VoLTE on Xiaomi: decryption icon, benefits and 3 ways to disable

What is VoLTE and why did it appear on your Xiaomi?

You noticed a new VoLTE icon (or HD next to the network indicator) on Xiaomi’s notification panel and wondered what it was? It’s not a bug or a virus – your smartphone just started using the modern voice standard. VoLTE (Voice over LTE) allows you to call over 4G/LTE without “switching” to outdated 2G/3G, as it used to be.

The technology did not appear yesterday: the first operators began to test it in the future. 2014 year, but the mass introduction in Russia and CIS countries had to 2018–2023 Now VoLTE is supported by all major operators - MegaFon, Beeline, MTS, Television2, As well as many virtual ones (Yota, Tinkoff Mobile, etc.) Xiaomi automatically activates this feature on compatible models (for example, Redmi Note). 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13), if SIM-The map and the tariff support it.

But why do some users want to disable VoLTE? There are several reasons:

• 📶 Communication problems: VoLTE is unstable in some regions, calls are cut or not reached.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: constant operation of the module 4G/LTE In voice mode, it can increase energy consumption.
• 📱 Incompatibility: old SIM-Cards or corporate tariffs may conflict with technology.
• 🛠️ Technical experiments: Some users disable VoLTE to test alternative protocols (e.g., VoWiFi).

What does the icon VoLTE on Xiaomi: all options

The manufacturer does not use a single design to indicate VoLTE - the appearance of the icon depends on the model of the smartphone, the version of MIUI and the carrier.

If you don’t see any icons, but suspect that VoLTE is active, check this through the engineering menu (we’ll talk about it below) or call another phone – during a conversation, the corresponding icon should appear in the status bar.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with two SIM-VoLTE cards can only work on one of them (usually on the other hand). SIM1). If the icon appears and disappears, it is normal: the technology is activated only during the call.

Advantages and disadvantages of VoLTE on Xiaomi: whether to disable

Before you deactivate the function, evaluate its pros and cons. VoLTE was implemented for a reason, it solves several key problems of traditional voice communication:

• ⚡ Instant connection: call setup time is reduced from 5-7 seconds to 1-2 (no delay to switch between the two) 4G and 3G).
• 🎤 Pure sound: voice sampling frequency increases to 16 kHz (vs. 8 kHz in) 3G), Reduces noise and improves legibility.
• 📶 Stability: during a conversation, the Internet speed does not “slow” (you can talk and use mobile traffic at the same time).
• 🌍 International compatibility: VoLTE roams many operators (for example, MTS in 100).+ country).

But there is a downside:

• 🔋 Increased battery consumption: module 4G/LTE consume 5–15% More power in VoLTE mode (depends on the Xiaomi model).
• 📡 Coverage problems: VoLTE may work worse in remote regions 3G weak signal LTE.
• 🛑 Conflicts with some apps: rare, but bugs with messengers (for example, WhatsApp does not see calls).
• 🔒 Operator restrictions: Some tariffs (especially corporate or outdated) do not support VoLTE.

💡

VoLTE should only be turned off if you encounter specific problems (call breaks, quick discharge), and otherwise, the technology does more good than harm.

Method 1: Disable VoLTE via Xiaomi’s standard settings

The easiest method is to deactivate the function in the settings menu. The instructions are suitable for all Xiaomi smartphones on MIUI 12-14 (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark):

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to section. SIM-maps and mobile networks (or mobile network on some firmware).
3. Choose. SIM-The card you want to disable VoLTE for (if there are two of them).
4. Slip on the network type or network settings item.
5. Find the VoLTE option (or Voice over LTE) and move the slider to the “Off” position.
6. Confirm the action if a warning appears.

Once disabled, the VoLTE/HD icon will disappear from the status bar. To make the changes effective, restart your smartphone (optional).

Call another phone – the icon should not appear

Make sure that in the settings → SIM-map → Type of network slider VoLTE gray

Restart the device if the indication does not disappear immediately

Check the speed of the Internet – it should not “sank” during the call-->

⚠️ Note: Some firmware for Xiaomi (for example, MIUI Global for Europe, the VoLTE item can be hidden, in which case use method 2 (engineering menu) or method 3 (code) USSD).

Method 2: Deactivation through the engineering menu (for power users)

If standard settings don’t allow you to disable VoLTE, try doing so through an engineering menu (also known as MTK Engineer Mode or Qualcomm Service Menu) that works on most Xiaomi, but requires caution – wrong actions can disrupt the network.

Instructions for Qualcomm processors (most modern Xiaomi):

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
2. In the menu that appears, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
4. In the drop-down list, select LTE/TD-SCDMA/CDMA/EVDO/GSM/WCDMA without mentioning VoLTE.
5. Press Turn off radio (turn off the network for 10 seconds) and wait for the reconnection.

For smartphones on MediaTek (e.g. Redmi 9A/9C):

1. Enter the dialer: ##36446337##
2. Go to Engineer Mode → Connectivity → Telephony.
3. Find the VoLTE Switch option and set the Disable value.
4. Save the settings and restart the device.

Method 3: Disabling VoLTE by USSD-operator code

Some telecom operators allow you to manage VoLTE through USSD-This is the fastest method, but it doesn't work for all providers:

If after typing code you receive a response “Service is not supported” or “Inadmissible request”, then:

• Your tariff does not support VoLTE management via USSD.
• SIM-map outdated (needed) USIM eSIM).
• The operator has blocked this opportunity for your region.

💡

Before use USSD-Check the balance of the codes – some operators charge a fee per request (usually 1-3 rubles).

What to do if VoLTE does not turn off: 4 alternative solutions

If none of these methods worked, the problem could be deeper, whether it's firmware, hardware constraints, or operator settings.

1. Update MIUI to the latest version: new builds often fix bugs with VoLTE. Check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
2. Reset network settings: Go to Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks. Select Network Reset settings. Confirm action, this will delete all stored Wi-Fi and cellular settings.
3. Change it. SIM-map USIM: obsolete SIM (mini/micro) Do not support VoLTE. Contact the operator's cabin for a free replacement.
4. Use third-party applications (at your own risk): 4G Switcher (for Qualcomm) - allows you to forcibly disable VoLTE. Network Signal Guru - analyzes the network and offers optimal settings.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi 9), VoLTE cannot be disabled software due to hardware limitations of the MediaTek Helio chipset G90T. In this case, only replacement will help. SIM-cards that are incompatible with VoLTE (for example, virtual from another operator).

FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi