VoLTE on Xiaomi: what is the sign in the status bar and how to use it

Have you noticed a new VoLTE icon on your Xiaomi in the top notification bar and don’t know what it means? 4G, And instead, this mysterious shorthand came in? Don't worry, it's not a system bug, it's a sign that your smartphone supports modern voice technology.

In this article, we will discuss what is VoLTE (Voice over). LTE), Why is it important to Xiaomi owners, how to turn it on or off, and what to do if the icon suddenly disappears, POCO And Mi supports this feature, and how it affects call quality and battery consumption. If you've been wanting to understand the nuances of mobile communication for a long time, welcome!

What is VoLTE and why is it needed in Xiaomi?

VoLTE (from Voice over) LTE) β€” This is a voice transmission technology over the network. 4G, Not through outdated standards. 2G or 3G, In simple terms, your phone can now ring without going down to the slow networks of previous generations.

Why do you need it? First, the quality of the connection is getting noticeably better: the voice sounds clearer, without interference, and the connection is established almost instantly. Second, during a conversation, you can still use the mobile Internet at full speed, for example, search for information in a browser or check messages in messengers. In the past, when you call, the Internet either turned off or severely slowed down.

For Xiaomi owners, this is especially true because many of the brand’s models (especially the budget Redmi and the other two). POCO) Historically, VoLTE has been helping to solve these problems β€œat the iron level” using more modern data protocols.

  • πŸ“ž Fast connection: the call is connected to 1-2 seconds against 5-10 second-in-second 2G/3G).
  • πŸŽ™οΈ Pure Sound: Technology HD Voice reduces noise and improves legibility.
  • 🌐 Internet during a call: you can simultaneously talk and download files.
  • ⚑ Battery savings: The phone doesn’t switch between networks, which reduces the load on the communication module.

But there's a downside: not all carriers support VoLTE, and on some tariffs, it can be disabled by default, and in rare cases, users complain about fast battery drain or connectivity problems, but everything in order.

πŸ“Š Which communications operator do you use?
MTS
Beeline
MegaFon
Tele2.
Yota
Other

What does the VoLTE icon look like on Xiaomi and where to look for it?

The VoLTE indicator on Xiaomi smartphones can be displayed differently depending on the model and version of the shell. MIUI. Most of the time, it's:

  • πŸ“± The letters "VoLTE" are the most common variant (for example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro or on the Redmi Note 10 Pro). POCO X3 Pro).
  • πŸ“Ά Pipe badge with a sign "HD" β€” meets on older versions MIUI (12th).
  • πŸ”„ Icon "4G+" with a microphone – used by some operators (e.g. MegaFon).

Usually, the icon appears in the upper right corner of the screen, next to the signal level indicator. If you don't see it, it doesn't always mean that the feature is disabled - maybe your carrier does not support VoLTE in your region or your smartphone is not compatible with the technology.

Xiaomi modelTypical VoLTE iconSupport with MIUI 12+
Redmi Note 11/12VoLTE (white letters)Yes.
POCO F4/F5HD-phonographYes.
Xiaomi 13/14VoLTE (blue letters)Yes. + VoNR (5G)
Redmi 9A/9CAbsent or "HD"Partially (depends on operator)

If you want to know exactly if VoLTE is enabled on your device, go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [choose SIM] β†’ Turn on VoLTE. Some models may have different paths, like POCO Sometimes you need to go to the settings. β†’ Connections β†’ Mobile network.

πŸ’‘

On some Xiaomi firmware, the VoLTE icon only appears during an active call. To check for it, call another number or ask someone to call you.

How to turn on or off VoLTE on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

If the VoLTE icon is not displayed but you want to use it, first make sure that:

  1. Your operator supports the technology (list below).
  2. Yours. SIM-Cards not older than 5 years old (Old cards may not support VoLTE).
  3. The phone has an up-to-date version installed. MIUI (Updates often add support for new standards).

Now, let's get to the setup. The instructions are suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO on MIUI 12/13/14:

Check the operator's support|Update MIUI last-minute|Insert modern SIM-map (nano-SIM)|Reboot the phone-->

  1. Open Settings and go to the section SIM-Maps and mobile networks (or mobile networks on some models).
  2. Choose. SIM-The card you want to activate VoLTE for (if you have two SIMs).
  3. Find the Enable VoLTE or Voice Calls via 4G And move the slider to the right.
  4. Confirm the action if a pop-up window with a warning appears.
  5. Restart your phone – sometimes changes only apply after a reboot.

If the VoLTE item is not on the menu, it could mean:

  • 🚫 Your operator does not support the technology (check the list below).
  • πŸ“± The phone model is not compatible (relevant to the old Redmis). 4X/5A).
  • πŸ”„ You need to update the firmware (go to Settings). β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system).

To turn off VoLTE, follow the same steps, but move the slider to the left.This may be necessary if you notice connection problems or fast battery discharge after activation of the function.

What if the VoLTE is turned on but not working?
If the slider is active, but the icon does not appear and the calls go through 3G, Try: 1. Remove and re-insert SIM-Map. 2. Reset network settings to Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Reset mobile network settings. 3. Manually select the operator network in Settings β†’ Mobile network β†’ Network Operators (not "Automatically"). 4. Update the firmware via Fastboot if OTA-updates don't help.

Which operators in Russia support VoLTE on Xiaomi

Not all Russian carriers provide access to VoLTE, and even if your Xiaomi supports the technology, it may not be in your region.

Operator.Support for VoLTEFeaturesRegions of coverage
MTSYes.Free for all rates. Supports ViLTE.All of Russia, except for the remote villages
BeelineYes.Requires activation through USSD-team *110*180#.Large cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg, millionaires)
MegaFonYes.It is automatically connected at supported rates.80+ regions, including Crimea
Tele2.Partially.Only for corporate customers and some tariffs.Moscow, St. Petersburg, Krasnodar, Sochi
YotaNo.It uses the MegaFon network, but VoLTE is not available.β€”

To check whether VoLTE is available on your tariff, you can:

  1. Call in support of the operator (numbers: 0890 for MTS, 0611 for Beeline).
  2. Send. USSD-request (e.g. for Beeline β€” *110*180#).
  3. Try to manually enable the function in the phone settings (if the slider is active - there is support).

⚠️ Attention! some tariffs may charge operators extra to use VoLTE, although it is usually free.

If your carrier does not support VoLTE, but you want to improve the quality of communication, consider alternatives:

  • πŸ“Ά Wi-Fi Calling – Internet calls (available on Xiaomi with the help of the MIUI 12+).
  • πŸ”„ Manual network selection: try selecting Only in the settings 4G (non-automatic switching 3G/2G).

VoLTE and battery: is it true that the technology quickly planted charge

One of the most common myths about VoLTE is that it increases battery consumption a lot, and it really depends on the specific Xiaomi model and the terms of use.

Battery benefits:

  • ⚑ No switching between networks: the phone does not waste energy on the transition from the mains to the mains. 4G on 3G ring-bell.
  • πŸ”‹ Optimization in MIUI: New firmware versions better manage the communication module when using VoLTE.

Battery cons:

  • πŸ“‰ Constant activity 4G-Module: If the signal is weak, the phone can spend more energy on holding it.
  • πŸ”„ Background Processes: Some operators send service data over VoLTE, which slightly increases the load.

According to the results of tests Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and POCO F4, The difference in battery consumption when VoLTE is enabled is +2% +7% per day (with active use of calls), so if the phone used to run out in 10 hours, now it runs out in 9.5.

If you notice a strong discharge after activating VoLTE, try:

  1. Disable the function and watch the battery 1-2 day-day.
  2. Update MIUI Up to the latest version (bug fixes often improve energy efficiency).
  3. Reset network settings in Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Resetting mobile network settings.

⚠️ On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9T or POCO M3) low-signal 4G VoLTE can really increase battery consumption 10-15%. In this case, it is better to disable the function or use Wi-Fi Calling where there is access to Wi-Fi.

πŸ’‘

On most modern Xiaomi smartphones (released after 2020), VoLTE does not have a critical impact on autonomy. MIUI and signal strength.

VoLTE vs Wi-Fi Calling: What’s Best for Xiaomi

Many people confuse VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling, although these are two different technologies, so let's compare them to see which one is right for you.

CriteriaVoLTEWi-Fi Calling
Mobile network requiredYes (4G)No (only Wi-Fi needed)
Quality of communicationGood (depending on coverage) 4G)Excellent (if Wi-Fi is stable)
Battery consumptionModerate.Low-power (Wi-Fi is less energy-consuming than the average) 4G)
Support for operatorsMTS, Beeline, MegaFonMTS, MegaFon (Beeline - partially)
Roaming workYes (if the operator supports)Yes (calls go through local Wi-Fi)

When to choose VoLTE:

  • πŸ™οΈ You often call on the street or in transport where there is coverage 4G.
  • πŸ“Ά Your carrier does not support Wi-Fi Calling.
  • πŸ”‹ You don’t want to depend on Wi-Fi.

When to choose Wi-Fi Calling:

  • 🏠 You often call at home or in an office where there is stable Wi-Fi.
  • 🌍 You are traveling and want to avoid roaming charges.
  • πŸ“± You have a weak mobile signal, but good Wi-Fi.

On Xiaomi smartphones, you can use both technologies simultaneously. For example, at home you can rely on Wi-Fi Calling, and on the street - on VoLTE. To enable Wi-Fi Calling, go to:

Settings β†’ SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks β†’ [select SIM] β†’ Calls over Wi-Fi

Note: on some models (e.g. Redmi) 10C) Wi-Fi Calling can be unstable due to a weak Wi-Fi module, in which case it is better to prefer VoLTE.

Frequent VoLTE issues on Xiaomi and how to fix them

Even if your Xiaomi and your carrier support VoLTE, there may be problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1.The VoLTE badge is there, but calls are coming through 3G

This means that the function is activated, but not used.

  • πŸ”„ Manually select the operator network in the settings (not "Automatically").
  • πŸ“± Reboot the phone.
  • πŸ”§ Reset network settings (Settings) β†’ SIM-map β†’ Resetting mobile network settings).

2. VoLTE is turned on but the connection is interrupted

Possible causes:

  • πŸ“Ά Weak signal. 4G (check the level of coverage).
  • πŸ”‹ Outdated firmware (update) MIUI).
  • 🚫 Conflict with other settings (e.g. enabled Wi-Fi Calling).

3.After the update MIUI missing the VoLTE badge

It's a common problem after major updates.

  1. Check if the settings have been dropped. SIM-map.
  2. Manually turn on VoLTE again.
  3. If it doesn’t help, make a reset to factory settings (don’t forget to save the data!).

4.Volte works, but battery goes down quickly

As we discussed earlier, this could be due to a weak signal.

  • πŸ“΅ Disable VoLTE and use 3G call-in.
  • πŸ”‹ Enable energy saving mode in battery settings.
  • πŸ“‘ Use Wi-Fi Calling where there is Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Attention! If after turning on VoLTE, the phone begins to overheat or brake very badly, this may indicate a hardware problem (for example, a modem malfunction.

If none of the tips worked, check if your problem is in the official Xiaomi forum or reach out to the operator for support.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi

❓ My Xiaomi doesn't support VoLTE. Can I turn it on somehow?
If you don't have VoLTE in your settings, you don't have hardware support, but on some models (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro), you can try: MIUI Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) if it supports VoLTE for your device. 4G-VoLTE-enabled modem (but inconvenient for everyday use) note that unofficial methods can result in a loss of warranty or unstable phone performance.
❓ Why does VoLTE work on one of them? SIM-The map, but it doesn't work on another?
It's connected to: πŸ“± Operator support: second SIM It may be from a provider that does not provide VoLTE. πŸ”„ Type. SIM-Older card (not nano-SIM) may not support technology. πŸ“‘ Slot settings: in MIUI Sometimes you have to manually specify which slot is using VoLTE. SIM-Cards in places or contact the operator for a replacement card.
❓ Can I use VoLTE in roaming?
Yes, but with reservations: 🌍 Your operator must have a VoLTE roaming agreement with a local provider. πŸ“± Xiaomi should support the frequency 4G network. πŸ’° You may need to connect a special option (check with the operator), for example, MTS supports VoLTE roaming in some CIS countries and Europe, and MegaFon in Turkey and the UAE.
❓ Does VoLTE affect mobile internet speed?
No, VoLTE doesn't slow down the Internet. On the contrary, because the calls go through the Internet. 4G, You can use the network at full speed at the same time. 3G/2G The Internet was either shut down or it was slowing down a lot, but if you have a weak signal, 4G, During a conversation, the speed may drop slightly due to the allocation of modem resources.
❓ How to check if the call is via VoLTE, not via 3G?
There are a number of ways: πŸ“± Look at the icon in the status bar: if there is a VoLTE sign or HD β€” bell goes through 4G. πŸ“Š Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-map β†’ Use the network and see which network is active during the call. πŸ” Use applications like Network Signal Guru (available on the Play Market) that show the type of connection. 4G disappears and emerges 3G or+ β€” VoLTE is not working.