VoLTE on Xiaomi Redmi: a complete guide to setup

Modern smartphones of the Xiaomi brand and its sub-brand Redmi are equipped with advanced communication modules that support the standards of the fourth generation. SIM-A VoLTE icon appears on the screen, which may be incomprehensible or even annoying, and this acronym stands for voice-call technology over the network. LTE, This allows you to talk on the phone and simultaneously use high-speed Internet without switching to the Internet. 3G or 2G.

Device owners often wonder if they should keep it active or deactivate it to save battery life. It is worth noting that disabling this option can cause the Internet connection to break during an incoming or outgoing call if the operator does not support alternative protocols. In this article, we will discuss in detail what lies behind this icon, how to manage its display in the MIUI and HyperOS interface, and also consider hidden engineering menus for advanced users.

Understanding how mobile works helps not only customize the gadget to your needs, but also solve a number of common voice quality problems. LTE voice calls provide high-definition (HD Voice) sound and faster subscriber connection. Below we will look at the technical nuances, the impact of technology on the autonomy of the device and step-by-step instructions for managing this feature on various models of smartphones of the Chinese manufacturer.

Technical features of VoLTE technology in 4G networks

Voice over technology LTE It is a packet transmission of voice traffic through IP-And that's not the case with traditional calls, which use circuit switching (CSFB), Here, voice becomes a digital data stream, similar to the way messengers transmit information, but with priority in the operator's network, which allows you to achieve significantly higher sound quality and reduce the time to establish a connection to the Internet. 1-2 Seconds, which is especially noticeable when dialing.

For the correct operation of this function, support is required from three components: the mobile operator, SIM-If one element of the chain does not meet the requirements, the phone will automatically switch to standards. 3G or 2G In Xiaomi devices, Qualcomm or MediaTek modems, whose software is integrated into the shell, are responsible for processing these signals. MIUI.

⚠️ Warning: Forcing VoLTE to be disabled on some carriers may result in a complete inability to make calls if your area already has networks disabled 2G and 3G. Make sure to cover alternative standards before changing settings.

It is important to understand the difference between having an icon and the actual operation of the technology. Sometimes the HD or VoLTE indicator burns all the time, but when you call the phone still falls into 3G. This may indicate temporary problems in the operator's network or incorrect setting of the access profile in Android, in which case re-registration in the network or resetting network settings to factory values helps.

The effect of function on autonomy and communication quality

One of the main myths is that active VoLTE drains the battery. In practice, modern modems consume energy almost the same in standby and talk modes, regardless of the type of network. Moreover, since the phone does not need to constantly jump between 4G and 3G frequencies on an incoming call, battery consumption in scenarios with frequent calls can even be reduced due to the optimization of the radio module.

LTE voice quality is significantly superior to standard protocols; the width of the audio channel increases, making speech more natural and legible, especially in noisy places. Users of Redmi Note and Mi smartphones often note that with the feature turned on, the characteristic wheezing and interruptions characteristic of overloaded second and third-generation networks disappear.

• 📶 Stability: No switching between communication standards reduces the risk of a call breaking when leaving the confident reception zone 3G.
• 🔊 HD-High quality codec support makes conversations more comfortable to hear.
• 🌐 Simultaneous operation: Ability to use the navigator or browser during a conversation without losing speed.

However, in areas of uncertain LTE reception, activation of this feature can lead to a paradoxical effect: the phone will try to hold the weak 4G signal for voice call, instead of switching to a longer-range 2G. In such situations, autonomy can really suffer due to the increased antenna operation, and the quality of communication will deteriorate.

How to turn on or off VoLTE via the standard menu

Control of icon display and activation of function in shell MIUI or HyperOS is pretty simple, but the location of the switch may vary depending on the Android version. Most often, the settings are in the mobile network section «SIM-maps and mobile networks».

Select the SIM card you want to change settings for (e.g. SIM 1). In the menu that opens, find "Use VoLTE" or "Enable VoLTE." If there is no such option, it may not have been added to the visible menu by the carrier and the function is controlled automatically or through hidden codes. Turning on the toggle activates voice over LTE, and turning off will force the phone to use only 2G/3G for calls.

Note that in some regions and some firmware versions, this switch may be hidden or blocked. If you do not find the above item, try updating the operator profile or checking for system updates. Sometimes after an Android update, the settings are reset and the function has to be manually activated.

Activation through engineering menu and codes

If the standard path fails, you can use the engineering menu, which provides access to deep modem settings, which is suitable for advanced users, since incorrectly changing the parameters can lead to unstable communication. To enter the menu, you need to open the Phone application and type special code, which varies depending on the processor of the device.

For MediaTek-based devices (many Redmi and Poco models), code ##3646633## often works. Once you enter, you will open a menu where you need to go to the Telephony tab, then select SIP Setting or VoLTE. You can force support to be enabled or disabled. For Qualcomm processors, the code may differ, for example, ##4636#, after which you should select "Phone Information".

The sequence for MediaTek:


1.Type ##3646633##




2 Go to Tab: Telephony




3. Select VoLTE




4.Push Set Config -> VoLTE Config




5. Select SIM and press Apply

⚠️ Warning: Changes to the settings in the engineering menu are at your own risk. Do not change the settings, the value of which you do not know, so as not to disrupt the radio module.

After making changes to the engineering menu, it is recommended to restart the device, which is necessary in order for modem stack (modem software complex) to completely reread the configuration files and apply the new registration parameters in the operator's network. If the icon does not appear, check if yours supports it. SIM-standard.

Hidden settings through Activity Launcher

In modern versions of MIUI, many system switches have been hidden from ordinary users. However, they remain accessible through Android system activities. You can access them using the free Activity Launcher app available on Google Play. This method allows you to find hidden settings menus that are not displayed in the main interface.

Once you install the app, search for “VoLTE” or “Mobile Network.” In the list of results, find activity related to the system or settings. SIM-Often, the switch you want is hidden in an activity with a name that contains the words "CarrierConfig" or "SimSetting." When you click on it, you'll be taken to a hidden menu where you can activate the forced display of the icon.

Using third-party activity launchers is safe, as you don’t make changes to system files, you only open hidden interfaces. However, it’s worth remembering that after Xiaomi updates, the paths to these activities may change and the method will stop working, in which case you will have to wait for an update from the application developers or use root rights.

Comparison of network modes and compatibility

Understanding the differences between network modes helps to set up your smartphone correctly. Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of voice transmission in different communication standards supported by Redmi and Xiaomi devices.

As you can see from the table, the transition to VoLTE provides significant advantages in speed and multi-tasking. However, VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) technology also deserves attention, especially in areas where the mobile network catches poorly, but there is stable Wi-Fi. On Xiaomi smartphones, this feature is often turned on where VoLTE is, but requires support from the operator.

Frequency compatibility also plays a role. In Russia and CIS countries, the most common bands are 800 MHz (Band 20) and 2600 MHz (Band 7) for LTE. Make sure your Redmi supports these frequencies (usually supports all global versions) so that the function works correctly. Chinese versions of smartphones (CN Version) may not have the necessary ranges or software permissions for local operators.

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If you're often in places with poor signaling, try manually selecting a 3G network in your settings, which can improve voice quality by sacrificing internet speed, but it can also save you from constantly switching and losing your signal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The optimal setting for most users is to keep VoLTE on, which provides better communication quality and allows you to not interrupt navigation or messengers during a conversation.