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

Have you noticed a new VoLTE icon in your Xiaomi status bar and don't understand what it means? Don't worry, it's not a bug or a virus. Voice over technology LTE (voice 4G) It has been actively implemented by telecom operators for several years, but many users are still encountering it for the first time. In this article, we will understand why the icon appeared right now, how it affects the quality of calls and battery consumption, as well as what to do if you want to turn it off or, conversely, turn it on forcibly.

It is worth noting: on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and Other Models) VoLTE icon can appear automatically after the firmware update MIUI shift SIM-It's not a bug, it's a consequence of the device working in concert with the network operator, but what's not known is that this acronym hides real benefits -- and potential pitfalls.

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

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) — This is a technology for transmitting voice calls through the network. 4G (LTE), Not through traditional networks. 2G/3G, The main difference is that voice is converted into digital data packets and transmitted over an Internet channel, like messaging:

• 📞 Improve sound quality – no noise, echo, interruption (HD-Voice codecs support up to 16 kHz vs 8 kHz in the audio format) 2G).
• ⚡ Reduce connection time – the call is connected almost instantly (latency) < 2 seconds).
• 🌐 Stay in touch in 4G — Before the phone was called, the smartphone switched to 3G/2G, It's not happening now.
• 📱 Use it. LTE During a conversation – you can talk and use mobile Internet at the same time.

On Xiaomi, the VoLTE icon appears in two cases:

1. The operator has activated the technology support for your tariff (in Russia it is MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2).
2. In the settings of the smartphone, the option of VoLTE Call is enabled (usually activated automatically).

Some users confuse VoLTE with ViLTE (video calls on the Internet). 4G) They're different technologies, though related. For example, Xiaomi 13 Pro supports all three standards, and budget models like Redmi support all three standards. A2 — only VoLTE.

How to check if VoLTE is enabled on your Xiaomi

To make sure that the icon is not an error, but a really active function, follow the following steps:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
3. Find VoLTE Calls or Voice Calls 4G (name depends on the version MIUI).
4. Make sure the switch is active (blue or green).

If the option is not on the menu, it may mean:

• 📵 Your operator does not support VoLTE for your tariff (check on the operator's website).
• 📱 You have an outdated Xiaomi model (until 2018 release), does not support technology.
• 🔄 Requires a firmware update (relevant to the POCO M3, Redmi 9A and similar devices).

You can also use the engineering menu for diagnostics. Enter the phone app combination:

##4636##

Go to the phone information section and look at the VoLTE provisioned line. If it costs 1, the technology is supported.

Does VoLTE affect battery and communication stability?

One of the most common questions is, "Is the phone running out faster because of VoLTE?" The answer depends on several factors:

According to the results of the tests Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra and Redmi Note 10 Pro, the difference in autonomy when VoLTE is turned on is 3-7% for the day of active use (calls). + However, in areas with unstable 4G-The cost of coverage (for example, in the subway or outside the city) can grow to 15-25%, as the smartphone constantly switches between networks.

⚠️ Warning: If after activation of VoLTE phone became faster discharge, check Settings → Battery → Battery use, if there's a point in the top of the list. SIM-Map or Mobile Network, try turning off VoLTE for 1-2 days for comparison.

As for the stability of the connection, VoLTE often wins over traditional calls:

• 📶 Fewer cliffs – packet data transmission is more reliable than analog signal.
• 🎧 Clear sound – no voice robotization with weak signal.
• 🚇 Best work in motion – fast re-registration between towers.

However, in some areas (especially in the 4G-Users complain about delays in connection or lack of sound at the beginning of a conversation, this is due to the settings of the operator, not the smartphone.

How to turn off VoLTE on Xiaomi (and whether it’s worth it)

If you decide that you don’t need VoLTE (for example, due to battery consumption or communication problems), you can turn it off in two ways:

Method 1: Through standard settings

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
3. Find the VoLTE call option and deactivate the switch.
4. Reboot your phone (required!).

Method 2: Engineering menu (for advanced)

If the standard method does not work (relevant to the POCO F3, Redmi K40), try:

1. Enter the code in the phone application: ##86583##
2. In the menu that opens, find VoLTE Settings.
3. Choose Disable for yours SIM-map.
4. Save the settings and restart the device.

⚠️ Warning: Changes to the engineering menu may cause communication failures. If after VoLTE shutdown, mobile Internet or calls stop working, reset the network settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

Should we shut down VoLTE?

• ✅ Yes, if:
• ❌ Not if:

💡

If VoLTE calls become worse after disabling, try turning on the option to Improve Call Quality in Settings SIM-This activates additional noise-cancellation algorithms.

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

Many people confuse VoLTE and VoWiFi, although these are different technologies with different use cases.

For example, Xiaomi 12T The Pro supports both technologies, and Redmi. 10C — VoLTE is convenient in places with poor mobile signal (basement, office with thick walls), but requires stable Wi-Fi. VoLTE works wherever there is a mobile signal. 4G, but may “slow down” in congested networks (for example, at concerts or in a shopping mall).

How to turn on VoWiFi on supported models:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose. SIM-map.
3. Activate the Wi-Fi Call option.
4. Connect to the Wi-Fi network.

Xiaomi VoLTE Problems and How to Solve Them

Despite the benefits, Xiaomi users sometimes face problems when using VoLTE.

1.The VoLTE badge is there, but calls are coming through 3G

Reason: The operator has not activated the service for your number.

• 📞 Call the operator support and request VoLTE connection.
• 🔄 Restart your phone after activation.
• 📱 Make sure that in the settings SIM-map selected 4G (recommended) in the section Preferred network type.

2.The Internet goes missing when you call.

Reason: Operator does not support simultaneous data and voice transmission (SV-LTE).

• 🌐 Check on the operator’s website if the option is available. 4G+ LTE-Advanced for your rate.
• 📵 If not, turn off VoLTE or use VoWiFi as an alternative.

3.The battery goes down quickly after VoLTE activation

Reason: weak signal 4G Makes the modem work at its limit.

• 📶 Enable Traffic Savings (Mobile Network section).
• 🔋 Turn off VoLTE and check the difference in battery consumption per day.
• 📵 If the problem remains, change the operator or use the mode Only. 3G.

4. It is not possible to enable VoLTE in the settings

Reasons:

• 📱 Outdated firmware MIUI (Update to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 📵 SIM-card does not support 4G (substitute USIM).
• 🌐 The operator does not provide the service in your region.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X3 NFC) post-update MIUI 14 VoLTE option may disappear from the menu, in which case try resetting the network settings or wait for the next update.

💡

If VoLTE doesn't work after all the manipulations, check if your model officially supports this technology. 4PDA or in the specifications on the Xiaomi website.

VoLTE on Xiaomi: myths and reality

There are many myths surrounding VoLTE technology, and we'll look at the most popular ones.

Myth 1: VoLTE consumes a lot of Internet traffic

❌ Reality: Voice packets are transmitted over a separate channel and not charged like the Internet. ~1–2 MB against ~30-50 MB in WhatsApp-type messengers).

Myth 2: VoLTE only works on new smartphones

❌ Reality: The technology is supported even on Xiaomi budget models 2018-2019 (Redmi 7, Mi) A2). The main thing is availability 4G-modem and current firmware.

Myth 3: VoLTE Determinates the Quality of Roaming Communications

✅ Partly true: VoLTE may not work in international roaming, as operators do not always have mutual support agreements. 2G/3G.

Myth 4: VoLTE is interfering with mobile internet

❌ Reality: On the contrary, VoLTE allows you to use the LTE The only problem is when the operator doesn't support the conversation. SV-LTE (simultaneous transmission of voice and data).

Myth 5: VoLTE must be turned off to save battery life

❌ Reality: The difference in battery consumption is minimal (3-7%) and is offset by the benefits of technology.

If you’re still in doubt about whether to use VoLTE, try turning it on for a week and compare call quality and autonomy with the previous mode. Most Xiaomi users note improved sound and connectivity stability.

FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi