VoLTE icon on Xiaomi: what it is, how it works and why you need it

You noticed a mysterious VoLTE icon next to the network indicator on your Xiaomi screen and wondered what it means: Donโ€™t be in a hurry to turn it off โ€” itโ€™s not just โ€œanother useless iconโ€, but an indicator of modern technology that dramatically changes the quality of voice communication. In 2026, VoLTE (Voice over LTE) became the de facto standard for all operators of the โ€œbig threeโ€ in Russia, but many users still do not understand its advantages or face problems when setting up.

In this article, we will explain why the VoLTE icon appears on your Redmi, POCO or Mi, how this technology differs from regular 2G/3G calls, and what to do if the icon appears, then disappears. And you will learn which Xiaomi models support VoLTE in Russia, how to force the function to turn on (if the operator hid it) and what to do if the Internet disappears during a conversation after activation. Spoiler: 90% of cases the problem is solved in 2 minutes!

What is VoLTE and why it matters to Xiaomi in 2026

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a 4G (LTE) voice technology, unlike traditional calls that use legacy 2G or 3G networks. The main advantage is that your Xiaomi smartphone no longer needs to โ€œswitchโ€ between communication standards when calling โ€“ voice and data are transmitted over the same network at the same time.

Why is this critical in 2026?

  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Quick connection: the call is connected to 1โ€“2 seconds against 5โ€“10 second-in-second 2G/3G).
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Pure Sound: Technology HD Voice doubles the frequency range (up to 7 kHz vs. 3.4 kHz in the 3G), noise-free.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ No Internet breaks: you can talk and use the mobile Internet at the same time 3G The call broke off).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Battery savings: No constant switching between networks, which reduces the load on the modem.

On Xiaomi, the VoLTE icon appears in the status bar when the smartphone is connected to the 4G network and the operator supports the technology. If the icon is not available, this does not always mean that the function is disabled: some MIUI firmware hides the indicator even if the VoLTE works.

๐Ÿ“Š Your mobile operator?
MTS
Beeline
MegaFon
Tele2.
Yota/The Other

What does the icon VoLTE on Xiaomi: all options

Depending on the Xiaomi model and MIUI version, the VoLTE icon may differ. Here are all the official options you can see:

Icon variantDescriptionWhere do you meet?
VoLTE (text)Classic inscription next to the network indicatorOlder versions of MIUI (up to 12), budget models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3)
๐Ÿ“ž HDIcon of the tube with the inscription HD (means high sound quality)MIUI 13โ€“14, flagships (Xiaomi 13, Mi 11)
๐Ÿ”„ 4G+Carrier aggregation icon, sometimes accompanied by VoLTELTE-Advanced (Redmi Note 12 Pro+)
V in a circleShortened version, can flash when an active callNew MIUI 14 firmware (Global/EEA)

If you donโ€™t see any of these icons, but youโ€™re sure your Xiaomi supports VoLTE, the problem may be operator or firmware settings.

โš ๏ธ Note: Some Xiaomi models for the Chinese market (with China firmware) ROM) The VoLTE icon may not be displayed even when the function is active. It's not a bug, it's just a localization feature.

How to enable VoLTE on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

By default, VoLTE is activated on all modern Xiaomi smartphones, but sometimes the feature is disabled due to a failure or manual changes in settings.

  1. Open the Settings. โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
  3. Slip on the network type or network settings item.
  4. Activate the VoLTE switch (can be called Voice over LTE or Improved Calls).
  5. Reboot your smartphone โ€“ itโ€™s a must for changes!

If the VoLTE item is not on the menu, it means:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Your Xiaomi model does not support VoLTE (relevant for older devices until 2018).
  • ๐ŸŒ The operator does not provide the service (check on the provider's website).
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Firmware MIUI modified (castomy or regional version).

Make sure that SIM-card 4G|Check the list of compatible Xiaomi models on the operatorโ€™s website|Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI|Reset network settings in Settings โ†’ System system โ†’ Resetting settings โ†’ Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth-->

To force the inclusion of VoLTE on unofficial firmware, you can use the engineering menu:

##4636## โ†’ Phone Information โ†’ Install your preferred network type โ†’ LTE only

โš ๏ธ Caution: This method can disrupt communication stability if your carrier does not support VoLTE in your region.

Why VoLTE is now appearing and disappearing on Xiaomi

The unstable display of the VoLTE icon is one of the most common problems, and here are the main reasons and ways to fix them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
The badge flashes and disappears.Weak 4G signal (to switch to 3G)Check the operatorโ€™s coverage or change seat
VoLTE is available, but there is no internet during the callAPN configuration errorReset your APN settings or request an automatic configuration from the operator
The icon only appears after rebooting.Modem malfunctionUpdate your firmware or reset your network settings
VoLTE works, but the sound is interrupted.Conflict with applications for recording callsDisable third-party programs to record conversations

Critical information: If after the update MIUI The VoLTE icon is gone forever, check the firmware version. In 2023, Xiaomi removed VoLTE support for some models (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro) in global builds due to certification issues (EEA Russia).

๐Ÿ’ก

If the VoLTE does not work for two SIM-Maps, try to temporarily disable the second SIM โ€” Some Xiaomi models support VoLTE only on the main slot (SIM1).

List of Xiaomi models with VoLTE support in 2026

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support VoLTE, especially budget models older than 2019. Below is the current list of devices that are officially compatible with the technology in Russia (data from MTS, Beeline, MegaFon operators):

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Flagships: Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra, Xiaomi 12/12 Pro/12S Ultra, Mi 11/11 Pro/11 Ultra
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Mid-segment: Redmi Note 12 Pro+/Pro/12S, Redmi Note 11 Pro+/Pro/11S, POCO F5/F4 Pro
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Budget models: Redmi 12/12C, POCO M5/M5s, Redmi Note 10 Pro (only with) MIUI 13+)
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Outdated (partial support): Redmi Note 9 Pro (only on some firmware), Mi 9T Pro

For models older than 2018 (for example, Redmi Note 7 or Mi A2) VoLTE may not work stable or not at all โ€“ this is a hardware limitation (modem Qualcomm Snapdragon 6xx early revisions).

How to check for VoLTE support on unofficial firmware?
If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), VoLTE support depends on the kernel and modem files. To check: 1. Install Network Signal Guru from Google Play. 2. Run a network test - the VoLTE section will have Supported or Not Supported status. 3. If support is available, but the feature doesn't work, try flashing the original modem.img from the official MIUI via TWRP.

VoLTE vs ViLTE vs VoNR: Whatโ€™s the difference and whatโ€™s better

In addition to VoLTE, Xiaomi smartphones have other acronyms associated with voice data, and let's see what they mean:

  • ๐Ÿ“ก VoLTE (Voice over LTE): voice 4G. Standard for Most Operators in 2026.
  • ๐Ÿ“น ViLTE (Video over LTE): video-calling 4G (Used in Mi Video Call or Google Duo).
  • ๐Ÿš€ VoNR (Voice over NR): voice 5G. So far, it is only available on Xiaomi 13 and newer in Moscow / Peter (test mode at MTS).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ SRVCC (Single Radio Voice Call Continuity: a smooth transition from VoLTE to 3G lose 4G (practicable).

On Xiaomi, ViLTE and VoNR icons only appear when the relevant features are actively used. For example, VoNR turns on automatically if you are in 5G coverage and the operator supports the technology (while this is an experimental feature).

โš ๏ธ Note: If VoLTE and VoNR are active on your Xiaomi at the same time, the technology will be given priority. 5G. However, in roaming, VoNR is automatically turned off โ€“ this is normal behavior.

Frequent VoLTE issues on Xiaomi and their solutions

Even on supported Xiaomi models, users are faced with VoLTE bugs.-5 problems and ways to correct them:

  1. Calls are not connected (Call is impossible) Cause: conflict with Dual SIM fault IMS-Solution: Turn off the second one. SIM or reset the settings. IMS via #4636## โ†’ Phone information โ†’ Reset IMS.
  2. The interviewer can't hear you (or vice versa) Reason: Misconfigured microphone settings for VoLTE Solution: Check the permissions for the Phone app (Mic access) or reset the audio settings.
  3. Fast battery discharge on VoLTE calls Reason: constant modem activity due to poor signal Solution: Turn on Battery Saving mode or turn off VoLTE in areas with weak 4G.

If none of the methods worked, try forced resetting of network settings:

Settings โ†’ About phone โ†’ All settings โ†’ Reset settings โ†’ Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth

๐Ÿ’ก

Before resetting the network, save your Wi-Fi passwords โ€“ they will be deleted!

๐Ÿ”น Why my Xiaomi doesnโ€™t have VoLTE, even though it supports it?
Probable reasons: Custom firmware is installed without modem files for VoLTE. Operator has not activated the service for your tariff (check in your personal account), SIM-card of the old sample (replace with USIM or eSIM). Solution: Update the firmware to the latest official version or contact the communication salon.
๐Ÿ”น Can I use VoLTE in roaming?
Yes, but with reservations: VoLTE works steadily in roaming between Russian operators; VoLTE can be turned off automatically abroad (depending on the agreement between operators); on Xiaomi, the SRVCC icon sometimes appears in roaming - this is normal.
๐Ÿ”น Is it true that VoLTE is faster to drain the battery?
Not if the 4G signal is stable. VoLTE saves battery power compared to 3G, because it does not require constant switching between networks. However, with a weak 4G signal, the modem operates at increased power, which can increase consumption by 5-10%.
๐Ÿ”น How to disable VoLTE on Xiaomi if it interferes?
To deactivate VoLTE: Go to Settings โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks. SIM-map โ†’ Network type. Turn off the VoLTE switch or select mode 3G/2G. โš ๏ธ After disconnecting, you will lose the ability to call when you are online (on the Internet). 3G the linkage will break).
๐Ÿ”น Does Xiaomiโ€™s VoLTE support two? SIM-card?
Depending on the model: Flagships (Xiaomi 13, Mi 11) - support VoLTE on both SIMs. Mid-segment (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5) - only on the main SIM (slot 1). Budget models (Redmi 10A) - VoLTE works on only one SIM. Check the specifications of your model on the official Xiaomi website.