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

Have you noticed a new VoLTE icon in your status bar on your Xiaomi and you don't know what it means? Or suddenly the usual 4G/LTE indicator disappeared and this mysterious abbreviation appeared instead? Don't worry, this is not a system error, but a sign of the activation of modern voice technology.

In this article, we will go into detail about what VoLTE is, why it appears on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, how to turn it on or off, and what benefits it gives users. And you will learn why operators are actively adopting this technology and how it affects call quality. If you still call using the old 2G/3G standards, after reading it, you will definitely want to switch to VoLTE!

What is VoLTE and why did it appear on your Xiaomi?

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a 4G LTE voice technology, unlike traditional calls that use 2G or 3G networks. The main advantage is that voice is transmitted digitally as data packets, which significantly improves sound quality and connection speed.

On Xiaomi smartphones, the VoLTE icon appears in the top notification bar when:

• 📶 Your phone supports technology (virtually all models after 2018).
• 📱 VoLTE activated in device settings.
• 🎧 Your mobile operator supports this function (in Russia – MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2, Tele2, etc).
• 📡 You're in the coverage area. 4G LTE.

If the VoLTE icon flashes or periodically disappears, it could mean network coverage or settings issues. SIM-We'll talk about the maps.

The difference between VoLTE and regular calls: why it matters

Many users don't notice the difference between traditional calls and VoLTE, but the difference is really fundamental.

A critical nuance for Xiaomi owners: if your phone supports VoLTE, but the icon does not appear, you automatically use outdated 2G/3G networks – even if the settings show 4G. This means that during the call, the Internet speed will drop, and the quality of communication – worse.

Another important point is that VoLTE is not the same as VoWiFi, the first technology is over the mobile network, the second is over the Internet, and on Xiaomi, they can be activated independently of each other.

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

If the VoLTE icon is not displayed but your carrier supports the technology, try to enable it manually. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 12/13/14 and most Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO models (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, Xiaomi 11T/12/13, POCO X3/X4/X5).

Method 1: Through settings SIM-map

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
3. Slip on the call item by VoLTE or VoLTE-calls.
4. Activate the switch (should turn blue).
5. Reboot your phone (required!).

Method 2: Through the engineering menu (if there is no item in the settings)

Enable Developer Mode (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times)

Record the current network settings

Have a charged battery (>50%)

Use the original SIM-card (not eSIM)-->

##4636## → Phone Information → Install preferred network type → LTE only

Then check if the VoLTE icon appears. If it doesn't, return the settings and contact the operator.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) VoLTE can be disabled at the firmware level, in which case only an update will help. MIUI or flashing through Fastboot.

Why VoLTE doesn’t work: Common problems and solutions

Even if you have enabled VoLTE in your settings, the icon may not appear. Here are the main reasons and ways to eliminate them:

• 🔄 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → System updates: especially relevant for 2020-2021 models.
• 📱 Incompatible SIM-map: Old SIM (released before 2018) may not support VoLTE. Contact the operator's cabin for a replacement.
• 🚫 Operator Block: Some tariffs (e.g. Tele2's "For Calls") do not support VoLTE. Check the terms on the operator's website.
• 🌍 Lack of coverage: In rural areas or underground parking lots, VoLTE can shut down automatically. Try moving to a confident reception area. 4G.
• 🔧 Settings Fail: Reset network settings through Settings → SIM-map → Resetting mobile network settings.

If nothing works, try temporarily disabling VoLTE, restarting your phone and turning it back on, sometimes resetting the cache of the communications module.

💡

Before contacting the operator support, check whether your model supports VoLTE officially. A list of compatible Xiaomi devices can be found on the Mi Community website (section "Supported Devices").

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

Many people confuse VoLTE and VoWiFi, but these are two different technologies with different working principles.

On Xiaomi, both features can be enabled simultaneously.This is useful if you often move between areas with poor mobile coverage (for example, in the subway or outside the city).

To activate VoWiFi:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose. SIM-map.
3. Enable the option of Wi-Fi or VoWiFi calls.
4. Accept the terms of the operator (confirmation by SMS may be required).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi firmware (especially custom) VoWiFi may not work stable. If after activation, the sound in the calls disappears, turn off the function and use only VoLTE.

How VoLTE affects Xiaomi’s battery and performance

One of the biggest benefits of VoLTE is power reduction: traditional calls require the phone to switch between 4G (for the internet) and 2G/3G (for voice), which consumes extra energy. With VoLTE, there is no such switching, the device stays on the 4G network, saving charge.

According to Xiaomi tests (Mi 11 and Redmi Note 10 Pro models), using VoLTE instead of using the new model. 3G-Calls reduce battery consumption by 15-20% for hourly conversations, and processor heat decreases because the communication module is in the same mode.

But there is a downside:

• 🔋 Background flow: If VoLTE is on but you don't call, the phone may poll the network more often, which adds ~1-2% of daily expenditure.
• 📶 Poor coverage: In areas of weak 4G-The phone will spend more energy on maintaining the connection.
• 🔄 Overheating: On budget models (Redmi) 9C, POCO M2) Long VoLTE calls can cause heat due to weak cooling.

If you notice that after activating VoLTE, the phone became discharged faster, try:

1. Disable the feature for times when you don’t call (e.g. at night).
2. Update the firmware – new versions of MIUI optimized power consumption.
3. Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-map → Reset).

💡

VoLTE saves battery only when you make active calls, and if you rarely talk on the phone, turning off the feature can extend your battery life by 5 to 10 percent.

The future of VoLTE: what awaits the technology in 2026-2026

VoLTE technology is rapidly evolving and will become the standard for all smartphones, including Xiaomi, in the coming years.

• 📡 Transition to 5G: Operators are already testing VoNR (voice through the phone) 5G), Xiaomi’s first VoNR-enabled smartphones will be available in 2026 (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Ultra).
• 🤖 AI in Calls: In MIUI 15 expected AI-based noise cancellation feature that will only work with VoLTE.
• 🌍 Global coverage: K 2026 Most operators will shut down their networks. 2G/3G, leave only 4G/5G. This means that VoLTE will become mandatory for making calls.
• 📞 Single number for instant messengers: Xiaomi is working on the integration of VoLTE with Mi Messages, which will allow you to call phone numbers directly from the messenger.

If you plan to use the Xiaomi smartphone for another 2-3 years, you should get used to VoLTE now - this is an investment in stable communication in the future.

FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi