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

You noticed a mysterious word on your Xiaomi's status bar that says VoLTE, and you wondered what it means, and this little icon is a sign of modern technology that is fundamentally changing the quality of mobile communications. 2G/3G, VoLTE uses the use of 4G-voice networks, providing crystal clear sound and instantaneous connection.

But not everyone understands why this feature appears on some devices and is not on others, how to activate it and what benefits it brings. In this article, we will discuss what VoLTE is on Xiaomi, how to check your model’s support, customize the technology and fix possible problems, and also find out why operators sometimes block this feature and how to get around the restrictions.

If you are still calling in the old way, 3G or 2G — After reading this, you will definitely want to switch to VoLTE, especially for owners of Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Or Mi 11, where the technology works particularly well!

What is VoLTE and how does it work for Xiaomi?

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) — This is the standard for voice transmission over fourth generation networks (4G LTE). Unlike traditional calls, which use separate channels to voice voice calls (2G/3G), VoLTE integrates voice traffic directly into packet data, which means that your voice is converted into digital packets and transmitted over the same channels as the Internet.

Xiaomi phones are implemented at the hardware level: modern models (starting with the Redmi Note) 8 Pro and newer) are equipped with specialized modems that support HD-voice (broadband) and accelerated connection, such as when calling via VoLTE, the connection time is reduced by a shorter time. 5-7 second 1-2 seconds.

Key features of VoLTE on Xiaomi:

• 📞 Fast connection – the call is set almost instantly, without delay.
• 🎧 HD-sound quality – sampling frequency up to 16 kHz (vs. 8 kHz in) 3G), What makes the voice more natural.
• 📶 Stability – the call does not break when switching between 4G Wi-Fi (if Wi-Fi Calling is supported).
• 🔄 Parallel work – you can call and use mobile Internet at the same time (unlike mobile Internet). 3G, Where the Internet is Shut Down During a Conversation).

It is important to understand that VoLTE is not just a “call on the phone”. 4G", a a range of technologies including IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem: A system that manages multimedia sessions. IMS VoLTE will not work on the operator side, even if your Xiaomi is technically ready.

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

The VoLTE icon on Xiaomi phones appears at the top status bar (near the network indicator) and looks like:

• 📱 The inscription "VoLTE" is the most common variant (white letters on a dark background or vice versa).
• 📶 Badge "HD" — Some operators (for example, MegaFon) replace the inscription with a high-quality logo.
• 🔄 Icon "4G+" with a microphone - a rare option, found on firmware MIUI European market.

If the icon is not there, it doesn't always mean there's no support.

• ❌ VoLTE is disabled in the phone settings.
• ❌ The operator does not support the technology in your area.
• ❌ Installed custom firmware without certified modems.
• ❌ SIM-map of the old model (not USIM).

To check for VoLTE, follow the following steps:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
3. Find the VoLTE or Improved Calls option.
4. If the switch is active but the icon is not, try restarting the phone.

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In some models (for example, POCO F4) VoLTE is automatically activated when first inserted SIM-If you reset to factory settings, the function may need to be manually activated.

What Xiaomi models support VoLTE: full list

The vast majority of modern Xiaomi smartphones support VoLTE, but there are nuances:

• 📱 All flagships (series Mi, Xiaomi) 12/13/14) — VoLTE support out of the box".
• 📱 Mid-segment (Redmi Note) 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5) — VoLTE works, but may require firmware updates.
• 📱 Budget models (Redmi) 9A/10A) — Support depends on the region and version MIUI.
• ⚠️ Old devices (Redmi) 5/6, Mi A1/A2) — VoLTE may be absent or may not work smoothly.

Below is a table with current data on VoLTE support for popular models (based on the data). MIUI 14):

Important: On custom firmware devices (like LineageOS), VoLTE may not work even with hardware support. IMS-profile.

If your model is not in the table, check VoLTE support through the official Xiaomi website or gsmarena.com service by entering the device name in the search bar. Pay attention to the Network section - there should be a VoLTE mark.

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

Activation of VoLTE on most Xiaomi devices takes no more than a minute.

Insert SIM-support-card USIM|Update MIUI last-minute|Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks|Pick the right one. SIM-map|Activate the VoLTE switch|Reboot the phone-->

Detailed instructions for MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to section. SIM-maps and mobile networks.
3. Choose. SIM-The card you want to activate VoLTE for (if there are two of them).
4. Find VoLTE (or Improved Calls, Calls) 4G).
5. Move the switch to the position on.
6. Confirm the action if a reboot request appears.

If the VoLTE item is not on the menu, try the following steps:

• 🔄 Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📋 Check that SIM-card USIM (check with the operator).
• 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
• 📡 Manually select the operator network: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choice of network → Manually.

On some models (like the Redmi Note 9 Pro), VoLTE can be hidden in the engineering menu to get there:

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In the menu that opens, select Phone Information and check if VoLTE provisioned is active.

Why VoLTE may not work on Xiaomi: common problems

Even if your Xiaomi supports VoLTE, the technology may not be activated.

⚠️ Note: If you use two of these SIM-VoLTE can only work on one of the cards (usually the one in the slot). SIM 1) This is a hardware limitation and cannot be circumvented.

1. the operator does not support VoLTE in your region

Not all operators provide VoLTE in all regions of Russia, for example, Tele2 is actively developing the technology, and Yota may limit it for some tariffs.

• 📞 Call the operator and check if the service is available in your city.
• 🌐 Go to the operator’s website in the “Coverage” section and find information about VoLTE.

2. Outdated firmware or custom software

VoLTE requires special certificates from the operator, which are updated through official firmware.

• 📱 Custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) – VoLTE likely won’t work.
• 📱 Old version MIUI (Below 12.5) – Update via Settings → The phone.
• 📱 Global firmware on the Russian device - try to reflash on MIUI Russia.

3 Problems with SIM- Card

VoLTE requires USIM-card, not the usual SIM). If your card is over 5 years old, it will probably need to be replaced:

• 🔍 Look at the map itself, it should have an inscription on it. USIM or 4G LTE.
• 📞 Call the operator and ask to check the type of card by number.

4.Conflict with Wi-Fi Calling

On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) You can either use VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling at the same time. If you've activated Wi-Fi calls, try turning them off and restarting your phone.

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If after all the manipulations, VoLTE still doesn’t work, check if your model supports the technology at the hardware level. 9A in the basic configuration is not equipped with the necessary modem, and no settings will help.

VoLTE vs Wi-Fi Calling: What’s the difference and what’s better on Xiaomi

Many users confuse VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling, although these are two different technologies. Let's see how they differ and when to use them:

VoLTE (Voice over LTE):

• 📶 It works through a mobile network. 4G.
• 📞 Requires operator coverage.
• 🔋 Consumes more battery power than 3G.
• 🎧 The quality of the sound depends on the network load.

Wi-Fi Calling:

• 📶 It works through a Wi-Fi connection.
• 📞 Available even if there is no mobile signal.
• 🔋 Saves battery life (if Wi-Fi is stable).
• 🎧 The quality of the sound depends on the speed of the Internet.

On Xiaomi phones, these technologies can work together (e.g., on Xiaomi 13) or conflict (on budget models).

• 🏙️ In a city with a good 4G — VoLTE (best quality and stability).
• 🏡 Home or office with poor mobile signal – Wi-Fi Calling.
• 🌍 In roaming – check the operator’s fares (VoLTE can be paid).

To enable Wi-Fi Calling on Xiaomi:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose. SIM-map.
3. Activate the Wi-Fi Calling switch.
4. If necessary, enter the address for emergency calls (required for the service) E911).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 12.5 and below) simultaneous activation of VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling may cause failures.

VoLTE and battery: does the technology affect the consumption of charge

One of the common questions is, "Is VoLTE draining the battery faster?" The answer depends on several factors:

How does VoLTE affect the battery:

• ⚡ Pros: Calls are set up faster, so the modem spends less energy on the connection.
• ⚡ Cons: 4G-The modem consumes more energy than 3G, especially in low signal conditions.

According to the results of tests Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+:

• 📞 Calling on VoLTE (5 minutes) ~1-1.5% charge.
• 📞 Calling by 3G (5 minutes) ~0.8-1% charge.
• 📶 Constant connection to VoLTE (no calls) increases the cost of standby on the Internet ~5-10% post 8 hours.

How to reduce battery consumption when using VoLTE:

• 🔋 Turn off VoLTE if you are in a weak zone 4G-The phone will constantly search for the network).
• 🔄 Include the Adaptive Battery in Settings → Battery.
• 📴 Use the Power Saving Mode at Low Charge.
• 📶 Manually select the network 3G, If you do not need VoLTE (for example, at night).

On flagship models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra) the difference in battery consumption between VoLTE and the other two models. 3G Minimal thanks to optimized modems Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. 10A) charge savings may be more noticeable.

FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi