When a Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone status bar says “Connected except for calls” it can be taken by surprise at the most inopportune moment.This status means that your phone has successfully connected to a high-speed 4G (LTE) network for data, but voice calls in this standard are not supported or blocked by the operator, as a result, while you are using the Internet, the incoming call may either fail at all, or automatically reset the LTE connection and switch the device to 2G/3G mode, which will lead to a loss of speed.
The reason is VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology, which allows voice to be transmitted as a data stream through a fourth-generation network. If this feature is not activated on the operator side, is not supported by a tariff plan or is not properly configured in the MIUI system, the smartphone is forced to work in hybrid mode. The user sees the 4G icon, but the phone actually “does not know” how to handle voice calls on this network, alerting the owner to potential communication problems.
This is not an issue to ignore, as it affects not only the quality of communication, but also the autonomy of the device. Constant jumps between communication standards (LTE and 3G) on incoming calls consume battery power faster than usual. In addition, in areas of unstable reception of the 3G signal, you can miss an important call altogether, since the phone will “clung” to a weak 4G, without being able to make a call. Let’s figure out Step-by-step how to return a full connection.
Analysis of the reasons for the appearance of the status “except calls”
The first thing to understand is that this label is not a firmware system error in the classical sense, but rather an informational message about the current negotiation state between your Redmi and the operator's base station. SIM-The old-style card does not support work with modern voice encryption protocols, or VoLTE service is not connected to the subscriber’s profile on the operator’s side.
Regional circumstances are also worth considering: In some countries, such as some regions of Russia or the CIS, operators can forcibly turn off VoLTE for certain tariffs or phone models if they are not certified, in which case, even if the phone’s menu is enabled, the network will command only to work with data, leaving a voice to the old standards.
- 📱 Lack of VoLTE support: Operator does not provide voice over the service 4G for your rate.
- 📶 Outdated. SIM-Card plastic cannot physically ensure stable operation of modern security protocols.
- ⚙️ Failure of network settings: In the Android system, the parameters of the access point were lost (APN) networking.
⚠️ Note: If you have changed your region of stay (for example, are roaming), the inscription “except for calls” may appear due to the lack of agreements between operators on the transmission of voice traffic on networks. LTE. In this case, it is impossible to correct the situation programmatically.
It is important to distinguish between software failure and hardware incompatibility. If you have just updated your MIUI or HyperOS firmware, it is possible that the new modem drivers conflict with the current operator settings. In rare cases, the problem may be physical damage to the antenna module, but then, as a rule, other symptoms are observed, such as complete disappearance of the network or constant search of the network.
Verification and activation of VoLTE function
The very first step in diagnosis should be to check the availability and status of VoLTE in smartphone settings, which is responsible for ensuring that your voice is transmitted over a 4G network, eliminating the need to switch to 3G during a conversation. On modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, this switch is often hidden or moved depending on the version of the shell.
To activate, go to the settings menu, select the section «SIM-maps and mobile networks. You need to find the point responsible for the use of 4G. In some versions of the firmware next to the inclusion slider 4G There's a separate "Use VoLTE" switchboard, and if it's not on the visible menu, it might be hidden in the engineering menu, or it might be activated automatically when you set it up correctly. SIM-map.
If a switch is found but is inactive (gray) or immediately switched off after switching on, it is a direct signal of an operator-side problem or incompatibility. SIM-In this case, software dancing with a drum may not help, and you will need to contact the communication salon to replace the card plastic or connect the service through your personal account.
☑️ Verification of VoLTE settings
It’s worth noting that on Global ROMs, VoLTE support can be limited to a list of carriers. If you’re using a smartphone brought from China (CN Version) with global firmware installed, the feature may not work properly, and in such cases enthusiasts often resort to changing the region in settings or installing special patches, but this requires caution.
Configure APN access points for voice communication
Often the problem lies deeper in the APN (Access Point Name) settings, which are the settings that a phone has to choose how to connect to an operator's gateway for various services. If the 4G access point profile doesn't have the correct protocols for voice calls, the phone will use the network only for the Internet.
To check and fix the settings, go to the Settings path. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choose. SIM-map → Access points (APN). Here you will see a list of available profiles. Click on the active profile (usually marked with a green dot) and carefully study the fields. APN» (APN Type).
The APN field must have default,supl,mms. However, for VoLTE to work properly, you often need to add ims. Try changing the string to default,supl,mms,ims or just ims (depending on the operator's requirements).
| Parameter | Value for correction | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Name | 4G operator (any) | Profile name, you can change it. |
| APN | Internet (or according to the operator) | The main address of the access point |
| APN Type | default,supl,mms,ims | Critical parameter for VoLTE |
| APN Protocol | IPv4/IPv6 | Recommended protocol |
If manual field editing is not available or values are reset, try creating a new access point from scratch by copying the current settings from your operator's official website. Remember to select it after creating a new profile and restart your smartphone to apply the changes.
What to do if the APN settings are not saved?
Resetting network settings and re-registration SIM-map
When simple methods don't work, a more radical approach is needed -- a complete reset of network settings -- which won't delete your personal photos, contacts or apps, but will return all Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile network connectivity settings to factory values, often eliminating hidden configuration conflicts.
You can reset via the Settings menu → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Once confirmed, the phone will reboot. You will have to re-enter passwords from Wi-Fi networks, but this is a necessary step to clean the cache of network drivers.
In parallel with the program reset, it is recommended to conduct a physical re-registration. SIM-Turn off the phone, remove the tray. SIM-Wipe the contacts of the card with a soft dry cloth (voilless). Put the card back in, make sure it sits tight. If you have a dual-symbol phone, try changing it. SIM-slot 1 priority on speed and quality of communication is often higher.
- 🔄 Resetting: Clears configuration errors of communication protocols.
- 🧹 Cleaning contacts: Removes oxidation or poor contact problems SIM-map.
- 🔁 Slot change: Helps identify fault of a particular connector in the phone.
⚠️ Note: Before resetting your network settings, make sure you remember passwords from important Wi-Fi networks and a pair of Bluetooth devices (headphones, watches) as they will have to be re-entered).
After turning on the phone, wait 3-5 minutes until the device is fully registered on the network. If the words “except for calls” disappeared and the VoLTE (or HD) icon appeared in the status bar, then the problem was a software configuration failure.
Updating the firmware and working with the engineering menu
Sometimes the problem is system-based and only solved by updating the modem base station, which happens with a MIUI or HyperOS firmware update. Check for updates in Settings → About Phone. Even if you have the latest version, try switching to another branch (for example, from Stable to Beta) if you are an experienced user, but this is a risky move.
For advanced users, there is an engineering menu where you can force VoLTE to turn on even if the operator hides it. Enter the code # #86583##. To log in, the message should appear "VoLTE Carrier check was DISABLED" (or ENABLED) This code does not work on all models and versions of Android, but it is active on many Redmi devices.
Another code to check the status is ##4636##. From the menu that opens, select Phone Information. Find the option "Enable VoLTE provisioned flag" (or similar) and activate it. If an HD or VoLTE icon appears in the status bar, the problem is solved.
Codes for network diagnostics Xiaomi/Redmi:
#86583## - Forced on/off of VoLTE operator check
#4636## - Testing menu (phone information, statistics)
*#06# - IMEI check (make sure the number reads correctly)Be careful when changing the settings in the engineering menu, and if you don't set the radio settings correctly, you can cause the phone to stop seeing the network at all, and only a full Hard Reset or flashing the device will help.
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Before entering the engineering menu, take a picture of the screen with the current settings, which will allow you to return to the original state if something goes wrong.
When to replace SIM-map
If none of the software methods helped, with a high degree of probability the problem lies in the physical media — SIM-Maps issued by more than 5-7 Many years ago, they often lack the memory and architecture needed to support modern voice encryption protocols on networks. 4G. In this case, the inscription “except calls” will hang constantly.
Replacement SIM-Cards are a fast and free (most of the time) procedure in the operator's salons, you will be given a new plastic with your number saved, and once you install a new card, the phone will automatically receive the current network settings, and the problem should disappear. This solution helps in 90% of cases when software methods are powerless.
It is also worth considering changing operators if your current provider in your area does not provide quality VoLTE coverage. USSD-request, even if the telephone and SIM-The card is supported by technology. Check the tariff plan - at archival rates, this service may not be available.
- 🆕 Replacement SIM: The most effective way to solve compatibility problems.
- 📞 Service connection: VoLTE activation through the operator’s personal account.
- 📡 Change of operator: If there is no stable coverage in your coverage area 4G voiced.
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Replacement of the old SIM-The card for the new in the operator’s cabin solves the problem of “connected except calls” in the vast majority of cases, as new cards have updated security certificates.
Finally, the problem with “connected except calls” status on Xiaomi and Redmi is home-solvable. APN and activate VoLTE, then reset the network. If that doesn't work, visit the communications salon to replace it. SIM-Don't leave your phone in data-only mode if you want quality voice.