HD icon next to the subscriber on Xiaomi: decryption, reasons and ways to remove

If you notice a strange HD icon next to a subscriber's name in a contact list or call log on a Xiaomi smartphone, don't panic. This icon doesn't signal viruses or system failures - it's related to voice technology. But what exactly does this sign mean, why does it only appear in some contacts and can it be removed?

Many Redmi, POCO or Mi users have encountered this tag, but not everyone understands its purpose. In some cases, the HD icon may indicate improved communication quality, and in others, the activation of specific functions of the operator. Let's understand how this system works, what benefits it provides, and when it is better to turn it off.

In this article, you'll find not only a theoretical explanation, but also step-by-step configuration instructions, and answers to frequent questions. If you want to optimize the quality of calls or just get rid of unnecessary icons in the interface, read on.

What does the HD icon mean on Xiaomi?

The HD icon next to the subscriber signals that the voice quality mode is activated for this contact, and it's not just a marketing ploy, it really improves the clarity of sound through the use of an advanced audio codec.

In most cases, the icon appears when:

• 📞 Your carrier supports VoLTE (voice over LTE) or VoWiFi (voice over Wi-Fi).
• 🔄 The subscriber you are calling is also connected to 4G/5G and is compatible with HD- voice.
• 📶 In your Xiaomi settings, you have an improved call quality option enabled.

It is important to understand that the HD- voice only works when several conditions coincide. If the interlocutor has an old phone without VoLTE support or is in an area with poor coverage of 4G, the icon may disappear, and the quality of communication will return to the standard.

The technology uses the AMR-WB (Adaptive Multi-Rate Wideband) codec, which transmits sound in the range of 50-7000 Hz (versus 300-3400 Hz in normal mode), which makes the voice more natural, especially noticeable when talking in noisy places.

Why is the HD icon not available to all contacts?

If the HD icon is only displayed next to some subscribers, there are several reasons for this:

1 Device Compatibility: The technology only works between smartphones that support VoLTE/VoWiFi. For example, if you call from Xiaomi 13 Pro on the iPhone 12, and both have one operator, the icon will appear. But if the interlocutor uses a button phone, HD- mode cannot activate.

Operator settings: Not all mobile networks support improved voice quality, for example, in Russia MTS, Beeline and MegaFon are actively implementing VoLTE, and regional operators may be lagging behind.

3. Coverage area. HD- calls require a stable connection to 4G/5G. If you or the person is in a low signal area, the system automatically switches to standard mode (2G/3G), and the icon disappears.

4 Smartphone settings: On some MIUI firmware, the HD- voice option is disabled by default, and it can conflict with other features, such as recording conversations.

To check if your carrier supports VoLTE, go to Settings → SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks → [your SIM] → Voice and Data. If there is a VoLTE option or Improved Calls, then the technology is available.]

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If the HD icon only appears when you make Wi-Fi calls, you have VoWiFi activated, which is useful in places with poor mobile coverage, but can eat up traffic.

How to turn on or off HD- calls on Xiaomi?

If you want to manually control the improved voice quality feature, follow this instruction. Please note that the paths in the menu may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14) and the smartphone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.).

Step 1. Verify VoLTE support.

1. Open the Settings.
2. Move to the SIM-maps and mobile networks.
3. Choose yours. SIM-map.
4. Find Voice and Data or Network Type.
5. Make sure that 4G (preferably) or LTE/VoLTE mode is enabled.

Step 2 Activation of HD- voice.

• In the same section, look for the option Improved Calls, HD- Voice or VoLTE.
• Activate the slider (if any).
• Reboot your smartphone to apply the changes.

Step 3: Disable the function (if not necessary).

If you are annoyed by the icon or the quality of communication has deteriorated, do the same, but deactivate the option VoLTE. Note that in some regions, disabling VoLTE may lead to the inability to make calls on the 4G network (you will have to switch to 3G).

Make sure that SIM-card 4G|

Enable "4G (preferably)" |

Activate the option "Enhanced Calls" or "VoLTE" |

Reboot your phone after the changes-->

HD badge problems: why doesn’t it appear or get in the way?

Sometimes people find that the HD icon doesn't show up despite VoLTE support, or vice versa, it shows up where it's not needed. Consider typical scenarios and solutions.

1. The HD icon does not appear, although VoLTE is enabled.

• 🔄 Problem: The operator has not activated the service for your number.
• 📞 Solution: Call operator support and request VoLTE connectivity. Sometimes you need to send a USSD- request (e.g. *111*123# for MTS).

2. The icon is there, but the sound quality hasn't improved.

• 🎧 Problem: The interlocutor may be using an incompatible device or in a poor coverage area.
• 🔧 Solution: Try disabling VoLTE and comparing quality. Also check if traffic savings are activated in the SIM- card settings.

3.The HD badge is intrusive and distracting.

• 🚫 Problem: Some firmware MIUI displays the icon too intrusively.
• ⚙️ Solution: Turn off VoLTE (see instructions above) or install an alternative dialer (e.g., Google Phone) where this tag is not present.

4.After the MIUI update, the icon is gone.

This may be due to a change in the logic of the function. Try resetting the network settings:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Select Network Resetting.
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

Comparison of HD- calls with regular: table of differences

To better understand whether to use the technology HD- voice, compare it with traditional calls in terms of parameters:

An important nuance: HD- VoWiFi calls (over Wi-Fi) can consume your home network traffic if the operator does not provide unlimited calls.

How to record HD- calls on Xiaomi?

Many users want to keep their conversations high quality, but the standard MIUI voice recorder doesn't always support recording VoLTE calls. Here are a few ways to get around this limitation:

1. Use of third-party applications.

Apps like Cube Call Recorder or ACR can record HD- calls, but require root rights or special settings. Note that in some countries, recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited by law.

2 Enable recording through the engineering menu.

This method does not work on all models, but you can try:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter #4636## (Engineering menu opens).
3. Go to the phone information.
4. Scroll down and find the VoLTE Provisioned Flag.
5. If the value is 0, change it to 1 (may require a rut).

3. Alternative dialer.

Install Google Phone from the Play Market, which has a built-in recording feature that sometimes works with VoLTE.

• Install Google Phone and make it the default app.
• In the dialer settings, turn on the option Record conversations.
• Make sure you have enough free space on your device.

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Recording HD- calls may conflict with privacy laws, and always notify the person you are using the recording if you plan to use it for legal or business purposes.

Xiaomi models with support for VoLTE and HD- voice

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support HD-calling technology, but here is a list of popular models that work consistently (assuming carrier support):

• 📱 Flagship series: Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra, Xiaomi 12/12 Pro/12S Ultra, Xiaomi 11/11 Pro/11 Ultra.
• 📱 Mid-segment: Redmi Note 12 Pro+/Pro/12S, Redmi Note 11 Pro+/Pro, POCO F5/F4 Pro.
• 📱 Budget models: Redmi 12/11/10 (with MIUI 13+ firmware only), POCO X5/X4 Pro.

On older devices (Redmi Note 9, Mi 9 and earlier), VoLTE may not work at all, and some regional versions of smartphones (for example, for India or China) may have limitations.

To check the support on your model:

1. Go to the official support site of Xiaomi.
2. Enter the name of your model in the search bar.
3. Find the Specifications or Networking Opportunities section.
4. Make sure you have VoLTE or HD Voice on the list.

Attention! On some custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), VoLTE may not work even if the hardware supports it.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the HD icon on Xiaomi

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If you make frequent calls abroad, check with the operator whether VoLTE roaming is supported. In some countries, HD- calls can be charged at higher rates.