Today’s Xiaomi smartphones come with a lot of advanced communication technology, and one of the most useful features is VoLTE. The acronym you’ve probably noticed in the status bar of your device hides behind it Voice over LTE technology, which allows you to transmit voice calls over fourth-generation networks, which means that your conversation is no longer dependent on outdated 2G or 3G standards, but takes place exclusively through the operator’s high-speed Internet channel.
For Redmi and Poco owners, this opens up new possibilities: the sound quality is crystal clear and the connection is established almost instantly. Moreover, during the conversation, you can continue to use mobile Internet without switching to slower communication standards. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate this feature, what benefits it provides and why it can be hidden in some versions of the firmware.
Technological essence of VoLTE and advantages HD-call-up
To understand what VoLTE means on Xiaomi, you need to delve deeper into the architecture of modern mobile networks. Traditional voice calls use circuit switching, while VoLTE transmits voice as a data stream (packet switching) under the LTE standard. This allows you to use the AMR-WB (Adaptive Multi-Rate Wideband) codec, which provides an extended frequency range of transmitted sound, making the interlocutor’s speech more natural and legible even in noisy places.
One of the main advantages of the technology is the speed of connection. 3 before 7 seconds before the horns, then HD-ring-bell LTE connects 1-2 And it also allows you to use voice and data at the same time, and without VoLTE, when you call in, your smartphone often switches to mode. 3G or 2G, interrupting page loading or navigation, which is unacceptable in modern conditions.
⚠️ Note: The function requires support from your mobile operator and the availability of appropriate support. SIM-cards (old Mini-SIM cards may not work with the same card format) 4G).
In areas of uncertain LTE reception, a phone can automatically switch to 3G for voice calls if the Fallback feature is configured accordingly. However, in large cities where 4G coverage is stable, using VoLTE on Xiaomi Mi or Redmi Note devices significantly improves the user experience.
Verification of device and operator compatibility
Before you start setting up, it’s important to make sure your smartphone and plan are ready to work with new communication standards. Not all models, even those released in recent years, have unlocked out of the box feature, especially global versions designed for markets where the new model is not available. LTE-Calls are not yet ubiquitous. Telecom operators must also be technically able to route voice traffic through their own networks. LTE-lock-hole.
Compatibility checks start with your device’s specifications. Usually, Xiaomi’s flagship models and the Redmi Note series support the required frequencies (Band) 3, 7, 20 However, the software part may restrict access to the menu. You also need to make sure that the menu is not accessible. SIM-card activated service 4G/LTE.
Below is a table of popular carriers and VoLTE support status for Xiaomi devices in different regions:
| Operator. | Region | Status of support | Activation required |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | Russia/CIS | Supported | Automatically. |
| Beeline | Russia/CIS | Supported | Through the USSD |
| Tele2 | Russia/CIS | Supported | Automatically. |
| Megafon | Russia/CIS | Supported | Through the app |
| Kcell | Kazakhstan | Limitedly. | Checking is required |
If your operator is not listed or listed as "Limited", it does not mean that the function will not work, often just adjust the access point settings correctly or enter a special code of the engineering menu. It is also important to consider that dual-sim modes can affect the operation of VoLTE: often the function is available only on one. SIM-a card simultaneously, usually on the one configured to transmit data.
Why does VoLTE work on only one card on dual-symbol phones?
Standard activation via the settings menu
In most cases, if your carrier and firmware are fully compatible, you can turn on the function using the standard means of the MIUI or HyperOS interface. This method is the most secure and does not require the use of third-party applications or login to the engineering menu. The algorithm of actions is simple, but the menu paths may vary slightly depending on the version of Android.
To start, open the standard Settings app for your smartphone. Go to the section SIM-Maps and mobile networks. Here you'll see a list of installed cards. Choose the one you want to activate. HD-calls (usually these are SIM 1 if it is used for the Internet).
On the screen settings of a specific SIM-Find a switch called "Use VoLTE" or "Calls by" LTE". Activate it. If there's an icon in the status bar (at the top of the screen) after that. HD VoLTE means the function is successfully launched.
☑️ Activation checklist
Sometimes the switch may be active, but the icon won't appear, so try rebooting the device. Also make sure that the network type settings have a preference for 4G or LTE. If you have 3G only or 2G/3G mode, voice calls won't go through LTE.
Hidden settings and engineering menu Xiaomi
When the operator supports the technology, the tariff allows, and the VoLTE switch is missing or locked (gray) on the smartphone menu, this is quite common, and this is typical of global firmware versions, where the functionality is cut down to meet the requirements of local carriers, in which case we will need access to a hidden engineering menu.
To enter the test menu, there is a universal method that works on most Redmi and Xiaomi models. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##86583#. If you did everything correctly, a pop-up message will appear on the screen VoLTE Carrier check was disabled (or enabled).
After entering the code, return to the settings SIM-Now there should be a VoLTE switch that was previously missing. Turn it on. If the code didn't work or the message didn't appear, try an alternative method through the hidden menu. MIUI.
⚠️ Warning: Changing the settings in the engineering menu can cause the radio module to run in an unstable way.
Alternative sign-in is via code ##4636##. From the menu that opens, select Phone Information. Find Set Preferred Network Type and make sure you select an LTE-enabled option (e.g., LTE/TD-SCDMA/CDMA/EvDo/GSM/WCDMA).
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If #86583## doesn’t work, try installing the Hidden Settings app from the Play Market, which creates a shortcut for hidden menus.
Use of third-party applications for activation
If standard codes don’t work, the specialized activator apps available on the Google Play Store come to the rescue. The most popular and proven tool is Force LTE Only (4G/5G), which allows you to manage the parameters of the radio module at a deeper level than the standard Android menu.
Once you install the app, run it and choose how to work. Newer versions of Android (11, 12, 13, 14) often require you to select Method 2: (Android 11)+) or similar to the one that uses ADB-commands or special permissions. The application may suggest entering a command via a computer or using the built-in debugging mode.
In the application interface, find the partition associated with VoLTE. There will be an Enable VoLTE or VoLTE Provisioned switch. Once activated, restart the phone. Often, once you turn on this mode, the HD icon appears immediately, but if not, check if the Internet is working during the call.
It is worth noting that on some models with MediaTek processors or newer versions of MIUI, access to these features may be limited by system rights, in which case the application may require root rights, the receipt of which will void the warranty on the device.
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Third-party applications are a crutch that helps bypass the manufacturer’s software limitations, but does not guarantee 100% stability on all models.
Diagnostics of problems and troubleshooting
Even after successful activation, users may run into problems: the VoLTE icon disappears, calls are disrupted or the sound quality does not improve. The first reason is often the banal lack of LTE coverage in a particular location. Make sure that the 4G/LTE indicator is displayed constantly.
The second common problem is the conflict of settings. APN (Sometimes operators require specific parameters to operate. IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem. Go to Settings -> SIM-maps and mobile networks -> Access points (APN). Try resetting to factory settings or creating a new access point with the options recommended by your operator.
Also, problems can occur after the firmware update. MIUI In this case, the activation procedure through the engineering menu or application will have to be repeated. SIM-The card is too old and does not support profiles. USIM, Required for VoLTE - replace it in the cabin operator.
⚠️ Note: When using the function "Only" 4G" (LTE Only) you may lose the ability to accept the usual menus SMS call 2G/3G, If there is no fourth generation network in the reception area.
The impact of VoLTE on battery charge and traffic
There is a myth that VoLTE is much faster to plant a battery. In fact, VoLTE technology is more energy efficient than constantly switching between 2G/3G and 4G. A smartphone does not need to waste energy searching for a different standard network during a conversation. However, if the LTE signal is weak, modem will work in a strengthened mode, which can really increase the charge consumption.
As for Internet traffic, VoLTE voice packets are not usually charged by the operator as Internet traffic, they are within voice minutes. However, technically, data is transmitted. In the phone settings, you can track the traffic consumption of the Phone application, but for a subscriber with unlimited minutes, this is not financially important.
In the long run, using VoLTE on Xiaomi smartphones extends battery life by reducing the number of radio switch cycles, especially for users who talk a lot on the phone during the day.