Why VoLTE is important for Xiaomi owners
If you notice that while talking on the phone, your Internet is lost and the quality of communication leaves much to be desired, the problem may lie in the disabled VoLTE. This technology, supported by all modern Xiaomi smartphones (from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra), radically changes the approach to voice communication, but many users do not even know about its existence β or face difficulties in setting up.
In this article, we will look at what VoLTE is in Xiaomi, how it differs from regular calls, how to check its support by your operator and device, and give you a step-by-step instruction on how to turn it on. Particular attention will be paid to common errors (for example, when a VoLTE icon appears, but calls are still going through 2G/3G) and how to fix them. If you use a Xiaomi smartphone, POCO or Redmi, this information will help improve the quality of communication without buying a new phone.
What is VoLTE and why it is not in the old Xiaomi
VoLTE (Voice over LTE) β This is a voice transmission technology over the network. 4G LTE, Unlike traditional calls that work through 2G or 3G. The main advantage: during a conversation, the Internet connection does not break off, and the sound quality becomes closer to the end of the conversation. HD-Calls (broadband audio codec) AMR-WB).
However, not all Xiaomi smartphones support this feature out of the box.
- π± Models up to 2018 (e.g. Redmi) 4X, Mi A1) Often deprived of VoLTE hardware support due to outdated Qualcomm Snapdragon modems 4xx Or MediaTek Helio.
- π Regional restrictions: Some devices (especially global versions) may not have VoLTE certification for Russian carriers, even if the hardware allows it.
- π Firmware updates: in MIUI 12+ VoLTE support for many models, but manual activation is required.
The critical detail is that if your Xiaomi is released before 2019 and runs on a MediaTek Helio P20/P25 chip, the chances of VoLTE are minimal - even firmware won't help. In such cases, VoWiFi (wi-fi calling) becomes the alternative, but that's another story.
How to check if your Xiaomi VoLTE supports
Before you try to turn on the feature, make sure your device and operator support it. Here are 3 ways to check:
- Through phone settings: Go to Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β [choose SIM] β Enable VoLTE. If no option, no support (or firmware update required).
- IMEI Check: Find out your phone's IMEI (*#06#), then check it on IMEI.info. The LTE Bands section should have a VoLTE supported mark.
- Test call: Call another phone with VoLTE support (e.g. iPhone or Samsung) if the Internet is not lost during the conversation, the feature works.
| Xiaomi model | Support for VoLTE | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | β Yes. | It works out of the box for all operators. |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | β Yes. | Requires an upgrade to MIUI 14+ |
| POCO X5 Pro | β Yes. | The global version may not work with MTS. |
| Redmi 9A | β No. | The outdated Helio G25 modem |
| Mi 11 Ultra | β οΈ Partially. | It only works on firmware for China. |
β οΈ Note: If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), VoLTE may not work even on supported models.
Step-by-step: how to enable VoLTE on Xiaomi
If your device supports the technology, follow this instruction, and the process may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI:
Update your firmware to the latest version of MIUI
Make sure that SIM-card 4G (nano-SIM)
Check your balance (some operators block VoLTE when your balance is negative)
Restart your phone before setting up-->
- Open the settings. SIM-Maps: Go to Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks. SIM-Select the card you want to activate VoLTE for.
- Activate. 4G and VoLTE: Click on your name SIM-map β Type of network β choose 4G (Then go back and switch on the switch.
- Reboot the device: Once the feature is turned on, be sure to restart the phone β this will help avoid crashes on the first call.
- Check the indicator: The status bar should show a VoLTE or HD icon next to the network indicator. If it is not, see the "Typical Problems" section.
For models POCO (for example, POCO F5) The path may look like this: Settings β Connections and sharing β SIM-map β [choose SIM] β VoLTE.
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If after turning on VoLTE mobile Internet disappears, try to manually select the operator network in the settings (Settings β Mobile Network β Network Operators β Manual Search).
Typical VoLTE Problems on Xiaomi and Their Solutions
Even if you have enabled the function correctly, you may experience failures, and here are the most common scenarios and ways to fix them:
- πΆ There is a VoLTE badge, but calls go through 3G: The problem is often with operator settings. Solution: delete. SIM-card, reboot the phone, insert SIM back and wait for the automatic configuration (can take up to 5 minutes).
- β No βVoLTEβ option in settings: For Xiaomi models on MediaTek (e.g. Redmi Note 11) you may need to activate via the engineering menu: dial ##4636##, select Phone Information β Establish a preferred network type β LTE only.
- π VoLTE works, but the sound is interrupted: This may be due to codecs. Try turning off Wi-Fi Calling (if enabled) or reset network settings (Settings) β System system β Resetting settings β Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth).
β οΈ Attention: On some firmware MIUI European region (EEA) VoLTE is turned off at the firmware level, and in this case, only the firmware of the global or Chinese version will help, but this will void the warranty!
What if the operator does not support VoLTE?
VoLTE vs VoWiFi: Whatβs the difference and whatβs best for Xiaomi
Many people confuse VoLTE and VoWiFi, although these are two different technologies.
| Parameter | VoLTE | VoWiFi |
|---|---|---|
| Network required | 4G LTE | Wi-Fi (or 3G/4G roaming) |
| Sound quality | HD (up to 24 kHz) | HD (depends on Wi-Fi) |
| Roaming work | β No. | β Yes, if the operator supports) |
| Battery consumption | Low. | Medium (depending on the Wi-Fi signal) |
| Xiaomi support | Since 2019 | With MIUI 12 (2020) |
For most Xiaomi users, the best solution is to use both technologies:
- πΆ VoLTE β for calls in the coverage area 4G.
- πΆ VoWiFi β at home or in an office where Wi-Fi is more stable than a mobile network.
To enable VoWiFi on Xiaomi, go to Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β [choose SIM] β Please note that not all operators support this option (for 2026 it is offered by MTS, Beeline and MegaFon).
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If you have a weak 4G signal but good Wi-Fi, prioritize VoWiFi, which will reduce the number of cliffs and improve the quality of communication.
VoLTE and battery: does the technology affect the autonomy of Xiaomi
One of the common myths is that VoLTE drains the battery very much, and in practice it depends on the model and the conditions of use.
- β‘ Qualcomm Snapdragon modems 8xx (For example, in Xiaomi 13 or POCO F4 GT) Optimized for VoLTE and consume no more power than regular calls.
- β‘ Budget chips (such as the Snapdragon 480 in the Redmi Note 10) may show increased consumption due to a less efficient modem.
- β‘ Weak signal. 4G β The main cause of the discharge is if the phone is constantly switching between 4G and 3G, Battery goes down faster than with a stable VoLTE connection.
To test the impact of VoLTE on autonomy:
- Charge the phone to 100%.
- Make a 10-minute call with VoLTE enabled.
- Check battery consumption in Settings β Battery β Battery Use. Normal rate - 1-2% in 10 minutes.
β οΈ Note: If after activation of VoLTE phone began to discharge 10-15% Faster, the problem could be in the background processes of the modem. Solution: disable Network AutoSearch in the settings SIM-map.