VoLTE in Xiaomi Redmi 8: a complete guide to setup and use

If you are the owner of Xiaomi Redmi 8 and notice in the settings of the mobile network mysterious switch VoLTE, but do not understand why it is needed – this article is for you. LTE (voice 4G) It changes the quality of calls, but many users are either unaware of its existence or afraid to turn it on for fear of problems. Meanwhile, with its modest hardware, VoLTE can be a salvation for stable communication in conditions of weak signal.

In this article, we will understand what VoLTE is in practice: how it differs from conventional calls on the Internet. 2G/3G, Why operators are actively switching to this standard, and most importantly – how to properly configure VoLTE on Xiaomi Redmi 8 You will also learn what problems can occur when activated (for example, the disappearance of the icon). 4G after turning on VoLTE on firmware MIUI below 12.5) We will also focus on the nuances of working with Russian operators - Beeline, MegaFon, MTS and others. Tele2, where VoLTE support is implemented differently.

What is VoLTE and why is it needed in Xiaomi Redmi 8?

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) — It's a fourth-generation voice technology (4G), Unlike traditional calls that use networks. 2G or 3G. The main advantage is the sound quality comparable to the HD-call-up IP-Telephony (for example, via WhatsApp or Skype), but without the need to connect to Wi-Fi.

For owners of Xiaomi Redmi 8 VoLTE is especially relevant for three reasons:

• 📶 Fast switching between voice and data: with a normal call, the smartphone “falls” from the phone 4G on 2G/3G, And then it goes up again after the conversation. With VoLTE, there's no switching, and the Internet keeps working at top speed.
• 🎤 Clean sound without noise: codec AMR-WB (broadband audio codec) provides a frequency range of up to 7 kHz vs. 3.5 kHz in standard calls.
• ⚡ Battery savings: No need to support two radio frequencies (for voice and data), which reduces the load on the communication module.

There are pitfalls, too: If your carrier doesn’t support VoLTE in your region, for example, turning on the feature can result in a complete loss of the ability to call — the smartphone will try to connect over 4G, but without success. Also, some MIUI firmware for Redmi 8 encounters a bug when the mobile Internet disappears after VoLTE is activated.

Does the Xiaomi Redmi 8 support VoLTE technology?

Xiaomi Redmi 8 (model M1908C3IG for the global market and M1908C3IC for China) officially supports VoLTE at the hardware level. The smartphone has a built-in modem Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, which is compatible with the standard VoLTE and ViLTE (video calls over 4G).

Important: even if your smartphone supports VoLTE, the operator must provide this service in your region, for example, in Russia, MegaFon and MTS cover VoLTE almost everywhere, and the operator must provide this service in your region. Tele2 — Only in major cities, you can check the support on the operator's website or through the USSD-request:

• 📱 «Beeline»: *110*181#
• 📱 «MegaFon: *558#
• 📱 MTS: *111*59#
• 📱 Tele2: *155*1#

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Redmi 8 with firmware MIUI below 12.0, the inclusion of VoLTE may result in the loss of the ability to make regular calls if the operator does not support the technology!

How to enable VoLTE on Xiaomi Redmi 8: step-by-step instructions

Activation of VoLTE on Redmi 8 takes no more than a minute, but requires several conditions:

1. You should be. SIM-VoLTE card (usually issued by the operator free of charge when replaced).
2. The smartphone should run on the firmware MIUI 11 or later (on MIUI 10 VoLTE may not work stably).
3. 4G mode should be enabled in the network settings (preferably).

Now we move on to the setting:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if two of them).
3. Tap on the network type and install 4G (preferably).
4. Go back and find VoLTE (or VoLTE calls in global firmware)
5. Activate the switch. If there is no point, update the firmware or use the method below.

If there is no VoLTE item on the menu, try an alternative method through the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app and type ##4636##.
2. Go to the phone information.
3. In the Install Preferred Network Type section, select LTE only or LTE/WCDMA/GSM auto.
4. Go back to the basic settings and check for the appearance of the VoLTE item.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Redmi 8 may disappear after VoLTE is turned on 4G, But the communication will work. This is an interface bug -- reboot your smartphone to get the display back.

Common VoLTE issues on Xiaomi Redmi 8 and their solutions

Even after you set up the right VoLTE, it can be unstable, and here are the typical problems and ways to fix them:

If after turning on VoLTE calls are interrupted or the sound is distorted, try the following steps:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes the communication module “hangs” when changing the mode.
• 📡 Update the settings APN: Go to Settings. → SIM-map → Access points (APN) Select the configuration of your operator.
• 🛠️ Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.
• 📥 Update the firmware: MIUI 12.5+ Most VoLTE bugs are eliminated.

💡

If after activation of VoLTE mobile Internet disappeared, but calls work - try to manually select the operator's network in the settings (Settings → Mobile Network → Network Operators → Manual Search).

VoLTE vs Wi-Fi Calling: Which is better for Xiaomi Redmi 8?

In addition to VoLTE, Redmi 8 has another technology for improving call quality, Wi-Fi Calling, which allows you to call even when you don't have a mobile network using a router connection, but how do you choose between VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling?

Let's compare the two technologies:

• 📶 VoLTE: ✅ It works wherever there is coverage. 4G. ✅ Low battery consumption. ❌ Requires operator support.
• 📶 Wi-Fi Calling: ✅ It works without a mobile network (Wi-Fi is sufficient). ✅ Better sound quality in areas with poor signal. ❌ High ping can cause voice delays. ❌ Requires stable Wi-Fi.

On the Xiaomi Redmi 8, both technologies can be used simultaneously, for example, at home you can rely on Wi-Fi Calling, and on the street you can rely on VoLTE.

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose. SIM-map.
3. Activate the Wi-Fi Calling switch.
4. If necessary, confirm the address (some operators require a reference to the place of residence).

💡

VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling do not conflict with each other. The smartphone will automatically choose the best communication channel depending on the available networks.

How to check if VoLTE works on your Xiaomi Redmi 8

Once VoLTE is turned on, it's important to make sure the technology is actually active. Here are a few ways to test:

1. 📞 During the call: If the status bar shows an icon HD Or VoLTE, the technology works. 4G Not lost during conversation – VoLTE is active.

Through the engineering menu

#4636## → Phone Information → SIM Status

The Voice Network section should specify LTE (not UMTS or GSM).

USSD-request

• MegaFon: Send *558# and the answer will be VoLTE status.
• MTS: *111*59# → “Service status”

If VoLTE does not work despite the settings enabled, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🚫 SIM-card does not support VoLTE (replacement in the cabin operator is required).
• 📵 Weak signal. 4G (VoLTE requires stable coverage).
• 🔄 Conflict with settings APN (drop them to standard).

VoLTE and battery: does the technology affect the autonomy of the Redmi 8?

Many users are worried that VoLTE increases battery consumption, but it really depends on the conditions of use.

• ⚡ Charge savings: With active VoLTE, the smartphone does not switch between 4G and 3G/2G, In standby mode, VoLTE consumes less power than continuous network scanning.
• ⚡ Increased flow: In areas with weak signal 4G The modem runs at the power limit, which drains the battery faster. When you use the mobile Internet during a call (for example, sharing a screen), the consumption increases by a factor of two. 10-15%.

To minimize the impact of VoLTE on Redmi 8 autonomy, follow the following tips:

• 🔋 Turn off VoLTE in roaming – there the technology can work unstable and waste additional energy.
• 📴 Enable Traffic Saving Mode in Settings SIM-map.
• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware in new versions MIUI Optimized modem operation.

According to the results of tests, on Xiaomi Redmi 8 with VoLTE in standby mode, the battery sits ~5% slower than without it, however, with active calls in low signal conditions, the difference can be negative.

FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi Redmi 8