VoLTE on Xiaomi Redmi Note: what it is, how it works and why it is needed

If you notice VoLTE in the status bar of your Xiaomi Redmi Note, don't be alarmed -- it's not a bug or a virus. It stands for technology that is fundamentally changing the quality of voice communication. But why is it only appearing on some devices? And why are carriers pushing it so hard in recent years?

Many users of the Redmi Note 8/9/10/11 Other models in the series are faced with the question: β€œDoes VoLTE eat up battery power?” or β€œCan this feature be turned off if it interferes?”. Today we will understand what lies behind this inscription, how the technology affects the smartphone and why its support has become the standard for modern phones.

Spoiler: If your Redmi Note doesn't support VoLTE, you lose up to 30 percent of your Internet speed when you call.

What is VoLTE and why it appeared on Xiaomi

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) β€” This is a voice transmission technology over the network. 4G/LTE, Unlike traditional calls that use legacy networks. 2G/3G. The main advantage is that voice is transmitted digitally as data, not as an analog signal:

  • 🎀 Clean sound without noise and interference – as if the interlocutor is near, and not on the other side of the city.
  • ⚑ Instant connection – no dialing delays like in older networks.
  • πŸ“Ά There is no internet interruption during a call (unlike the internet). 3G, where the speed drops 2G).

On Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones, VoLTE support has been introduced since the Redmi Note 4 (2017) models, and is now available in all devices in the series, but can be disabled by default β€” especially if you bought a phone in the Chinese version or use it. SIM-map.

Technology has been the answer to two problems:

  1. Network loading 2G/3G β€” Operators want to free them up for other purposes (e.g. IoT devices).
  2. Poor quality of communication in densely populated areas where networks are congested.
πŸ“Š You have noticed the difference in the quality of calls with VoLTE and without?
Yeah, the sound's a lot cleaner.
No, I don't see the difference.
I don't have VoLTE.
I don't know what that is.

How does VoLTE look on the screen Redmi Note: where to look for the inscription

The VoLTE sign appears in the top notification bar (near the network indicator) in three cases:

  1. When the function is enabled in the settings, but the call has not yet started (the indicator shows the readiness of the network).

On different models of Redmi Note, the inscription may look different:

    If there's no indicator, it doesn't always mean there's no support.

    ⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (VoLTE is hidden, but the technology works, and you can check its activity through the engineering menu (code #4636##).

    What does VoLTE look like on the lock screen?
    On some Redmi Note models (such as the Note 10 Pro), the VoLTE label is also displayed on the lock screen if the "Show Network Status" feature is enabled.

    Advantages and Disadvantages of VoLTE on Xiaomi Redmi Note

    Despite the obvious advantages, technology has its downsides, and we'll break them down in a table.

    AdvantagesDeficiencies
    βœ… Sound quality as in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).❌ Fast battery discharge (on the 5-10% More on long-term calls).
    βœ… No switching over. 2G/3G β€” The Internet does not slow down during a conversation.❌ Not all operators support (in Russia – only Beeline, MegaFon, MTS, Tele2).
    βœ… Quick connection (the call is connected to the 1-2 seconds).❌ Roaming problems – VoLTE may not work in some countries.
    βœ… Support for video calls in a standard phone application (on some models).❌ Heating the processor during long conversations (typical for budget models).

    Critical moment: on the Redmi Note with a Snapdragon processor 4xx/6xx (Like the Note. 8, Note 9) VoLTE can cause overheating when using mobile internet during a call.

    If you make frequent calls at work or hold audio conferencing, VoLTE is a lifeline, but if your Redmi Note's battery is already running out so fast, it's best to keep the function off.

    How to turn on or off VoLTE on Xiaomi Redmi Note

    By default, VoLTE can be turned off, especially if you:

    • πŸ”„ Updated firmware. MIUI before.
    • πŸ“± Buy a phone with Chinese firmware (for example, for Redmi Note) 11T Pro+).
    • πŸ“Ά Use it. SIM-Old-style map (without support) 4G).

    To enable or disable the function, follow the instructions:

    Insert SIM-support-card 4G (nano-SIM)

    Go to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks

    Choose yours. SIM-map

    Activate the VoLTE switch (or Voice via voice) LTE)

    Reboot your phone (required!)

    -->

    If the VoLTE item is not on the menu, try:

    1. Update MIUI Up to the latest version (check in Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system).
    2. Reset network settings: Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Resetting mobile network settings.
    3. Set Manual Network Mode: Select Only LTE customized SIM-map.

    ⚠️ Note: Some Redmi Note models (e.g. Note) 7) After the activation of VoLTE, the possibility of calls through the 2G/3G. If there is a weak signal in your area 4G, This can lead to a complete loss of communication.

    πŸ’‘

    If after turning on VoLTE calls began to be interrupted, try to disable the Wi-Fi Calling function in the settings. SIM-Maps – Sometimes these two technologies conflict.

    VoLTE vs Wi-Fi Calling: What’s the difference and what’s better on Redmi Note

    Many people confuse VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling, but these are two different technologies:

    • πŸ“Ά VoLTE – calls through mobile network 4G/LTE (requires operator coverage).
    • πŸ“Ά Wi-Fi Calling – calls over the Internet over Wi-Fi (works even without a network signal).

    Compare them to the Xiaomi Redmi Note:

    ParameterVoLTEWi-Fi Calling
    πŸ“‘ Requires a mobile networkYes (4G)No (needs Wi-Fi)
    πŸ”‹ Battery consumptionMedium.Low.
    🌍 Roaming workDepends on the operator.Yes (if included)
    πŸ“ž Sound qualityHD (16 kHz)HD (depends on Wi-Fi)

    On the Redmi Note, you can use both technologies at the same time.

    You call via VoLTE, but if the signal is 4G The phone automatically switches to Wi-Fi Calling (if connected to the network).

    To enable Wi-Fi Calling:

    1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
    2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
    3. Activate the Call Switch over Wi-Fi.
    4. Confirm the address for emergency calls (required for work in some countries).

    πŸ’‘

    If you have a weak mobile signal, but have stable Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Calling will be more reliable than VoLTE.

    Problems with VoLTE on Xiaomi Redmi Note: causes and solutions

    Despite the benefits, Redmi Note users often face challenges:

    • 🚫 VoLTE not turned on - gray switch in settings.
    • πŸ“ž Calls are cut off through 10-20 seconds.
    • πŸ”‹ Battery goes down quickly with active VoLTE.
    • πŸ“Ά There is no VoLTE icon, although the feature is enabled.

    Let’s look at the solutions for each problem:

    1. VoLTE not turned on (grey switch)

    Reasons and methods of correction:

    • πŸ“± Outdated firmware β†’ Update. MIUI last-minute.
    • πŸ“Ά SIM-The card does not support VoLTE β†’ Replace her with a new one (USIM) operator.
    • πŸ”§ Absent. IMS-profile β†’ Reset your network settings or reflash your phone.

    2. Calls are cut off

    Most often it's the fault:

    • πŸ“‘ Weak signal. 4G β†’ Switch to Just. 3G network-setting.
    • πŸ”„ Conflict with Wi-Fi Calling β†’ Turn off one of the functions.
    • πŸ“± Processor overheating β†’ Close the background apps before the call.

    3. The battery goes down fast.

    VoLTE does increase charge consumption, but if the discharge goes too fast:

    • πŸ”‹ Check the Settings. β†’ Battery β†’ Battery use – if the phone or SIM-manager consumes >15%, turn off VoLTE.
    • πŸ“± Update the firmware - in new versions MIUI Optimized energy consumption with VoLTE.

    ⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 8 Pro with Mediatek Helio processor G90T VoLTE can cause critical heating while using mobile Internet.

    VoLTE on different models of Redmi Note: compatibility table

    Not all Redmi Note devices work equally well with VoLTE, and the table below shows the following popular models:

    ModelSupport for VoLTEFeaturesRecommendations
    Redmi Note 4/4Xβœ… Yes.It requires manual inclusion in the engineering menu.Update the firmware to MIUI 11+.
    Redmi Note 5/5 Proβœ… Yes.Stable work, but there may be problems with roaming.Turn off VoLTE in roaming.
    Redmi Note 8/8 Proβœ… Yes.Heating the processor on long calls.Use stress tests to check the temperature.
    Redmi Note 9/9 Proβœ… Yes.Support for VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling out of the box.Update. IMS-profiles through settings.
    Redmi Note 10/11/12βœ… Yes.Automatic switching between VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling.Enable the option Smart Network Selection.

    For models older than the Redmi Note 4 (like the Note 3), VoLTE support is not available at the hardware level, and if you see VoLTE labeling on these devices, it’s either custom firmware or a display error.

    FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi Redmi Note

    ❓ Why my Redmi Note doesn't have VoLTE on it, even though it's enabled?
    It could be related to: πŸ“± Firmware - on some versions MIUI hidden. πŸ“Ά Operator – not all providers transmit information about VoLTE to the phone. πŸ”§ Settings – check if the icon is included in Settings β†’ Screen. β†’ To make sure VoLTE works, call another phone that supports the technology β€” the sound should be cleaner than usual.
    ❓ Can I use VoLTE with two? SIM-maps on the Redmi Note?
    Yes, but with reservations: βœ… On the Redmi Note. 9/10/11 both SIM-Cards can work with VoLTE at the same time (if operators support the use of the card). ❌ On the Redmi Note. 8 And older, VoLTE only works on one. SIM-map (priority) To set up: Go to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks. SIM-The card you want to activate VoLTE for. Enable Voice via LTE.
    ❓ VoLTE eats up traffic? How much Internet is spent on calls?
    Technically, VoLTE uses mobile internet, but: πŸ“Š Operators do not charge traffic for VoLTE calls (they are charged as normal minutes). πŸ“‰ Data consumption is minimal – about 0.5 MB per minute of conversation (for comparison: messengers spend) 1-2 If you notice unusual traffic consumption, check it out: πŸ” Settings Mobile network β†’ Traffic warning. πŸ“Š Statistics in the application of your operator.
    ❓ How to check if VoLTE works on my Redmi Note?
    There are three ways: Visual: look at the indicator in the status bar (should be written VoLTE or HD). Test call: call another phone with VoLTE - the sound should be noticeably cleaner. Engineering menu: Dial ##4636##. Select Phone Information. See VoLTE provisioned - should be 1 (on).
    ❓ Can I turn on VoLTE on Redmi Note with custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)?
    Yes, but it requires additional action: Make sure the firmware supports IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem: Install the correct ones APN-You have to manually write the settings in the build.prop file: persist.radio.volte_on=true persist.radio.vt_on=true ⚠️ Warning: Incorrect settings may cause network loss. it is recommended to backup before changes.