VoLTE on Xiaomi phone: detailed explanation and instructions for disabling

Have you ever noticed a little VoLTE sign on your Xiaomi screen next to the network indicator? Or suddenly you find that while you're talking, mobile Internet is running simultaneously? It's not a system bug, it's a technology that's been actively being introduced by carriers for several years, but not all users understand why it's needed and how it affects the smartphone.

In this article, we will understand what VoLTE is on a Xiaomi phone, what pros and cons it carries, why it is sometimes better to turn it off, and most importantly, how to do it correctly on different versions of MIUI. You will learn how the technology affects the quality of communication, battery consumption and even the operation of instant messengers.

What is VoLTE and how does it work for Xiaomi?

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a fourth-generation (4G/LTE) voice technology, and unlike traditional calls that use 2G/3G networks, voice is converted into digital data packets and transmitted over a high-speed channel, like Skype or WhatsApp, but through the operator's mobile network.

On Xiaomi smartphones (and other modern devices), the technology is activated automatically if:

  • πŸ“Ά Your operator supports VoLTE (in Russia it is MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2, etc)
  • πŸ“± Your phone is compatible with technology (virtually all Xiaomi models after 2017)
  • πŸ”„ Network settings have mode enabled 4G (LTE) auto
  • πŸ“‹ You have the right firmware installed. MIUI (Older versions may not support VoLTE)

When VoLTE is active, you'll see a corresponding sign in the status bar next to the network indicator, sometimes it can only appear during a call.

  • 🎀 Call in HD-Quality (broadband sound, less noise)
  • ⚑ Faster connection (the call is set for the 1-2 seconds)
  • πŸ“Ά Do not lose the Internet during a conversation (you can talk and use the network at the same time)
πŸ“Š You knew about the VoLTE technology before reading this article?
Yeah, I've been using it for a long time.
I heard, but I didn't know what it was.
I found out for the first time today.
I'm not interested in that kind of thing.

Pros and cons of VoLTE on Xiaomi smartphones

Like any technology, VoLTE has its strengths and weaknesses, so let's take a look at what you get and what you lose when it's active.

The benefits of VoLTEThe disadvantages of VoLTE
βœ… Better sound quality – no interference, voice sounds more natural❌ Fast battery discharge - module LTE consumes more energy than 2G/3G
βœ… Instant connection – the call is established almost without delay❌ Roaming problems – not all operators support VoLTE abroad
βœ… Internet during a conversation – you can use the network without interrupting the call❌ Unstable work – communication breaks are possible in some regions
βœ… Traffic savings – voice packets are not charged as internet traffic❌ Problems with some messengers – can conflict with VoIP calls

The benefits of VoLTE are particularly noticeable on new Xiaomi models such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 or POCO F5. It uses improved audio processing, and the difference with conventional calls is really palpable. However, on budget devices (such as the Redmi 10A or POCO M5), the quality can be worse due to a weak processor.

⚠️ Note: If you travel frequently, please note that in some countries (such as Turkey or the UAE) local operators may block VoLTE for foreign SIM cards, in which case the phone will constantly switch between networks, which will lead to increased battery consumption.

When to turn off VoLTE on Xiaomi

Despite the benefits, there are situations where VoLTE is better to deactivate.

  • πŸ”‹ Battery discharge too fast - if the phone runs out in a few hours without active use, VoLTE could be one reason. LTE It consumes more energy, especially if the network is unstable.
  • πŸ“΅ Connection problems – if calls often stop or don’t reach the subscriber, try turning off VoLTE.
  • 🌍 Roaming abroad – in some countries, VoLTE may not work or be charged as Internet traffic, which will lead to unexpected costs.
  • πŸ€– Conflict with messengers – if you do not have calls through WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber, the reason may be active VoLTE.
  • πŸ“‘ Weak signal. 4G β€” If there is an unstable coverage in your area LTE, The phone will constantly switch between networks, which will negatively affect the autonomy of the phone.

You should also disable VoLTE if you use two. SIM-Some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro) have problems with two cards running simultaneously in VoLTE mode.

πŸ’‘

If VoLTE has lost its connectivity, try manually selecting the 3G network in the settings, sometimes giving you a more stable connection than the automatic mode.

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

The process of disabling VoLTE on Xiaomi smartphones depends on the version of MIUI and the phone model. We will consider two main ways: through standard settings and using the engineering menu (for advanced users).

Method 1: Disconnect via standard settings (MIUI 12/13/14)

This method is suitable for most modern devices.

  1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (or mobile networks on some models).
  3. Choose. SIM-The card you want to disable VoLTE for (if you have two cards).
  4. Click on Calling by VoLTE (or VoLTE calls).
  5. Turn the switch to the off position.
  6. Reboot your phone to make the changes take effect.

On some firmware, the item may be called differently, for example:

  • Improved calls (on POCO)
  • 4G-Calls (on older versions) MIUI)
  • HD-Calls (from some operators)

β˜‘οΈ Preparing for VoLTE shutdown

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Disconnect via the engineering menu (for power users)

If the standard settings do not have the option to disable VoLTE, you can use the engineering menu. Be careful - the wrong actions can disrupt the network!

Instructions:

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Enter the combination: ##4636###.
  3. Select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
  4. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type section.
  5. Select LTE/WCDMA/GSM auto or 3G only mode.
  6. Go back and find Turn off VoLTE provisioning (if any).
  7. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi 11 or Redmi) K40) You can block the engineering menu, and in this case, try using apps like this. MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek processors) or Qualcomm Engineer Mode (for Snapdragon).

What if the VoLTE itself is turned on after the reboot?
This may be due to operator policy or firmware. Try: 1. Install an alternative firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu). 2. Use the 4G Switch app from Google Play to force you to shut down. 3. Contact the operator to request that VoLTE be disabled on your number.

What to do if the VoLTE is not shut down

Sometimes, even after all the manipulations, VoLTE continues to work, and this can happen for several reasons:

  • πŸ“± Operator-bound firmware – some Xiaomi models (especially those purchased from the operator) have locked settings.
  • πŸ”„ Automatic Settings Update – Operator can remotely enable VoLTE via OTA-team.
  • πŸ› οΈ Communication module problems – in rare cases, hardware failure leads to failures.

Here's what we can do:

  1. Reset network settings: Go to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Reset the network settings. Confirm the action and restart the phone.
  2. Update firmware: Sometimes bugs are fixed in newer versions of MIUI. Check for updates in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update.
  3. Use third-party applications: Applications like Network Signal Guru or NetMonster allow you to manually manage networks.
  4. Contact the operator: Call support and ask to turn off VoLTE for your number.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Xiaomi with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3), Be careful with the engineering menu, and if you're setting the wrong settings, you can lose the network altogether, and then you can just reset the factory settings.

VoLTE and dual-sim phones Xiaomi: features of work

Many Xiaomi models support two of the SIM-There's a nuance here with VoLTE, but the main problem is that most smartphones can only use VoLTE on one. SIM-It means a map at the same time:

  • πŸ“ž If VoLTE is active on SIM 1, piece SIM 2 It will only work in the mode. 2G/3G.
  • πŸ”„ When calling from one card, the second card may temporarily β€œdisconnect” from the network.
  • πŸ“Ά If both cards are configured on VoLTE, the phone will constantly switch, which will affect the autonomy.

For example, on Xiaomi. 12T Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+ You can manually choose which one SIM-The map will work VoLTE:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Choose the right one. SIM-map.
  3. Activate or deactivate VoLTE calls.
  4. For the second card, set the 3G Only or 2G Only mode.

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 11 Lite) NE 5G) There is a hidden setting "Dual VoLTE", which allows you to use the technology on both SIM-However, it does not work with all operators and can cause the processor to overheat.

How to check if VoLTE works on your Xiaomi

If you’re not sure if VoLTE is active on your phone, there are a few ways to check it out:

  • πŸ“± Status bar indicator – if VoLTE appears during a call or next to a network icon HD, technology.
  • πŸ“ž Test call -- call another phone and check: Is the Internet connection still in the conversation? How fast is the connection being established.
  • πŸ” Code. USSD β€” Type in ##4636### and check the Phone Information section. If VoLTE is active, you will see the corresponding text.
  • πŸ“Š Network analysis applications: Network Cell Info Lite or LTE Discovery will show you what mode your work is in. SIM-map.

You can also call the short carrier number to see if your tariff supports VoLTE.

  • MTS: *111*0887#
  • Beeline: *110*180#
  • MegaFon: *105*00#
  • Tele2: *155*1#

πŸ’‘

If VoLTE doesn’t work despite all the setups, the problem may be on the operator’s side.Some tariffs (e.g. corporate or outdated) don’t support this technology.

FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi

πŸ”Ή Why did the mobile Internet disappear after the VoLTE shutdown?
This can happen if you are in the settings. APN (access points) are specified only for 4G-Try it: Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Access points (APN). Select your operator and check the settings. APN - no, add it manually (options can be found on the operator's website) and try to switch to mode 3G/4G (car instead of only 4G.
πŸ”Ή Can I turn off VoLTE only for specific contacts?
No, VoLTE is network-level, and it's either on for all calls or it's off completely. But you can: Use WhatsApp to call specific subscribers. Create a rule in the Truecaller app to automatically use VoIP.
πŸ”Ή Does VoLTE affect the quality of WhatsApp video calls?
Indirectly, yes. If VoLTE is active, it can conflict with VoIP calls (which WhatsApp uses), and it can result in: video interruptions, image degradation, audio delays, try turning off VoLTE and see if things get better.
πŸ”Ή Why does VoLTE work on one of them? SIM-The card and does not work on another?
It depends on several factors: πŸ“± Operator support – not all operators provide VoLTE at all rates. πŸ“Ά Network coverage – if there is a weak signal in your area 4G, VoLTE may not be activated. πŸ”§ Settings APN β€” Check if the access point for the second one is properly configured. SIM-map. πŸ› οΈ Hardware Restrictions – Some Xiaomi models only support VoLTE on the first slot.
πŸ”Ή Can I remove VoLTE from my phone permanently?
You can't completely remove the technology, because it's built into the firmware and the communication module. However, you can: Install custom firmware without VoLTE support (like LineageOS); Use the Xposed Framework with a module to block VoLTE; disable firmware updates so that the operator can't force the technology to activate; note that these methods require unlocking the bootloader and may be unwarranted.