Xiaomi’s VoLTE icon: What it means and how to use the technology

Have you noticed a new VoLTE icon on your Xiaomi in the status bar next to the network indicator? Or suddenly the usual 4G symbol disappeared and the letters HD or VoLTE appeared instead? Don't panic - this is not a system error, but a sign of the activation of modern voice technology.

Voice over technology LTE (VoLTE is fundamentally changing the way voice calls are transmitted. 2G/3G-where voice and data are transmitted separately, VoLTE uses high-speed 4G/LTE-It means clearer sound, more instantaneous connectivity, and the ability to talk and use the mobile Internet simultaneously without switching between networks. But how does it work on Xiaomi smartphones, why does the icon appear, disappear, and what if VoLTE is not activated? The answers are in this guide.

What is VoLTE and why is it needed in Xiaomi?

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) — It's a voice standard that doesn't transmit your voice over traditional networks. 2G/3G, through 4G-The main difference from regular calls is that the sound quality is approaching the same level. HD-standard (broadband codec) AMR-WB), and the connection time is reduced by 5-7 second 1-2.

On Xiaomi smartphones, VoLTE technology is supported by most models starting with the Redmi Note 4X (2017) and all flagship lines (Mi 6, Mi 8, Mi 10 and later).

• 🎤 Clean sound without noise and interference (sampling frequency up to 16 kHz vs 8 kHz in the 3G).
• ⚡ Instant connection – no delay in dialing.
• 📶 Stable Internet during the call – do not need to “switch” to 3G, old-grid.
• 🔋 Battery savings - one module (4G) two-sided (3G + 4G).

But there are some nuances, and VoLTE only works if you:

• ✅ Your operator supports the technology (in Russia – MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2, etc).
• ✅ On the smartphone activated 4G-network (not just the H icon)+ or 3G).
• ✅ In the settings, the option of VoLTE is enabled (by default it can be disabled).

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

The VoLTE icon on Xiaomi smartphones can be displayed differently depending on the model and version of MIUI. Here are the main options:

If there is no icon but you suspect that VoLTE is active, check this:

1. Make a call to another phone with VoLTE support.
2. When you talk, look at the top bar: if the network indicator stays 4G (not switching to 3G), then the technology works.
3. After the call, open the call log - an HD tag can be displayed next to the number.

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On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro) the VoLTE icon appears only after the first successful one. HD-Try calling the operator number (for example *111# for MTS) - this will often "wake up" the icon.

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

If the VoLTE icon doesn't show up, first check if the feature is activated in the settings.The path may vary depending on the version of MIUI, but the general scheme is as follows:

Make sure that SIM-card 4G (nano-SIM)

Check your balance (some operators block VoLTE when your balance is negative)

Update the firmware to the latest version

Reboot your smartphone before setting up-->

Follow the instructions for your MIUI version:

Method 1: MIUI 12/13/14 (new versions)

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
3. Tap on the network type or preferred network type.
4. Choose 4G (preferably) or LTE.
5. Go back and find the option VoLTE or Improved Calls (VoLTE) – move the slider to the right.

Method 2: MIUI 11 and older (Older versions)

1. Go to Settings → Wireless Networks → Mobile Network.
2. Choose. SIM-Map, then use VoLTE.
3. If you don’t have a choice, try entering the dialer code: ##86583## This will open the hidden VoLTE menu (not working on all models).

Method 3: Through the Engineering Menu (for the experienced)

If the standard settings don’t help, try activating VoLTE via the engineering menu:

1. Open the phone app and type in: ##4636###
2. Select Phone Information.
3. Scroll down to Set your preferred network type.
4. Select LTE only or LTE/UMTS auto.
5. Go back and check for the VoLTE icon.

Why VoLTE doesn’t work for Xiaomi: common problems

Even if you have enabled VoLTE in your settings, the icon may not appear. Here are the main reasons and ways to eliminate them:

Pay particular attention to the following points:

⚠️ If after activation of VoLTE mobile Internet disappeared, check APN-Some profiles (e.g. Tele2) require manual settings APN after activating the VoLTE.

Another common problem is that VoLTE works, but the sound is getting worse than 3G.

• 🔊 Incorrect codec – the operator can use compressed AMR-NB instead AMR-WB.
• 📡 Weak signal. 4G — In the area of weak coverage, the voice may "break».
• 🛠️ Software bugs - in some versions MIUI 12.5 was a bug with a distortion of sound in VoLTE.

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If after turning on VoLTE there are problems with sound, try to disable the function and use standard 3G-Communication quality is more important than formal technology buns.

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

Many people confuse VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling, but these are two different technologies.

On Xiaomi smartphones, these technologies can conflict, for example, if both VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling are activated simultaneously, calls can break or switch between networks with a delay.

• 📶 If you're stable. 4G, Choose VoLTE, it is more reliable.
• 🌐 If you are often in places with poor mobile signal (metro, basement), turn on Wi-Fi Calling.
• ⚙️ Set Priority in Settings → SIM-map → Wi-Fi calls (select Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi only preferred).

Some models (e.g., the POCO F4 GT) have a smooth transition between VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling option, which allows you to automatically switch between networks without breaking the connection, to activate it:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Additionally.
2. Find the Switch between VoLTE and Wi-Fi and turn it on.

How to disable VoLTE on Xiaomi if it interferes

Despite the benefits, VoLTE can be a inconvenience: fast battery drain, sound problems or conflicts with other functions.

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
3. Find the VoLTE switch or Improved Calls and deactivate it.
4. Reboot your smartphone (sometimes the icon disappears only after the reboot).

If the option is not on the menu, try:

• 📱 Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting mobile network settings.
• 🔄 Insert SIM-card to another slot (on two-sim models Xiaomi first slot often takes priority for VoLTE).
• 📋 Install firmware without VoLTE (for example, custom assembly without technology support).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 7, Mi 9 Lite) disabling VoLTE may result in the inability to make calls on networks 4G (The smartphone will be forced to switch to 3G). In this case, leave the function on or use 3G-regime.

List of Xiaomi models with VoLTE support

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support VoLTE, but here is a list of models with confirmed compatibility (based on official data and user tests):

If your model isn’t on the list, it doesn’t mean that VoLTE isn’t exactly supported.Some smartphones (like the Redmi 4X or Mi A1) may work with the technology after:

• 🔧 Updating the firmware to the latest version MIUI.
• 🌍 Global firmware installations (if you have a Chinese version).
• 📱 Manual activation via the engineering menu (see instructions above).

Check VoLTE support for your model on the official Xiaomi website or in the specifications on the operator’s website (for example, the list of compatible devices from MTS).

FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi