Have you ever noticed that while 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? Chances are, your Xiaomi just doesn't use VoLTE technology, the communication standard that solves these problems once and for all. But what is it really about and why should it be turned on manually even on new models like the Redmi Note 13 Pro?+ or POCO F6?
In this article, we will not only explain how VoLTE works (and how it differs from regular calls), but also show you step-by-step instructions for activation on any Xiaomi smartphone, from the budget Redmi to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. And also analyze common mistakes (for example, why the option can disappear from the menu) and give tips on how to check whether the technology really worked. If you read this place, you are ready to forget about βraggedβ calls and slow mobile Internet during a conversation.
What is VoLTE and why is it needed in Xiaomi?
VoLTE (Voice over LTE) β This is a voice transmission technology over the network. 4G LTE, Not through outdated standards. 2G/3G, The big difference is that your voice is converted into digital data packets and transmitted through the same channels as the Internet:
- π Clear sound: Voice is transmitted in format HD Voice (broadband audio codec), which removes noise and makes the sound natural - as if the interlocutor is next to you.
- π Instant connection: The call is connected for 1β2 seconds against 5β10 second-in-second 2G/3G).
- π Internet while talking: You can talk on the phone and use the mobile Internet at the same time (for example, Google information or write in instant messengers).
But why isn't VoLTE on by default? The thing is, three things must be met to make it work.
- Your Xiaomi supports the technology (virtually all models after 2018 are).
- Your mobile operator provides a service (in Russia it is MTS, Beeline, MegaFon and Tele2, but with nuances).
- In the settings of the smartphone activated the option VoLTE (often it is hidden or disabled after updates).
Important: If you use a Xiaomi smartphone with two SIM-With cards, VoLTE will only work on the SIM that is installed in slot 1 (main). MIUI, And you can only bypass it by changing the cards.
How to check if your Xiaomi VoLTE supports
Before you turn on VoLTE, make sure your smartphone supports it. Here are two reliable ways to do this:
Method 1: Checking the model on the official website
1. Go to Xiaomi's support site.
2. Enter your model name (e.g., Redmi Note 12 Pro) in the search bar.
3. In the "Specifications" section, look for Network and Communication. If VoLTE is listed, your phone is compatible.
Method 2: Checking through the Engineering Menu
This method works for all Xiaomis, but requires caution:
- Open the phone app and dial the combination: ##4636##
- In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
- Scroll down to the VoLTE provisioned block. If it's Yes, there's support.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
If both methods showed that VoLTE is supported, but the option is not in the settings, the problem may be in the firmware or operator, and we will discuss this in the section "What to do if VoLTE is not turned on."
Step-by-step: how to enable VoLTE on Xiaomi
The activation algorithm of VoLTE depends on the version MIUI. We will look at the three most common options.
Option 1: MIUI 12β14 (new versions)
1. Open Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose your own. SIM-card (if two of them).
Push on the item Network type.
4. Turn on the VoLTE switch (it may be called Calls) 4G or improved calls).
5. Reboot the phone.
Option 2: MIUI 11 and older (outdated versions)
1. Go to Settings. β Additionally. β Mobile network.
2. Select SIM-map.
3. Activate the option of VoLTE calls (may be in the submenu of Network Type).
Option 3: If VoLTE is not on the menu
Sometimes the VoLTE item is hidden to unlock it:
- Install Activity Launcher from Google Play.
- Open it and find it in the list of com.android.phone β Phone.
- Select VoLTE Settings and activate the option.
βοΈ Preparation for the inclusion of VoLTE
β οΈ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) the icon may disappear after the VoLTE is activated 4G It's normal -- the technology keeps working, it's just that the indicator is hidden.
How to Check if VoLTE Really Works
Turn on VoLTE, half the battle, make sure it's actually active, and here are three ways to test it.
Method 1: Badge in the status bar
When you call, look at the top of the screen.
- πΆ HD VoLTE next to the network indicator β the technology works.
- πΆ Only 4G without additional labels β VoLTE is inactive.
- πΆ Badge 3G or+ β The call is going to an outdated standard.
Method 2: Test call
Call another phone (preferably with VoLTE support) and pay attention to:
- π Sound quality: if the voice sounds clear, without interference, everything is fine.
- πΆ Internet speed: open YouTube or Speedtest while you're talking. If the video is loading without lags, VoLTE is active.
Method 3: Checking through USSD-team
Some operators provide specific commands to verify VoLTE:
| Operator. | USSD-team | What does the answer mean? |
|---|---|---|
| MTS | *111*585# | If it comes SMS Information about VoLTE β the service is active. |
| Beeline | *110*180# | The answer βService is connectedβ confirms the work. |
| MegaFon | *105*500# | A list of active options including VoLTE comes in. |
| Tele2. | *155*1# | You need to select the item "Service Information". |
π‘
If after turning on VoLTE calls began to be interrupted or the network disappears, try to disable the option of Wi-Fi Calling in the settings. SIM-These two technologies sometimes conflict on firmware. MIUI.
What to do if VoLTE is not turned on or working
If you followed the instructions but VoLTE never worked, here is a list of possible causes and solutions:
Problem 1: VoLTE option is not available in the settings
Possible causes:
- π± Outdated firmware: Update MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings β The phone. β Updating the system.
- π οΈ Castom firmware: If you're using an informal build (like LineageOS), VoLTE may not work. MIUI.
- πΆ Operator does not support: check with your provider whether the service is available for your tariff.
Problem 2: VoLTE is turned on, but calls go through 3G
Decisions:
- π Restart your phone and check again.
- π Reset network settings: Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Network reset.
- π§ Manually select the network: in the settings SIM-The cards set the mode Only LTE (It will make the phone use 4G call-in).
Problem 3: After turning on VoLTE, mobile Internet disappears
This is a common mistake on some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi). 9A or POCO M3). Decisions:
- π Turn off VoLTE and restart your phone.
- πΆ Check it out. APN-settings: they may have gone wrong. Ask the operator for the current settings.
- π οΈ Reset your network settings (see above).
β οΈ Note: On Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek processors (for example, Redmi Note 11 or MediaTek) POCO M5) After updating the firmware sometimes get lost IMEI. This can cause network loss. Before any manipulation of the communication settings, save IMEI (You can find them in the settings. β The phone. β General information).
VoLTE vs Wi-Fi Calling: Whatβs the difference and whatβs better
Many people confuse VoLTE with another technology, Wi-Fi Calling, both improve the quality of communication, they work in different ways:
| Parameter | VoLTE | Wi-Fi Calling |
|---|---|---|
| Type of network | Mobile network 4G LTE | Any Wi-Fi network (even without it) SIM-map) |
| Sound quality | HD-sound, but depends on the cover 4G | HD-The sound depends on the speed of Wi-Fi. |
| Zone of operation | Only where there is. 4G operator | Any place with Wi-Fi (at home, in a cafe, abroad) |
| Traffic consumption | No Internet packet (using a voice channel) | It can consume traffic (depending on the tariff) |
| Support for operators | Most of the Russian operators | Only MTS, Beeline, MegaFon (on separate tariffs) |
So what's better? VoLTE is for people who call frequently on the road or in places with good quality. 4G-Wi-Fi Calling will save you in a poor mobile network (for example, in the basement or outside the city), but requires stable Wi-Fi.
The ideal solution is to include both technologies. Xiaomi does it this way:
- Activate VoLTE (as described above).
- Enable Wi-Fi Calling in Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Wi-Fi Calling.
- In Call Settings (Settings) β Annexes β Phone. β Make Wi-Fi calls: Wi-Fi is preferred.
π‘
If you have Xiaomi with two SIM-Wi-Fi Calling will only work on the main SIM (slot 1), even if VoLTE is activated on both cards.
VoLTE on Xiaomi abroad: does roaming work?
If you are planning a trip abroad, it is important to know that VoLTE roaming does not always work.
- π Europe/Asia: Most operators support VoLTE roaming, but may charge an additional fee.
- πΊπΈ USA/Canada: Many local operators (e.g. T-Mobile or T-Mobile) AT&T) block VoLTE for foreign SIM-Calls will go through the maps. 3G.
- π΅ Countries with bad 4G: In some regions (e.g. parts of Africa or South America) LTE-Networks are weak and VoLTE can be automatically shut down.
To avoid problems:
- Before traveling, check the list of countries where your operator supports VoLTE roaming (information is available on the official website).
- Activate Wi-Fi Calling as a backup option.
- Buy a local. SIM-VoLTE card (for example, in Europe, almost all operators are connected to the card).
β οΈ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi 11 Lite) may not have VoLTE option in their settings in roaming. This is not a mistake - it just automatically switches to compatible standards.