What is VoLTE on Xiaomi and why is it necessary?

Modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO They provide users with a wide range of technologies to improve communication quality, and one of the most prominent indicators that can appear at the top of the screen is the VoLTE icon, which many device owners notice after a firmware update or a change. SIM-maps, but not everyone understands the real value of this technology for everyday use.

In essence, Voice over LTE is a fourth-generation voice technology. In the past, for voice calls, the phone had to switch to older 2G or 3G standards, which could cause a connection to break or sound deterioration. Now, if your Xiaomi has a VoLTE icon on fire, it means that the device is ready to provide crystal clear sound and instantaneous connection without falling mobile Internet speed.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how this feature works, why it might not appear on some models, and whether you should force the hidden engineering menus to turn it on, and understanding these nuances will help you make the most of your device and plan.

VoLTE Technology: How it Works in Practice

Traditional cellular communication uses circuit switching, where a separate frequency resource is allocated to a conversation. LTE technology was originally created for high-speed Internet and uses packet switching, which makes voice transmission "natural" for this network. When you call through VoLTE, your voice is digitized and transmitted as a normal data stream, but with the highest priority for the operator.

The main advantage is the speed of the connection. Under normal conditions, dialing and horns can take from 3 to 7 seconds. When using VoLTE on Xiaomi, this process is reduced to 1-2 seconds. You press the call button, and the interlocutor hears the horn almost instantly, this is especially noticeable with frequent short calls.

And it also allows you to talk and use high-speed Internet at the same time. Without this feature, when you call in or out, your phone would often switch to 3G mode, where page loading speeds could be extremely slow, and you can now watch high-quality videos or play online games without interrupting the conversation.

• 📞 High quality sound: Voice is transmitted over a wide frequency range, making speech more natural and legible, even in noisy places.
• 🌐 Simultaneous work: the opportunity to fully use 4G Internet during conversation without switching to 3G/2G.
• ⚡ Saving charge: the smartphone does not need to constantly rearrange the radio module between different communication standards, which reduces power consumption.

How to enable VoLTE on Xiaomi smartphones

Activation of the function on Xiaomi, Redmi and devices POCO This is usually done automatically if your operator supports the technology. SIM-However, in some cases, especially on global firmware versions (Global) ROM) With Chinese models, the setting has to be done manually through the standard menu.

First, make sure that your plan has a service connected. 4G/LTE. Then go to the basic system settings. The path may vary slightly depending on the version. MIUI It's either HyperOS or HyperOS, but the logic is the same. You need to find the parameter section. SIM-maps and mobile networks.

Inside the network settings menu, look for a switch that can be called “Use VoLTE” or “Wi-Fi calls” and “Wo-Fi calls.” LTE". If there is no such switch explicitly, try to enter the menu of a specific one. SIM-The card you want to change, and when activated, the status bar should have an icon that matches the settings.

It is worth noting that on some models, such as the Redmi Note or Xiaomi Mi series, the menu can be hidden if the system does not automatically identify the operator, in which case it helps to simply restart the device or retrieve and re-install. SIM-cards when the phone is on (although the latter is not recommended to be done often).

Hidden Engineering Menu and Activation Through Code

If standard methods fail to enable the function, users often resort to an engineering menu, a special diagnostic interface available on the basis of MediaTek and Qualcomm processors. However, be careful: changing unknown parameters can lead to unstable operation of the communication module.

The universal code ##4636## is often used to enter the menu. Once the combination is entered, the phone automatically opens the hidden "Verification" menu. Here you select "Phone Information." In the list that opens, look for "VoLTE Provisioned" or "Turn on VoLTE".

##4636##

If the menu doesn't open after you enter the code, your version of the MIUI shell may block that access, and then there are alternative codes that depend on the CPU manufacturer, but they require more care, for example, for some chipsets, code ##86583##, which compulsorily includes VoLTE capability checks.

⚠️ Note: Do not change other options in the engineering menu, such as your preferred network type (unless you understand the difference between the two). LTE only GSM/UMTS), This can lead to a complete lack of communication.

Compatibility of operators and tariff plans

Having (technical support) from the carrier is critical. In Russia and CIS, the major operators (the “big four”) have long implemented this technology, but even if you have a modern Xiaomi, the service may not work due to the provider-side settings.

Often the problem lies in the old ones. SIM-If you use plastics issued by more 5-7 years ago, it may not physically support the necessary security protocols for voice transmission. LTE. In this case, the replacement SIM-Cards for a new in the cabin operator solves the problem instantly and free of charge.

It's also worth checking if the service is blocked by the operator itself. On some archival tariffs, VoLTE may not be available by default. USSD-request or use the operator's personal account to connect the option.

It is important to understand that roaming using VoLTE may not work properly or be paid even if the service is free at home. When traveling abroad, it is better to check with your operator to avoid unexpected costs.

Why VoLTE may not work for Xiaomi

There are a number of reasons why the coveted icon never appears in the status bar, the most common being regional firmware restrictions. Chinese versions of smartphones (China ROM) may have certified carrier lists that lack local carriers. Global ROMs usually lack this drawback, but may have bugs.

Another reason is software version conflict: after a major Android update or MIUI shell, network settings can reset, and in rare cases, the function itself hangs in the modem software, and the solution may be to reset the network settings, which does not affect the user's personal data, but returns the network settings to the factory settings.

💡

If the VoLTE icon is missing after a system update, the first thing to do is reset your network settings, not completely reset your phone.

Physical wear should also be taken into account. SIM-oxidation of contacts can cause the phone to read the card as 2G/3G Device, ignoring the possibilities 4G. Rubbing contacts with a smoother or replacing a card often helps in such situations.

The impact of VoLTE on the battery and the Internet

Many users mistakenly believe that running 4G more quickly depletes the battery. In fact, VoLTE allows the communication module to work more efficiently. It doesn't have to constantly jump between 3G and 4G standards, which is a very energy-intensive process, so turning on this feature will prolong battery life rather than shorten it.

As for traffic, voice packets on LTE networks are not usually charged as Internet traffic. Operators consider minutes of conversation, not megabytes spent on voice. However, if you have a very limited data packet (for example, 50 MB per month), the theoretical expense may be present, but in practice it is covered by the carrier's basic packages.

• 🔋 Energy efficiency: reducing switching between towers of different standards.
• 📉 Stability: Less signal loss in buildings with poor surface 2G/3G, good 4G.
• 🎧 Quality: Possibility of stereo sound transmission in some scenarios (HD Voice).

If you notice that after the feature is turned on, the phone starts to discharge or warm faster, this may indicate a coverage problem. In areas where the 4G signal is barely catching, the phone will increase the transmitter power, which will lead to energy consumption, in such places, it is better to temporarily turn off the function.

💡

To check the actual battery impact, use the built-in statistical screen in Xiaomi battery settings. Compare the "Mobile standby" consumption before and after VoLTE is turned on for the same period of time.

Differences between VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling

Often users confuse two similar technologies: Wi-Fi Calling allows you to make calls over a Wi-Fi network using the router’s Internet channel, which is ideal for rooms with a “dead zone” of cellular communication, but good Wi-Fi. VoLTE uses a 4G cellular network.

Both technologies can work simultaneously. Priority is usually given to the network whose signal is more stable at the moment. On Xiaomi smartphones, you can often see both switches next to each other in the settings menu. The logic is that if there is a cellular signal with VoLTE - it is used, if the cellular network is lost, but there is Wi-Fi - the call goes to Wi-Fi Calling (provided that the operator supports this seamless transfer).

⚠️ WARNING: When using Wi-Fi Calling, make sure you're connected to a secure network.Calls over open Wi-Fi in cafes can be less secure, although modern encryption protocols minimize the risks.

Enabling Wi-Fi Calling on Xiaomi often requires additional activation in the Phone app or through settings. SIM-Not all carriers support this feature on all phone models, so the list of compatible devices is better checked on the provider's website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)