VoLTE icon on Xiaomi: what is it and how to remove it from the screen

Why is the VoLTE icon on Xiaomi’s screen and should it be turned off?

You have noticed a new VoLTE icon on Xiaomi’s notification panel (or HD And you ask yourself, what does it mean? It's not a system bug, it's not a virus, it's a smartphone that signals support for voice technology through a phone. 4G-But why did it suddenly activate, and could it be removed?

Voice over technology LTE (VoLTE allows you to call in high quality (HD-voice, faster connection and battery saving, but it has drawbacks: some users complain of network connectivity problems after VoLTE activation, especially on older Redmi models or other devices. POCO. Also, the icon takes up space on the notification bar, which annoys perfectionists.

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔍 What is VoLTE and why you need it on Xiaomi (and whether it should be turned off).
• ⚙️ Step-by-step instructions for disabling through standard settings and engineering menus.
• ⚠️ Possible consequences of deactivation (including problems with calls).
• 📱 Xiaomi models where VoLTE is unstable.

Before you change anything, check if your carrier supports VoLTE – otherwise, disabling the technology could result in a complete loss of the ability to call in areas with poor 2G/3G coverage.

What is VoLTE and why did it join Xiaomi?

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) — It's a voice standard that transmits calls through 4G-Networks instead of traditional 2G/3G. Main advantages:

• 🎤 HD-Voice quality – wider frequency range, less noise.
• ⚡ Instant connection – the call is connected in 1-2 seconds (versus 5-10 y) 3G).
• 🔋 Battery savings – no need to switch between networks.
• 📶 Stability – calls do not stop when switching between towers.

On Xiaomi, the VoLTE icon can appear after:

• 📲 Firmware updates (MIUI 12/13/14 frequently activates it by default).
• 🔄 Shifts SIM-Cards (especially if the operator is forced to incorporate technology).
• 🛠️ Resetting settings to factory.
• 📡 Connections to a new cell tower with VoLTE support.

Not all Xiaomi models work equally well with VoLTE, however, with the Redmi Note 8 Pro or POCO X3 NFC, for example, users complaining about:

• 📞 Missed calls (the subscriber hears the beeps, and the phone does not ring).
• 🔇 Distorted sound in conversation.
• 📵 Losing the network after talking.

💡

If you have lost SMS after activating VoLTE, check your APN settings – sometimes operators require a separate VoLTE/SMS profile.

How to disable VoLTE on Xiaomi through standard settings

The safest way is to deactivate the technology in the phone's menu, and the instructions are suitable for most models on MIUI 12-14:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
3. Tap on the network type or preferred network type.
4. In the list of options, find VoLTE (or Voice over LTE) and move the slider to the “Off” position.
5. Reboot your phone to make the changes take effect.

If the VoLTE item is not on the menu, try an alternative path:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Slip the firmware version 7-10 times until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
3. Return to the main Settings menu → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the VoLTE option and turn it off.

Check the balance. SIM-Cards (some operators block calls when VoLTE is disabled)|Make sure there is a coverage area 3G/2G|Make a backup copy of your contacts|Remember the current network settings-->

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for Redmi 9A) VoLTE option may not be available, in which case you will need to use the engineering menu (instructions in the next section).

Disable VoLTE via the Engineering Menu (for power users)

If standard settings don’t work, you can deactivate VoLTE via the Engineering Mode, a method that works on most Xiaomi smartphones, but requires caution – wrong actions can disrupt the network.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##4636## On some models (e.g. POCO F3) may work: #86583###
2. Select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type section.
4. In the list, look for the LTE/UMTS auto (PRL) or LTE only option and select UMTS auto (PRL) or 3G only.
5. Click Turn off VoLTE (if you have one).
6. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI China) the engineering menu can be blocked, in which case only the firmware through the Fastboot or the installation of custom Recovery will help (TWRP).

Xiaomi models with VoLTE problems: should you turn off?

Not all Xiaomi VoLTE smartphones are stable, and the table below shows the models where users complain about failures after activation of the technology:

If your model is on the list, disabling VoLTE can improve communication stability.

• 📶 No VoLTE in areas with bad 3G/2G Call coverage may not be possible.
• 🔋 On some firmware, disabling VoLTE leads to increased battery consumption (the phone constantly switches between networks).
• 📱 After updating MIUI settings may reset and VoLTE will turn on again.

💡

Before turning off VoLTE, check your carrier’s coverage in 3G/2G mode. If these networks are weak in your region, it’s best to leave VoLTE on.

What if VoLTE calls are lost after the shutdown?

If you deactivate VoLTE and your phone stops ringing, the reason is usually one of three:

1. The operator blocks calls without VoLTE (relevant for MegaFon and Yota in some regions).
2. Incorrect APN settings (especially if you manually edited your network profile)
3. Failure of the radio module (solved by resetting network settings).

How to get back the opportunity to call:

1. Check if the mode is on. 2G/3G in network settings (Settings) → SIM-map → Type of network → 3G).
2. Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset settings → Network reset
3. Update the operator profile: Settings → SIM-map → [Yours. SIM] → Update profile
4. If nothing helps, temporarily turn VoLTE back on and contact the operator support.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi 9) may need manual input after resetting the network APN. Parameters for popular operators:

• MTS: Internet.mts.ru (APN), mts (username/password).
• Beeline: internet.beeline.ru.
• MegaFon: Internet (APN), gdata (username / password).

Alternative methods: disabling through ADB or firmware

If none of these things work, there are radical methods, and you should only use them if you're confident in what you're doing.

1. Disconnect via ADB (for advanced users):

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC and connect your phone in debugging mode (Settings → Developers → USB Debugging).
2. Enter the command: adb shell settings put global volte_enabled 0
3. Reset the device.

2. Removing VoLTE from the firmware (requires unlocking the bootloader):

• Install a custom recavery (TWRP).
• Using Magisk or Xposed, disable the ImsService module.
• Or run a modified firmware without VoLTE (e.g., Pixel Experience).

⚠️ Note: These methods may lead to:

• 🚨 Loss of warranty (unless the phone is officially unlocked).
• 📱 "Brick" device (if firmware is chosen incorrectly).
• 📵 Poose. IMEI (on some models with MediaTek).

FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi