Modern Xiaomi smartphones offer users a variety of advanced features to improve the quality of communication, one of which is VoLTE. This acronym is often found in the status bar of the device next to the network indicator, but not all owners of gadgets understand its purpose. Many users face a situation where this option is turned on automatically and begins to raise questions about their need or traffic consumption.
The technology allows voice calls to be transmitted over fourth-generation networks, providing crystal clear sound and instant connection. However, in some cases, such as when traveling in roaming or using specific tariff plans, the function must be deactivated. Disabling VoLTE on Xiaomi often requires logging into a hidden engineering menu, since the standard switch can be hidden by firmware.
In this article, we will take a closer look at what’s behind this technology, what benefits it offers subscribers, and where to turn it off, how to access hidden system settings and manage voice settings at a deep level, and this guide will help you optimize your device to suit your personal preferences.
What is the VoLTE technology
VoLTE stands for Voice over LTE, which literally means “voice over LTE.” Traditionally, mobile phones used 2G or 3G networks for voice calls, switching to 4G only for data transfer. The new technology allows voice streaming as packet data within a fourth-generation network without requiring a modem switch.
The main advantage is that the sound quality is significantly higher than normal calls, the voice of the interlocutor becomes volumetric and natural, the characteristic noises and distortions characteristic of old communication standards disappear, and the connection is established almost instantly, reducing the waiting time of the beeps to a minimum.
An important feature is the ability to use the Internet and voice simultaneously. Previously, when an incoming call, a smartphone could temporarily lose a high-speed 4G connection, returning to EDGE or 3G. With the introduction of VoLTE, you can continue to play online games or watch high-resolution videos without interrupting during a conversation.
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Make sure your plan supports voice over 4G, as some carriers may charge extra for this service or require it to be connected separately.
Advantages and Disadvantages of MIUI Function
The use of modern communication standards in the MIUI shell has its pros and cons, which should be considered before changing the settings. On the one hand, you get an unmatched quality of communication, on the other hand, there may be nuances with the compatibility of operators.
Among the key advantages users highlight:
- 📞 Instant connection with the subscriber without long waiting.
- 🎧 HD-sound quality comparable to messengers.
- 🌐 Simultaneous work 4G-Internet and voice call.
- 🔋 Reduced power consumption by modem due to the lack of constant switching between networks.
However, there are certain disadvantages that may prompt you to disable the option: In areas of uncertain reception, the 4G signal can be unstable, which will lead to a call interruption, whereas the 2G network would work more stable, and in international roaming, the service may not be supported or cost expensive.
Some users note that with active VoLTE, the battery indicator may discharge a little faster in poor signal conditions, as the device is constantly trying to hold the high-speed connection, in which cases, temporarily switching to standard calls can prolong battery life.
How to turn on or off VoLTE via the standard menu
In most modern models Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco management of this function is made in the standard settings, if the operator supports the technology and profile. SIM-The maps are updated correctly. To check for the switch, you need to go to the mobile network settings section.
Open the Settings app and select the item SIM-maps and mobile networks. Next, click on your operator name or slot number. SIM-If the option is available, you will see the option Use VoLTE or Calls via LTE, near which the slider will be placed.
If the VoLTE icon doesn't appear in the status bar after activating the slider, try restarting the device. In some cases, you need to re-register on the network to make the changes effective. Also make sure that the network type selection menu prioritizes Preferably 4G.
☑️ Testing of VoLTE Readiness
Using the Engineering Menu for Hidden Settings
Often, the provider supports the technology, but the manufacturer has hidden the switch in the MIUI interface, and in this case, an engineering menu is available through a special code, which is a powerful tool for diagnosing and fine-tuning the modem.
To enter the menu, open the Phone app and dial the combination ##4636##. Once you enter the last digit, the hidden test menu will open. Select Phone Information. This displays detailed signal statistics and connection settings.
In the settings list, find the VoLTE Provisioned or Allow VoLTE string. The switch next to it activates or deactivates the technology support at the device firmware level. If the switch is missing or inactive, your current network configuration or regional restrictions are blocking access to this feature.
⚠️ Warning: Be careful when changing the settings in the engineering menu.Do not change the values that are not sure, as this can lead to loss of network or improper operation of the model.
After changing the settings in the engineering menu, it is recommended to completely restart the smartphone, this will ensure that the communication module with the new parameters is correctly initialized, and if the icon does not appear, you may need to reset the network settings.
Comparison of voice communication technologies
To better understand the difference between different standards, it is useful to compare their characteristics in a table, which will help you make an informed decision about which mode to use in everyday life.
| Parameter | 2G / 3G | VoLTE (4G) | VoWiFi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sound quality | Low/Mediocre | High (HD) | High (HD) |
| Connection speed | 5-10 seconds | 1-2 seconds | 2-3 seconds |
| The Internet | Only in 3G/4G | Full speed 4G | Wi-Fi. |
| Battery consumption | Medium. | Low (optimized) | Depends on Wi-Fi. |
As the comparison shows, VoLTE provides the best balance between quality and speed. But VoWiFi can be a lifeline in places where cellular is not available, but there is wireless, both of which are gradually replacing legacy protocols.
Why can VoLTE not work?
Solved problems and resetting settings
Sometimes, even under all conditions, the VoLTE icon disappears or the function stops working correctly, in which case the first step should be to reset the network settings, which will return all mobile Internet and calls to factory values without affecting personal files.
You can reset via the Settings menu → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. After this operation, the phone will request confirmation and reboot the network modules. You will need to re-enter passwords from Wi-Fi networks.
If the problem persists, check for system updates. Xiaomi engineers regularly release patches that improve compatibility with carriers in different countries, and also make sure that the APN settings have automatic values received from the operator.
⚠️ Note: Before resetting your network settings, make sure you remember passwords from important Wi-Fi networks, as they will be deleted from your device’s memory.
The impact of regional settings on communication
An important aspect for Xiaomi owners is the region chosen in the phone settings. Some features, including the operation of certain frequency ranges and operator services, may be limited depending on the geographic location specified in the system.
For example, when choosing a region “India” or “Russia”, the set of available features may differ from the “Global” or “US” region. If you use a smartphone brought from another country, changing the region in the Settings menu → Additional → Region can unlock hidden opportunities.
However, it is worth remembering that the change of region also affects the work of embedded applications and advertising services MIUI. In some regions, more advertising may appear or, conversely, new features of the shell become available.
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Regional settings of the smartphone can block the display of the VoLTE icon even with technical support from the operator, so changing the region often solves the problem.