VoLTE on Xiaomi: what is it and why you need in the Mi, Redmi and POCO smartphones

Have you ever noticed that when you're on the phone, the Internet suddenly slows down or disappears? Or that the voice of the person sounds like they're talking from a barrel? With VoLTE (Voice over LTE), these problems are a thing of the past. But what is this feature, why is it so important for modern Xiaomi smartphones, and how to set it up correctly? Let's get this straight.

VoLTE is not just 4G voice, it is a revolution in mobile communications. Unlike traditional calls that run through legacy 2G/3G networks, VoLTE is delivering voice data over a high-speed 4G LTE channel. This means you can talk and use mobile Internet at full speed at the same time. For owners of Xiaomi Mi 11, Redmi Note 12 or POCO F5, this is especially true: new models support technology out of the box, but often require manual tuning.

In this article, we will not only explain how VoLTE works, but also show you step-by-step instructions for turning on different firmwares (MIUI Global, MIUI China, HyperOS, we'll sort out common bugs (e.g., "VoLTE is inactive" or "No service") and give you tips on how to optimize your communications. 3G-Calls are “good enough” and change your mind after reading them.

What is VoLTE and why is it better than regular calls?

VoLTE is a fourth-generation (4G LTE) voice call technology, unlike traditional calls that use 2G or 3G networks, VoLTE is packet-based, just like your mobile Internet, and has several key benefits:

• 📞 Instant connection: call setup time is reduced from 5-7 seconds to 1-2 seconds (as in instant messenger calls).
• 🎤 Pure Sound: Technology HD Voice (broadband audio codec) doubles the frequency range of voice (up to 7 kHz instead of 3.4 kHz in the voice). 3G), naturalize.
• 📶 Internet while talking: you can simultaneously talk and download files, watch videos or play online without losing speed.
• 🔋 Battery savings: The smartphone does not switch between networks (for example, with a mobile phone). 4G on 3G for calling), which reduces energy consumption.

But why are so many Xiaomi users still not using VoLTE? The fact is that the technology requires support from three sides:

1. Communications operator: not all providers provide VoLTE (in Russia it is MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2, but with reservations).
2. Smartphone: The device must support the technology at the hardware level (chipset) and software level (firmware).
3. SIM-maps: needed USIM-map (not to be confused with the usual one) SIM), network-based 4G.

⚠️ Note: Just because your Xiaomi doesn't support VoLTE doesn't mean it's "outdated" - like Redmi 9A (2020) not officially certified for VoLTE in some regions, although the hardware is capable of working with the technology.

How to check if your Xiaomi VoLTE supports

Before you set up VoLTE, make sure your device is compatible with the technology.

1. Smartphone model check: Go to Settings → About Phone → Device model. Check the model name with the official Xiaomi list. For example, all the flagships of the Mi and POCO F series (starting in 2019) support VoLTE, while the budget Redmi A does not.
2. Operator check: Send USSD-request: MTS: *111*555# Beeline: *110*180# MegaFon: *558# Television2: *155*1#

The answer will be information about VoLTE support for your fare.

Verification SIM-map

If your SIM is over 5 years old, it is likely a regular card, not a USIM. Replace it in the carrier cabin (free).

If your model is on the list, but VoLTE doesn't work, the problem may be in the settings or firmware.

Step-by-step: how to enable VoLTE on Xiaomi

Activation of VoLTE on Xiaomi smartphones takes no more than a minute, but the path to settings may vary depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS.

Method 1: Standard Enablement (MIUI 12–14 / HyperOS)

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
3. Tap by Network Type (or Preferred Network Type).
4. Choose 4G (preferably)/LTE or 4G/3G/2G (auto).
5. Go back and turn on the VoLTE switch (or Improved Calls).

Method 2: For older versions of MIUI (up to 12)

If the VoLTE item is not on the menu SIM-smack-drive:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Mobile Network.
2. Activate Volte (VoLTE) or Enhanced 4G.
3. Reboot the phone.

On most Xiaomi smartphones, you can turn on both technologies at the same time, for example, on the POCO F4:

1. Activate VoLTE in Settings → SIM-map.
2. Enable VoWiFi in Settings → Wi-Fi → Additional → Wi-Fi calls.

The phone will automatically switch between networks depending on the signal.

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If you have a weak 4G signal but stable Wi-Fi, prioritize VoWiFi. To do this, select Wi-Fi Calling Preference → Wi-Fi Preferred from the engineering menu (#4636##).

VoLTE on custom firmware: risks and opportunities

If your Xiaomi doesn’t officially support VoLTE (like Redmi 9A), but the hardware is capable of doing so, you can try activating the feature via custom firmware.

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty: Unlocking the bootloader and installing unofficial software voids the warranty.
• 🔧 Unstable operation: Possible bugs with connection, battery discharge or overheating.
• 📵 Lockdown IMEI: If a firmware error occurs, the phone may lose communication with the network.

If you are ready for experiments, here is a step-by-step plan:

1. Unlock the bootloader: Register on the Xiaomi website, get permission and unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install firmware with VoLTE support: Recommended options: Pixel Experience (pure Android with VoLTE), LineageOS (stable but requires manual configuration), MIUI EU (unofficial version of MIUI with advanced features).

Set up an IMS.

In some firmware, you need to manually edit config.xml files to /system/etc/ to activate VoLTE.

An example of successful activation of VoLTE on the Redmi Note 8 Pro:

1. Install TWRP recovery.


2.Pick up the Pixel Experience 12.




3. In the SIM- card settings, activate the "Enhanced 4G LTE Mode."




4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Forums often advise you to edit build.prop files to force VoLTE to turn on.This can lead to network loss or blocking. SIM-Make a backup before you change!

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Custom firmware is the last chance for Xiaomi’s legacy models, but if you’re not sure about your skills, you’d better buy a new smartphone with official VoLTE support.

The future of VoLTE: what awaits the technology in 2026-2026

VoLTE has already become the de facto standard for today’s smartphones, but the industry is moving forward.

• 🌍 Global abandonment 2G/3G: K 2026 Many operators (including Russian ones) plan to shut down outdated networks, leaving only the most expensive ones. 4G/5G. This means that phones without VoLTE will stop ringing.
• 📡 The development of VoNR: Calls on 5G They will become mass-produced, offering sound quality comparable to studio recording (up to 24 kHz).
• 🤖 AI in voice: Xiaomi is already testing AI-based noise reduction features (e.g. Xiaomi 14) that will be integrated into VoLTE.
• 🔒 Enhancing security: New protocols (e.g, MIKEY-SAKKE) Protect VoLTE calls from listening.

For Xiaomi owners, this means:

• If your smartphone is older than 2019 and doesn’t support VoLTE, it’s time to consider replacing it.
• When buying a new phone, check for VoNR support (for future compatibility with the phone). 5G-ring-off).
• Keep an eye out for HyperOS updates – they will add new features for VoLTE/VoWiFi.

Already, some carriers (such as MTS) are offering unlimited VoLTE calls, which will become the norm in the coming years, and traditional voice calls will become a thing of the past, as SMS once gave way to instant messengers.

FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi