You noticed a mysterious VoLTE icon next to your network indicator on your Xiaomi screen and wondered what it meant? It's not just a random icon, it hides a technology that dramatically changes the quality of voice communication. Unlike traditional calls over 2G/3G, Voice over LTE (voice over 4G) allows you to transmit voice in digital format, providing crystal clear sound and instant connection.
But why doesn't everyone on Xiaomi have this icon? Because VoLTE support depends on three key factors: the smartphone model, the MIUI firmware version, and your mobile operator's settings. For example, owners of a Redmi Note 10 Pro or Xiaomi 12T can see this indicator automatically, whereas on budget models like the Poco M4 Pro, you'll have to manually activate it. In this article, we'll look at how the technology works, why it's not always active by default, and what to do if the VoLTE icon suddenly disappears.
What is VoLTE and why is it important for Xiaomi?
VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a voice standard that uses 4G LTE instead of the legacy 2G/3G for voice, with the main advantage of making calls better through digital signal processing, and the connection time is reduced from 5-7 seconds to 1-2 seconds. For Xiaomi users, this is especially true, as many models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K50) support the technology at the hardware level, but require the right setup.
The key differences between VoLTE and regular calls:
- 📞 HD-sound quality: wide bandwidth (up to 24 kHz) instead of 8 kHz in 3G, which eliminates noise and echo.
- ⚡ Instant connection: no delay in dialing, as in networks 2G/3G.
- 📶 The Internet is not interrupted during the conversation 4G-connection (you can use messengers).
- 🔋 Battery savings: The phone doesn’t switch between networks, which reduces power consumption.
However, there are nuances: VoLTE does not work in roaming with some operators (for example, Tele2 outside Russia), and older Xiaomi models (until 2018 release) may not have hardware support. SIM-cards (usually nano-SIM or eSIM) and current firmware MIUI.
What does the icon VoLTE on Xiaomi: display options
The VoLTE indicator on Xiaomi smartphones can be displayed differently depending on the version of the MIUI and the device model.
| MIUI version | Appearance of the badge | Wherever he comes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12–14 | White letters of VoLTE on a blue background | In the status bar next to the network indicator | It can disappear with a weak 4G signal. |
| MIUI 11 and older | Green tube icon with HD label | Upstairs of the screen during the call | It only appears when you have an active conversation. |
| POCO Launcher | Small VoLTE logo without background | Next to the clock in the notification panel | Can merge with other icons |
| Global ROM | HD letters in a circle | In the status bar on the call | Often confused with VoWiFi indicator |
If the VoLTE icon flashes or disappears, it can mean:
- 🔄 Switching between networks: the phone tries to connect to the network 4G, but the signal is unstable.
- 📵 Problems with SIM-card: the operator does not support the technology or the card is not activated for VoLTE.
- 🔧 Firmware failure: after update MIUI settings dropped.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) The VoLTE icon may not be displayed even with active technology, and can only be checked for improved sound quality or through the engineering menu (#4636##).
How to enable VoLTE on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions
If the VoLTE icon doesn't appear automatically, you can activate it manually. The instructions vary depending on the version of MIUI, but the general algorithm is this:
- Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
- Find the VoLTE option (in some versions it is hidden in the Additional settings).
- Activate the switch. If you don't have an option, update the firmware.
For models with MIUI 13/14, the path may be different:
Settings → Connections and Sharing → SIM- Cards → [Select SIM] → Enable VoLTEIf the VoLTE item is not on the menu, try:
- 🔄 Update the firmware: go to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 📋 Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-map → Resetting network settings.
- 📱 Check Compatibility: Not all carriers support VoLTE on all Xiaomi models.
Make sure that SIM-card 4G|
Check the operator's network coverage |
Update MIUI to the latest version|
Reboot your phone after the changes-->
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, custom LineageOS), the inclusion of VoLTE can lead to problems with the mobile Internet. MIUI Global or MIUI EU.
Why VoLTE doesn’t work for Xiaomi: common problems
Even if you've enabled VoLTE in your settings, the technology may not work. Here are the main reasons and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The VoLTE icon flashes and disappears | Weak 4G signal or network congestion | Switch to Manual Network Selection Mode (Settings → Mobile Network → Network Mode → LTE Only) |
| VoLTE option is not on the menu | Outdated firmware or incompatible model | Update MIUI or check the support for the model on the operator’s website |
| Calls are made, but without HD-quality | The operator has not activated VoLTE for your number. | Contact the operator to connect the service |
| After the inclusion of VoLTE, mobile Internet disappeared | APN settings conflict | Reset network settings or set up APN manually |
Especially often problems arise on Xiaomi models with duality. SIM-For example, on the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+ VoLTE can only work on one slot (usually a single slot). SIM 1) To check this out:
- Change it. SIM-map.
- Reboot the phone.
- Check if the VoLTE icon has appeared for another card.
What if the operator does not support VoLTE?
VoLTE vs VoWiFi: What’s the difference and what’s best for Xiaomi
In addition to VoLTE, Xiaomi smartphones can display a VoWiFi icon (voice over Wi-Fi), which is often confused, but they solve different problems:
- 📶 VoLTE: Works through a mobile network 4G LTE. It requires operator coverage. Supported by most modern Xiaomi.
- 📶 VoWiFi: It works over Wi-Fi, even without a cellular signal. Useful in areas of poor coverage (for example, in basements).
In practice, VoLTE is preferred by most Xiaomi users because:
- 🔋 Does not consume battery power to maintain Wi-Fi.
- 🌐 Works wherever there is. 4G (Unlike VoWiFi, which is tied to a router).
- 📞 Provides a more stable connection when moving (e.g. in transport).
However, in some cases, VoWiFi can be useful, for example, if you are in a place with a poor mobile signal, but you have access to Wi-Fi (hotel, office).
Settings → SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks → [Select SIM] → VoWiFi💡
If you have problems with indoor communication, try to turn on both modes (VoLTE + VoWiFi).The phone will automatically switch between them depending on network availability.
How to check if VoLTE works on your Xiaomi
It's not always the appearance of a VoLTE icon that guarantees that the technology is actually active. Here are some ways to test:
- Test call: Call another phone and check the sound quality (should be clear, no noise) and the connection time should be reduced to 1-2 seconds.
- Engineering menu: Enter the code ##4636##. Go to the Phone information tab. Check the Voice network type bar - LTE should be specified.
Special annexes
- Install Network Signal Guru or 4G Mark from Google Play.
- Run a network test – the app will show whether VoLTE is used.
If after checking it turned out that VoLTE does not work, despite the settings included, the reasons may be as follows:
- 📡 The operator has not activated the service for your number (you need to call in support).
- 📱 Xiaomi model is not certified by the operator for VoLTE (relevant for “gray” devices).
- 🔄 Conflict with other settings, such as Double 4G (In some models, these functions are incompatible).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with unlocked bootloader (bootloader) and custom firmware (Custom) ROM) VoLTE may not work at all, or it may not work at all, due to the lack of certified modem drivers.
Previous articleVoLTE on older Xiaomi models: is it possible?
Many users of budget or outdated Xiaomi smartphones (e.g. Redmi 5A, Redmi Note 4X) are wondering whether VoLTE can be activated on such devices.
- Hardware support: Models up to 2018 (e.g., Xiaomi Mi A1) often don’t have a VoLTE-enabled modem. Budget devices (e.g., Redmi 6A) can only support the technology at the firmware level, but without hardware optimization.
Firmware
- Official global firmware (MIUI Global) is often devoid of VoLTE for older models.
- Local firmware (e.g. MIUI India) may include support for specific operators.
If your model theoretically supports VoLTE, but the option is not on the menu, you can try the following methods:
- 🔄 Install custom firmware (for example, MIUI EU Pixel Experience, where the function is unlocked.
- 📋 Activate through the Engineering Menu: Enter #86583## → Choose VoLTE. → Turn on the option.
- 🔧 Use a patch for the modem (requires root rights and can lead to unstable work).
However, it is important to understand that on older devices, VoLTE can work with limitations:
- 🔋 Increased battery consumption due to unoptimized modem.
- 📞 Possible communication breaks when switching between 4G and 3G.
- 📶 Low quality of sound due to outdated audio codec.
💡
On devices older than 2018, turning on VoLTE often requires manual setup and can lead to unstable communication.If the phone is not certified by the operator for this technology, it is better to leave standard settings.