What is the VoLTE icon on Xiaomi and how to activate it

The sudden appearance of a new icon in the status bar of a smartphone is always a question for users. If you notice the words VoLTE on your Xiaomi screen, it means that your device has switched to voice technology over fourth-generation networks. This is not just an indicator, but an indicator that the phone is in high-quality communication mode, providing crystal clear sound.

Many owners of Redmi and Poco devices are scared to think it's a virus or a hidden paid service. In fact, everything is much more prosaic and useful. VoLTE (Voice over LTE) allows voice data to be transmitted like normal Internet traffic, which greatly speeds up the connection when dialing. You no longer have to wait a few seconds for the phone to switch from 4G to 3G or 2G to make a call.

In this article, we will discuss in detail why this feature is needed, how it affects traffic consumption and why carriers are actively implementing this standard, and we will also look at situations where the icon may burn but calls do not pass, and how to fix it.

VoLTE Technology: How it Works in Practice

Voice over technology LTE It's a radical change in how we make voice calls, even if we have a fast one. 4G-During the conversation, the phone was forced to switch to older communication standards (3G or EDGE), It took time and it reduced the quality of the sound, and now the voice is transmitted over the same channel as the data, making the communication instantaneous.

The main advantage is that voice and the Internet work simultaneously. In the past, if you were on the phone, the Internet could shut down or slow down very badly. With VoLTE enabled, you can simultaneously download files, watch videos or play online games without breaking the connection. The sound quality in this mode is comparable to talking through instant messengers, but without delay.

It is important to understand that this feature requires support from three parties: your smartphone, SIM-If there's even one link in the circuit missing, the icon won't show up and the phone will work as normal, and operators are rolling this out everywhere, because the technology allows for more efficient use of the spectrum.

  • 📶 Instant connection: dialing the number for 1-2 seconds, without a long wait for the switching of networks.
  • 🎙️ HD-sound: the voice of the interlocutor is transmitted in a wide frequency range, which makes speech more legible and natural.
  • 🌐 Parallel Internet: the opportunity to use 4G-Internet at full speed during a conversation without switching to 3G.

⚠️ Note: In some regions or when roaming, the VoLTE icon may burn, but calls will be reset.This means a conflict of settings between the local operator and your home profile.

Impact on communication quality and traffic consumption

One of the most common questions users ask is, "How much will it cost?" Because voice is transmitted as batch data, many fear that minutes will quickly "burn" or end the Internet. But carriers have learned to separate this traffic. Voice calls via VoLTE are charged as normal minutes of conversation, not as Internet traffic.

High Definition Voice is a very different communication experience, and you can distinguish between the tone and the quiet sounds that were lost in compression in older networks, especially in places with unstable signals, where regular calls are often interrupted, and VoLTE keeps the connection to the last.

Traffic consumption is minimal, because it uses efficient data compression, and even if you run out of megabytes on the tariff, but you have a packet of minutes, VoLTE calls will pass, and the operator's system automatically recognizes the type of traffic and does not write off the extra money for the Internet.

📊 How often do you have communication problems?
Every day.
Once a week.
Only roaming.
No problem.

How to enable VoLTE on Xiaomi smartphones

On most modern Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco models, the function is activated automatically if the SIM card and operator support the technology. However, sometimes the settings can get lost or hidden in the engineering menu. MIUI.

Go to your device settings. Find the section that's responsible for SIM-And that's where the switch that allows you to use the network is hidden. 4G If the item is not on the regular menu, it may be hidden by developers, but on global firmware, it is usually available.

The sequence of actions is simple: open Settings, select SIM-Click on the SIM card you want (if there are two, set each separately) and find the option to use VoLTE and activate the slider.

☑️ Pre-insertion check

Done: 0 / 4

If the icon doesn't appear after the slider is turned on, try restarting the device. Sometimes the system takes time to register with a new type of network. Also make sure that the network type Preferably 4G (LTE) is selected in the mobile network settings.

Configure through the engineering menu (for advanced)

In some cases, especially on Chinese firmware versions or when using certain carriers, the standard switch may not be available, so the engineering menu comes to the rescue, and it's a hidden part of the system that's designed to test hardware, but is also available to ordinary users.

To enter the diagnostic menu, open the Phone app and dial the combination ##4636##. If the code works, the Testing menu will open. Select "Phone Information." Here you need to find the VoLTE Provisioned option and activate it, which will force the network to tell you that your phone is ready to work with voice over LTE.

Be careful when changing other settings on this menu, because inexperienced actions can lead to loss of signal or unstable operation of the radio module, and if you are not sure about your actions, it is better to limit yourself to standard settings.

What if the code doesn't work?
If the combination ##4636## Does not open the menu, perhaps your version of the shell MIUI It blocks access, so you can try installing the Force app. LTE Only (4G/5G)" Play Market, which creates a shortcut for this menu."> To better understand the benefits of this new technology, it's worth comparing it to previous standards. The difference between VoLTE, VoWiFi and conventional calls. 2G/3G It's not just about quality, it's about mechanics. 2G / 3G (CSFB) VoLTE (4G) VoWiFi Sound Quality Low/Mediocre High (HD) High (HD) Connection speed 5-10 seconds 1-2 seconds 1-2 The Internet only works for a second 2G/3G Full speed. 4G Through Wi-Fi Traffic Consumption Minutes (usually) As you can see from the table, VoLTE beats the old standards in all respects. However, under conditions of poor coverage 4G ol'net 2G VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) is a logical addition to allowing wireless calls where there is no cellular signal. Despite the automatic setup, users may encounter difficulties, and the most common problem is that the icon is on, but the calls are not going through or the caller can't hear you. This is often because the operator requires manual server-side activation of the service, even if the phone is ready. Another reason is outdated firmware or no updates to carrier databases. Check if there are updates for your system. Also make sure that the access point settings are in place (APN) The correct parameters are set for your operator. Sometimes it helps to create a new access point with empty name fields and APN, if the operator maintains an automatic configuration. ⚠️ Note: When you reset your network settings, you will delete your saved passwords from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices. Write down passwords from important networks in advance. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Do operators charge extra for VoLTE? In most cases, the service is free as part of your tariff. Voice calls are charged according to the terms of your minutes package. However, international roaming rules may differ, so it is better to check with the operator before traveling: Does VoLTE spend my Internet traffic? No, voice traffic via VoLTE is not usually deducted from the main gigabyte package. Operators mark this data as a priority and do not charge it as a regular Internet. But theoretically, if you have a charge for each kilobyte, you can use a little bit of background data. Can you use VoLTE on two SIM cards at the same time? Yes, modern Xiaomi smartphones support Dual VoLTE. This allows both numbers to be online. 4G You can take calls to the second SIM card, even if the first one is busy talking, even though the voice will only go on one line. Why does the VoLTE icon come and go? It's normal to move between coverage areas. If you step out of the confident reception zone. 4G, phone-to-phone 3G to ensure continuity of communication, and the icon disappears as soon as you are back in the zone. 4G, indicator will return. 💡VoLTE is the future communication standard that has already become a reality. Using it greatly improves the user experience by making calls faster and sound cleaner, so it’s worth making sure the feature is activated on your device.