VoLTE icon on Xiaomi: what it means and how to set up correctly

You've noticed a mysterious icon on your Xiaomi screen that says VoLTE in the status bar? It appears next to the network indicator, but not everyone understands what it is and why. This little sign hides behind it a technology that dramatically changes the quality of voice communication - if, of course, it is properly configured.

In this article, we will understand what VoLTE means on Xiaomi, how this feature affects calls and the Internet, why it may disappear and how to turn it on (or turn it off) on various models - from budget Redmi to flagship Xiaomi 13/14.

Spoiler: If you still call the old-fashioned way (via 2G/3G), after reading this article, you probably won't want to go back to the old-fashioned quality of communication, and if you're having connectivity issues, here's the solution.

What is VoLTE and why is it important for Xiaomi?

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) — This is a fourth generation voice transmission technology (4G/LTE). Unlike traditional calls that use legacy networks. 2G or 3G, VoLTE allows you to call with quality HD-voice, connect faster and do not lose the speed of the Internet during a conversation.

On Xiaomi smartphones, the VoLTE icon appears in the top notification bar when:

• 📶 Phone's connected to the network. 4G/LTE VoLTE-enabled.
• 📞 Function activated in device settings.
• 🏢 Your mobile operator supports the technology (not all tariffs and regions).
• 🔄 SIM-The card is compatible with VoLTE (usually a new nano-SIM).

Why is this important for Xiaomi owners? The fact is that many models (especially the budget Redmi Note or POCO) can default to VoLTE, either because of the features of the MIUI firmware or the operator's settings, which results in users calling over an outdated protocol for years without even knowing that their smartphone is capable of more.

A critical feature for Xiaomi: on some models (for example, Redmi 9A or POCO M3) VoLTE can work unstable if the firmware is not updated to the latest version of MIUI Global/EEA.

What does the VoLTE icon look like on Xiaomi: photos and display options

The VoLTE icon on Xiaomi smartphones can look different depending on the MIUI version and the phone model.

If the VoLTE icon flashes or periodically disappears, it could mean:

• 📡 Coating problems 4G in your area (check the operator's coverage map).
• 🔧 Wrong settings APN (especially SIM-map).
• 📱 Outdated firmware (on some Xiaomi VoLTE works only after upgrading to the previous version) MIUI 13+).

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If a VoLTE icon appears but the sound in the handset gets worse, check if the Voice Improvement feature is activated in the call settings. Sometimes it conflicts with VoLTE.

How to enable VoLTE on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

On most Xiaomi smartphones, VoLTE is manually enabled, and here is a general guide for MIUI 12-14 devices:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
3. Tapping on the item Call by VoLTE or VoLTE-calls.
4. Switch the slider to the position on..
5. Reboot your phone (required!)

If VoLTE calls are not on the menu, try these methods:

Update MIUI last-minute|Install SIM-slot 1 card (on some models, VoLTE works only on the main card) SIM)|Reset network settings in Settings → Memory. → Reset → Resetting network settings|Call the operator and request VoLTE activation for your number-->

For POCO models (e.g., POCO X3/X4), the path may be different:

Settings → Connections and Sharing → Additional → VoLTE Calls

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi for the Chinese market (with firmware) MIUI China) VoLTE option may be hidden, in which case it will require unlocking the bootloader and installing global firmware.

Why VoLTE doesn’t work for Xiaomi: 7 main reasons

If you have enabled VoLTE, but the icon does not appear or calls are going the same way, the problem may be in one of the following:

1. The operator does not support VoLTE – check the list below.
2. SIM-Card is outdated – some operators require replacement SIM on USIM eSIM.
3. Incorrect settings APN - especially relevant after changing the tariff.
4. Outdated firmware – on MIUI 11 and below, VoLTE may not work.
5. Conflict with Dual SIM — On some models, VoLTE only works with one SIM-card.
6. Regional restrictions – for example, VoLTE roaming may be disabled.
7. Hardware incompatibility is rare, but it happens on very old models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1).

To diagnose the problem, follow these steps:

• 📱 Check if the icon appears. 4G (without VoLTE – if not, the problem is in the network.
• 🔄 Turn the phone into mode only LTE network-setting.
• 🔍 Install NetMonster (from Play Market) – it will show if your network supports VoLTE.

VoLTE on Xiaomi: Support for Operators in Russia and CIS (2026)

Not all mobile operators offer VoLTE, and those that do not offer it at all rates, and here is the current support table for popular carriers:

If your carrier supports VoLTE but the feature is not working, contact support and ask to check the service's link to your number.

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi with two SIM-VoLTE can only work on one card (usually the one in slot 1).If you use two cards, check the priority in the settings. SIM-maps and mobile networks → Priority SIM call-in.

VoLTE vs ViLTE vs VoWiFi: What’s the difference and what’s better

In addition to VoLTE, other similar icons can appear on Xiaomi: ViLTE and VoWiFi.

• 📶 VoLTE - Calling by phone 4G (requires coverage LTE).
• 📶💬 ViLTE - video calls on the 4G (FaceTime, but through the operator).
• 📶📡 VoWiFi – Wi-Fi calls (works even without a mobile network).

On Xiaomi smartphones, these features are often related to:

• If VoLTE is enabled, ViLTE is usually activated automatically (if the carrier supports it).
• VoWiFi is set up separately in the Settings menu. → SIM-map → Wi-Fi calls.
• On some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi K50) you can call simultaneously on VoLTE and VoWiFi (smooth transition between networks).

Which is better? It depends on the situation.

• 🏙️ In a city with a good 4G — VoLTE will give you better quality.
• 🏠 Homes with a bad signal – VoWiFi will save from cliffs.
• 🎥 For video calls, ViLTE (but only if the operator supports the service).

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VoWiFi is a great solution for areas with poor coverage (e.g. basements or remote areas), but remember that if Wi-Fi goes off, the call will be interrupted, even if there is 4G.

How to turn off VoLTE on Xiaomi (and why you might need it)

While VoLTE usually improves the quality of communication, there are times when it is worth turning it off:

• 🔋 Savings in charge – VoLTE slightly increases battery consumption.
• 📵 Connection problems – if calls are often interrupted.
• 🌍 Roaming – in some countries, VoLTE may not work or be charged more expensive.
• 🛠️ Network testing – for example, if you check coverage 3G.

To disable VoLTE:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
3. Turn off the VoLTE call slider.
4. Reboot the phone.

If after the VoLTE shutdown, the Internet disappeared during calls, check the settings Network Mode - it is possible that the phone automatically switches to 3G/2G. In this case, manually install LTE Only.

FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi