VoLTE on Xiaomi: what does the icon on the screen and how to use it

Have you ever noticed a mysterious HD or VoLTE icon on your Xiaomi screen next to the network indicator? or suddenly seen a notification "VoLTE calls on" and didn't understand what it means? This technology has long become the standard for modern smartphones, but many users still do not know how it works and why it is needed.

Today we’ll explore what’s behind this acronym, why VoLTE is more important than it seems, and how to set it up on Xiaomi devices (including Redmi, POCO, and Black Shark models), and what problems VoLTE can have, how to solve them, and why some carriers still don’t support it in 2026.

Spoiler: If you still call the old 2G/3G standards, you're not only losing the quality of the connection, you're losing some of the features of the smartphone. Now, in order.

What is VoLTE and why is it needed in Xiaomi?

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a 4G/LTE voice technology, unlike traditional calls that use 2G or 3G. The main advantage is that your Xiaomi smartphone no longer needs to “switch” between networks when you call – you remain in 4G, which gives several key advantages:

• 📞 Sound quality – Voices sound clearer, without noise or interruption (codecs AMR-WB or EVS).
• ⚡ Fast connection – the call is connected in 1-2 seconds (vs. 5-10 seconds in 2G).
• 📶 Stable Internet – during a conversation, there is no loss 4G, you can continue to use the mobile Internet.
• 🔋 Battery savings – no need to constantly switch between networks.

On Xiaomi smartphones, VoLTE technology is supported starting with models on Qualcomm Snapdragon 400+ processors (for example, Redmi 4X, 2017) and all devices on MediaTek Helio P/G series. However, there is a caveat: even if your phone supports VoLTE, it may not be on the list of certified devices from your carrier – we will talk about this below.

Why is this important for Xiaomi users? The fact is that many low-end models (like the Redmi 9A or POCO M3) were sold with VoLTE disabled by default — the manufacturer saved on certification. But today, with operators actively turning off 2G/3G (like the MegaFon in 2023), without VoLTE, you risk being left without communication.

What does the icon VoLTE on Xiaomi: decoding indicators

On Xiaomi smartphones (with MIUI 12/13/14), the VoLTE display may vary depending on the model and firmware. Here are the main options you can see in the status bar:

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global for POCO F3), the icon can only be displayed when an active call is made. If you can't see the indicator but VoLTE is enabled, don't panic: your operator may not be showing it in the status bar.

⚠️ Warning: If the mobile Internet is lost after turning on VoLTE or the phone stopped ringing, then your Xiaomi model is not certified by the operator. In this case, you need to roll back the settings or set the custom profile IMS (instruction below).

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

Activation of VoLTE on most Xiaomi smartphones takes less than a minute, but there are a few nuances depending on the version of MIUI.

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
3. Tap on Network Type (or Preferred Network in older versions).
4. Enable the VoLTE Calls Switch (or Improved 4G Calls).
5. Reboot your phone (required!).

If the VoLTE item is not on the menu, it means:

• 📱 Your Xiaomi model does not support VoLTE (check the specifications on GSMArena).
• 🔄 You have outdated firmware (update MIUI to the latest version).
• 📡 The operator does not support VoLTE for your device (the solution is below).

For the POCO X3 Pro, Redmi Note 10 Pro and new MIUI 14+ devices, the path may be different:

Settings → Connections and Sharing → SIM- Cards → [Select SIM] → VoLTE calls

Make sure that SIM-card 4G|

Update MIUI to the latest version|

Check that the operator supports VoLTE for your model|

Backup your network settings (in case of a failure)-->

⚠️ Warning: On some devices (e.g. Redmi 9T with firmware for India) mobile internet may be lost after VoLTE is turned on. In this case, try manually selecting the operator's network in the settings or resetting APN.

Why VoLTE doesn’t work for Xiaomi: Top-5 causes and solutions

Even if you turn on VoLTE correctly, it may not work, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

1. The operator does not support your model

Some carriers (especially Tele2 and Yota) are blocking VoLTE for uncertified devices.

• 📋 Check the list of supported models on the operator's website.
• 🔧 Set a custom profile IMS (instructions for advanced users below).
• 📞 Call operator support and ask for VoLTE activation for your IMEI.

2.Outdated firmware or region

If you have a MIUI for China (China ROM) or an old global version, VoLTE can be disabled at the software level.

• 🔄 Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🌍 Change the firmware region to EEA (Europe) or Global via Settings → Additional → Region.

3 Problems with SIM- Card

VoLTE requires a USIM- card (not an outdated SIM). If your card is older than the 5 years, replace it in the carrier's cabin.

• 📌 Whether the SIM- card is inserted correctly (slot 1 usually supports VoLTE better).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone after you replace SIM.

4.Conflict with Wi-Fi Calling

On some models (Xiaomi 12T, POCO F4), Wi-Fi Calling enabled can block VoLTE.

Settings → SIM- cards → Wi-Fi Calling → Disable

5. Failure of IMS settings

If after the MIUI VoLTE update, you have to reset your IMS settings:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three dots (⋮) → Show system → IMS Service → Storage → Clear data

💡

If you have lost mobile Internet after turning on VoLTE, try manually setting up the APN- operator profile. To do this, download the official settings from the operator's website or use the APN Settings application from Google Play.

How to set up an IMS custom profile for VoLTE (for advanced)

If your Xiaomi isn’t supported out of the box, you can manually set up an IMS profile, which works on most MIUI 12+ devices, but requires caution.

You'll need:

• 📱 Root rights (or unlocked bootloader).
• 💻 ADB- Access (for non-root devices)
• 📄 Profile IMS for your operator (can be found on the 4PDA or XDA-Developers forums).

Instructions via ADB (without root):

1. Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap, then Settings → Additional → For Developers).
2. Open the command line and enter: adb shell su setprop persist.dbg.ims_volte_enable 1 setprop persist.dbg.volte_avail_ovr 1 setprop persist.dbg.vt_avail_ovr 1 setprop persist.radio.rat_on 1
3. Reboot the phone.

To install a custom IMS profile via QXDM or QPST, you will need additional knowledge – this procedure is better performed under the guidance of an experienced user.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly setting up a profile IMS may result in network loss or inability to make calls. Before experimenting, back up your data via Settings → System → Backup.

VoLTE vs Wi-Fi Calling: Which is better on Xiaomi?

Many users confuse VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling, although both technologies improve communication quality, they work differently:

In practice:

• 📶 VoLTE is best used in areas with good coverage 4G (city, suburbs).
• 📶 Wi-Fi Calling saves where there is no network (basement, country house), but requires stable Wi-Fi.

Xiaomi can enable both technologies simultaneously, they will automatically switch depending on the conditions. For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro, with a weak 4G signal, the phone will automatically switch to Wi-Fi Calling if you are connected to the network.

The future of VoLTE: what awaits the technology in 2026-2026

In 2026, VoLTE becomes not just a feature, but a necessity:

• 📡 Operators are actively disabling 2G/3G (e.g., MegaFon has already shut down 3G in most regions).
• 📱 Newer smartphones (including Xiaomi 14 and POCO F6) no longer support the old communication standards.
• 🔒 Without VoLTE, you can’t make calls on the network. 5G (VoNR technology – voice through 5G — It is already being tested in Russia).

What does this mean for Xiaomi owners:

1. If your phone is older than 2018 (Redmi 5, Mi A1), check for VoLTE support – without it, you risk being left without communication.
2. When buying a new device (POCO X6, Redmi Note 13), check whether the model is certified by your carrier.
3. Get ready to switch to VoNR – in 2026, operators will begin to massively introduce voice calls over 5G.

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to use Xiaomi abroad, check whether a local carrier supports VoLTE for your model. In Europe, for example, many carriers block VoLTE for devices purchased in Russia or China.

💡

In 2026, VoLTE is not an option, but a prerequisite for stable communication.If your Xiaomi does not support the technology, consider upgrading your device or replacing the SIM- card with the USIM.

FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi