Vo Lite icon on Xiaomi: what is this icon and how to work with it?

Have you noticed a mysterious Vo Lite icon next to the network indicator on your Xiaomi screen? This little icon raises a lot of questions among users: what it means, why it suddenly appeared and whether it affects the quality of communication. In this article, we will discuss in detail what VoLite (or VoLTE), how it is related to the work of your smartphone, and what to do if the icon interferes or causes suspicion.

Let us note right away: the Vo Lite icon is not a bug or a virus, but an indicator of voice communication technology through the Internet. 4G-Networks (Voice over) LTE). However, its appearance can signal both the correct network setup, and problems with the operator or firmware. Next you will learn how to distinguish norm from failure and what to do in each case.

What is Vo Lite (VoLTE) on Xiaomi?

VoLite (or VoLTE) is short for Voice over LTE, a technology that allows voice calls to be transmitted over a 4G network instead of traditional 2G/3G.

  • πŸ“ž Fast connection: the call is set almost instantly (for the first time) 1-2 second 5-10).
  • 🎧 Clean sound: technology uses codec HD Voice that improves voice quality.
  • πŸ“Ά Stability: during a conversation, Internet speed is not lost (you can talk and use mobile traffic at the same time).
  • πŸ”‹ Battery savings: Smartphone does not switch between networks 4Gβ†’3G, reducing energy consumption.

On Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark models), the Vo Lite icon appears in the status bar when:

  1. The phone is connected to the 4G VoLTE network.
  2. The operator supports this technology (in Russia – MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2).
  3. In the settings of the smartphone enabled VoLTE mode.

If the icon flashes or disappears, it may indicate an unstable connection to the icon. 4G or problems with SIM-card.

πŸ“Š Your carrier supports your VoLTE?
MTS
Beeline
MegaFon
Tele2.
Other (specify in the comments)
I don't know.

Why did the Vo Lite icon appear: norm or problem?

In most cases, the appearance of the Vo Lite icon is a normal phenomenon, meaning that your Xiaomi is using a modern communication standard.

Cause of the occurrenceIs that normal?What do you do?
The operator has activated VoLTE for your tariffβœ… Yes.It's a better connection.
MIUI firmware update enabled VoLTE by defaultβœ… Yes.Check the settings (see section below).
The icon blinks or disappears during the call⚠️ Possible problemsUpdate the software or restart the phone.
Appeared after the change of SIM-cardβœ… Yes, if new SIM supports VoLTE)Make sure the SIM is installed correctly.
Icons are there, but calls don't go through.❌ No.Reset your network settings (instruction below).

If you're not sure if your carrier supports VoLTE, check it out on its official website or call in support. For example, MTS has technology available on Tariff, Ultra and corporate lines, and Beeline has it on All Over 300 and above.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) POCO X3) Vo Lite icon may be displayed incorrectly due to a bug in the firmware, in which case the update will help MIUI last-minute.

How to turn on or off VoLTE on Xiaomi

If you want to manually control VoLTE technology, follow the following steps. Please note that the settings may vary depending on the MIUI version (12, 13, 14) and the smartphone model.

Open the Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks

Choose yours. SIM-map

Find VoLTE Calls or Improved Calls

Switch the slider to the position On or Off.

Restart your phone to apply changes-->

For models with MIUI 14 (e.g. Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12):

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Connections and sharing β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Put it on the right foot. SIM-map.
  3. Activate the VoLTE Call option (or VoLTE calls in English firmware).
  4. Confirm the changes and restart the device.

If the VoLTE item is not on the menu, it can mean:

  • πŸ“± Your Xiaomi model doesn’t support technology (relevant to older devices until 2018).
  • πŸ“‘ The operator does not provide a service for your tariff.
  • πŸ”„ You need to update the firmware to the latest version.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (e.g. custom or global versions for other regions), the VoLTE option may be hidden. To unlock it, you will need to activate Developer Mode and use the engineering menu (instructions in the next section).

Hidden settings of VoLTE: engineering menu

If standard settings do not allow you to turn on or off VoLTE, you can use the engineering menu. This method is suitable for experienced users and requires caution!

Instructions for activation:

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone and tap on MIUI Version 7 times.
  2. Return to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers and enable USB debugging.
  3. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
  4. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
  5. Scroll down to Set preferred network type and select LTE/UMTS auto (PRL) or LTE only.
  6. Enable the option of VoLTE provisioned (if any).

After these manipulations, the Vo Lite icon may appear or disappear, depending on the options you choose. If the menu is missing or the commands are not working, this means that your Xiaomi model does not support manual VoLTE configuration.

What happens if you change the settings in the engineering menu incorrectly?
Incorrect changes can lead to loss of network, inability to make calls or even "bricking" modem. If after the changes the phone stopped catching the network, reset network settings in Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Resetting settings.

VoLite problems: why it doesn’t work and how to fix it

Sometimes VoLTE technology on Xiaomi doesn't work properly. Let's look at the typical problems and their solutions:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Vo Lite icon is available, but calls don't go throughFailure in firmware or conflict with the operatorUpdate MIUI or reset your network settings
VoLTE is spontaneously shut downBattery savings block background processesAdd the phone app to optimisation exceptions
No VoLTE option in the settingsOutdated firmware or regional restrictionsInstall the latest version of MIUI for your region
The internet goes missing during the call.The operator does not support simultaneous operation of VoLTE and dataContact the operator to check the tariff

If none of these methods worked, try:

  1. Remove and re-insert SIM-map.
  2. Check whether the operator’s VoLTE service is active (sometimes a connection is required via the operator’s service). USSD-team, for example, *111*185# for MTS).
  3. Perform reset to factory settings (pre-saving data!).

πŸ’‘

Before resetting your network settings, write down your carrier's APNs, which you'll have to re-enter after resetting, and you'll usually find APN settings on the operator's website or in your personal account.

VoLite vs VoWiFi: What's the difference?

In addition to VoLTE, Xiaomi may have another icon, VoWiFi (or Wi-Fi Calling), which is another technology that allows you to call over Wi-Fi when the mobile signal is weak.

  • πŸ“Ά VoLite (VoLTE): Works through 4G, requires mobile network coverage.
  • πŸ“Ά VoWiFi: works over Wi-Fi, suitable for places with poor signal (basements, remote areas).

On some Xiaomi models (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50), both technologies can work simultaneously.

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Choose. SIM-map.
  3. Activate the option of Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Calling.

If both icons (Vo Lite and VoWiFi) are on at the same time, the phone automatically chooses the best channel to communicate, but some carriers (such as Tele2) can block VoWiFi at certain rates.

Xiaomi models with VoLTE support: the full list

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support VoLTE, and the technology is available on most devices released after 2019, and the following are the popular models with confirmed support:

SeriesModels with VoLTENotes
Xiaomi11/11T/12/12S/12T/13/13T/14Support "out of the box" on global firmware
RedmiNote 10/11/12, K40/K50, 9A/10ASome models require an update
POCOF3/F4/F5, X3/X4/X5, M4/M5VoLTE is stable at MIUI 13+
Black Shark4/5Support depends on the firmware region

For older models (such as the Redmi Note 7 or Mi 9), VoLTE support may be limited or require manual tuning through the engineering menu. If your model is not listed, check the specifications on Xiaomi's official website or in the documents for the device.

πŸ’‘

Even if your model supports VoLTE, the operator can block the technology at the level of the system. SIM-In this case, only a replacement will help. SIM New (for example, with support) USIM).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Vo Lite on Xiaomi

Why is my Xiaomi not using Vo Lite, even though it supports VoLTE?
There are several reasons: VoLTE mode is disabled in the settings (see "How to turn it on"). SIM-map (needed) USIM or the latest nano-SIM. MIUI not adapted for your region (e.g., the Chinese version on a global device) Try updating the software or contact the communication salon for a new one SIM-card.
Can you remove the Vo Lite icon without turning off the technology itself?
No, the Vo Lite icon is a system indicator that can't be hidden without disabling the function. However, you can: Turn off VoLTE in the settings (but lose the benefits of the technology); Use MIUI themes that visually hide some of the icons (not guaranteed).
VoLTE drains the battery faster? How do you check that?
In theory, VoLTE should save power, since the phone does not switch between 4G and 3G. However, in practice, there may be crashes: Open Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery Use. Check if the Phone or SIM card application consumes too much power. If the consumption increased after VoLTE activation, try turning off the function for 1-2 days and compare the results. Also make sure that you have the latest version of MIUI installed - old firmware had power bugs.
After the MIUI update, VoLTE was missing.
This is a typical problem when switching to a new firmware version. Solutions: Reset network settings: Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Reset settings. Restart your phone in Safe Mode (hold the power button). β†’ Safe Mode) and check if the icon has appeared.If nothing helps, reset to factory settings (don't forget to make a backup!).
Does VoLTE work on Xiaomi with two? SIM-map?
Yes, but with reservations: VoLTE will only be active on the main SIM-The card (the one used for the default data) on some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) You can set up VoLTE for both of them. SIM, But it depends on the firmware and the operator. SIM support VoLTE, priority is given to the one that is installed in the slot SIM 1. To change priority, go to Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Choice SIM call.