VoLTE in Xiaomi phone: why you need, how to turn on and what to do if it does not work

Have you ever noticed that while talking on the phone, the Internet suddenly β€œslows down” and after the call, the pages in the browser update with a delay? Or that the voice of the interlocutor sounds like he is talking from a barrel? Most likely, the problem lies in the lack of support for VoLTE, a technology that has long become the standard for modern smartphones, but many Xiaomi users still do not use it, and the fault here is not always on the operator: often the function is simply turned off in the settings.

In this article, we’ll look at what VoLTE is in a Xiaomi phone, how it differs from regular 2G/3G calls, and why it should be enabled right now β€” even if you’re β€œfair with it,” how to test your device’s support, manually activate it, and fix typical problems, and how to answer a question that worries many: β€œIs VoLTE really landing the battery faster?” (spoiler: no, if it’s set up correctly).

What is VoLTE and why it is needed in Xiaomi smartphones

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a fourth-generation (4G) voice technology that has replaced the legacy 2G and 3G standards. Unlike traditional calls, where voice is encoded into an analog signal, VoLTE transmits it digitally – like data packets, similar to the way WhatsApp or Telegram messenger works.

The main advantage is that VoLTE calls do not cut off the Internet. In the past, when you call a smartphone, you switched from 4G to 3G/2G, which caused download speeds to drop to zero. With VoLTE, you can simultaneously talk on the phone and download files, watch videos or play an online game without interruptions and delays.

Other advantages of the technology for owners of Xiaomi:

  • 🎀 Clean sound without noise and interference – thanks to the codec HD Voice (broadband audio signal).
  • ⚑ Instant connection – the call is connected to 1–2 seconds against 5–10 second-in-second 2G/3G).
  • 🌍 Best coverage in areas with weak signal 4G (Technology adapts to network conditions).
  • πŸ”‹ Battery savings – you don’t have to switch between networks all the time.

But there are some nuances, and VoLTE only works if you:

  • βœ… Your Xiaomi supports the technology (list of models below).
  • βœ… The operator provides the service (in Russia it is MTS, Beeline, MegaFon and Tele2).
  • βœ… It's in the phone. SIM-support-card 4G (Not all old cards are compatible).
  • βœ… The function is activated in the settings of the smartphone and the operator.
πŸ“Š Your carrier supports your VoLTE?
MTS
Beeline
MegaFon
Tele2.
Other
I don't know.

What Xiaomi models support VoLTE: full list

Almost all Xiaomi smartphones, Released after 2018, support VoLTE out of the box. However, there are exceptions β€” especially among budget models and devices for the Chinese market (for example, some versions of the Redmi Note without global firmware).

SeriesSupport for VoLTENotes
Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultraβœ… Yes.It works for all Russian operators, VoNR (5G calls) support.
Redmi Note 12/12 Proβœ… Yes.It requires a firmware upgrade to MIUI 14+ for stable operation.
POCO X5/F5βœ… Yes.On some operators, you need to manually turn on the mode in the settings.
Redmi 10A/10C⚠️ Partially.Supports VoLTE, but there may be problems with Tele2.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Liteβœ… Yes.On Chinese versions (without global firmware), VoLTE may not work.

To find out if your Xiaomi VoLTE supports, check out:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ All the characteristics.
  2. Find the Network or Cellular section.
  3. Look for VoLTE, HD Voice, or 4G Calling.

If the specifications are not available, try to enable the function manually (instructions in the next section), if the calls do not pass after activation, then your model does not support the technology.

How to check VoLTE support through the Engineering Menu?
Open the Phone app and dial ##4636##. Select Phone Information. Scroll down to VoLTE provisioned β€” if Yes is available, technology is supported. Attention! Don't change the other options in the engineering menu β€” this can disrupt the network.

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

If your smartphone supports VoLTE, but the function is disabled, you can activate it in 2-3 minutes. MIUI 12-14 (including) POCO redmi).

Make sure that SIM-card 4G|Check the operator's network coverage|Update the firmware to the latest version|Battery charge of at least 30%

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Steps to activate:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
  3. Tap on the network type (or preferred network type).
  4. Select 4G (preferably) / VoLTE or LTE/4G/3G/2G (auto) with the tick opposite Enable VoLTE.
  5. Save the settings and restart the phone.

After the reboot, the message VoLTE, HD or 4G+ should appear next to the network indicator.

  • πŸ”„ Try to manually select the operator in the Settings β†’ Mobile network β†’ Network operators.
  • πŸ“ž Call *111# (for MTS/MegaFon) or *105# (for Beeline) to activate the service from the operator.
  • πŸ”§ Reset network settings: Settings β†’ Memory. β†’ Reset β†’ Resetting network settings.

πŸ’‘

If the Internet is lost after the VoLTE is turned on, check it out. APN-Frequently helps resetting to factory settings. APN In Settings β†’ Mobile network β†’ Access points (APN)

VoLTE doesn’t work for Xiaomi: 7 reasons and solutions

Even if you have enabled VoLTE correctly, the function may not work, and here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
No VoLTE inscription in the status barThe operator has not activated the serviceCall support or send it. USSD-request (*111*55# for MTS).
Calls are broken or not connectedWeak 4G signalTurn on Flight Mode for 10 seconds, then turn it off.
VoLTE works, but the sound is interrupted.Conflict with applicationsClose the background programs (especially VPNs and network optimizers).
The function is turned on, but after a day it is turned off.Energy saving shuts down the moduleAdd Settings. SIM-cards excluding battery optimization.

If none of these methods helped, check:

  • πŸ“± Firmware version: on older versions MIUI (Below 12) VoLTE may not work well. Update your phone via Settings β†’ Updating the system.
  • πŸ› οΈ Firmware region: on Chinese versions of Xiaomi (e.g. Redmi) K50 VoLTE is often disabled, so the solution is to reflash to the global version.
  • πŸ”Œ Two-Sim mode: some models (for example, POCO X3) They do not support VoLTE on both sides. SIM-Try to leave only one card at a time.

⚠️ If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), VoLTE may not work due to lack of operator certificates. MIUI.

VoLTE vs ViLTE vs VoNR: What’s the difference and what’s better

In addition to VoLTE, in Xiaomi smartphones you can find other voice communication technologies according to the data: ViLTE and VoNR. Let's figure out how they differ and which one is preferable.

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a classic 4G call technology. It works on all modern Xiaomi and is supported by most operators. connection speed is up to 2 seconds, sound quality is HD (16 kHz).

ViLTE (Video over LTE) is an extension of VoLTE that allows you to make video calls over 4G without using third-party applications (for example, WhatsApp). In Xiaomi, the function is available on flagships (Xiaomi 13, Mix 4) and requires operator support (in Russia, ViLTE actively promotes MegaFon).

VoNR (Voice over New Radio) is analogous to VoLTE, but for 5G networks. So far, only new models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K60) and single operators (for example, MTS in Moscow and St. Petersburg) support the technology, the main advantage is even lower latency and better sound quality (Full HD Voice).

Technology comparison:

TechnologyConnection speedSound qualitySupport for Xiaomi
VoLTE1-2 secondsHD (16 kHz)All models from 2018
ViLTE2nd-to-3th-secondHD + Video 720pFlagships (Xiaomi 12/13, Mix)
VoNR<1 secFull HD (24 kHz)Xiaomi 14, Redmi K60

Which option should I choose?

  • πŸ“ž If you need stable calls without unnecessary bells and whistles – enough VoLTE.
  • πŸŽ₯ If you make frequent video calls, check ViLTE (but note that the other person must also support the technology).
  • πŸš€ If you have Xiaomi 14 and coverage 5G β€” Try VoNR, but be prepared for childhood illnesses (not all operators are stable with the technology).

πŸ’‘

VoNR does not yet have advantages over VoLTE for most users – 5G coverage in Russia is unstable, and the difference in sound quality is minimal.

VoLTE and battery: is it true that it puts a charge faster

One of the most common myths about VoLTE is that it eats the battery, and it really depends on how the technology is implemented in your smartphone. Let's get into the details.

Why some Xiaomi users complain about the increased cost:

  • πŸ”‹ Constant activity 4G-Module: without VoLTE, the phone switches to 2G/3G When you call, it saves energy. 4G continuously.
  • πŸ“‘ Poor coverage: if the signal 4G weak, the smartphone spends more energy on its retention.
  • πŸ€– Optimization MIUI: On some firmware, VoLTE background processes are not optimized.

However, in real-world tests (such as those from GSMArena or XDA Developers), the difference in battery consumption between VoLTE and regular calls is only 2-5% when used actively.

  • ⚑ VoLTE connects calls faster (less waiting time).
  • πŸ”„ You don’t have to switch between networks (which also wastes charge).
  • πŸ“Ά Better coverage means fewer attempts to reconnect.

In the long run, VoLTE even saves battery life.

⚠️ Attention! If after turning on VoLTE, the phone starts to run out much faster (for example, by 20-30%), the problem is not with the technology, but with the network settings. β†’ Mobile network β†’ Choice of network β†’ Automatically. Add the Phone app to battery optimization exceptions. Update MIUI up to the latest version (new firmware fixes power consumption bugs). FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE in Xiaomi ❓ Can I use VoLTE with two? SIM-Yes, but not on all models. Most Xiaomi with Dual support 4G VoLTE (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro, Xiaomi) 12T) Allows you to call VoLTE from both SIM-However, some budget models (e.g. Redmi) 10A) VoLTE only supports one slot. Check the specifications of your model on the official website. ❓ Why After Updating MIUI VoLTE? This is a typical problem when switching to a new firmware version. Solutions: Reset network settings (Settings) β†’ Memory. β†’ Reset β†’ Reset network settings Manually select operator in Settings β†’ Mobile network β†’ Network operators, if it doesn't work, roll back to the previous version. MIUI (via Fastboot or Recovery). ❓ Does VoLTE work in roaming? Yes, but with reservations. VoLTE roaming only works if: Your operator has an agreement with a local provider to support VoLTE. The local operator technically supports the technology. For example, MTS and MegaFon provide VoLTE roaming in most countries of Europe and Asia, while Tele2 only in some. ❓ Can I turn on VoLTE through the engineering menu? Yes, but it's risky. To activate VoLTE manually: Dial ##4636## and select Phone Information. Scroll to Set preferred network type. Choose. LTE only LTE/UMTS auto (PRL). Go back and turn on VoLTE provisioned (if there is one). Attention! Incorrect settings in the engineering menu can lead to network loss. If you're not sure, use the standard settings. MIUI. ❓ How to disable VoLTE if you don't need it? If you've decided to go back to normal calls: Go to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks. Choose your own. SIM-Disable the option to Enable VoLTE or select the network type 3G/2G (Once the shutdown is over, the calls will go through 3G/2G, The internet will not work during the conversation.