Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi 9 offer a wide range of features to improve communication quality, and one of them is VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology, which allows voice calls to be transmitted over fourth-generation networks, providing crystal clear sound and fast connection. However, in practice, users often face situations where this feature, instead of being useful, brings significant inconveniences.
The most common problem is that when VoLTE is active, the phone may stop switching to 3G or 2G in areas of unstable 4G coverage, which leads to the inability to make or receive a call. There are also cases when the carrier does not support this technology correctly, or the user prefers classical voice communication for the sake of saving battery power.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the ways you can disable LTE voice on your device, and we will look at the standard methods through the settings menu, the use of an engineering menu for advanced users, and other technical nuances specific to the MIUI shell and MediaTek processors on which Redmi 9 is based.
Understanding VoLTE technology and the reasons for its disabling
VoLTE is a standard for multimedia traffic on LTE networks. In simple words, your voice is not compressed to low frequencies during a conversation, as it was in older 2G/3G networks, but transmitted as a high-quality data stream. For owners of Redmi 9, this means that theoretically you can talk and play online games simultaneously without falling Internet speed.
The main reason why users want to remove the icon HD The VoLTE from the Status Line is a conflict between the SIM-The map and the operator's base stations, if you're on the edge of the coverage area. 4G, The phone is trying to hold the signal. LTE At all costs, ignoring a more stable, albeit slower, signal. 3G. As a result, you are left with the indicator"4G", but incoming calls do not pass, and the subscriber hears "the subscriber is not available".
There are also tariff restrictions: Some carriers may charge extra for using voice calls over Internet protocol, unless it's included in your default plan. Disabling the feature avoids unforeseen costs and forces the phone to use classic voice channels, which often have greater penetration capacity in basements or rural areas.
It is also important to note the impact on autonomy. While LTE is energy efficient, constant network search and switching between modem modems when a bad signal is running can drain Xiaomi's battery much faster. Forced network mode restriction often helps to extend the device's life in low-reception conditions.
Basic disconnection through smartphone settings
The easiest and safest way to manage voice calls over LTE is to use the standard settings menu of the Android operating system with a MIUI shell. In most cases, carriers and phone manufacturers allow the user to control this setting independently without the need for complex codes or third-party software.
First, you need to go to the settings section that handles the connections. The path may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same. Open Settings, then select a point. SIM-You'll see a list of SIM cards installed here, if there are two, and you'll have to choose the one you want to change the settings for.
After selecting a SIM card, find a switch that says Use VoLTE or LTE Calls. If the slider is active (burns blue or green), just tap it to deactivate the function. Immediately after that, the HD icon at the top of the screen should disappear, and the phone will start using standard protocols for voice communication.
⚠️ Note: If you don’t find a VoLTE switch on this menu, it doesn’t mean that the feature is permanently locked, often carriers hide this setting as a must, or your current SIM card doesn’t support the technology at the software level.
In some regions or in certain operators (for example, MTS, Beeline, Tele2) The setting can be hidden deep in the system. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Use VoLTE did not give a result or the item simply does not, go to the next section where we will consider activating the hidden menu.
Activation of hidden VoLTE menu through system code
Shell MIUI, The Redmi 9 has many hidden features available through special devices. USSD-One of the most effective ways to regain control of network settings is to use code to activate an additional settings menu. SIM-This method is especially relevant if a standard switch is not available.
To do this, you'll need the Phone app. Open it and type the following character combination: ##86583#. When you type the last star, a VoLTE carrier check was disabled pop-up message should appear on the screen, which means you've successfully unlocked the hidden switch in the settings.
After successfully entering the code, return to the Settings menu. → SIM-Select your SIM card, and now you should see the previously hidden item Use VoLTE. You can turn it on or off as you wish. If you need to hide this setting again (for example, to update the system), enter the same code again, and a message will appear about enabling operator verification.
Note that the codes may vary from Android (10 or 11) to MIUI builds. If the above code doesn't work, try the alternative: ##86853##. The same principle of operation: it compulsorily includes a menu item to manage voice calls over LTE.
Using an engineering menu to configure network modes
To get a deeper setup of your Redmi 9’s network module, you can use the Engineering Menu, which is a powerful tool designed to test hardware, but it also lets you manually select your preferred network type, which will automatically turn off VoLTE if you choose a mode without LTE support for voice.
To get into the engineering menu, type in dialer code ##4636##. The Testing menu will open for you, where you can select Phone Information. Here is a comprehensive list of parameters.
In the list below you will see many options, such as NR/LTE/GSM, LTE Only, GSM To guarantee that you will disable VoLTE, select a mode that does not contain the console. IMS or limiting work to voice standards only, for example, GSM only (only) 2G) or WCDMA only (only) 3G). However, it will completely disable 4G web-based.
☑️ Check before entering the engineering menu
A more gentle method on the same menu is to find the VoLTE provisioned switch (if available on your firmware version) and uncheck it. This will tell the network that your device is not ready to work with voice over LTE, and it will transfer you to 3G/2G when you call. After changing the settings, it is recommended to restart the device for application of changes.
⚠️ Warning: Be very careful in the engineering menu, changing settings like "Radio Power" or choosing modes"LTE Only" in regions without coverage 2G/3G If you lose your network, just restart your phone or select mode"LTE/WCDMA/GSM auto".
Comparison of network modes and their impact on communication
Understanding the differences between network modes helps you make the right decision about whether to turn off VoLTE or simply change the priority network type. Below is a table that will help you navigate the notations and their impact on the quality of communication and the availability of voice calls over LTE.
| Network mode | Description | Support for VoLTE | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| LTE/WCDMA/GSM (auto) | Automatically select the best available signal | Yes (if included in the settings) | Average. |
| LTE only | Only 4G networks, no drop on 3G/2G | Only if the network supports VoLTE | High (network search) |
| WCDMA only | Only 3G networks. | No. | Low. |
| GSM only | 2G networks only (EDGE/GPRS) | No. | Very low. |
As you can see from the table, the complete rejection of LTE (regime WCDMA only GSM only) guaranteed to disable VoLTE, as the technology cannot physically work without a fourth-generation network, but this deprives you of high-speed Internet. LTE/WCDMA/GSM (auto) with VoLTE switch off in the settings SIM-map.
Choosing LTE only mode can be useful in places where the 4G signal is very weak and the phone constantly jumps between standards, discharged before your eyes. But remember that if in your local area the operator does not support VoLTE, then in LTE only you simply will not be able to receive incoming calls, since the phone will not be able to switch to 3G for voice calls.
What is IMS and how does it relate to VoLTE?
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Even after completing all the instructions, users of Xiaomi Redmi 9 may encounter a situation where the icon is not used. HD It's back, or it's reset after it's rebooted, often because the carrier is forced to activate the VoLTE profile on its side when you sign up. SIM-In this case, the software shutdown on the phone can be ignored.
Another common problem is the use of two SIM-On Redmi 9, when two SIM cards are active, one of them can go into standby mode. 2G, That automatically disables VoLTE for it, but the second one can continue to work through it. LTE If you need to turn off the feature for only one card, make sure you change the settings in the profile of the right card. SIM-maps, not in general settings.
If nothing helps, and the phone is stubbornly clinging to VoLTE, causing communication problems, you can try resetting the network settings. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Click Reset. This will not delete your personal data, but will return all network settings to factory values, which often eliminates software conflicts.
💡
If after resetting the network settings the problem remains, extract SIM-map, erase the contacts with a pin and paste back, sometimes oxidation of the contacts leads to incorrect reading of the operator's profile.
In rare cases, the problem lies in the firmware version itself. If you use the global version of MIUI, but with regional settings (for example, bought a Chinese and refashioned to the global), there may be frequency and profile conflicts, in which case the only solution may be to install an official firmware for your region or, conversely, switch to the Chinese version with Google installed service, where network settings are often more flexible.
Impact of VoLTE Disconnection on Communication Quality and Internet
Disabling VoLTE has consequences that you should know about beforehand. The main change will be the connection process. Without Voice over LTE, it will take your phone time (usually 2 to 5 seconds) to switch from fast 4G to longer-range 3G or 2G to make a call. You may notice a delay before the beeps.
Also, during the conversation, the network indicator will change from 4G to 3G, H+ or E. Internet speed at this point will drop, which can interrupt page loading or stop streaming video. For modern users who are used to instant connection, this can be an unpleasant surprise, so weigh the pros and cons.
💡
Disabling VoLTE solves problems with “missing” calls in areas of poor 4G reception, but increases connection time and reduces Internet speed during a conversation.
On the other hand, voice quality can subjectively improve in poor signal conditions. 3G networks often have better penetration in buildings than high LTE frequencies. If you frequent basement offices, old buildings or out of town, forced switching to 3G can make communications more stable, albeit less digital by ear.