Modern mobile standards require smartphones to not only receive a stable signal, but also high quality voice. Owners of the popular budget smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 6 often face the need to activate the VoLTE function to improve the quality of conversations and at the same time enjoy high-speed Internet. This technology has become the standard for telecom operators around the world, allowing voice data to be transmitted over the fourth generation LTE network.
Many users notice that during a conversation, their device switches from 4G to 3G or even 2G, which leads to interruption of the Internet connection. Voice over LTE technology solves this problem by providing voice as a data stream. For owners of Redmi 6 this is especially true, since the device supports the required frequencies, but the MIUI software shell does not always display the desired switches.
In this article, we will go into detail about what the acronym VoLTE hides, why it may not work by default, and how to force this feature to activate on your device. We will look at both standard methods through operator settings, and more advanced methods through the engineering menu that may be required in specific situations.
What is VoLTE Technology and Why is it Needed?
Voice over LTE is a standard for transmitting voice traffic over fourth-generation networks. Unlike traditional calls that use channel switching (CS) channels, VoLTE transmits voice as data packets (IP), which allows you to significantly reduce connection time and improve sound quality, making it cleaner and more natural.
The main advantage for the Xiaomi Redmi 6 user is the ability to use voice and data simultaneously. Previously, when an incoming or outgoing call, the phone forcedly switched to 3G or 2G networks, breaking the connection to LTE. Now you can talk and simultaneously download files, navigate on a map or play online games without slowing down.
β οΈ Attention: VoLTE performance depends on your carrier's network coverage, unless there is a stable signal in your receiving area. 4G, The phone will automatically switch to standard communication protocols.
In addition, using VoLTE allows operators to use the spectrum more efficiently, freeing up resources for data transfer. For the end user, this means less battery consumption during a conversation, since modem does not waste energy on constant switching between 2G/3G/4G modes.
Compatibility check for Redmi 6 and the carrier
Before you start setting up, you need to make sure that your device and SIM-The card is technically ready to work with voice LTE. Redmi 6 is based on the MediaTek Helio processor P22, It has a built-in modem that supports the required standards, but support must be confirmed by firmware and regional settings.
The first step is to check your status. SIM-Make sure you use an operator that officially supports VoLTE in your area. Often, the service requires a replacement of the old one to activate the service. SIM-new card with support USIM, Especially if you are using a card that was released years ago.
You can check for support in the following ways:
- π± Call your carrierβs support team and check if VoLTE service is available for your fare.
- π Visit the official website of the operator and find a list of compatible devices, which should feature Xiaomi Redmi 6.
- π‘ Pay attention to the badge"HD" or "VoLTE" in the status bar with an active mobile Internet.
- π³ Make sure that there are enough funds on the balance sheet and the service is not blocked for technical reasons.
It is also important to consider that some global versions of MIUI firmware may not have pre-installed profiles for local operators, in which case the system may not offer the feature to be included in the standard menu, requiring manual activation through hidden settings.
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If you have changed the carrier, be sure to restart the smartphone after installing a new one. SIM-cards so that the device re-registers on the network and updates the settings profile.
Standard activation via MIUI settings
In most cases, if the operator and SIM-The card supports technology, activation occurs automatically or requires minimal user intervention. MIUI, The Redmi 6, which provides easy access to network protocol management, does not require third-party applications for basic configuration.
To enable the function, go to the main settings of the device. SIM-Maps and mobile networks. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of Android and MIUI, But the logic remains the same. You need to find a point associated with the preferred type of network.
Follow the following steps:
- Open the settings on the main screen.
- Go to section. SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Select the SIM card for which you need to enable VoLTE (Sim 1 or Sim 2).
- Find the Use VoLTE switch and activate it.
- Make sure that LTE is selected in the Network Type.
If the switch is missing, it means that the system has not detected the operator profile or the function is blocked software. In some regions, Xiaomi hides this setting unless detects a specific network configuration.
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The lack of a switch in the standard menu doesnβt mean the phone doesnβt support the technology β activation is often required via an engineering menu.
Activation through the Engineering Mode (Engineering Mode)
For advanced users who haven't found a standard switch, there's a way to activate through the system menu of an engineer, which allows you to interact directly with the device's modem. On Xiaomi Redmi 6 with a MediaTek processor, this method is often the most effective.
To enter the engineering menu, you will need a dialer, enter a special code that allows you to access hidden settings, and be careful: changing unknown parameters can lead to unstable network operation.
Instructions for activation:
##3646633##After you enter the code, the Engineering Mode menu will open.
- Go to the Telephony tab.
- Choose VoLTE or Network Setting.
- Find the VoLTE Capability option and set the Enable value.
- Also check the IMS Registration settings β it should be active.
- Restart the device to apply the changes.
β οΈ Note: Do not change the values in other tabs of the engineering menu, especially in the Audio and Camera sections, this can disrupt the microphone or display.
After the reboot, the status bar should show the corresponding icon. If the icon does not appear, but the Internet is running in 4G during the call, then the function is activated successfully, but the indicator is hidden by the provider.
What if the code doesn't work?
Setting up APNs and Access Point Profiles
VoLTE doesn't work properly without a properly configured APN. It's through this profile that the phone understands how to route data for voice calls. On Redmi 6, settings usually come automatically, but manual control never hurts.
Check the current APN settings in the Access Points menu (APN) inside the mobile network settings. If the list is empty or the settings are lost, create a new profile. The data to fill in (name, APN, authentication type) can be found on your carrier's website.
The table shows the approximate parameters for the main operators that often require verification:
| Operator. | APN name | Type APN | Protocol |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | internet.mts.ru | default,supl,ims | IPv4/IPv6 |
| Beeline | internet.beeline.ru | default,supl,ims | IPv4/IPv6 |
| MegaFon | internet | default,supl,ims | IPv4/IPv6 |
| Tele2 | internet.tele2.ru | default,supl,ims | IPv4/IPv6 |
The key point is the type field APN. To run VoLTE, you have to have an ims record. If you don't have one, you have to hand-in a comma after the existing values. IMS-Voice call networks are not possible.
βοΈ Checking settings APN
Solution: Badge doesn't appear or calls are disrupted
Even after all the settings, Xiaomi Redmi 6 users can run into problems. It often happens that the VoLTE icon does not appear in the status bar, although the function seems to be on, this may be due to the fact that the operator does not transmit a signal to display the icon, or the phoneβs firmware does not know how to show it.
Another common problem is resetting calls when you try to connect, which indicates that the phone is trying to initiate a call over LTE, but the network rejects it, in which case resetting the network settings to factory values helps, which will delete all stored Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings, but will clear the network stack of errors.
The main steps of diagnosis:
- π Completely reset network settings through the Recovery Menu.
- π‘ Check if the "only" mode is on. 4G", This can be a problem with voice calls in some regions.
- π Make sure that there are no technical work on the operatorβs side.
- π± Try to rearrange. SIM-card to another slot if there are two.
Sometimes the problem lies in an outdated base station, in which case only waiting for the operator to update the network or changing the position to connect to another tower can help.
Comparison of voice communication technologies
To get a definitive grasp of the value of VoLTE, itβs useful to compare it to previous technologies, and the difference in quality and usability between them is huge, especially for the owners of modern smartphones like Redmi 6.
Traditional 2G/3G calls use a narrowband audio codec, which limits the frequency range of voice. VoLTE uses broadband (HD Voice) to transmit a wider range of frequencies. This makes speech more legible, especially in noisy places.
Comparative table of technologies:
| Characteristics | 2G / 3G (CS) | VoLTE (4G) | VoWiFi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sound quality | Low/Mediocre | High (HD) | High (HD) |
| Connection time | 5-7 seconds | 1-2 seconds | 2-3 seconds |
| Internet during a call | No (falls to 2G/3G) | Yes (with 4G remaining) | Yeah (via Wi-Fi) |
| Battery consumption | High (module switching) | Low. | Medium. |
Also worth mentioning is VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi), which is a logical extension of VoLTE. It allows you to make calls over a Wi-Fi network, which is ideal for rooms with poor cellular signal but good Internet. On Xiaomi Redmi 6, support for this feature is also dependent on the operator.