VoLTE on Xiaomi: decryption of the icon in the status bar and the full instructions for setting up

You have noticed on the screen of your Xiaomi new icon VoLTE, HD or 4G Or maybe the usual symbol disappeared. 3G/E, And instead, there's a mysterious designation that's coming in, and don't panic, because it's not a system bug, but a sign of the activation of modern voice technology. LTE) It changes the quality of calls, but many users still do not understand how it works and why it is necessary.

In this article, we will go into detail what is behind the VoLTE icon on Xiaomi Redmi, POCO or Mi, why it can suddenly appear or disappear, and how to manually control this feature. You will learn which models support the technology, how to check its availability with your operator, and what to do if VoLTE does not work despite the settings. And we will also reveal the hidden trick of forced VoLTE on some MIUI firmware, which is not written in the official instructions.

What is VoLTE and why did it appear on your Xiaomi?

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a 4G (LTE) voice technology, as opposed to traditional calls that use legacy 2G/3G networks. The main advantage is that voice is digitally transmitted with minimal latency, which provides crystal clear sound without noise or interruption, essentially like a Skype or WhatsApp call, but via the operator's mobile network.

On the screen Xiaomi technology is displayed differently depending on the firmware and operator:

  • πŸ“Ά VoLTE - standard designation (found on Redmi Note) 10/11, POCO X3)
  • 🎧 HD β€” Operators "Beeline" and "MegaFon" (means "high quality soundΒ»)
  • πŸ“ž 4G β€” opportunistic 3G/E with an active call (at MTS and Tele)2Β»)
  • πŸ”„ LTE β€” firmware MIUI Global or EU

Why has VoLTE started appearing on Xiaomi smartphones in recent years?The fact is that operators are gradually turning off 2G/3G networks (for example, MegaFon has already completed this in most regions), switching to 4G/5G. Without VoLTE, your phone will not be able to call in areas where only the fourth generation network remains.

πŸ“Š What kind of operator are you on Xiaomi?
MTS
Beeline
MegaFon
Tele2.
Yota/The Other

The benefits of VoLTE: why it is worth turning on this feature

If you are still in doubt whether you need VoLTE technology on Xiaomi, check out its key advantages:

CharacteristicsTraditional calls (2G/3G)VoLTE (4G)
Sound qualityCompressed, with noisesHD-quality (wide frequency range)
Connection time2-5 secondsInstantly (like in messengers)
Internet during a callShutdown (switching to 2G)It is still active (you can use the network)
CoverageIt works anywhere there is 2G/3G.Requires a 4G zone for the operator
Battery consumptionHigh (constant switching between networks)10-15% lower (no switching)

The difference is particularly noticeable when talking in noisy places (such as on the street or in transport) or when making international calls. VoLTE uses the AMR-WB (Adaptive Multi-Rate Wideband) codec, which doubles the frequency range of voice compared to conventional calls.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi has a VoLTE badge suddenly gone missing, it’s not always a mistake. Some carriers (like Tele2) automatically turn off the technology when roaming or a weak signal is triggered. 4G, to ensure the stability of communication.

How to check if your Xiaomi VoLTE supports

Not all Xiaomi models support VoLTE, especially if you’re talking about older smartphones or devices for the Chinese market.

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Find the Model item (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro or POCO F3).
  3. Check the official list of supported devices:
  • βœ… Support VoLTE: all Xiaomi models on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (starting with the Snapdragon 625), as well as flagships on MediaTek Dimensity (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+).
  • ❌ Not supported: budget models on MediaTek Helio G (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO C31), Some Chinese versions of the Mi 10 Ultra China).
  • ⚠️ Limited support: devices with firmware MIUI China (requires the Global Unlocking and Installation) ROM).

Also check if the function is included in the settings:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
  3. Find the VoLTE option (or Improved Calls, 4G-call-up).
How to find out the firmware version on Xiaomi?
Open Settings β†’ About the phone and find the MIUI version. If it says China or CN, your firmware is not optimized for Russian carriers, and VoLTE may not work correctly.

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

If your smartphone supports the technology, but the VoLTE icon does not appear, follow this instruction:

Update the firmware to the latest version|Check the support for VoLTE from the operator|Enable the function in the settings SIM-map|Reboot the phone.|Check the coverage area 4G-->

  1. Update MIUI. Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update and install the latest patches. VoLTE is often only activated on fresh firmware versions.
  2. Check it out. SIM-VoLTE only works with maps. 4G-SIM (USIM). If your card is old-style (mini-SIM or micro-SIM without logo) 4G), Go to the operator's office for a replacement.
  3. Activate the function in settings: Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [Choose. SIM] β†’ VoLTE (or "Improved Calls") β†’ Turn it on.
  4. Restart the phone. Sometimes the changes only apply after the reboot.
  5. Verify coverage. VoLTE only works in 4G zones. If you have 3G/H+ displayed, the technology is not available.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) may have VoLTE hidden. To unlock it, type ##86583## in the Phone app (not working on all firmware).

πŸ’‘

If after turning on VoLTE calls began to be interrupted, try to disable the Wi-Fi Calling function in the settings. SIM-Maps – Sometimes these technologies conflict.

VoLTE doesn’t work: common problems and solutions

Even if you have set up VoLTE correctly on Xiaomi, you may experience some failures, and let’s look at typical situations and how to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
VoLTE badge flashes and disappearsWeak 4G signalMove to the area with better coverage or turn off VoLTE
No calls are made ("Not registered on the network" error)Incompatible firmware (e.g. MIUI China)Install a Global ROM or EU ROM
The interviewee does not hear you (or vice versa)Conflict with Wi-Fi CallingTurn off Wi-Fi calls in settings SIM-map
VoLTE works, but the sound quality is poorThe operator uses an outdated codecContact the operator to activate AMR-WB

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your network settings:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Resetting network settings.
  2. Confirm the action (this will erase the list of saved Wi-Fi networks).
  3. Restart your phone and check VoLTE again.

πŸ’‘

On Xiaomi smartphones with two SIM-VoLTE cards can only work on one of them (usually on the other hand). SIM1). To activate the function on the second SIM, switch the cards.

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

Many people confuse VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling, although they are two different technologies.

  • πŸ“‘ VoLTE: Works through a mobile network 4G, The quality depends on the loading of the tower.
  • 🌐 Wi-Fi Calling: uses an Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile Internet), works even when there is no operator network.

On Xiaomi, both technologies can be used simultaneously, but sometimes they conflict, for example, if you turn on Wi-Fi Calling, VoLTE can automatically shut down.

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [Choose. SIM] β†’ Wi-Fi Calling.
  2. Prioritize: Only mobile network (for VoLTE) or Wi-Fi is preferred.

Which option should I choose?

  • πŸ™οΈ In a city with a good 4G-● VoLTE (Best Quality and Stability).
  • 🏑 Home or office with weak signal – Wi-Fi Calling.
  • ✈️ In roaming – disable both features to avoid additional fares.

Hidden features of VoLTE on Xiaomi: what does the technology besides calls

VoLTE on Xiaomi is not just about quality calls, it opens up access to additional features that few people know about:

  • πŸŽ₯ High-resolution video calls. Some operators (e.g. MegaFon) support ViLTE (Video over) LTE) β€” video-communication without using the Internet.
  • πŸ“ž Quick switch between calls. During a VoLTE conversation, you can receive a second incoming call without interrupting the connection.
  • πŸ“Š Parallel Internet, unlike the Internet. 3G, where the Internet is turned off during the call, VoLTE allows you to continue downloading files or watching videos.
  • πŸ”„ Seamless handover: when moving between coverage areas (e.g. from 4G into 3G) The call is not interrupted, but switches smoothly.

To check if these features are available on your Xiaomi, enter the engineering code:

##4636##

In the menu that opens, select Phone Information and see VoLTE provisioned. If it costs 1, all options are activated.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (There may be no engineering menu. Don't try to activate VoLTE through informal patches - this can lead to loss of service. IMEI.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi

❓ Why my Xiaomi doesn’t have VoLTE options in the settings?
This may be due to: Outdated firmware (update MIUI); Chinese version of the phone (requires Global firmware); unsupported carrier (check with provider); try entering code ##86583## - sometimes this will unlock the hidden VoLTE menu.
❓ VoLTE is on, but the icon doesn't appear?
Check if yours is supporting you. SIM-map 4G (must have USIM). Is the service activated by the operator (sometimes you need to connect the option via the operator) USSD-team, for example, *111*180# Is there a conflict with Wi-Fi Calling (turn it off temporarily).
❓ Can I use VoLTE in roaming?
This depends on the operator. For example: MTS and Beeline support VoLTE roaming in most countries. MegaFon and Tele2 often turn off the function abroad. Check with your provider to avoid unexpected tariffs.
❓ VoLTE drains the battery faster?
No, on the contrary. The technology saves charge, because it does not require constant switching between 3G and 4G. According to tests, the battery consumption of VoLTE calls is 10-15% lower than for traditional calls.
❓ How to turn off VoLTE if it interferes?
Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [Choose. SIM] β†’ VoLTE and deactivate the option. If not, try: Install firmware without VoLTE support (not recommended). Insert SIM-card 4G.