Modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are equipped with advanced communication modules that by default tend to use the fastest and highest quality voice protocols. VoLTE technology allows you to talk through fourth-generation networks, providing crystal clear sound and the ability to use the Internet simultaneously. However, in practice, users often face situations when this feature becomes unnecessary: the HD icon in the status bar is annoying, the battery is discharged faster, and in areas of uncertain reception, communication can simply disappear.
Many device owners are wondering how to turn off VoLTE on Xiaomi to force the phone to switch to standard 2G or 3G networks. This is especially true for regions where LTE coverage is unstable, or for those who use dual-sim mode with limited traffic. Disabling VoLTE on global MIUI firmware is often hidden from the average user and requires switching to an engineering menu or using special codes. In this article, we will discuss all available deactivation methods, from simple switches to complex manipulation of system settings.
Before we make any changes, it’s worth understanding that the menu interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS. Some carriers block the ability to manually shut down through standard settings by imposing their services. We’ll look at ways to bypass such restrictions and explain why your phone may behave strangely after a system update.
Why you should disable VoLTE: the pros and cons of technology
LTE voice technology was conceived as an improvement in communication quality, but in the realities of Russian and CIS operators, it often works incorrectly. The main argument against it is increased power consumption. The communication module, which constantly supports a high-speed channel for voice calls, consumes significantly more energy than when working in 3G mode. If you care about the autonomy of the Xiaomi smartphone during the day, then turning off this feature can be a salvation.
There is also a compatibility problem: not all operators and not all base stations handle network transitions correctly. There are cases when during an incoming call the phone freezes in an attempt to establish a connection via LTE, and the subscriber simply does not hear the beeps. In such situations, forced switching to 3G solves the problem of missed calls. Also, many users note that the HD icon in the status bar visually clutters the interface and interferes with the assessment of the real signal level.
But don't forget the benefits of shutting down. High-quality conversational sound and instantaneous connectivity (without waiting for long beeps) are VoLTE's strengths. If you're in a confident reception zone and you have mobile internet on, the only way you can get your data and voice to work is through this protocol, and without it, the Internet can switch to EDGE or completely shut down when you call.
It's also important to consider the specifics of dual-symbol phones. SIM-map is running 4G If the second card is on VoLTE, but the coverage is weak, the phone can constantly search for the network, which leads to heating of the case. In such scenarios, it is more reasonable to leave high-speed Internet on the main sim, and to transfer voice communication to a more stable mode. 3G.
Standard method of disconnection through smartphone settings
The easiest and safest way that every user should try before using complex methods is the standard settings menu. MIUI 14 manufacturers have started hiding this switch deeper, but it's still available in many regions. To start, open the Settings app and go to the section. SIM-maps and mobile networks.
Select the SIM card you want to change your settings for. Find Use VoLTE or LTE Calls. If the switch is active and pressable, just turn it off. After that, the HD icon should disappear from the status bar and the phone will start using third-generation networks for voice communication. However, if you don't see this item, then your carrier or firmware will block this option.
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If there is no VoLTE switch, try to remove it. SIM-You can reset the card, reboot the phone, paste the card back in, and check the settings again.
In some cases, network resets help. Go to the menu Additional → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile Internet and Bluetooth. This operation will not delete your personal data, but will return all network settings to factory values. After the reboot, check if the desired switch is available. If this does not help, you will have to resort to more advanced methods described below.
Using the Engineering Menu for Deep Customization
If the standard settings fail, Xiaomi's engineering menu comes to the rescue. This is a hidden part of the system, designed for testing equipment, but accessible to ordinary users through special codes. Beware: changing unknown parameters here can lead to unstable operation of the communication module. To log in, open the Phone application and type in the code # # # #4636#.
If the code is entered correctly, the Testing menu will open. Select Phone Information. Here you will see a lot of options. Find Set Preferred Network Type. In the drop-down list, select an option that does not have the letter "L" (meaning LTE) or the word "LTE." For example, WCDMA Preferred or GSM/UMTS. This will force the phone to 3G/2G mode.
⚠️ Warning: Do not change the settings in the "Radio Power" section or other system flags without understanding their purpose.This can cause the phone to stop seeing the network at all, and you have to carry the device to the service for flashing.
Once you select the right mode, the network should restart. If the 4G icon is gone and changed to 3G or H+, then the method worked. However, this method has a disadvantage: after rebooting the device, the settings can reset. To avoid this, some users use third-party applications to fix the network type, but on modern versions of Android they work unstable.
☑️ Check before entering the engineering menu
Activate the hidden menu through the Activity Launcher app
In the new versions MIUI Direct access to the engineering menu through code is often blocked by developers, in which case the effective solution is to use the system launcher of activities. You will need an Activity Launcher application, which can be found on Google Play or downloaded as a download. APK-It allows you to run hidden activities of the system, including those that are responsible for setting the modem.
Install an application and run a search. Type the word "VoLTE" or "IMS" into the search bar. The system will find hidden activities associated with these services. Usually the desired item is called IMS Service or contains in the name VonrSettingActivity. Going this way, you will be taken to a hidden menu where you can find a VoLTE switch or Enhanced 4G LTE Mode and deactivate it.
This is a good way to get to settings that are usually hidden from the user. However, the interface here may be in English and look unusual. If after changing the settings, the phone starts to behave strangely (network disappears, no SMS comes), just restart the device — in most cases, the settings revert to the previous state.
What if Activity Launcher doesn’t find the right activity?
Comparison of disconnection methods and their effect on the system
The choice of method depends on your technical background and the specific model of the smartphone. To make it easier for you to navigate, we have prepared a comparative table that will show the effectiveness and risks of each method. POCO X doesn't exist.
| Method | Difficulty | Risk of discharge | Impact on the guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard settings | Low. | No. | Absent. |
| Engineering code (#4636##) | Medium | High (after reboot) | Absent. |
| Activity Launcher | Tall. | Medium. | Absent. |
| Third-party applications (4G Switcher) | Medium | Depends on the software. | Absent. |
Using third-party switching apps like the 4G LTE Switcher requires root rights or special permissions through ADB. This is a more complicated way, but it allows you to create desktop widgets to quickly switch network modes with a single touch.
The most stable, though not always working, is the standard method: if it is not available, then the engineering menu through code is the second most reliable option, and using an activity launcher is a crutch that can stop working after another security update to Google Play Services.
Solving problems with HD icon and communication quality
Often, users want to remove the HD icon not because of the technology itself, but because of visual noise. In some design themes, this icon blocks signal strength or battery power. If you can't turn off VoLTE completely, try changing the theme through the Themes app. Some custom themes hide this indicator, leaving the functionality running.
Another common problem is the hung HD icon, which doesn't disappear even after the feature is turned off in the settings. It's a software glitch. To fix it, try turning on the flight mode for 10-15 seconds and then turning it off. If that doesn't work, clear the Phone app cache and MIUI System Interface through the application management menu.
⚠️ If after all the manipulations the phone stopped catching the network or shows "Emergency Calls Only", go back to the engineering menu and select the mode. NR/LTE/TD-SCDMA/CDMA/EvDo/GSM/WCDMA (automatic selection to restore normal operation of the modem.
Quality of communication in mode 3G It can be a little bit more deaf, and you can make a connection. 1-2 This is normal behavior for second- and third-generation networks. 3G coverage is poor, then disabling VoLTE can lead to frequent breaks in calls, and in this case it is better to look for the reason in the operator's settings or change the phone. SIM-newer.
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Not all firmware may completely shut down VoLTE. If standard methods don't work, your carrier probably has tightly integrated this service into your profile. SIM-map.