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

Introduction: Why did Xiaomi have a VoLTE icon?

You noticed a new VoLTE icon on your Xiaomi in the top notification bar and don't understand what it means? Don't worry, it's not a system bug, but a sign of modern voice technology. VoLTE (Voice over LTE) allows you to call over a 4G network, not through outdated 2G/3G standards, as it used to be.

Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and flagship series) have been supporting VoLTE for several years, but many users are still unaware of its benefits. In this article, we will discuss why the VoLTE icon can suddenly appear or disappear, how to turn on the technology manually and what to do if it does not work.

What is VoLTE and why is it needed in Xiaomi?

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a fourth-generation (4G LTE) voice technology, unlike traditional calls that use 2G or 3G networks, VoLTE provides:

• 📞 A clearer sound thanks to the codec HD Voice (broadband audio codec).
• ⚡ Instant connection – no delay when dialing (as when switching between the numbers) 4G and 3G).
• 📶 Stable communication – even with a weak signal 4G (If the operator supports VoLTE).
• 🔄 Parallel operation of the Internet - during a conversation, high-speed traffic is not interrupted (you can simultaneously talk and use the network).

On Xiaomi smartphones, the VoLTE icon appears in the status bar when:

1. The phone is connected to a 4G LTE network.
2. The mobile operator supports the technology (in Russia it is MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2).
3. VoLTE is enabled in the device settings (sometimes manual activation is required).

If the icon goes missing, it doesn’t always mean a problem — you may have moved to a zone without 4G coverage or the carrier temporarily disabled VoLTE support.

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

On most Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and other models MIUI 12/13/14) VoLTE is activated automatically when you first set up SIM-But sometimes you need to manually turn on:

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. Select the 4G (preferably)/LTE option or 4G/3G/2G (auto).
5. Go back and find the VoLTE switch (may be called Improved Calls or Voice Calls over LTE).
6. Activate the slider.

Once turned on, the VoLTE icon should appear in the top bar next to the network indicator, and if it is not, restart the phone or check your carrier’s support for the technology.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) VoLTE option may not be on the menu if firmware is outdated.Update MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Why VoLTE doesn’t work for Xiaomi: common problems

If the VoLTE icon does not appear or disappears during the call, the reasons may be as follows:

If the problem persists, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📱 Insert SIM-The card is another slot (if there are two of them).
• 📡 Manually select the operator network in Settings → Mobile network → Network operators.
• 🛠️ Reset network settings (without data loss).

VoLTE vs ViLTE vs VoWiFi: What’s the difference with Xiaomi?

In addition to VoLTE, other icons related to voice communication may appear on Xiaomi smartphones:

• 📶 VoLTE - Calls through 4G LTE.
• 📶💬 ViLTE (Video over LTE) — video-calling 4G (for example, in the operator's application).
• 📶📞 VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) – calls over Wi-Fi if there is no network 4G.

On some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K60), these technologies work together, for example, if you are in a low 4G signal zone but connected to Wi-Fi, the phone will automatically switch to VoWiFi to maintain the quality of communication.

To turn on VoWiFi:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose. SIM-map.
3. Activate Calls via Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Note: Not all operators support VoWiFi in Russia. Check with your provider for connectivity. Also note that when using VoWiFi abroad, roaming rates may apply (even if you are connected to your local Wi-Fi).

Does VoLTE affect the battery and communication quality of Xiaomi?

Many Xiaomi users fear that VoLTE increases battery consumption or impairs communication stability.

• 🔋 Battery consumption: VoLTE consumes slightly more power than regular calls through the phone 3G, But the difference is minimal (1-3% per hour of conversation). Modern Qualcomm Snapdragon and Mediatek processors are optimized for working with the same processor. LTE.
• 📶 Quality of communication: with a good signal 4G VoLTE provides clearer sound and lower latency, but in areas with low surfaces, there may be a connection breakdown (the phone tries to switch to a new one). 3G).
• 🌐 Internet speed: During VoLTE call, the Internet continues to work at speed 4G (unlike 3G, where traffic is suspended).

If you notice that after turning on VoLTE, the battery goes down faster, try:

• Disable VoLTE in the settings and compare the flow rate.
• Update the MIUI firmware (power consumption is optimized in new versions).
• Check if the phone is warming up during calls (this could indicate a hardware problem).

💡

If VoLTE is draining your battery, try turning it off and using standard 3G calls. Select 3G/2G (auto) mode in your network settings.

VoLTE on Xiaomi abroad: roaming and features

If you're traveling abroad, VoLTE may work differently than it does on a home network.

• 🌍 Operator support: Not all overseas operators support VoLTE for roaming customers. For example, in Europe or Asia, your Xiaomi can automatically switch to VoLTE for roaming customers. 3G.
• 💰 Tariffing: VoLTE calls in roaming are usually charged as standard international calls (check with your operator).
• 📱 Phone settings: Some countries require manual VoLTE roaming enabled on the Mobile Network menu → Data roaming.

To avoid unexpected expenses:

1. Before traveling, check with the operator whether VoLTE is supported in the host country.
2. Turn off automatic data roaming if you do not plan to use the Internet.
3. Use messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) to make calls over Wi-Fi.

💡

In most cases, VoLTE roaming is more stable than 3G, but can cost more.Always check the operator's fares before you travel!

FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi