VoLTE icon on Xiaomi Redmi: what it means and how to use it correctly

Why is the VoLTE icon on your Redmi screen and should you be afraid of it?

You've just updated your Xiaomi Redmi firmware, or you've noticed an unfamiliar VoLTE icon in your status bar -- and now you wonder what it is? Don't panic: it signals the work of today's voice technology, which makes calls clearer and network connectivity more stable. But why is it here, and what happens if it's turned off?

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a fourth-generation (4G) voice standard. Unlike traditional calls that use legacy 2G/3G networks, VoLTE provides HD audio quality, instant connectivity and the ability to simultaneously talk and use mobile Internet at high speeds. On Xiaomi Redmi (especially models after 2018), this feature is activated automatically if the operator supports it.

But not everyone understands why this icon is needed, and some even try to remove it for fear of additional battery consumption or tariff changes. Let's look at how VoLTE affects the smartphone, which Redmi models support it, and what to do if the icon suddenly disappears.

What is VoLTE in simple words: pros and cons of technology

VoLTE is not just about 4G calls, it’s about an ecosystem of voice enhancements, and here are the key benefits you get with this technology on Xiaomi Redmi:

• 🎤 Sound quality HD: The voice of the interlocutor sounds more natural, without noise and distortion, as when talking on the subject. IP-Telephony (for example, WhatsApp).
• ⚡ Instant connection: no delay in dialing - the call is connected almost instantly (2-3 times faster than in the first half of the phone). 3G).
• 📶 Stable Internet while calling: You can continue downloading files, watching videos, or playing online without interrupting the conversation.
• 🔋 Battery savings: The smartphone does not switch between networks (for example, with a mobile phone). 4G on 3G for calling), which reduces the load on the communication module.

But there are also nuances that are worth knowing:

• 📵 Dependence on coverage 4G: If there is a weak signal in your area LTE, VoLTE can work unstablely or even shut down altogether.
• 💰 Possible tariff restrictions: some operators (especially in roaming) charge extra for VoLTE calls.
• 🔄 Compatibility issues: on older Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 4X Redmi Note 5 may not work properly.

⚠️ Warning: If you notice that your smartphone is running out faster after activating VoLTE, check your energy saving settings. MIUI background activity of the module LTE Solution: Turn off VoLTE manually or update the software.

What Xiaomi Redmi models support VoLTE: full list

VoLTE technology is available on most Xiaomi Redmi smartphones released after 2017, but there are important exceptions: some budget models or devices for specific regions (for example, Redmi Go) do not have hardware support.

To find out if your model supports VoLTE, check the specifications on the official Xiaomi website or use the Kimovil service (enter the name of the model in the search).

How to turn on or off VoLTE on Xiaomi Redmi: Step-by-step instructions

If the VoLTE icon doesn't appear automatically, you can activate it manually, and the procedure varies depending on the version of MIUI, but the overall algorithm is as follows:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose. SIM-The card you want to include VoLTE for (if there are two of them).
3. Find the VoLTE option (or Improved Calls, HD-Calls – the name depends on the firmware).
4. Activate the switch. If you don't have an option, update the software or check for operator compatibility.

To turn off, repeat the same steps, but deactivate the switch. Note: after turning off VoLTE, the smartphone will use 3G/2G for calls to the network, which can worsen the quality of communication.

Make sure that SIM-card 4G|

Update your firmware to the latest version of MIUI|

Check 4G coverage in your area |

Reboot your smartphone after changing your settings-->

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) may lose mobile internet after VoLTE is turned on, due to firmware errors. → Resetting settings → Reset the network settings.

VoLTE does not work on Xiaomi Redmi: reasons and solutions

The VoLTE icon has disappeared, or the feature refuses to turn on, and here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:

• 📡 No coverage 4G: Check the signal level in the status bar.+ or 3G, VoLTE won't work. Solution -- move to the coated area. LTE.
• 📱 Outdated firmware: on MIUI older than version 11 of VoLTE can be disabled by default. Update the software via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔧 Wrong settings APN: Some operators require special parameters. APN For VoLTE. Ask for support or reset your network settings.
• 🔄 Conflict with two SIM-If you use Dual-SIM, try temporarily disabling the second card and checking VoLTE on the first card.

If the problem persists, reset your network settings (see the warning above) or contact Xiaomi Support with error logs.

##4636## → Phone Information → Select SIM → View “VoLTE provisioned”

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

On modern Xiaomi Redmi, in addition to VoLTE, you can find other technologies of improved communication:

• 📞 VoLTE: Calling by phone 4G (described above).
• 🎥 ViLTE (Video over LTE): videocalls HD via the operator's network (without using WhatsApp or Skype) Available on Redmi Note 11 Pro and later.
• 📶 VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi): Wi-Fi calls, useful in areas with poor mobile network coverage. MIUI 12 and above.

Which technology to choose? It depends on your tasks.

• 🏙️ In a city with a good 4G — VoLTE (optimal combination of quality and stability).
• 🏡 Home or office with Wi-Fi – VoWiFi (savings mobile traffic).
• 👥 For video calls without third-party applications – ViLTE (if the operator supports the service).

💡

On the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, you can use VoLTE and VoWiFi at the same time. If both options are enabled in the settings, the smartphone will automatically choose the best channel for calling.

Does VoLTE affect battery consumption and traffic?

Many Xiaomi Redmi users fear that VoLTE increases the charge consumption or mobile Internet.

• 🔋 Battery: VoLTE does not consume more power than regular calls 3G. On the contrary, the lack of switching between networks (4G→3G→4G) can reduce the load on the communication module.
• 📊 Traffic: VoLTE voice data is not charged as Internet traffic (operators consider it as a normal conversation minute), but video calls (ViLTE) can consume up to 1-1.5 MB/minute.

To check the actual flow rate, use the built-in MIUI monitoring:

1. Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Use
2. See the flow chart after VoLTE is turned on (compare with previous days).

⚠️ Note: On some fares, operators may block VoLTE roaming or charge a surcharge for "premium quality of communication." Check with your provider, especially if you travel frequently.

💡

VoLTE does not increase battery consumption or traffic, but requires stable 4G coverage. If your local LTE network is unstable, it is best to turn off the feature to avoid call cliffs.

FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi Redmi