VoLTE icon on Xiaomi: what it is, why you need and how to manage

You notice a new VoLTE icon in the status bar of your Xiaomi smartphone and you don't understand what it means? Don't worry, it's not a bug or a virus. 4G-And the network that's become the standard for today's phones, but why is it here, how does it affect the quality of calls, and can it be removed.

Voice over technology LTE (VoLTE allows you to transmit voice traffic through high-speed LTE-Networks instead of traditional 2G/3G. This means clearer sound, faster connectivity, and the ability to talk and use mobile internet at the same time, but for some Xiaomi users (especially after the updates). MIUI) This icon appears unexpectedly, raising questions. In this article, we will explain in detail what VoLTE is, how it works on Xiaomi devices, and what to do if the feature interferes or does not work correctly.

What is VoLTE and why is it needed in Xiaomi?

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) — This is a voice communication standard that uses 4G-Sound networks, unlike traditional calls through the Internet. 2G/3G, Here, voice is converted into digital data packets, like Internet calls, and there are several key benefits:

🎤 Better sound quality: wide bandwidth allows voice to be transmitted in format HD, Reduce noise and improve legibility.
⚡ Instant connection: the call is connected almost instantly, without the delays typical of old networks.
📶 Parallel work with the Internet: you can simultaneously talk and use mobile traffic (for example, Google information while talking).
🔋 Battery savings: the phone doesn’t switch between 4G and 3G/2G during the call, which reduces energy consumption.

On Xiaomi smartphones, VoLTE support appeared in 2016, but began to be actively implemented only with the release of MIUI 12 and later. Now the function is available on most models - from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 13/14. However, its work depends not only on the phone, but also on the operator. In Russia, VoLTE is officially supported by:

Operator.	Support for VoLTE	Additional conditions
MTS	✅ Yes.	Required. USIM-card (not regular) SIM)
Beeline	✅ Yes.	Activated automatically for subscribers with 4G-tariffs
MegaFon	✅ Yes.	It only works with USIM and in covered areas.
Tele2.	✅ Partially.	Only in some regions (Moscow, St. Petersburg, etc.)
Yota	❌ No.	Uses partner networks (e.g. MegaFon)

If your operator is not on the list or if you use the usual SIM-map USIM), The VoLTE icon may appear, but the function will not actually work, in which case the phone simply shows that it is technically ready for VoLTE, but the network does not support it.

📊 Your operator supports VoLTE?

MTS

Beeline

MegaFon

Tele2.

Other

I don't know.

Why the VoLTE icon appeared on Xiaomi suddenly

There are several reasons why the VoLTE icon might suddenly appear on your Xiaomi:

MIUI Update: Starting with MIUI 12.5 and later, VoLTE is activated by default on all supported models. After the update, the system automatically turns on the function if the operator supports it.
Replacement SIM-If you have recently changed your usual SIM on USIM, The phone could automatically connect to VoLTE.
Setting reset: After resetting to factory settings, many features, including VoLTE, return to default values.
Change network settings: If you manually selected a network type (e.g. switched from 3G to 4G), the system could activate VoLTE.
Operator firmware update: Some operators remotely update network settings on devices, which can result in an icon.

Important: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 9/Note 9), the VoLTE icon can be displayed even when the function is turned off due to an error in MIUI.

If you are not sure why the icon appeared, check:

📱 Version MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
📶 Type SIM-map: USIM It usually has gold contacts and an inscription "USIM" or "4G".
🔄 Network settings: the way of settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Enable VoLTE.

💡

If the VoLTE icon flashes or disappears during a call, it could mean that the operator's network is unstable.Try to restart the phone or manually select the network in the settings.

How to check if VoLTE works on your Xiaomi

Not always, when an icon appears, it means that the function is actually active. To make sure that VoLTE is working, follow the following steps:

Call another phone: If the connection is almost instantaneous (without a pause of 1-2 seconds), most likely, VoLTE is active. If during a conversation you can use the Internet (for example, open sites), this is also a sign of VoLTE.
Check network indicators: The network icon must remain 4G (do not switch to 3G/H+) while calling. If the indicator changes to 3G, VoLTE does not work despite the icon.

Use the engineering menu

##4636##

In the menu that opens, select Phone Information and see VoLTE provisioned. If it costs 1, the function is enabled.

If VoLTE doesn’t work, despite the icon, the problem may be:

🛑 Unsupported SIM-map (needed) USIM).
📡 Lack of VoLTE coverage in your area.
⚙️ Incorrect network settings (e.g. manually selected mode "Only" 3G").
🔄 An outdated version MIUI (firmware update).

How to distinguish VoLTE from VoWiFi?

VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) is a technology for calling over Wi-Fi, not a mobile network. On Xiaomi, it is marked with a "Wi-Fi Call" or "VoWiFi" icon. If you have Wi-Fi active while you're calling and your mobile network is off, then VoWiFi is working, not VoLTE.

How to disable VoLTE on Xiaomi if it interferes

If the VoLTE icon annoys you or the function is unstable, you can turn it off. MIUI phone models:

Method 1: Through standard settings

The simplest method is:

Open the Settings.
Move to the SIM-maps and mobile networks.
Choose yours. SIM-map.
Find the option to Enable VoLTE and turn off the slider.
Reboot your phone (required!).

On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro), the VoLTE option may be hidden.

Enter the code ##4636##
Go to the phone information.
Find the Set preferred network type.
Select LTE/WCDMA/GSM (auto) without mentioning VoLTE.
Save the settings and restart the phone.

Method 3: Resetting network settings

If VoLTE does not shut down, try resetting the network settings:

Go to Settings → System and device → Resetting.
Select Network Resetting.
Confirm the action (password or fingerprint may be required).
After the reboot, check if the icon has disappeared.

☑️ Before VoLTE shutdown

Make sure the operator does not require VoLTE for the tariffCheck if the quality of the calls will deteriorate.Make a backup copy of network settingsFind out if it will affect other features (e.g. ViLTE for video calls)

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Note: on some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X3) Disabling VoLTE can cause problems with the mobile Internet, if after deactivation it stopped working. 4G-network, return the settings back and contact the operator.

What to do if VoLTE doesn’t work on Xiaomi

If there is a VoLTE icon, but the function does not work (calls go through the phone). 3G, no HD-Sound, try the following steps:

1. Check. SIM-map

VoLTE requires USIM-map (not to be confused with the usual one) SIM Or microSIM? How to check it:

🔍 Look at the map: if it is written on it "USIM" or "4G LTE", It fits.
📞 Contact the operator: sometimes USIM free of charge when replaced.
🔄 Reinstall the card: take it out, clear the contacts and paste it back in.

2. Update firmware

An outdated version of MIUI may not support VoLTE for your carrier.

Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
Click Check for updates.
If an update is available, install it and restart the phone.

3. Manually select the operator's network

Sometimes the phone can't automatically connect to VoLTE. Try:

Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
Choose yours. SIM-map.
Press Network Select.
Automatically disable and manually select your operator.
Wait 1-2 minutes and check if the VoLTE is working.

4.Reset the APN settings

The wrong APN settings can block VoLTE. Reset them:

Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Access points (APN).
Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset to default values.
Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: if after all the manipulations VoLTE still does not work, the problem may be on the operator's side. Contact support and check whether VoLTE is supported in your region and for your tariff.

💡

If VoLTE doesn't work but the icon is displayed, it's not a critical error. 3G/2G, no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no- HD-junction.

VoLTE vs ViLTE: What’s the difference and how it’s connected

On some Xiaomi models (for example, Xiaomi 12/13) ViLTE may appear next to the VoLTE icon. This is not a bug, but an additional feature:

📞 VoLTE – Voice calls through 4G.
📹 ViLTE (Video over LTE) — video-calling 4G (Similar to FaceTime or Skype, but via mobile network).

ViLTE allows you to make video calls without the Internet using only a mobile network, the function is not supported by all operators.

🔴 MTS (at selected tariffs).
🟢 Beeline (in test mode).

If you do not use video calls through the operator’s network, ViLTE can be disabled in the same way as VoLTE – in the settings. SIM-It won't affect normal voice calls.

⚠️ Note: on Xiaomi with custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS), VoLTE and ViLTE may not work at all or may not work at all. If you use unofficial software, check for compatibility on forums (e.g., forums, 4PDA).

FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi

Why did the VoLTE icon disappear after the MIUI update, even though the feature worked before?

It could be related to: 🔄 Resetting network settings after update. 📱 Changes in operator policy (e.g., disabling VoLTE for old ones) USIM). ⚙️ Error in the new version MIUI (Frequently fixed in the following patches. Try manually enabling VoLTE in the settings or contact the operator.

Can I use VoLTE abroad (roaming)?

Yes, but with reservations: ✅ VoLTE is roaming if: Your operator supports international VoLTE. The local operator in the host country also supports VoLTE. ❌ It does not work if: You are using a local SIM-card (for example, bought a SIM card abroad). Operator blocks VoLTE in roaming (for example, Tele2). Before traveling, check with your operator the terms of use of VoLTE abroad.

Is it true that VoLTE puts down the battery faster?

No, it's a myth. On the contrary, VoLTE saves power because it's a myth: 🔋 The phone doesn't switch between 4G and 3G during the call (this wastes energy). ⚡ Optimized voice encoding reduces the workload on the processor. If the battery starts to go down faster after turning on VoLTE, the problem is not the function, but the function: 🔍 Poor network coverage (the phone is constantly looking for a signal). 📱 Background processes (check battery consumption in settings). 🔄 Refreshing the old slate (refresh) MIUI).

How to return the icon VoLTE, if it disappeared after resetting settings?

Follow the following steps: Make sure you have USIM-Enable VoLTE in the settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Turn on VoLTE. Reboot your phone. If the icon doesn't show up, enter the code: ##4636## and manually select the mode LTE/UMTS Auto (VoLTE) If nothing helps, contact the operator - it is possible that VoLTE support is disabled on your line.

Does VoLTE affect mobile internet speed?

No, VoLTE doesn't slow down the Internet: 📶 During a VoLTE call, the Internet continues to work at full speed (unlike the Internet). 3G, where traffic is blocked). 🔄 The technology uses separate channels for voice and data, so they don't compete. If VoLTE turned on, the Internet became slower, the reason is that the Internet is not competitive: 📡 Overloading of the operator’s network (especially during rush hour). 📱 Background updates (check if the phone is pumping something at this time). ⚙️ Incorrect settings APN (Remove them as described above).