ Use the engineering menu (#4636##).
- ๐ง Some models require unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience) for full VoLTE operation.
โ ๏ธ Attention: On the Redmi Note 4X (model 2017) VoLTE works only with firmware based on Android 7.1. When upgrading to Android 9, the function disappears due to the lack of drivers for the new core.
If your model does not support VoLTE, the alternative is:
- ๐ Calling apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype).
- ๐ก Signal amplifier (e.g., Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Repeater for improved coverage).