VoLTE icon on Xiaomi: what it is, how it works and how to set up

Have you noticed a mysterious VoLTE icon next to the network indicator on your Xiaomi screen and you don’t know what it means? or suddenly your voice disappeared during a call, although the Internet is stable? This article will help you understand all the nuances of technology that has been changing the familiar mobile communication for several years.

VoLTE is not just a 4G voice, it's an ecosystem that affects call quality, connection speed, and even battery consumption. In Xiaomi smartphones (from budget Redmis to flagship Mis and POCOs), VoLTE is implemented in different ways: it activates automatically, and requires manual settings, and we'll tell you why the icon can suddenly appear or disappear, how to check the support of the technology with your model and what to do if the operator does not provide the service.

It's important to understand that VoLTE is not just a "chip" but a standard of communication that has become mandatory for modern networks. Without it, your smartphone can lose connection when switching between 4G and 3G, and voice quality will be worse than that of subscribers with support for technology. Next, a detailed guide with explanations for Xiaomi users of any level of training.

What is VoLTE and why is it important for Xiaomi?

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology allows voice traffic to be transmitted directly over 4G (LTE) channels rather than over legacy 2G/3G networks.

• ⚡ Instant connection – the call is connected in 1-2 seconds (vs. 5-10 seconds in 3G).
• 🎤 Sound quality HD – wide bandwidth allows voice transmission in AMR-WB format (up to 16 kHz), which is comparable to FaceTime or WhatsApp.
• 📶 Communication stability – there are no “failures” when switching between networks (e.g. when you’re driving a car).
• 🔋 Battery savings – A smartphone doesn’t need to constantly switch between 4G and 3G for calls.

For Xiaomi, VoLTE support became critical after 2020, when operators began massively shutting down 3G networks in favor of 4G/5G. Without VoLTE, smartphones lose the ability to call in areas where there is only 4G- coverage (for example, on the subway or on highways), and even the low-end models of Redmi 9A or POCO M3 support the technology if the operator provides the service.

Interesting fact: VoLTE was introduced in China (home of Xiaomi) back in 2015, and in Russia and CIS countries, mass adoption only began in 2019-2021, which is why many users still face configuration problems.

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

The VoLTE icon on Xiaomi smartphones can be displayed differently depending on the version of the MIUI shell and the device model.

If the badge suddenly disappears, it doesn't always mean a problem.

• 📡 Weak signal 4G – the smartphone automatically switches to 3G to save battery.
• 🔄 Software Update – After the MIUI update, network settings may reset.
• 📱 Dual SIM – VoLTE can only work on a single SIM card (usually on slot 1).
• 🚫 Operator-Blocked – some tariffs do not support the technology (e.g., “home” or corporate)

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To quickly check for VoLTE support, dial ##4636## in the Phone app and select Phone Information. Set preferred network type should have LTE/VoLTE.

Step-by-step: how to enable VoLTE on Xiaomi

If your smartphone supports VoLTE but the icon doesn’t appear, follow this instruction.Watch out: settings may vary depending on the model and version of MIUI.

Make sure that SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (main card)

Check out 4G coverage in your area (on the operator's website)

Update MIUI to the latest version

Reboot your smartphone before setting up-->

Method 1: Through the SIM- maps and mobile networks menu

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
3. Tap on the network type or preferred network type.
4. Select 4G (preferably) / LTE or VoLTE (if any).
5. Activate the VoLTE call switch or Improved calls.

Method 2: Engineering menu (for advanced)

If the standard settings don’t help, try activating VoLTE via the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app and dial ##4636##.
2. Select Phone Information.
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type section.
4. Choose LTE only or LTE/VoLTE.
5. Return to the main menu and restart your smartphone.

Method 3: Update the operator configuration

Sometimes VoLTE doesn't work because of the operator's outdated settings.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the operator configuration update and click on it.
5. Wait 1-2 minutes and restart the device.

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If after all the manipulations, VoLTE does not appear, the problem may be on the operator's side.

Problems with VoLTE on Xiaomi: causes and solutions

Even if the VoLTE icon is on, Xiaomi users may face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

Critical information: On some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro or POCO X3 NFC) after upgrading to MIUI 13+, VoLTE support may disappear due to a change in IMS protocols. In this case, only a rollback to the previous version of the software or waiting for a patch from Xiaomi will help.

If you use two SIM- cards, remember:

• 🔢 VoLTE only works on the main SIM (slot 1).
• 📵 On the second SIM, calls will go through 3G/2G even if it supports 4G.
• ⚡ When VoLTE is active on the first SIM, the second one may lose the Internet (depending on the operator).

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Before traveling abroad, turn off VoLTE in your settings! In roaming, the service can be charged as Internet traffic, which will lead to unexpected costs.

VoLTE vs VoWiFi: What’s the difference and how to set up both on Xiaomi

In addition to VoLTE, Xiaomi has another useful technology in its smartphones, VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi), which allows you to call over Wi-Fi networks, which is especially true in areas with poor 4G coverage.

How to turn on VoWiFi on Xiaomi:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
3. Activate the Calls Switch over Wi-Fi or VoWiFi.
4. Accept the terms of the operator (if you receive a request).
5. Connect to the Wi-Fi network.

⚠️ Warning: VoWiFi may not work on corporate or public Wi-Fi networks (such as airports or hotels) due to firewall restrictions.

List of Xiaomi models with VoLTE support (2018-2026)

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support VoLTE, but here is a list of models that are officially compatible with the technology (for Russia and CIS):

• 📱 Flagship series: Xiaomi 12/12 Pro/12X, 11/11 Pro/11 Lite, Mi 10/10 Pro/10 Lite, Mi 9/9 Pro/9 SE.
• 📱 Mid-segment: Redmi Note 11/10/9 Pro, POCO X4 Pro/F4, Redmi K40/K50.
• 📱 Budget models: Redmi 10A/9A/8A (only with MIUI 12+), POCO M4 Pro/M3 Pro.
• 📱 Special versions: Xiaomi Civi 1S/2, Black Shark 4/5 (only on the 1 slot).

⚠️ Warning: Even if your model is on the list, VoLTE may not work with some carriers. For example, Tele2 only supports the technology in Moscow, St. Petersburg and a few other regions.

How to check for VoLTE support for a specific model:

1. Go to the GSMArena website.
2. Type the name of your Xiaomi model in your search.
3. In the Network section, find the VoLTE bar – if there is one, the smartphone supports the technology.

The future of VoLTE: what awaits technology in the era of 5G

With the advent of 5G, VoLTE is evolving into VoNR, a new voice standard for fifth-generation networks that promises:

• 🚀 Even lower latency (up to 10 ms vs. 50-100 ms in VoLTE).
• 🎧 Spatial sound support for conference calls.
• 🌍 Global roaming without loss of quality.

For Xiaomi, the transition to VoNR began with the flagships of 2022 (Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi K50 Gaming).

• 📡 Insufficient coverage 5G in Russia and CIS (as of 2026).
• 💰 High cost tariffs with VoNR support.
• 🔧 Need to update the operator infrastructure.

While VoNR remains the technology of the future, VoLTE will remain the main voice standard until at least 2026-2027.

• 🔄 Updates MIUI will optimize VoLTE for better compatibility with 5G.
• 📲 The new models will feature a hybrid VoLTE + VoNR mode with automatic switching.
• 🔋 Battery consumption will be reduced by more efficient modems (e.g., the Snapdragon X65 in the Xiaomi 13).

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If you’re planning to buy a new Xiaomi smartphone in 2026-2026, pay attention to VoNR support in specs.

FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi