VoLTE icon on Xiaomi: why you need, how it works and what to do if it interferes

You notice a new VoLTE icon on your Xiaomi screen next to the network indicator and you don't know what it means? Don't worry, it's not a system bug or a virus. This symbol signals the inclusion of voice technology via the 4G- network, which is becoming the standard solution for modern smartphones. But why is it coming right now, how does it affect the quality of calls and can it be removed? In this article, we will go through everything in detail, without excess water.

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) has been around for more than a decade, but has only been introduced in recent years. On Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and flagship series), the icon can appear after a firmware update, a SIM- card change, or an operator automatically activate functions. Next, you will learn how to check for VoLTE support on your device, than this technology is better than conventional calls, and what to do if it works unstable.

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

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a standard for voice transmission over fourth-generation networks (4G), unlike traditional calls that use outdated 2G/3G- networks. The main advantage of the technology is that calls become better (HD- voice), and the connection is established almost instantly (in 1-2 seconds instead of 5-10).

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

• 📶 Your operator supports the technology (in Russia it is MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2).
• 📱 The device is VoLTE compatible (virtually all Xiaomi models after 2018).
• 🔄 The option is enabled in the settings (sometimes activated automatically after the MIUI update).
• 📋 A SIM- card with VoLTE support is used (usually USIM or nano-SIM of a new sample).

If the icon appeared without your intervention, it is likely that the operator remotely activated the function on your SIM- card. This is normal practice - so providers move to modern communication standards, freeing up the 2G/3G frequencies for other needs.

Advantages and Disadvantages of VoLTE on Xiaomi

VoLTE technology is becoming the standard for a reason, it offers a number of real improvements over regular calls, but there are nuances to be aware of.

In practice, most users of Xiaomi VoLTE only benefit – especially if you often call in places with good 4G coverage. However, in rare cases, the technology can cause failures, for example:

• 🔇 Calls are interrupted or the sound is lost for a few seconds.
• 📵 The VoLTE icon flashes or disappears during a conversation.
• 🔋 The battery is discharged faster than usual (if the modem is constantly trying to connect to VoLTE).

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If you notice communication problems after VoLTE, try manually switching to 3G Only mode in your network settings, which will help you understand whether the problems are related to VoLTE.

How to check if your Xiaomi VoLTE supports

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are VoLTE-enabled, especially if you’re on a budget or older device than 2018, and to see if your device supports the technology, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app and go to the About Phone section.
2. Find General Information or Device Characteristics.
3. Scroll down and check for a VoLTE or 4G Calling string in the list of supported features.

If there is nothing in the characteristics, try an alternative method:

1. Enter the code ##4636## (the engineering menu will open).
2. Select Phone Information (Phone Information).
3. Check if there are options in the Set preferred network type that mention LTE or VoLTE.

You can also specify the support of VoLTE on the device model on official resources:

• 🌍 Official Xiaomi website (Section of specifications of your model).
• 📄 Operator documentation (e.g., MTS publishes lists of compatible devices).
• 🤖 Forums like 4PDA or Mi Community, where users share experiences.

How to turn on or off VoLTE on Xiaomi

If your smartphone supports VoLTE, but the icon does not appear (or, conversely, you want to remove it), you can control the function manually. Instructions depend on the version MIUI:

For MIUI 12/13/14 (relevant to most devices):

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. Choose 4G (preferably) or LTE/3G/2G (auto).
5. Activate the VoLTE switch (if it is on this menu).

For older versions of MIUI (up to 12):

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Mobile Network.
2. Select the network type and install 4G.
3. Go back and find the option of Improved Calls (VoLTE).

If the option is not on the menu, try:

• 🔄 Update MIUI to the latest version (via Settings → System Update).
• 📋 Replace the SIM- card with a new (USIM) card – older cards may not support VoLTE.
• 📞 Call the operator and request activation of the service (sometimes manual connection is required).

The badge came up, but the calls didn't improve?

Selected the correct SIM- card in settings |4G network catches stable (at least 2-3 divisions) | Operator supports VoLTE in your region | There is no energy-saving mode on the device (it can limit the modem)

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⚠️ Warning: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi A3), the VoLTE option may be hidden in the engineering menu. To activate it, type in the dialer:

##86583##

After that, an additional switch will appear in the network settings.

What to do if VoLTE is not working properly

If you have problems after activating VoLTE (call breaks, bad sound, fast battery discharge), try the following solutions:

1. Sometimes VoLTE crashes are due to temporary modem errors, and a simple reboot helps 30 percent of the time.
2. Reset network settings. Go to Settings → SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks → Reset network settings. This will delete the stored connection settings, but will not affect personal data.
3. Update your firmware. Manufacturers regularly release patches to improve compatibility with VoLTE. Check for updates in Settings → System Update.
4. Check the SIM- card. If the card is old (issued before the 2018 year), replace it with a new one in the cabin of the operator. VoLTE requires a USIM- card.
5. Turn off VoLTE manually. If problems persist, go back to regular 3G calls. To do this, select 3G or 2G/3G mode in your network settings.

If none of these methods helped, the reason could be:

• 📡 Poor coverage 4G in your area (check the operator coverage map).
• 🔧 Software glitch (try to reset your phone to factory settings by pre-backup).
• 🛠️ Hardware problem (modem malfunction – requires diagnosis at the service center).

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If after disabling VoLTE calls became more stable, but you want to maintain high sound quality – try using messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) for voice calls over the Internet.

VoLTE and battery: myths and reality

Many Xiaomi users complain that after the appearance of the icon VoLTE smartphone began to discharge faster. Let's see how much this has to do with the technology.

Causes of increased consumption:

• 🔋 Network search. If the coverage of 4G is unstable, the modem spends additional energy on reconnecting to VoLTE.
• 📶 Switching between standards: In areas with poor 4G, the phone can constantly switch between VoLTE and 3G, which increases the load.
• 🔄 Background processes: Some operators send service data over VoLTE, which activates the modem more often than usual.

How to reduce the cost:

• 🔌 Enable Charge Saving Mode (Limit background modem activity).
• 📵 Manually disable VoLTE if it is not needed (see instructions above).
• 🔄 Update the firmware — newer versions MIUI optimized the power consumption of VoLTE.

⚠️ Warning: If battery life has increased by more than 20% after VoLTE activation, check the device for viruses or background applications. Use built-in Security (Settings → Applications → Security) to scan the system.

VoLTE and other Xiaomi features: compatibility

VoLTE technology can interact with other smartphone features, sometimes causing conflicts.

If you use two SIM- cards, note that VoLTE will only work on the one chosen for the default calls.

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Select the SIM- card on which you want to activate VoLTE.
3. Set it as the primary for calls.

It is important for Wi-Fi Calling users to know that priority is given to a network with a more stable signal. If VoLTE is unstable, the phone will automatically switch to Wi-Fi (if there is a connection to the router).

FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi