VoLTE on Xiaomi: the value of the icon, pros and cons, how to turn off on the phone

You noticed a mysterious VoLTE icon next to the network indicator on your Xiaomi screen and wondered what it means? It's not a coincidence that it signals the next generation of voice technology that's turned on. 2G/3G, Voice over LTE (VoLTE transmits voice over high-speed 4G-Networks, promising cleaner sound and faster connectivity.

But not everyone is excited about this feature, and some people have problems with communication after VoLTE is activated, others notice increased battery consumption, and some people just don't see the point in technology if the quality of normal calls suits them.

• 🔍 What is VoLTE and how it works on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi models, POCO, Mi).
• ⚡ Advantages and Hidden Disadvantages of Technology – Whether to Use It.
• ⚙️ Step-by-step instructions on how to disable VoLTE on different versions MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS).
• ❓ What to do if the icon does not disappear after disconnection or errors occur.

Important: VoLTE settings may vary depending on the phone model, firmware version and even the operator (MTS, Beeline, Tele2, MegaFon), we took these nuances into account and prepared universal solutions.

What is VoLTE and why is it needed in Xiaomi?

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a technology for voice calls over a 4G network (LTE) instead of traditional 2G/3G networks.

• 📞 Higher sound quality – technology uses codec HD Voice that reduces noise and improves voice legibility (similar to WhatsApp or Skype calls).
• ⚡ Instant connection – no delay in dialing (unlike the 2G, Where you sometimes have to wait 2-3 seconds).
• 📶 Parallel work of the Internet and calls - during a conversation, data transfer is not interrupted (you can simultaneously talk and use the mobile Internet).
• 🔋 Battery savings – the phone does not switch between networks (for example, with a mobile phone). 4G on 3G when calling), which reduces the load on the communication module.

Xiaomi’s VoLTE support has been around since 2016, but has been widely adopted since the release of MIUI 9 and later, and is now available on all models, starting with the Redmi Note 4X and Mi 5, as well as on all devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon or MediaTek Helio (LTE Cat.4 and higher chips).

However, VoLTE only works if three conditions are met:

1. Your Xiaomi supports the technology (check out the model specifications).
2. Your mobile operator provides VoLTE service (in Russia it is MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2).
3. In the phone settings, the function is activated (sometimes it turns on automatically after updating the firmware).

⚠️ Note: If your operator does not support VoLTE, the icon cannot appear on the screen - this is guaranteed to be a firmware problem or a system failure. → The phone. → Updating the system.

Pros and cons of VoLTE on Xiaomi: is it worth turning off

Before we rush to disable VoLTE, we’ve tested the technology on several Xiaomi models (Redmi Note 11 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro, Mi 11 Lite) and collected user feedback.

According to our testing results, VoLTE is definitely useful if:

• 🏙️ You live in a city with good coverage. 4G.
• 📞 Make frequent calls in places with noise (street, transport).
• 🌍 Use the services of operators that actively develop VoLTE (for example, MTS or MegaFon).

Turning off VoLTE is necessary in the following cases:

• 🚗 You often go to areas with unstable 4G-signal (the calls will be interrupted).
• 🔋 The phone has become faster discharged after activation of the function.
• 📵 Calls pass, but the sound has gotten worse (sometimes operators misconfigure the codec).

💡

If you're not sure if you need this feature, try turning on VoLTE for 1-2 days and compare the quality of calls to normal mode. Most carriers allow you to switch between modes without restrictions.

How to disable VoLTE on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

The process of disabling VoLTE depends on the version of MIUI or HyperOS, and also on the phone model, and we have prepared universal instructions for the most common cases.

Method 1: Through basic settings (MIUI 12–14, HyperOS)

This method works on most modern Xiaomi smartphones, including Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4/F5, Mi 11/12/13:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to SIM cards and mobile networks (or mobile network).
3. Choose yours. SIM-card (if two of them).
4. Find Call by VoLTE or VoLTE (sometimes hidden in Additional Settings).
5. Move the slider to the off position.
6. Restart your phone (required!) to make the changes effective.

If the VoLTE item is not in the main menu, try an alternative path: Settings → Memory and SIM-map → [Choose. SIM] → VoLTE challenge.

Method 2: Engineering menu (for older models)

On some devices (e.g. Redmi 4X, Mi A1), the VoLTE option may be hidden to find it:

1. Open the phone app and dial the combination: ##4636##
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
3. Scroll down and find the Set preferred network type.
4. Select the LTE/WCDMA/GSM (auto) option without mentioning VoLTE.
5. Save the settings and restart the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Changes to the engineering menu may result in network loss or mobile internet instability if VoLTE is lost after the shutdown 4G, return the settings to their original state.

Method 3: Disconnection through SIM-menu (for two sims)

If you have a smartphone with two SIM-cards (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro or POCO X3 Pro), VoLTE can be tied to a specific SIM:

1. Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks.
2. Choose. SIM-The card you want to disable VoLTE for.
3. Find the Network Type or Network Mode.
4. Choose 3G/2G (auto) over 4G/3G/2G (auto).
5. Save the changes and restart the device.

The disadvantage of this method: you will lose access to the 4G-Internet on this SIM-If you need a map. 4G, and disabled VoLTE, use Method 1.

💡

After turning off the VoLTE icon on the screen should disappear within 1-2 minutes. If this does not happen, check whether the function is enabled in the operator settings (for example, through the operator’s settings). USSD-*111# command for MTS).

What to do if the VoLTE is not shut down

Sometimes even after all the instructions are done, the VoLTE icon stays on the screen, or the function spontaneously turns on again.

• 🔄 Automatic operator activation: Some providers (like Beeline) force VoLTE activation on compatible devices. To turn it off, call support or send it to the Internet. USSD-team: *110*181# (for Beeline; for other operators, check the command on their website).
• 📱 Firmware failure. If after the update MIUI VoLTE does not shut down, try resetting your network settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.
• 🛠️ Operator restrictions: In some regions, VoLTE is mandatory (for example, in Moscow or St. Petersburg for MTS subscribers), in which case it is impossible to turn off the function - you only need to change the tariff or operator.

If none of these methods helped, check:

• 📌 Availability of firmware updates (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 📌 Compatibility SIM-cards (old cards may not support VoLTE; replace with a new one in the operator’s cabin).
• 📌 Settings APN (access points. Sometimes reset APN The factory values solve the problem.

VoLTE vs ViLTE vs VoNR: What's the difference?

On the screen of Xiaomi in addition to VoLTE can appear and other similar icons: ViLTE or VoNR. Let’s figure out what they mean and how to disable them.

On most Xiaomi smartphones (except the Mi 12/13 flagships and the POCO F4 GT), VoNR is not yet supported, so the 5G icon on the screen does not mean that calls are using the new technology.

#4636### → Phone Information → NR Status

If you see ViLTE but don't use video calls, turn off the feature, it may consume additional traffic.

1. Open the settings → Applications → Phone.
2. Find the video call or ViLTE.
3. Turn off the slider.

The impact of VoLTE on Xiaomi’s battery and performance

Many users complain that the phone has become more discharged after activating VoLTE, and we tested the effect of the technology on the Redmi Note 10 Pro and POCO F3 using the AccuBattery app.

• 🔋 Battery consumption increased by 5-7% with active use of calls (due to constant operation). LTE-module).
• 📉 In standby mode, the difference is minimal (VoLTE has almost no effect on autonomy).
• 🔥 Heat of the phone during long calls increased by 2-3°C (noticeable only when talking for a long time) >30 minutes).

To minimize the impact of VoLTE on the battery:

• 🔄 Turn off the feature if you don't plan to call (for example, overnight).
• 📴 Use Battery Saving Mode in Settings → Battery.
• 🔌 Charge your phone up to 80% (this reduces battery load when using VoLTE).

It’s also worth considering that on older models (Redmi 5/6, Mi 8), VoLTE can slow down your phone when there’s a weak 4G signal. This is because the processor has to constantly switch between the cores to handle voice traffic. If you notice lags during calls, try turning off VoLTE and check the performance.

FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi