You noticed a mysterious VoLTE icon next to the network indicator on your Xiaomi Redmi screen and wondered what it means: This little inscription is not just an interface decoration, but an indicator of modern technology that radically changes the quality of voice communication. Unlike traditional calls to 2G/3G, VoLTE uses the use of 4G-voice networks, providing crystal clear sound and lightning-fast connection.
But why doesn't this icon appear on all Redmi users? "" The thing is, VoLTE requires support from both the smartphone and the mobile carrier. SIM-card 4G-In this article, we will understand what VoLTE is, how to activate it on different Xiaomi Redmi models, and why sometimes the icon disappears after updating the firmware.
We will focus on the hidden MIUI settings that allow you to force VoLTE to be enabled even if the operator does not officially support it, and learn how to distinguish real VoLTE from fake (yes, this happens!) and what to do if the Internet disappears during calls after activation.
What is VoLTE and why is it important for Xiaomi Redmi?
VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a technology for voice calls over fourth-generation (4G) networks, instead of the outdated 2G/3G. The main advantage is that voice is transmitted in digital HD Voice format, which eliminates noise, echoes and interruptions. For owners of Xiaomi Redmi, this means:
- π Instant connection β the call is connected to 1-2 seconds against 5-10 second-in-second 2G).
- ποΈ Pure sound β sampling rate up to 16 kHz (vs. 8 kHz in standard calls).
- πΆ No network switching β no lost during conversation 4G-Internet (you can talk and download files at the same time).
- π Battery savings β Smartphones donβt waste energy switching between 3G and 4G.
VoLTE technology has been introduced on Xiaomi Redmi since the Redmi 4X (2017), but full support is only implemented in the firmware of MIUI 10 and later. Interestingly, some operators (for example, Tele2) still do not support VoLTE at all tariffs, so the icon may not be displayed even with technical capability.
It is important to understand that VoLTE is not just a call through 4G". It's a separate protocol. IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem, which requires special operator-side settings, and if you see a VoLTE icon but the quality of the communication has not improved, it is possible that the operator is using pseudonymous devices.-VoLTE (regular calls 3G sly-image).
How does the icon VoLTE on Xiaomi Redmi: photos and options
On Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, the VoLTE indicator can be displayed differently depending on the MIUI version and device model.
| MIUI version | Appearance of the badge | Where it's displayed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI 9β11 | VoLTE (gray text) | In the status bar next to the network indicator | It can disappear with a weak 4G signal. |
| MIUI 12β14 | π HD or πΆ 4G+ | In the upper right corner of the screen | Some models only show up during the call. |
| HyperOS | π΅ VoLTE (blue) | Constantly in the notification panel | Color depends on the theme of the design |
| Custom firmware | π’ V or β‘ LTE | Depends on the build. | May require manual activation |
If you don't see the icon, it doesn't always mean there's no support. On some Redmi models (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro), VoLTE activates automatically when you first call over 4G. To check the actual operation of the technology:
- Call another smartphone with VoLTE support (such as an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy).
- If the connection is established in 1-2 seconds and the sound is cleaner, VoLTE works.
- Try opening YouTube during a conversation β if the video is loaded without breaks, then the Internet does not turn off.
π‘
On the Redmi Note 10 Pro and later, the VoLTE icon can be hidden behind the 5G icon. To see it, pull the notification bar down and check the status bar.
Step-by-step: how to turn on VoLTE on Xiaomi Redmi
If your Xiaomi Redmi supports VoLTE but the icon doesnβt appear, follow this instruction.The process differs depending on the MIUI version:
For MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS:
- Open the Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
- Turn on VoLTE or 4G Voice Calls.
- Reboot your smartphone (required!).
For MIUI 9-11:
- Go to Settings β Additional β Mobile Network.
- Activate the VoLTE Calls option.
- If there is no option, update your firmware or use the method below.
The Hidden Method (for all versions):
If there is no VoLTE option in the settings, try activating it through the engineering menu:
##4636##On the menu that opens:
- Select Phone Information.
- Scroll down to Set your preferred network type.
- Select LTE only or LTE/UMTS auto.
- Go back and check for the VoLTE icon.
Call made to another VoLTE phone | Sign appeared in the status bar | The Internet is working during a conversation | No extraneous noise in the handset-->
β οΈ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) When VoLTE is activated, the Internet may disappear during calls, because of a firmware error. MIUI Up to the latest version or roll back network settings:
#4636### β Resetting network settingsWhy the VoLTE icon is missing: 5 main reasons
Even if you successfully activate VoLTE, the icon may suddenly disappear, and here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:
- π΅ Weak signal. 4G β VoLTE only works with stable coverage. Check signal strength in Settings β SIM-map β Signal strength.
- π Update of the firmware - after the update MIUI Solution: Re-enable VoLTE manually.
- π± Two. SIM-cards -- some Redmi VoLTE only works on the main slot. SIM occasionally.
- π« Blocking by the operator - some tariffs (for example, "For tablet" at MegaFon) do not support VoLTE.
- π§ Failure IMS β Solution: type ##86583## and select Disable VoLTE, then turn it on again.
The problem is often with the Redmi Note. 7/8/9 post-update MIUI 13. Users complain that the VoLTE icon flashes or disappears when rebooting. APN:
Settings β SIM-cards β Access Points (APN) β Reset to factoryWhat if VoLTE doesnβt work on Redmi with custom firmware?
VoLTE vs ViLTE vs VoWiFi: Whatβs the difference with Xiaomi Redmi?
Along with VoLTE, Xiaomi Redmi may also have other voice-related icons, and letβs see what they mean:
| Technology | Badge | Description | Support for Redmi |
|---|---|---|---|
| VoLTE | VoLTE / HD | Calls over 4G | With Redmi 4X (MIUI 10+) |
| ViLTE | πΉ ViLTE | Video calls over 4G | With Redmi Note 8 Pro (MIUI 12+) |
| VoWiFi | πΆ Wi-Fi | Calls over Wi-Fi | With Redmi Note 9 (MIUI 11+) |
| CSFB | β | Automatically switch to 3G for calls | All models if VoLTE is disabled |
ViLTE (Video over LTE) allows video calls to be made on a 4G network without using third-party applications (such as WhatsApp). On Xiaomi Redmi, this feature only works between subscribers of the same operator (such as two MTS numbers).
- Enable VoLTE (as described above).
- In the call settings, tap on the video camera icon.
- Accept permission to use the camera and microphone.
β οΈ Note: On Redmi Note 11 and later, VoWiFi can automatically turn off when ViLTE is activated. To avoid this, turn off the option in the engineering menu (#4636###) VT over WLAN.
How to check the real speed and quality of VoLTE Xiaomi Redmi
Not all operators implement VoLTE fairly.To make sure you actually get HD-Calls, not regular calls through 3G With a deceptive icon, do the test:
- Connection speed test: Install Network Cell Info Lite. Call another VoLTE phone. In the app, check that the call is via an LTE Band (e.g., B3 or B7) and not UMTS (3G).
- Sound quality test: Use VoIP Test to evaluate MOS (average quality score). For VoLTE, the MOS must be 4.0+ (versus 3.5 for regular calls).
- Stability Test: Run a speed test (like Speedtest) during a conversation. If the speed drops to 0, your carrier uses CSFB (3G switching) rather than real VoLTE.
The Redmi K40 and Redmi Note 10 Pro have a hidden Network Lock feature that locks the smartphone to 4G even when the signal is weak.
Settings β Memory β (stamp 5 times in a free place) β Engineering menu β Network Lock β Enableπ‘
If the Internet speed drops to 0 during a call during a VoLTE test, your operator uses an outdated CSFB method.
VoLTE on Xiaomi Redmi abroad: roaming and features
If you are traveling with Xiaomi Redmi, it is important to know that VoLTE roaming does not always work.
- βοΈ Europe/Asia β VoLTE is usually supported, but may require manual configuration APN.
- π US/Canada β many carriers (e.g. T-Mobile) block VoLTE for foreign devices.
- ποΈ Turkey/Egypt β local operators (Turkcell, Etisalat) often turn off VoLTE for tourist destinations SIM.
To force VoLTE to be turned on in roaming:
- Set the operatorβs APN manually (settings can be found on the providerβs website).
- From the engineering menu (#4636##) select LTE Only.
- Reboot your smartphone and make a test call.
β οΈ Attention: On the Redmi Note 8T redmi 9T In roaming, a bug with "eternal network search" can be triggered after VoLTE is activated. SIM-map.
If VoLTE doesnβt work but you need sound quality, use alternatives:
- π² VoWiFi β Wi-Fi calls (works even without local calls) SIM).
- π¬ Messenger calls β WhatsApp, Telegram or Skype with support HD-voice.