Have you ever noticed that while you're on the phone, the Internet suddenly disappears and then comes back to you after the call is over? Or that the voice of the other person is interrupted, like the signal is going through the tunnel? Chances are, your Xiaomi Redmi doesn't use VoLTE technology, the communication standard that solves these problems once and for all. But what is it in practice, and why are operators actively switching to it, abandoning outdated 2G/3G networks?
In this article, we will take VoLTE (Voice over LTE) from Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, from basic principles to step-by-step customization on specific models, learn what the technology offers, how to test its support for your device, and what to do if VoLTE does not work at all, and also reveal a little-known trick with forced VoLTE on some MIUI firmware, which is not described in the official documentation.
What is VoLTE and why is it important for Xiaomi Redmi?
VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a 4G voice technology, unlike traditional calls that use 2G or 3G. The main difference is that with VoLTE, your smartphone does not switch between networks during a conversation, but stays in 4G mode, ensuring:
- 📞 Instant connection – the call starts in 1-2 seconds (vs. 5-10 seconds in 2G/3G).
- 🎙️ Pure Sound – Voice’s HD technology doubles the voice frequency range (up to 7 kHz vs. 3.4 kHz in 3G).
- 📶 Without Internet disruption, you can talk and use the mobile Internet at the same time (e.g., Google information while you are talking).
- 🔋 Battery savings – no need to constantly switch between networks.
For owners of Xiaomi Redmi VoLTE is especially relevant for three reasons:
- 2G/3G abandonment: Many operators (such as MegaFon and Beeline) have already started to shut down legacy networks, and without VoLTE, calls may simply stop working.
- Budget models: Some Redmis (like Redmi 9A or Redmi 10C) don’t support 3G, so VoLTE is the only way to call on 4G networks.
- MIUI- Chips: Xiaomi firmware allows you to flexibly configure VoLTE, including forced to turn it on through the engineering menu.
⚠️ Warning: If your Redmi does not support VoLTE, once the operator has disabled 2G/3G you will not be able to call even if the 4G- Internet is working. Check support in advance!
How to find out if your Xiaomi Redmi VoLTE supports
Not all Xiaomi Redmi models support VoLTE, especially older or budget models.
Method 1: Official list of supported models
Xiaomi publishes lists of devices with VoLTE support for different regions, the following series are relevant for Russia and the CIS (2020-2026):
| Series | Support for VoLTE | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 11/12/13 | ✅ Yes. | All modifications (Pro, Pro+, 5G) |
| Redmi 10/11/12 | ✅ Yes. | Redmi 10A and 10C (only 4G without VoLTE) |
| Redmi 9 | ⚠️ Partially. | Redmi 9T/9 Power - Yes, Redmi 9A/9C - No |
| Redmi 8 and older | ❌ No. | Redmi Note 8 Pro (Special Regions Only) |
To clarify support for your model, check the specifications on Xiaomi’s official website (Network & Connectivity → VolTE).
Method 2: Checking through smartphone settings
If your Redmi supports VoLTE, the appropriate switch will appear in the settings menu:
- Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Choose yours. SIM-map.
- Find VoLTE Calls or Improved Calls (VoLTE).
If there is no such item, your device does not support the technology at the software level (even if the hardware is capable).
How to enable VoLTE on Xiaomi Redmi: step-by-step instructions
If your smartphone supports VoLTE, you can turn it on in 30 seconds.
- Activate 4G: Go to Settings → SIM- Cards and Mobile Networks → Preferred Network Type and select 4G (preferably).
- Enable VoLTE: For MIUI 12/13/14: Settings → SIM- Cards and Mobile Networks → [Your SIM] → VoLTE Call. For older versions: Settings → Additional → Mobile Network → VoLTE.
Reboot the phone.
After turning on the status bar next to the network indicator, an HD or VoLTE icon will appear (depending on the firmware).
Make sure that the SIM- card supports VoLTE (check with the operator)
Update MIUI firmware to the latest version
Activate 4G in network settings
Reboot the phone after turning on VoLTE-->
⚠️ Warning: If VoLTE calls fail after you turn on, check: ✅ Does your carrier support VoLTE (list below). ✅ Is a SIM- card inserted into slot 1 (on some VoLTE models only works with the main slot). ✅ Is the 2G mode only activated in network settings.
VoLTE on Xiaomi Redmi: Problems and Solutions
Even if VoLTE is supported, Redmi users often encounter bugs, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| VoLTE is not turned on (grey switch) | Outdated firmware or regional restrictions | Update MIUI or install EU- firmware |
| Calls stop in 10 to 30 seconds. | Conflict with Wi-Fi Calling | Turn off Wi-Fi Calling in the settings SIM-map |
| No VoLTE badge, but calls work | The operator uses VoLTE without indication | Check the code ##4636## (Phone Information section) |
| VoLTE only works with one SIM- card. | Limitation of the hardware platform | Use VoLTE only on the main SIM (slot 1) |
If standard methods don’t help, try forced VoLTE activation via the engineering menu:
- Enter the code ##4636## (the test menu will open).
- Go to the tab Information about the phone.
- Scroll down to Set preferred network type.
- Select LTE only or LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM auto (depending on the model).
- Return to the SIM- card settings and turn on VoLTE.
What if the Internet disappeared after the VoLTE was turned on?
Support for VoLTE by telecom operators in Russia and CIS
VoLTE is useless if your carrier does not support it, and the table below shows the current data by major providers (2026):
| Operator. | Support for VoLTE | Requirements | How to connect |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | ✅ Yes. | SIM- Card with support for USIM, tariff with 4G | Automatically or via *111*465# |
| Beeline | ✅ Yes. | Tariffs "All", "No Limit", "Zero Limits" | In your personal account or *110*180# |
| MegaFon | ✅ Yes. | Any fare with 4G, USIM- card | Automatically on the first call to the 4G- network |
| Tele2. | ✅ Yes (since 2023) | Tariffs "My Television 2", "My Conversation" | Through *611 → “Services” → “VoLTE” |
| Yota | ❌ No. | — | — |
To clarify VoLTE support for your tariff, send USSD- request:
- MTS: *111*465#
- Beeline: *110*180#
- MegaFon: *105*465#
- Tele2: *611 → “Services” → “VoLTE”
💡
If your carrier does not support VoLTE, but you often call, consider changing the tariff or provider. For example, MegaFon and Beeline offer free VoLTE transition for all subscribers with 4G- rates.
VoLTE vs Wi-Fi Calling on Xiaomi Redmi: Which is Better?
Along with VoLTE, Xiaomi Redmi has another technology to improve connectivity, Wi-Fi Calling. What's the difference?
| Parameter | VoLTE | Wi-Fi Calling |
|---|---|---|
| Network requirements | 4G- Coverage of the operator | Any Wi-Fi (even without SIM internet) |
| Quality of communication | Stable, but dependent on the load of the base station | It can be interrupted by weak Wi-Fi. |
| Battery consumption | Low (optimized for LTE) | High (constant search for Wi-Fi) |
| Support for operators | MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2 | Only MTS and Beeline (limited) |
On Xiaomi Redmi, both technologies can be used simultaneously, but they can conflict. For example, if both modes are enabled, the phone can try to connect via Wi-Fi even with a good 4G- signal, which leads to delays.
When to choose VoLTE:
- 📶 You are often in the coverage area 4G.
- 🔋 You need to save your battery.
- 📞 You call in roaming (Wi-Fi Calling may not work abroad).
When to choose Wi-Fi Calling:
- 🏠 You have a weak mobile signal at home/work, but you have stable Wi-Fi.
- 🌍 You are traveling and want to avoid roaming rates.
💡
On most Redmi models, VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling cannot be used simultaneously for the same SIM- card. If both modes are enabled, Wi-Fi Calling will take priority, which can worsen communication quality in weak Wi-Fi.
The future of VoLTE: what awaits owners Xiaomi Redmi
VoLTE technology is rapidly evolving and will become a mandatory standard for all smartphones in the coming years.
- 🚀 5G and VoNR: New models (e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G) already support VoNR (Voice over New Radio), the equivalent of VoLTE for networks 5G, which will provide even higher audio quality and connection speeds.
- ⚠️ Withdrawal 2G/3GK. 2026 Most operators in Russia and the CIS plan to completely shut down outdated networks, without VoLTE, calls to old Redmi will become impossible.
- 🔄 Updates MIUI: Xiaomi is actively refining support for VoLTE in firmware. For example, in MIUI 14, there is a Smart VoLTE feature that automatically switches between 4G and Wi-Fi for optimal quality.
If you’re planning to buy a new Xiaomi Redmi, look for VoNR-enabled models (like the Redmi K60 or Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G) that will be relevant longer, even as carriers start to move to 5G en masse.
For owners of older devices (for example, Redmi Note 8 or Redmi 7) we recommend:
- Check for MIUI updates – sometimes VoLTE support is added to newer firmware versions.
- Consider buying a new SIM- card (USIM) – some operators block VoLTE on older cards.
- Use instant messengers (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) for calls if VoLTE is not available.