VoLTE on Xiaomi: What does this feature mean and how to disable it

Have you ever noticed VoLTE in the status bar of your Xiaomi smartphone and wondered what it is? Or suddenly faced with problems during calls — interruptions, poor sound quality or fast battery discharge? Perhaps it is this technology. In this article, we will understand what VoLTE is, how it works on Xiaomi devices, and most importantly, how to turn it off if it interferes.

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) has long been the standard for modern smartphones, but not everyone understands how it works and the consequences of activation. On Xiaomi phones, this feature is often turned on by default, which can lead to unexpected problems, from the inability to make a roaming call to conflicts with some carriers. If you want to figure out whether you need this feature or should deactivate it, read on.

What is VoLTE and why is it needed in Xiaomi?

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a voice technology over a 4G LTE network, rather than traditional 2G/3G networks, as it used to be, with the main advantage being higher audio quality (HD Voice's broadband audio codec), faster connectivity (calls are set up almost instantly), and the ability to talk and use mobile internet at high speeds at the same time.

On Xiaomi smartphones (especially on 4G+-enabled models such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro, Mi 11 and later), VoLTE is activated by default if the carrier supports this technology.

• 📵 Connection problems – in some regions, operators are unstable in supporting VoLTE, which can cause calls to stop.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption – constant operation of the module 4G Voice mode increases energy consumption.
• 🌍 Restrictions in roaming – VoLTE may not work or be charged at higher rates abroad.
• 📱 Incompatibility with some SIM-Cards are old or virtual operators (e.g, Tele2 Yota sometimes doesn’t support this feature.

If you don’t notice improvements in call quality but are facing these issues, it makes sense to disable VoLTE, especially for owners of Xiaomi’s budget models (like the Redmi 9A or POCO M3), where battery savings are more important than a minor audio improvement.

How to check if your Xiaomi VoLTE supports

Before you turn off VoLTE, make sure your smartphone and carrier support this technology at all.

1. Check out the phone model. Almost all Xiaomi released after 2018 support VoLTE. Except for some budget models for emerging markets (like the Redmi 8A in the India version). A full list of compatible devices can be found on Xiaomi's website.
2. Make sure yours is yours. SIM-This card supports VoLTE: 📱 Put it in. SIM to another smartphone with VoLTE (such as an iPhone or Samsung) and check if the icon appears HD or VoLTE on call. 💳 Call the operator and check if you have activated the service (MTS, Beeline and MegaFon it is usually turned on by default).

Check the network settings on your Xiaomi:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
3. Find the network type or preferred network type.
4. If there are 4G (VoLTE) or LTE/4G/3G/2G (auto) options on the list, your phone supports the technology.

If there is no mention of VoLTE in the settings, it could mean:

• 📵 Your Xiaomi doesn’t support technology (relevant to very old models).
• 🔄 Your firmware. MIUI Is outdated – try to update it through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🚫 The operator has blocked VoLTE for your tariff or region.

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

If you decide to disable VoLTE, do so through standard MIUI settings.The process may vary slightly depending on the phone model and firmware version, but the overall scheme is the same.

Here’s the one-stop guide for most Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Mi):

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Scroll down and select. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (on some firmware this item may be called Mobile Network or Dual Network). SIM mobile).
3. Press on. SIM-The card you want to disable VoLTE for (if you have two) SIM, repeat the process for each).
4. Find VoLTE, LTE Call or Improved Calls (depending on the MIUI version).
5. Turn the slider to the off position (grey).
6. Reboot your phone to make the changes take effect.

If after turning off VoLTE you lost mobile Internet or stopped working calls, check the following points:

• 🔄 Make sure that the network settings are selected 4G/3G/2G (car, not just a car 4G.
• 📶 Try to manually select the operator in the settings (Settings) → SIM-map → Choice of network).
• 🔧 If the problem persists, turn on VoLTE back and contact the operator for support - possibly on your own. SIM-The map is activated by reference to this technology.

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If you don’t have “VoLTE” in your settings, try entering the ##4636### code in the Phone app, then select “Phone Information” and manually disable VoLTE from the menu (it doesn’t work on all models).

What to do if the VoLTE is not shut down

Sometimes Xiaomi users are faced with the fact that VoLTE does not turn off through standard settings or turns on automatically after a reboot.

• 🔄 Operator policy – some providers (for example, MegaFon or Beeline) force VoLTE activation on compatible devices.
• 📱 Firmware MIUI — In some regional versions (for example, India or China) the function is blocked.
• 🔧 Settings IMS — VoLTE technology works through services IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystems that can be integrated into the system.

If the standard method doesn’t work, try the following:

Method 1: Disconnection through the engineering menu

This method is suitable for advanced users and may vary depending on the model.

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to Set preferred network type.
4. Select the LTE/WCDMA/GSM auto option (without mentioning VoLTE).
5. Go back and find Turn off VoLTE provisioning (if any).
6. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: Changes to the engineering menu can lead to unstable network operation. If the Internet or communication is lost after manipulation, reset the network settings to Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting mobile network settings.

Method 2: Using applications to manage the network

If manual methods do not help, you can use third-party utilities, for example:

• 📱 4G LTE Switch (available on Google Play) – allows you to forcibly disable VoLTE.
• 🛠️ Network Signal Guru – Shows detailed connection information and allows you to manage network settings.

Before using such apps, make sure they are compatible with your Xiaomi model and Android version.

Method 3: Resetting network settings

If VoLTE turns on by itself, try resetting your network settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select Reset Mobile Network Settings (not to be confused with a full reset!).
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.
4. After manually restarting, disable VoLTE in the settings SIM-map.

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If none of the methods worked, contact the carrier – it is possible that VoLTE is activated at the level. SIM-card and requires disconnection through the personal account or call support.

VoLTE and battery: how technology affects autonomy

One of the big questions that Xiaomi users are concerned about is, does VoLTE affect battery consumption? Answer: Yes, but not critical. Here's how it works:

• 🔋 Increased power consumption – with active VoLTE module 4G It is constantly working, even when you are on the phone, 3G/2G he could have passed out.
• ⚡ Quick switching between networks – if coverage 4G Unstable, the phone spends more energy searching the network.
• 📉 Background activity - services IMS (required for VoLTE can be consumed up to 5-10% Charge per day with active use.

To assess the impact of VoLTE on your Xiaomi, do a little test:

1. Fully charge the phone.
2. Turn off VoLTE in the settings.
3. Use your phone as normal (calls, internet) during the day.
4. Write down the remaining percentage of charge.
5. Turn on the VoLTE back and repeat the test.

According to many users, the difference in autonomy is between 5% and 15% depending on the model, the most noticeable battery drop on budget smartphones (Redmi 9, POCO M2), while on flagships (Xiaomi 12, Mi 11 Ultra) the difference is minimal due to the optimization of the processor.

On Xiaomi’s budget models with Snapdragon 4xx or Helio Gxx series processors, disabling VoLTE can increase battery life by 1-2 hours when used actively.

VoLTE and roaming: why it is better to turn off abroad

If you travel a lot, you know that VoLTE roaming can be a problem.

• 🌍 Incompatibility of standards – not all countries support VoLTE at the same frequencies as Russia, for example, in Europe and Asia, other bands may be used. 4G.
• 💰 Additional fares – some operators consider VoLTE calls in roaming as data rather than as normal minutes, resulting in unexpected costs.
• 📵 Connection problems – in some countries (e.g. Turkey or Thailand) local operators block VoLTE for foreign countries SIM-map.

To avoid any trouble:

1. Before you travel, turn off VoLTE in Xiaomi settings.
2. Check with your operator whether VoLTE roaming is supported in your destination country.
3. If calls don’t pass, manually select a 3G or 2G network in the settings.

⚠️ Note: In some countries (for example, the United States or Japan) operators completely abandoned the use of the Internet. 2G/3G favorably 4G/5G. If your Xiaomi doesn’t support VoLTE, you won’t be able to call without a local phone. SIM-map.

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

In addition to VoLTE, in modern smartphones Xiaomi can meet other technologies of voice communication via the Internet:

• 📞 VoLTE (Voice over LTE) — call-in 4G. The most common technology, supported by most operators.
• 🎥 ViLTE (Video over LTE) — video-calling 4G It is rare in Xiaomi, mostly on flagships (Mi 11, Xiaomi 12).
• 🚀 VoNR (Voice over NR) — call-in 5G. Available only in some countries (e.g. China, South Korea) and on newer models (Xiaomi 13, POCO F5).

Technology comparison:

If your Xiaomi supports VoNR but you are in Russia, disable this feature – it won’t work, but it may expend additional energy searching for a 5G network.

FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi