VoLTE in Xiaomi smartphones: what it is, how it works and why you need it

You noticed the mysterious word VoLTE in the status bar of your Xiaomi and wondered what it means? Or suddenly the 4G+ icon disappeared and this shortening appeared instead? Don't panic - this is not a mistake, but a sign of modern technology that makes calls clearer and faster. In this article, we will analyze what VoLTE is in Xiaomi smartphones, how it works, and why carriers are actively implementing it instead of traditional voice communication.

While the phone used to switch from 4G to 3G (or even 2G) for calls, VoLTE doesn’t. It allows voice to be transmitted directly over a fourth-generation high-speed network, which eliminates “gaps” when switching between standards. But there are nuances: not all Xiaomi models support VoLTE out of the box, and some operators may require manual tuning. Next is a detailed guide with explanations and instructions.

What is VoLTE and how does it work in Xiaomi?

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a 4G LTE voice technology, not the legacy 2G/3G standard that used to be, but the main difference is that your voice is converted into digital data packets and transmitted over the same channel as the Internet, which has several key benefits:

• 📞 Fast connection: the call is set almost instantly (in 1-2 seconds instead of 5-10).
• 🎙️ Clear sound: technology supports codec HD Voice that extends the frequency range of voice (up to 7 kHz vs. 3.5 kHz in the voice) 3G).
• 📶 No network failures: the phone does not switch to 3G During the conversation, the Internet continues to work at speed. 4G.
• 🔋 Charge savings: no constant switching between networks, which reduces the load on the communication module.

In Xiaomi smartphones, VoLTE support depends on the model and firmware, for example, flagships like Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+ support it out of the box, but in budget devices (for example, Redmi 9A) you may need to manually turn on.

1. Your operator supports VoLTE (in Russia it is "Beeline", "MegaFon", "MTS", "Tele2").
2. The phone has the latest firmware (especially important for global versions of MIUI).
3. In the network settings, VoLTE mode is enabled (sometimes it is hidden in the engineering menu).

Important: In some Xiaomi models (such as the POCO X3 Pro), the VoLTE icon can be displayed even if the technology is not active - it is a firmware bug. To check the real work, call another phone with VoLTE support and assess the quality of communication.

How to know if your Xiaomi VoLTE supports

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are VoLTE compatible, especially if the device is purchased abroad or runs on outdated firmware.

1. Method 1: See model specifications Go to the official Xiaomi website or GSMArena service, find your model and check the Network section. Look for the VoLTE or LTE Cat.4/6/12 string (the higher the category, the more likely support is).
2. Method 2: Check in Settings Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Enable VoLTE. If no point - no support or need a firmware update.
3. Method 3: Use the engineering menu Enter ##4636## in the dialer, select Phone Information and see VoLTE provisioned. If there is Yes, the technology is supported.

⚠️ Note: If you bought Xiaomi in China (local version), VoLTE may not work in Russia even with hardware support, due to firmware restrictions, the solution is to reflash the phone to a global or European version. MIUI.

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

If your smartphone supports the technology but VoLTE is not activated, follow this instruction.The process may vary depending on the version of MIUI, but the overall scheme is the same:

Update the firmware to the latest version

Make sure that SIM-The card supports VoLTE (ask the operator)

Check out 4G coverage in your area

Charge your phone at least 50%-->

1. Step 1: Update your firmware Go to Settings → About Phone → Update your system and install all available updates. In some cases, VoLTE only appears after upgrading to MIUI 12+.
2. Step 2: Enable VoLTE in Settings Open Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks, choose your own SIM-map and find the switch Enable VoLTE (or Voice calls) 4G). Activate it.
3. Step 3: Reboot your phone After turning on, restart the device – this will help apply the settings.
4. Step 4: Check your work, call another phone that supports VoLTE, and if you have a VoLTE or HD icon in your status bar and the sound is clearer, it works.

If you don’t have VoLTE in your settings, try an alternative method:

1. Enter in the dialer: ##86583##


2.In the menu that opens, select VoLTE Carrier Check




3. Activate the switch for your operator




4. Save settings and restart the phone

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro) may lose the Internet during a call after VoLTE is turned on.This is a firmware bug that is fixed by updating or resetting network settings (Settings) → SIM-map → Resetting network settings).

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If after turning on VoLTE calls began to be interrupted, try to disable Wi-Fi Calling in the SIM-card settings - these functions sometimes conflict.

Why VoLTE may not work for Xiaomi

Even if your smartphone supports the technology, VoLTE may not be enabled for several reasons.

• 📵 Operator does not support VoLTE: Check with your provider if the service is activated for your tariff, for example, Tele2 only includes it at certain rates.
• 🛠️ Outdated Firmware: In Older Versions MIUI (11 below) VoLTE support may not be available.
• 📱 Wrong settings APN: If you manually changed the parameters of mobile Internet, reset them to the factory (Settings) → Mobile network → Access points (APN) → Reset).
• 🔄 Conflict with Wi-Fi Calling: These two technologies sometimes get in the way of each other.Try turning off Wi-Fi Calling in the settings SIM-map.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: Some Xiaomi models (especially Chinese ones) block VoLTE outside of China.

⚠️ Note: If you use two of these SIM-VoLTE can only work on one of the cards (usually the one in the slot). SIM 1) This is a limitation of the hardware of most Xiaomi smartphones.

VoLTE vs Wi-Fi Calling: What’s the difference and what’s better

Many people confuse VoLTE with another technology, Wi-Fi Calling, which, while both improve communication quality, works in different ways:

• 📶 VoLTE: Works through the network 4G LTE. It requires mobile operator coverage. It supports HD Voice and fast connection. Can work simultaneously with mobile Internet.
• 📶 Wi-Fi Calling: Works over any Wi-Fi network, is useful in areas with poor coverage (basements, rural areas), is charged as normal (if no limit is connected), can conflict with VoLTE on some firmware.

On Xiaomi smartphones, these technologies can be used together, but sometimes they interfere with each other. For example, if both are turned on, the phone may try to connect first over Wi-Fi, and if it is not available, switch to VoLTE, which leads to delays.

What to choose?

• If you have stable 4G, use VoLTE (Best Sound Quality).
• If you are often in unprotected areas, activate Wi-Fi Calling.
• If both options are available, turn on both, but prioritize VoLTE in the settings.

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Most Xiaomi smartphones cannot use VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling at the same time. SIM-If both are on, the phone will automatically select the priority option.

The future of VoLTE: what will happen to the technology

VoLTE is not a temporary solution, but a standard that is gradually replacing the outdated 2G/3G networks. Already, many operators in the world (including Russian ones) are starting to turn off third-generation networks to free up frequencies for 4G/5G.

• 📅 By 2026-2030, most operators will completely abandon the 3G, And phones without VoLTE will not be able to call.
• 📱 Xiaomi’s new smartphones (starting with Redmi Note 12 and Xiaomi 13) are no longer supported 3G in some regions.
• 🚀 Next step is VoNR (voice calls via voice) 5G), But while this technology is being tested.

If you plan to use your Xiaomi for a few more years, make sure it supports VoLTE. Otherwise, after turning off 3G, you will either have to change your phone or use instant messengers (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) for calls.

⚠️ In 2026, MegaFon and MTS began testing the shutdown 3G If your Xiaomi does not support VoLTE, you may lose the ability to call in these areas.

FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE in Xiaomi