What the VoLTE icon on Xiaomi phone means and how to turn it off: the full guide

Why your Xiaomi has a VoLTE icon and is it worth fearing?

Have you noticed a mysterious VoLTE sign next to the network indicator in the status bar of the Xiaomi smartphone? This icon appears to many users after updating the firmware or changing the SIM card, but not everyone understands what it means. Some mistakenly mistake it for a network error or a sign of a phone malfunction.VoLTE (Voice over) LTE) β€” It is a modern voice communication technology that works on top of 4G-network.

In this article, we will explore why MIUI displays this indicator, how the technology affects call quality and battery consumption, and most importantly how to turn off VoLTE on Xiaomi if it interferes with or causes problems. It is important to note that on different models (for example, Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Xiaomi 13), the process may be slightly different, but the general logic remains the same. We will also consider the nuances for operators of MTS, Beeline, Megaphone and Tele2, since their settings sometimes conflict with the MIUI firmware.

Xiaomi VoLTE: What are these simple words?

VoLTE Technology (Voice over) LTE) It allows you to transmit voice traffic through high-speed 4G-Networks instead of traditional 2G/3G. That means your calls:

  • πŸ“ž Pass more clearly - without noise and interruptions, as in messengers;
  • ⚑ Connect faster - there is no delay in dialing;
  • πŸ”„ Do not interrupt the Internet – you can talk and use mobile traffic at the same time.

But there's a downside to this, because VoLTE can drain your battery faster if your 4G network is unstable in your area, and some users complain about problems connecting calls when the signal is weak, because the phone is trying to use 4G for voice, even though 3G would be more reliable, which is why many people want to turn it off.

πŸ“Š How often do you notice a VoLTE icon on your Xiaomi?
I see it.
Sometimes it's happening.
Never seen one.
I don't know what it is.

It is worth noting that Xiaomi defaults to VoLTE on all modern models (starting with the Redmi 9 and Mi 10) if the SIM card and operator support the technology, but the setting can be reset after updating the MIUI or restarting the phone.

How to check if VoLTE is enabled on your Xiaomi

Before you turn off the function, make sure it's actually active. There are three reliable ways to do this.

  1. Status bar indicator: If VoLTE or HD is displayed next to the network signal level, the function is enabled.
  2. Settings menu: Open Settings β†’ SIM-Maps and mobile networks; select your SIM-card; VoLTE or Improved Calls must be in the On position..

USSD code

#

#

Phone information

VoLTE provisioned

Yes

πŸ’‘

If, after input, USSD-If there is no code, try dialing it in the standard β€œPhone” application, and not through the keyboard in messengers.

Note that on some MIUI firmware (especially POCO and Redmi with global version), the VoLTE option may be hidden in the submenu of Additional Settings. If you do not find an option, search by settings (the magnifying icon in the upper right corner).

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

The process of disconnecting depends on the version of MIUI and the phone model. We have collected universal methods that work on most devices (including Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11, POCO F4 and others).

Method 1: Using standard MIUI settings

β˜‘οΈ Disconnect VoLTE in MIUI

Done: 0 / 5

If you don’t have a VoLTE option on your menu, try an alternative path:

Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ Mobile Network β†’ SIM-card name β†’ Network type β†’ Disable β€œVoLTE”

Method 2: Engineering menu (for advanced users)

This method is suitable if the standard settings do not allow you to turn off the function. Be careful - improper actions in the engineering menu can disrupt the network.

  1. Dial the code ##4636##;
  2. Go to the section Information about the phone;
  3. Select to Set your preferred network type.
  4. Select the LTE/WCDMA/GSM (auto) or 3G/2G (auto) value.

Problem 3: The VoLTE icon doesn't disappear after the shutdown

This is a common MIUI bug. Try this:

  1. Delete. SIM-Map, restart the phone and paste it back in;
  2. Reset your network settings (see above);
  3. Install an alternative firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) if the problem is critical.

πŸ’‘

If you travel frequently, we recommend turning off VoLTE roaming, a feature that can lead to unexpected charges for some operators.

VoLTE vs ViLTE vs VoWiFi: What's the difference?

On modern Xiaomi smartphones, you can find not only VoLTE, but also other similar technologies.

TechnologyTranscriptionHow it worksAdvantages
VoLTEVoice over LTEVoice calls over 4GClear sound, fast connection.
ViLTEVideo over LTEVideo calls over 4GHigh quality video, no lags
VoWiFiVoice over Wi-FiCalls over Wi-FiIt works without a mobile network, saves battery

On Xiaomi smartphones, these features are often linked: for example, VoLTE can automatically turn on when activated (if the operator supports), they are usually managed in the same menu:

β†’ SIM-Maps and mobile networks β†’ Improved calls

⚠️ Warning: If you turn off VoLTE, VoWiFi may also stop working. These technologies often depend on each other at the firmware level.

Can you turn off VoLTE for just one thing? SIM-cards if I have two?
Yeah, in MIUI VoLTE settings are tied to each SIM-map separately. Go to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks, select the SIM you want and turn off the SIM feature only. SIM-The card will continue to work in VoLTE mode if it has been activated.
Why did MIUI VoLTE re-engage after the update?
This is a feature of MIUI firmware. After major updates (e.g., from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14), some settings are reset to default values. To avoid this, back up your settings through Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Backup before upgrading.
Does VoLTE affect mobile internet speed?
No, VoLTE uses a separate channel for voice traffic and doesn't slow down the Internet, but if the 4G network is overloaded, the quality of the call can deteriorate, in which case it makes sense to turn off the function and return to traditional 3G/2G calls.
Can I enable VoLTE on older Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 5 or Mi A2)?
Theoretically yes, but only if: πŸ“± The firmware supports a feature (for example, custom LineageOS or Xiaomi.EU); πŸ“‘ The operator provides VoLTE for your region; πŸ”§ The corresponding parameters are activated in the engineering menu (Volte Provisioned and IMS On official firmware for older models, VoLTE usually doesn’t work due to hardware limitations.
Which is better: VoLTE or regular 3G calls?
It depends on your region and operator: πŸ™οΈ In cities with good coverage 4G VoLTE is preferred – better quality, faster connection. 🏑 In rural areas or in places with weak 4G-sniffle 3G/2G might be more reliable. πŸ”‹ If battery saving is important, turn off VoLTE – it consumes more power when the signal is unstable.