Owners of Xiaomi smartphones often notice the appearance on the screen of a mysterious icon with the inscription VoLTE or HD This symbol appears after an operating system update or a change of SIM-This is a map, asking questions from users who don't know if they need it, and it's basically a voice signal. LTE-A fourth generation network that provides crystal clear sound.
The technology allows voice data to be transmitted over a 4G Internet channel without switching to 2G or 3G standards during a conversation.This means that your phone will not reset the Internet to 3G at the time of an incoming or outgoing call, which is critical for gamers and those who are waiting for important notifications. However, not all users like a permanent icon in the status bar, and many are looking for a way to hide it.
In this article, we will detail why this icon is burning, what the real benefits of the technology are for Xiaomi and Redmi subscribers, and provide step-by-step instructions for managing this feature.
What is hidden behind the acronym VoLTE
VoLTE stands for Voice over LTE, which translates to Voice over LTE. In the past, when you started a conversation, the phone would be forced to switch to 3G or even 2G, because 4G networks were originally designed to be data-only, but now voice is transmitted as a data stream, providing instant connectivity and high audio quality.
The main difference from regular calls is the speed of establishing a connection and no delays. If before you press the call button you had to wait for a few seconds to beep, then with VoLTE connection is almost instantaneous, and the technology allows you to talk and use high-speed Internet simultaneously without losing quality of communication.
To work the function requires compliance with several conditions on the part of the operator and the device. Your smartphone must support the standard, and the tariff plan must include an option. HD-Telecom operators are actively implementing this technology to unload old frequencies and increase network bandwidth.
It’s worth noting that traffic consumption when using VoLTE is not usually charged as Internet traffic, but rather in a packet of minutes, although technically data is transmitted through a data channel, so that users do not worry about spending megabytes during long conversations.
💡
If the VoLTE icon appeared on its own, then your carrier automatically activated the service on the network side, and the phone simply displayed the availability of the feature.
Advantages and disadvantages of technology on Xiaomi smartphones
Using voice calls over LTE has its pros and cons, which should be considered before deciding to disable the function. On the one hand, the quality of communication increases significantly, and the sound becomes volumetric and clear, resembling a conversation over a video link, but without video.
On the other hand, constant 4G usage can theoretically increase battery consumption, although on modern Snapdragon and Helio processors the difference is minimal. Also, in areas of uncertain 4G reception, the phone may lose signal more often trying to hold the LTE network, instead of switching to stable 3G.
Let us consider the main aspects in more detail:
- 📞 High quality sound: The voice of the interlocutor is transmitted in a wide frequency range, removing hissing and background noise.
- 🌐 Simultaneous work: You can download files, play online games or navigate a map while talking without dropping the speed to the top of the map. 3G.
- 🔋 Energy efficiency: In some scenarios, the phone spends less energy searching for the network because it doesn’t switch between communication standards.
- 📶 Dependence on coverage: In places where 4G catches poorly, 3G Call quality may deteriorate if automatic switching is not configured.
It’s important to understand that on global versions of MIUI and HyperOS, settings may differ from the Chinese versions, and manufacturers often hide the switch by relying on automatic operator settings, sometimes leading to conflicts and unnecessary icons.
How to turn on or off VoLTE via the standard menu
The easiest way to control a function is in the basic settings of the system, but the location of the item can vary depending on the shell version and region. In most cases, the path is as follows: you need to go to the section. SIM-maps and mobile networks.
Open Settings and select a paragraph SIM-maps and mobile networks. Next, click on your carrier name or select a specific one. SIM-If you have two cards, you should look for a switch that says Use VoLTE or Calls through the menu that opens. LTE.
☑️ Checking network settings
If you don't find the switch, it could mean it's hidden by the firmware or the operator isn't providing the configuration file for your region. In some cases, resetting the network settings helps, but it will require re-entering the Wi-Fi passwords.
When the slider is positioned, the icon at the top of the screen must either disappear or reappear. If the icon is missing, but when the ring is called, the network still falls on the top of the screen. 3G, This means that the function is disabled on the operator side or is not supported by your SIM-card.
Hidden settings and engineering menu for advanced users
In situations where a standard switch is not available, hidden Android menus are used to access them using special codes entered through the Phone app, and be careful, changing unknown parameters in the engineering menu can lead to unstable operation of the communication module.
The most common code to access the test menu is ##4636##. After dialing the combination, the Check menu will open, where you select Phone Information. There may be a VoLTE Provisioned option that you can activate.
Another option is to use the code ##86583##, which forcibly hides or shows the VoLTE switch in the settings menu, and after you enter the code, you will see a pop-up notification that the switch is hidden or activated.
What do I do if the codes don't work?
Note that on smartphones with processors MediaTek and Qualcomm paths may be different. for some models of Redmi Note requires the installation of a special application from the operator or manual registration. APN-configuration.
Comparison of voice communication technologies in 4G networks
Besides VoLTE, there are other voice standards that are often confused, and understanding the difference will help you set up your phone correctly, like VoWiFi, which allows you to call over Wi-Fi where there is no cellular connection, but only works in tandem with VoLTE on many devices.
Below is a table showing the main differences between voice technologies:
| Characteristics | 2G/3G (CS) | VoLTE (4G) | VoWiFi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sound quality | Low/Mediocre | HD (High) | HD (High) |
| Connection speed | 3-5 seconds | 1-2 seconds | 1-2 seconds |
| The Internet | Falls to 3G | 4G works. | Wi-Fi. |
| Battery consumption | Medium. | Low/Optimal | Depends on the signal. |
As you can see from the table, switching to VoLTE gives you a tangible boost in smartphone comfort, but in some remote areas where 4G coverage is unstable, forced switching on can cause you to stop hearing incoming calls.
If you travel frequently to areas where the network is not stable, you should leave automatic mode or temporarily disable the function. In urban settings, the benefits of the new technology are obvious and offset the possible minor inconveniences.
Solving problems with the icon and quality of communication
Sometimes the VoLTE icon burns, but the calls are disrupted or the interlocutor does not hear you. This may indicate a setting conflict or an outdated IMS database. First of all, it is recommended to restart the device so that the communication module is re-registered on the network.
If the problem persists, try to remove it. SIM-You can then put the card in another slot or check it on another phone. SIM-Old-Sample Card Does Not Support New Voice Encryption Standards.
💡
In most cases, the problem is solved by updating the firmware or resetting network settings, since operators often change access parameters.
It's also worth checking if you have 4G Only mode, which is sometimes activated by accident, which prevents the phone from switching to 3G, which in areas of poor reception leads to complete lack of communication, and you can return the standard mode through the same engineering menu or reset settings.
⚠️ Warning: Don't try to change the settings in the engineering menu unless you're sure you're doing it. An incorrect setting can cause the phone to stop seeing the network at all and have to reflash the device.
In rare cases, the problem lies in the communication module of the smartphone, especially if the device has been subjected to mechanical stress. If none of the software methods did not help, it makes sense to contact an authorized service center Xiaomi.