VoLTE icon on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: what it is, why you need and how to turn off

Have you noticed a mysterious VoLTE icon next to the network indicator on your Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 screen and you don’t know what it means? or have you suddenly discovered that after updating the firmware, a new icon appeared in the status bar and calls began to sound different? This article will help you understand what is Voice over LTE, Why it is activated on your smartphone and how to turn it off if it interferes with or causes problems.

VoLTE technology (voice communication through the 4G) — It's not just a marketing trick for operators, it's really changing the way voice is transmitted during calls, bringing it from traditional voices. 2G/3G-high-speed LTE-For the Redmi Note. 8 (Ginkgo model) VoLTE support has been added in later versions MIUI, And that's what caused a lot of people to suddenly have this icon, but not everyone likes how it works, because some people complain about fast battery life, some people complain about communication quality problems in some regions.

In this article, we will not only explain what VoLTE is and how it affects the phone, but also show 4 ways to turn it off (including hidden settings for power users), and also analyze when to abandon VoLTE is not worth it, because sometimes it really improves the quality of communication.

What is VoLTE and why did it appear on the Redmi Note 8?

VoLTE stands for Voice over. LTE — Voice technology through the fourth generation network (4G). Unlike traditional calls that use networks. 2G or 3G, VoLTE allows you to:

• 📞 Call and simultaneously use mobile Internet at maximum speed (without “sinking” before the phone is ready to use the phone). 3G).
• 🔊 Get a clearer sound with the codec HD Voice (broadband audio codec).
• ⚡ Faster connection – the time of installation of the connection is reduced by 5-7 second 1-2.
• 📶 Save battery power by optimizing energy consumption (in theory).

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 VoLTE support was not added immediately. MIUI This model (released in 2019) did not have full support for the technology, but after the updates, especially with the transition to the new model. MIUI 12 and later — the function became available for most operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2). That is why many users suddenly saw the icon VoLTE or HD in the line of status, although it had not been before.

But why are operators and manufacturers pushing this technology so hard? 2G and 3G In many countries, the process is planned for 2026-2030 in Russia. VoLTE allows operators to transfer voice traffic to the Internet. 4G, Freeing up frequencies for network development 5G. For users, this means that sooner or later we will have to move to new standards, whether we like it or not.

Pros and cons of VoLTE on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: whether to turn off

Before you turn off VoLTE, it’s worth weighing the pros and cons. The technology has both obvious benefits and hidden pitfalls — especially on budget smartphones like the Redmi Note 8.

In practice, many Redmi Note 8 users are faced with the fact that after activating VoLTE:

• 🔋 Battery burns 10-15% faster (especially if the network is running) 4G The phone is constantly switching between standards).
• 📵 Calls disappear in the subway, elevators or on the outskirts of cities where 4G lingo.
• 🔊 There are noises, sometimes the sound gets worse than the sound. 3G, Due to poor optimization of codecs.

If you live in a big city with good coverage 4G And if you use a SIM card from one of the major operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2), VoLTE can really improve the quality of communication. On Redmi Note 8, the technology works only stably on firmware. MIUI 12.5 and later - bugs are possible on older versions.

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Before turning off VoLTE, check if your tariff supports this feature. For example, at MegaFon VoLTE is available only on the “Everything for Yourself” and “Everything is possible”, and at MTS – on the “Tarifishche” and “Ultra” tariffs.

How to check if VoLTE is enabled on your Redmi Note 8

Before you turn off VoLTE, make sure it’s actually activated. There are several ways to check this on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8:

1. Icon in the status bar: If the message VoLTE appears next to the network indicator, HD or 4G+, So, the function is on. On some firmware, the icon may look like a microphone inside a circle.
2. Settings SIM-Maps: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Turn on VoLTE. If the switch is active, the function works.
3. Test call: Call another phone and check: 📶 Does it stay? 4G during the conversation (if yes, VoLTE is enabled). 🔊 The sound was clearer (without hissing and interference). ⚡ Can I use the Internet at the same time (for example, open a website during a call).

USSD code

Dial it ##4636##, then go to Phone Information if the preferred network type is selected in the Set section LTE only LTE/WCDMA/GSM, and next to the tick VoLTE provisioned - the function is active.

If none of these signs are present, but you suspect that VoLTE is still working, try calling 0880 (at MTS) or 0674091110 (at MegaFon) - these are test services for checking the quality of communication, the operator can tell you which network your call was through.

Method 1: Disable VoLTE via standard MIUI settings

The easiest way to deactivate VoLTE on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is to use the built-in settings. MIUI. This method works on most firmware (starting with the MIUI (11) and does not require root rights or special knowledge.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to section. SIM-maps and mobile networks.
3. Choose. SIM-The card you want to disable VoLTE for (if there are two of them).
4. Find the option Enable VoLTE (or VoLTE calls in English firmware) and move the switch to the "Off" position.
5. Confirm the action if a warning appears.
6. Restart your phone (required!) to make the changes effective.

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If after the VoLTE shutdown mobile Internet disappeared, check if the settings are not lost APN. Sometimes. MIUI Resets them when network parameters change.

Method 2: Disconnect via the engineering menu (for experienced)

If the standard settings do not have a VoLTE switch, or it is inactive, you can try to disable the function through the engineering menu. This method requires caution - wrong actions can disrupt the network.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and type the code ##4636## (some firmware may require #86583###).
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type section.
4. Choose an option LTE/WCDMA/GSM or WCDMA/GSM Auto (this will disable priority) 4G call-in).
5. Find the VoLTE provisioned item and uncheck the tick (if any).
6. Go back and restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: If after these actions, mobile or Internet is lost, return the settings to the original state or reset the network settings in Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

On some Redmi Note 8 firmware, the engineering menu may look different. For example, instead of VoLTE provisioned, there may be an Enhanced item. 4G LTE Mode - you need to turn it off too.

Method 3: Disabling VoLTE through third-party apps

If standard methods don't work, you can use specialized applications, and they're useful when:

• 📵 VoLTE is activated spontaneously after the update.
• 🔧 No access to the engineering menu.
• 📱 You need to flexibly manage network settings (for example, disable VoLTE only for certain types of devices). SIM-map).

The best applications for managing VoLTE:

Example of using 4G LTE Switch:

1. Install and open the application.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
3. In the Preferred Network Type section, select 3G (WCDMA) or 2G (GSM).
4. Turn off the Enable VoLTE option (if any).
5. Save the settings and restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: Some applications require root rights to fully access network settings. If you are not ready to root, only use programs that run without additional permissions (for example, Network Signal Guru).

Method 4: Disabling VoLTE via firmware (for advanced)

If all previous methods have failed, the most radical way is to change the firmware, which is only suitable for advanced users, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and can potentially lead to a loss of warranty.

Options for action:

1. Reverse to an older version MIUI: VoLTE appeared in firmware MIUI 12 and newer. If you don't need this feature, you can get it back. MIUI 11 (e.g. version) V11.0.6.0.PCO). To do this: Download the firmware archive from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater. Use the Mi Flash Tool to install. Run a full reset (Wipe All).

Installation of custom firmware

Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience allows you to configure your network flexibly, including disabling VoLTE.

• Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
• Installed TWRP Recovery.
• Experience with ADB and Fastboot.
• Editing the build.prop file: This file stores system settings. You can manually disable VoLTE support by adding a line: persist.radio.volte_off=1 But it requires root access and a file manager (e.g., Root Explorer).

⚠️ Note: Changes to the firmware may result in:

• 📵 Poose. IMEI (and, as a result, the lack of a network).
• 🔐 Mi Account block (if unblocking rules are not followed).
• 🔧 Data loss (always backup before firmware!).

If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a service center or use more secure methods (for example, disabling through settings).

What to do if VoLTE does not shut down or problems arise

Sometimes, even after all the manipulations, VoLTE continues to work, or other problems appear: the network disappears, does not catch. 4G, The battery goes down quickly. Here's what you can do:

If nothing helps, try:

1. Reset network settings: Go to Settings → System system → Additionally. → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.
2. Firmware update: Sometimes VoLTE bugs are fixed in new versions MIUI. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
3. Contact the operator: Some operators (e.g. Tele2) activate VoLTE automatically for all subscribers. Call support and ask to disable the feature on your number.

If the problem persists, it may be a hardware malfunction (e.g., a communications module is damaged), in which case only diagnostics at the service center will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8