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

Have you noticed a new VoLTE icon on Xiaomi’s notification panel and don’t understand what it means? or has mobile phone service disappeared after it appeared? This article will examine Voice over LTE technology β€” from the basic principles to the intricacies of settings on Redmi, POCO and Mi smartphones. We will explain why operators are actively implementing VoLTE, how it affects the quality of calls, and what to do if the icon appears, then disappears.

I bet you didn't know that VoLTE allows you to call and use at the same time. 4G-Or that without this technology, your Xiaomi phone will drop to a slow rate when you call. 3G? Some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or Xiaomi) 12T) VoWiFi (wi-fi calls) is paired with VoLTE. This article is only up-to-date information for Xiaomi users in 2026, with no water or outdated data.

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

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a voice technology that is used over a 4G LTE network, not through the outdated 2G/3G standards that used to be, and simply put, your voice is converted into digital data packets and transmitted over the same channel as the Internet, and it has three key benefits:

  • πŸ“ž Clearer sound: technology uses codec AMR-WB (Broadband sound, which is up to 7 kHz, versus 3.5 kHz in normal calls, the difference between radio and radio. CD.
  • ⚑ Instant connection: no delay in 1–2 seconds when dialing, as in networks 2G/3G.
  • 🌐 The Internet does not turn off: you can talk and use mobile Internet at the same time at speed 4G (Without VoLTE smartphone β€œrolls” to 3G ring-bell).

Why are operators switching to VoLTE? It’s simple: 2G/3G networks are gradually being shut down (for example, in Russia 2G is planned to be decommissioned by 2027), and VoLTE allows for more efficient use of frequency resources. For Xiaomi, this means that new models (starting with the Redmi 9 and Mi 10) support technology out of the box, and old ones may require manual tuning.

πŸ“Š Your company already supports VoLTE?
MTS
Beeline
MegaFon
Tele2.
Yota
Other
I don't know.

What does the VoLTE icon look like on Xiaomi and where to look for it?

The VoLTE icon on Xiaomi smartphones appears in the top notification bar (near the network indicator) and may look different depending on the MIUI version and model:

  • πŸ“± VoLTE (white letters on a black background in a status bar).
  • πŸ“± HD or HD Voice (for some operators, for example, MegaFon).
  • πŸ“± Badge 4G+ with a small tube icon (on the MIUI 13/14).

If there is no icon but you are sure that your Xiaomi supports VoLTE, check:

  1. MIUI version (must be at least MIUI 11 for most models)
  2. Settings SIM-maps: go to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [yours SIM] β†’ Enable VoLTE.
  3. Operator support: not all tariffs and regions are covered by VoLTE (for example, Tele2 has been actively implementing the technology only since 2023).

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On some models (such as the POCO X3 Pro), the VoLTE icon may be hidden behind the "Show Network Icons" option in the status bar settings. To see it, go to Settings β†’ Screen β†’ Status Bar β†’ Show Network Icons and turn on the appropriate switch.

What Xiaomi models support VoLTE: compatibility table

Not all Xiaomi smartphones work with VoLTE. Below is the compatibility table of popular models (relevant to MIUI 14 and later).If your model is not on the list, check the specifications on the official website or in the documents for the device.

Xiaomi modelSupport for VoLTESupport for VoWiFiNotes
Redmi Note 12 Pro+βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.It works with all Russian operators.
POCO F5βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.Requires an upgrade to MIUI 14.0.3.
Xiaomi 13 Liteβœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.VoWiFi support only on MTS and MegaFon.
Redmi 10Cβœ… Yes.❌ No.VoLTE only works with one person. SIM-card.
Xiaomi Mi 9⚠️ Partially.❌ No.It requires manual inclusion in the engineering menu.

Important: Even if the model supports VoLTE, the operator can block the function at the level. SIM-cards or tariffs. SIM or tariffs without the option "Digital voice" will not work with VoLTE.

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

If your smartphone and carrier support VoLTE but the icon doesn’t appear, follow this instruction. Please note: settings may vary depending on the version of MIUI.

Update. MIUI last-minute|Check the balance. SIM-Cards (some operators block VoLTE when the balance is negative)|Make sure that SIM-card inserted SIM1 (On some models, VoLTE only works with the main SIM)|Reboot your smartphone before setting up-->

  1. Standard method (for most models): Go to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [choose SIM] β†’ Turn on VoLTE. If you don't have an option, move on to the next step.
  2. Through the engineering menu (for older models): Open the Phone app and dial ##4636##. From the menu, select Phone Information, then scroll to Set preferred network type and select LTE only LTE/UMTS auto. ⚠️ Warning: Changes to the engineering menu may disrupt the network. Do not change other settings unless you are sure of their purpose.
  3. Operator Configuration Update: Sometimes VoLTE doesn’t work due to outdated settings. Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update β†’ Three Points (menu) β†’ Operator Configuration Update.

If after all the manipulations VoLTE did not work, check:

  • πŸ”„ Restart your smartphone (sometimes the communication module freezesΒ»).
  • πŸ“Ά Network coverage: VoLTE requires a stable signal 4G (If the network is weak, the smartphone will automatically switch to 3G).
  • πŸ’³ Operator Rate: Contact Support and check if VoLTE option is enabled for your number.

VoLTE vs VoWiFi: What’s the difference and how to combine them

In addition to VoLTE, Xiaomi smartphones can also feature a VoWiFi (or Wi-Fi Calling) icon, a Wi-Fi calling technology that complements VoLTE.

ParameterVoLTEVoWiFi
Type of network4G LTEWi-Fi
Quality of communicationDepends on 4G coverageDepends on the speed of Wi-Fi.
Roaming workOnly with supported operatorsYes (if the operator permits)
Battery consumptionAverage.Low (if Wi-Fi is already on)

How to combine them on Xiaomi?

  1. Enable VoLTE (as described above).
  2. Activate VoWiFi in Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [yours SIM] β†’ Wi-Fi Calling.
  3. Make sure your carrier supports both technologies (e.g. MTS and MegaFon only allow VoWiFi for certain rates).

Priority will be given to VoWiFi if you are connected to Wi-Fi, and VoLTE if you are not connected to Wi-Fi. This ensures the most stable connection.

Why does VoWiFi not work even when the option is turned on?
VoWiFi requires not only smartphone support, but also a special configuration on the operator side, for example, Beeline in 2026 allows VoWiFi only for subscribers with rates "Everything" and "Unlimited". In addition, some public Wi-Fi networks (such as in cafes or airports) can block voice traffic, in which case the smartphone will automatically switch to VoLTE or 3G.

Problems with VoLTE on Xiaomi: causes and solutions

VoLTE is supposed to make life easier, but sometimes users run into problems, and here are the most common scenarios and ways to solve them:

  • πŸ”΄ VoLTE badge flashes and disappears: Cause: unstable coverage 4G. Solution: Check the signal level in Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Network signal, if the signal strength is lower -100 dBm, VoLTE shuts down automatically.
  • πŸ”‡ No sound when VoLTE calls: Reason: conflict with audio settings. Solution: Go to Settings β†’ Sound. β†’ Call quality and select the Auto or HD Voice.
  • πŸ“΅ Cannot call with VoLTE enabled: Reason: operator lock. Solution: call support and request VoLTE activation for your number.
  • πŸ”„ Constant switching between VoLTE and 3G: Reason: outdated firmware or incorrect network settings. Solution: Update MIUI until the latest version and reset your network settings in Settings β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Reset the network settings.

⚠️ Warning: If you notice that the battery is discharged faster after turning on VoLTE, this is normal. 4G consumes more energy than 3G. To save charge, turn off VoLTE in manual mode or use the Adaptive Battery feature in power settings.

VoLTE and battery: how technology affects autonomy

Many Xiaomi users complain that the phone has become discharged faster after VoLTE activation, which is due to the fact that the 4G LTE module consumes more power than 3G, especially in low signal conditions.

  • πŸ”‹ Turn off VoLTE manually if you don't call often. Add the Mobile Network shortcut to the Quick Settings Panel.
  • πŸ“Ά Use Power Saving Mode for Communication Module: Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Energy saving regime β†’ Limit background activity.
  • πŸ”„ Update the firmware: in new versions MIUI Optimized algorithm for switching between 4G and 3G, reduce consumption.

By comparison, tests show that the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ with VoLTE enabled loses about 5–7% of its charge per hour in standby mode (versus 3-4% without VoLTE), but with active use of the Internet, the difference is offset, since 4G is already on.

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If autonomy is critical but VoLTE is needed to work, consider buying a powerbank or a smartphone with a large battery (e.g., a POCO M5s with a 5,000mAh battery).

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi

❓ Why my Xiaomi doesn’t have VoLTE options in the settings?
This may be due to: Obsolete version of MIUI (update firmware); lack of support for VoLTE in your model (check specs); operator lock (contact support); If your smartphone supports VoLTE but no option, try enabling it through the engineering menu (code #4636###).
❓ Can I use VoLTE in roaming?
Yes, but only if: Your operator supports VoLTE roaming with a local operator, you have an international roaming option activated, for example, MTS allows VoLTE roaming in the EEU countries, and MegaFon in the European Union.
❓ VoLTE and VoWiFi are the same thing?
No. VoLTE runs over 4G and VoWiFi runs over Wi-Fi. However, both technologies can complement each other: if the 4G signal is weak but there is Wi-Fi, the smartphone will automatically switch to VoWiFi (if the feature is enabled).
❓ Why After Updating MIUI missing the VoLTE badge?
This is a common problem after major updates. Try: Reboot your smartphone. Reset your network settings (Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset β†’ Network Settings). Manually turn on VoLTE in the engineering menu. If nothing helps, wait for the next patch for MIUI β€” often bugs with VoLTE fix in minor updates.
❓ Can VoLTE Determinate the Quality of Communications?
Theoretically yes, if: 4G signal is unstable (VoLTE requires good coverage). The operator has misconfigured the network (e.g. low priority voice traffic). Your smartphone has hardware problems with the communication module. In 90% of cases, VoLTE improves quality, but if you notice problems, disable the function and check the connection without it.