VoLTE icon on Xiaomi phone: what it is, how to turn on and why it disappears

You noticed a small icon on Xiaomi's notification panel that says VoLTE next to the network indicator and wondered what it means? LTE — standard for voice transmission through 4G-But why doesn't everyone have it, how do you activate it, and what do you do if the icon suddenly disappears? In this article, we'll go through all the nuances of VoLTE on Xiaomi, Redmi and other smartphones. POCO, including hidden settings, compatibility issues and diagnostic methods.

Now, let's just say, VoLTE is not just a beautiful icon, it's a real advantage. Without this technology, your smartphone automatically switches from one phone to another when you call. 4G on 3G or 2G, And that causes the Internet to drop and the sound to deteriorate. 4G While talking, voice is digitally transmitted without noise or delay, not all Xiaomi operators and models support this feature out of the box.

What is VoLTE and why is it important for Xiaomi?

VoLTE Technology (Voice over) LTE) — This is the standard for voice calls over the network. 4G LTE, Unlike traditional calls that are used 2G/3G. The main advantage is the sound quality in the format HD (broadband audio codec AMR-WB), It's comparable to FaceTime or Skype, and VoLTE also provides a way to do that:

• ⚡ Instant connection – call setup time is reduced from 5-7 seconds to 1-2.
• 📶 Continuous 4G-Internet during conversation (without "sinking" before the 3G).
• 🔋 Saving battery power through optimized data transfer.
• 🌍 Best coverage in areas with weak signal 2G/3G (where 4G still available).

For Xiaomi smartphones, VoLTE support is especially relevant for two reasons:

1. Hardware compatibility: Most models (starting with the Redmi Note 4 and Mi 5) are equipped with the necessary chips (for example, Qualcomm Snapdragon or MediaTek Helio with modem). Cat.4 higher).
2. Software limitations: Even with hardware, VoLTE can be disabled at the firmware level (especially in global versions). MIUI for certain regions).

It is important to understand that VoLTE only works when three conditions are met simultaneously:

⚠️ Note: If at least one of the conditions is not met, the VoLTE icon will not appear, even if the function is activated in the settings. For example, for Tele2 operator in some regions, VoLTE is only available for subscribers with tariffs starting from 500₽/moss.

What does the VoLTE icon look like on Xiaomi: photos and display options

VoLTE icon on Xiaomi smartphones may differ depending on the version MIUI And the models of the device, and here are the basic ways that you can display it in the notification panel:

If you don’t see the icon but suspect that VoLTE is working, check this out in two ways:

1. When you call, look at the network indicator – if it stays 4G (switch off 3G/H+), So VoLTE is active.
2. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Network type and select 4G (If the VoLTE option is highlighted in gray, the function is enabled.

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

VoLTE activation on Xiaomi depends on the version MIUI Below is a universal instruction that is suitable for most models (from Redmi 7 to Xiaomi 13).

Step 1: Verify your model’s support for VoLTE

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support VoLTE, such as budget models like Redmi. 5A or Redmi Go is deprived of this feature at the hardware level to make sure your device is compatible:

• Check out the official Xiaomi website (voLTE support section).
• Or enter the model name in the search engine with the query name of the model VoLTE support.

Step 2: Update the firmware

VoLTE may not be available in older versions MIUI. Update the system:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates and install the latest version.
3. After the update, restart the device.

Step 3: Activate VoLTE in the settings

The path to settings may differ depending on the version MIUI:

Open Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks|

Choose yours. SIM-map|

Click Network Type and select 4G (preferably)|

Activate the VoLTE switch (or Improved Calls)|

Reboot the phone (required!)|-->

Step 4: Setup APN (if necessary)

If the icon does not appear after turning on VoLTE, check the settings. APN:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Access points (APN).
2. Choose. APN your operator (for example, Internet.mts.ru for MTS).
3. Make sure the Tip field is in. APN Default,supl,ims (ims is important for VoLTE).

Step 5: Verification of compatibility with the operator

Even if VoLTE is on on the phone, the carrier may not be able to support it.

• 📞 Call your carrier’s hotline and ask: “Does my fare support VoLTE?»
• 🌐 Check the official website of the operator (section "Technology" or "Coverage»).

💡

If after turning on VoLTE calls began to interrupt or sound disappears, try to disable the function and use standard calls through the phone. 3G. This may be due to the unstable operation of the operator’s network in your region.

Why VoLTE icon is missing: 7 reasons and solutions

The VoLTE icon can disappear for all sorts of reasons, from a simple network error to hardware limitations, and let's look at the most common cases and how to fix them.

1. malfunction of the mobile network

If the VoLTE icon disappeared suddenly and everything worked before then, try:

• 🔄 Switch the plane mode for 10 seconds and back.
• 📱 Reboot the phone.
• 📶 Manually select the operator network in the settings (Settings) → SIM-map → Choice of network → Handheld).

2. firmware update resets settings

After updating MIUI Sometimes you reset the network settings to get VoLTE back:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM].
2. Make sure you're selected. 4G (preferably).
3. Activate the VoLTE switch again.

3 Problems with SIM- Card

VoLTE needs support from the outside SIM-If you use an old card (issued before 2018), it may not support the technology. IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem, required for VoLTE:

• 🆔 Replace. SIM-card for a new one in the operator's cabin (free of charge).
• 🔄 Try inserting. SIM In other slots (if you have dual-SIM).

Limitations of the operator

Some operators block VoLTE for certain tariffs or regions, such as Tele2, which may turn off the roaming feature to check:

⚠️ Note: If you are traveling abroad, VoLTE may automatically shut down due to the lack of roaming agreements between operators, in which case the icon will disappear before returning to the home network.

• 📞 Call the operator to see if VoLTE is supported in your area.
• 🌍 If you are roaming, try turning off roaming data in the settings.

5. Conflict with other functions

VoLTE can be turned off when some modes are activated:

• 📵 Power saving mode (disables background processes, including IMS).
• 🔒 VPN Firewall (can block the firewall) IMS-traffic).
• 🎧 Bluetooth headset (some models conflict with VoLTE).

Hardware restrictions

On older or budget Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 4A or Mi A1) VoLTE can be unstable due to a weak modem:

• 🔧 Try to roll back the firmware to an older version. MIUI.
• 📲 Use alternative calling apps (e.g. Google Phone with VoLTE support).

7. The hidden settings of the developer

Sometimes VoLTE is disabled at the hidden level to check:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the VoLTE provisioned flag option and make sure it is enabled.

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

Along with VoLTE on Xiaomi smartphones, other similar technologies may appear: ViLTE (Video over) LTE) And VoWiFi, and we'll see how they differ and which ones are better to use.

Which option should I choose?

• 📶 If you're stable. 4G — Use VoLTE (Optimum Balance of Quality and Reliability).
• 📹 For mobile video calls, ViLTE (but make sure the other person supports it too).
• 🌐 In areas with poor coverage (for example, in the subway or outside the city) – VoWiFi.

Xiaomi can enable all three technologies at the same time, for example, the priority will be:

1. VoWiFi (if connected to Wi-Fi)
2. VoLTE (if any) 4G).
3. A regular call through 3G/2G (last resort).

💡

VoWiFi and VoLTE can work simultaneously, for example, if you are connected to Wi-Fi but go out, the call will automatically switch from VoWiFi to VoLTE without breaking the connection (with operator support).

Hidden chips VoLTE on Xiaomi: what does the technology besides HD-call-up

VoLTE on Xiaomi smartphones is not only about improved sound quality, but it also opens up a few hidden features that many people don’t know about.

1. simultaneous operation of the Internet and calls (without VoLTE it is impossible)

Without VoLTE when calling the smartphone switches to 3G/2G, And the Internet speed drops to 0.1–1 Mbit/s with VoLTE:

• 📥 You can download files during a conversation at full speed. 4G.
• 🎮 Playing online games (for example, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty without lag.
• 📺 Stream a video on YouTube or TikTok without interrupting the call.

2.Swift switch between calls (without delay)

With VoLTE, the switching time between incoming and outgoing calls is reduced from 3-5 seconds to 1 second, especially when:

• 🔄 Conference calls (adding a third subscriber is instantaneous).
• 📞 Call forwarding (for example, from mobile to city number).

3. Support for Extended Codecs (EVS and AMR-WB+)

VoLTE on Xiaomi supports modern audio codecs that improve sound:

• 🎤 EVS (Enhanced Voice Services – ultra-wideband sound (up to 20kHz as in studio recordings).
• 🔊 AMR-WB+ — Improved version of the standard codec for VoLTE.

To check which codec is used:

1. Install the Network Signal Guru app.
2. Make a test call.
3. In the Call Info section, check the Audio Codec field.

4 Compatibility with emergency call services (E911)

In some countries (e.g. the U.S.), VoLTE is used to accurately locate a call to the emergency services (911), and Xiaomi uses this feature if:

• 📍 On. GPS and Google Geolocation Services.
• 📱 The latest version has been installed MIUI (less than 12.5).

5. Support RCS-communications (improved) SMS)

VoLTE is part of the ecosystem. IMS, including RCS (Rich Communication Services. It's a modern replacement. SMS supportive:

• 📷 Sending high quality photos and videos.
• ✅ Notice of reading of communications.
• 💬 Group chats with history.

To activate RCS Xiaomi:

1. Install the Google Messages app.
2. In the chat settings, enable chat functions RCS.
3. Verify the phone number.

💡

If you often call abroad, the combination of VoLTE + VoWiFi will save you on roaming, for example, by connecting to Wi-Fi at a hotel, you can call local numbers at home operator rates.

VoLTE on popular Xiaomi models: compatibility table

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support VoLTE out of the box. Below is the compatibility table for popular models (relevant to the new model). MIUI 13/14).

If your model is not in the table, check for VoLTE support via:

• 🔍 Xiaomi official website (Section of model specifications).
• 📱 Network Signal Guru (shows available technologies).
• 📞 Calling the operator to check compatibility IMS.

Frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi (FAQ)