VoLTE icon on Xiaomi screen – what it is and how to set it up correctly

Have you noticed a new HD or VoLTE icon on the top of your Xiaomi and you don't know what it means? Or has it disappeared and the quality of calls has deteriorated? This technology is radically changing the way we use voice, but many users still don't know how to use it. Unlike standard 2G/3G calls, VoLTE is broadcasting voice over 4G LTE, which gives crystal clear sound, instant connectivity and the ability to talk and use mobile Internet at the same time.

But it’s not that simple: the icon can pop up and go missing, and in some regions the technology doesn’t work at all. In this article, we’ll look at what VoLTE is on Xiaomi, how to turn it on (including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4 and Mi 11/12/13) models, why it might not be displayed, and what to do if the operator doesn’t support this feature, and how to distinguish real VoLTE from a fake and why it’s sometimes better to disable.

Spoiler: If you have Xiaomi on MIUI 12/13/14 and the VoLTE icon flashes or disappears, the problem is probably not the phone, but the SIM card or carrier settings.

What is VoLTE and why is it needed in Xiaomi?

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a technology that transmits voice over a fourth-generation (4G LTE) network, rather than over outdated 2G or 3G networks, as it used to be, and the main advantage is that the sound quality in VoLTE calls is comparable to FaceTime or Skype, because voice is transmitted in digital format without compression, as in the old standards.

But that's not the only thing that's good about it. Here's what VoLTE does on Xiaomi.

• 📞 Instant connection – no delay in dialing (as in the 2G, wherein 5-10 seconds).
• 🌐 Internet while calling – you can talk and use mobile traffic at the same time 3G When the phone rings, the internet goes off).
• 🔊 Broadband (HD Voice – Voice frequency increases from 3.4 kHz (in 3G) Up to 7 kHz, making sound more natural.
• 🔋 Battery savings – the phone doesn’t switch between 4G and 3G/2G, Reduces the load on the communication module.

There are downsides, however: VoLTE consumes a little more traffic (about 1-2 MB per minute), and in some regions, operators do not yet support this technology, and older Xiaomi models (until 2018) may have compatibility issues.

⚠️ Note: If you travel frequently, please note that VoLTE may not work in roaming.Some operators (such as MTS or Beeline) disable this feature abroad to avoid additional tariffs.

What does the VoLTE icon look like on Xiaomi and where to look for it?

The VoLTE icon on Xiaomi can be displayed differently depending on the phone model and MIUI version.

• 📱 HD — The most common icon (meaning High Definition Voice, which means high quality sound).
• 📱 VoLTE is the full name of the technology (found less frequently, usually on older versions of firmware).
• 📱 4G+ or LTE+ — Sometimes operators disguise VoLTE as these icons (especially in MegaFon).
• 📱 There is no badge, but the calls are still through. 4G (You can check the engineers mode).

Where to look for a badge:

1. Unlock your phone and look at the top notification bar (near the network indicator).
2. If there is no icon but you suspect that VoLTE is working, make a test call and check the connection speed – with VoLTE, the connection happens almost instantly.
3. On some models (such as Xiaomi 12 Pro or POCO F4), the icon may be hidden. To show it, go to Settings → Notifications → Status Panel → Show the VoLTE icon.

🔍 How to distinguish a real VoLTE from a fake?

Some carriers (e.g. Yota or virtual carriers like Tinkoff Mobile) may display an HD icon, but in reality calls are made via 3G.

1. Turn on flight mode and turn off Wi-Fi.
2. Activate only the mobile network (4G).
3. Call another phone. If the call doesn't go through, you don't have VoLTE, you have a simulation.

💡

If the VoLTE icon appears and disappears, try rebooting your phone or moving your SIM to another slot (if you have a Dual SIM).

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

By default, VoLTE on most Xiaomi models (Redmi Note 10/11, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12) is turned on automatically if the operator supports the technology. But sometimes the settings are lost after updating the MIUI or replacing the SIM card.

Method 1. Through the basic settings (for MIUI 12/13/14)

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose your SIM card (if there are several).
3. Tap on the network type (or preferred network type).
4. Choose 4G (preferably) / LTE or 4G+ / LTE+.
5. Activate the VoLTE switch (if any).
6. Reboot the phone.

Method 2. Through Engineers Mode (if there is no option in settings)

If the menu does not have a VoLTE option, try to enable it through the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app and dial ##4636##.
2. Select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to Set preferred network type.
4. Select LTE only or LTE/WCDMA auto.
5. Go back and find the VoLTE provisioned item – if it is Enabled, the technology is active.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) The engineering menu can be blocked, in which case you can try updating the firmware or use the app. MTK Engineering Mode (only for MediaTek-based phones).

Why Xiaomi doesn’t have a VoLTE icon: 7 main reasons

If you enabled VoLTE in the settings but the icon never appeared, the problem may be in one of the following:

🔧 The most common problem is an outdated SIM card, for example, MTS and Beeline require a SIM card format. USIM (or nano-SIM 4G). If your SIM is older than 2015, it should be replaced, even if it looks like a nano-SIM.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 8A or POCO M2) VoLTE only works in the first SIM card slot. If you use the second slot, the icon won't appear, even if the settings are correct.

VoLTE vs ViLTE vs VoWiFi: What’s the difference and what’s better

In addition to VoLTE, other icons associated with voice communication over the Internet can appear on Xiaomi, let’s see what they mean:

• 📶 VoLTE - Calls through 4G LTE (It only works if you have a mobile network).
• 📶 ViLTE (Video over LTE) — video-calling 4G (For example, in the standard application Calls to MIUI).
• 📶 VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) – calls over Wi-Fi (useful if there is no network) 4G, But there's the Internet).
• 📶 5G VoNR is an analogue of VoLTE, but for the network. 5G (It is currently supported only on Xiaomi. 12/13 flagship POCO F4 GT).

🔹 Which is better to choose?

If you have stable 4G, the best option is VoLTE. If you often go to places with poor coverage (metro, basement), but there is Wi-Fi – turn on VoWiFi. ViLTE is useful if you often call over videos, and 5G VoNR is still relevant only for owners of the latest flagships.

⚠️ Note: Some tariffs allow operators to block VoWiFi even if the phone supports it. for example, Tele2 only allows VoWiFi at rates from 500 rubles per month.

💡

VoLTE and VoWiFi can be used simultaneously: if you start a call over VoLTE and then log in to a zone without 4G but with Wi-Fi, the call will automatically switch to VoWiFi without a communication break (if the carrier supports this feature).

How to disable VoLTE on Xiaomi and when to do it

While VoLTE offers many benefits, there are times when it’s best to turn it off:

• 🔋 Quick battery discharge - if the phone began to run out 3-4 The data shows that the communication module consumes a lot of power, VoLTE may be to blame.
• 📵 Poor coverage 4G — If you are often in places where 4G unstable, the phone will constantly switch between networks, which eats up the charge.
• 💰 Additional costs – some operators (for example, in roaming) can charge VoLTE calls as Internet traffic.
• 🔊 Poor sound quality – if the operator has a bad network setup, VoLTE calls may sound worse than on the phone 3G.

How to disable VoLTE:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose your SIM card.
3. Turn off the VoLTE switch (or Improved Calls).
4. Reboot the phone.

If VoLTE calls have gotten worse after the shutdown, try an alternative way – limit your network to 3G:

1. In the same SIM card settings, select Network Type → 3G.
2. The phone will only use 3G for calls, and 4G will only use the internet.

💡

If you have disabled VoLTE, but the icon still appears, reset the network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset mobile network settings.

VoLTE on Xiaomi in roaming: does it work and how much it costs

One of the most common questions is, "Will VoLTE work abroad?" The answer depends on three factors:

1. Operator – some (for example, MegaFon) turn off VoLTE in roaming, others (like MTS) leave, but can charge an additional fee.
2. In Europe and Asia, VoLTE is usually available, and in some countries in Africa or Latin America it may be disabled.
3. Local operator – even if your carrier supports VoLTE roaming, the local operator may not provide it.

💸 How much does VoLTE cost in roaming?

Most Russian operators do not charge extra for VoLTE calls, but:

• 📞 Calls are charged as outgoing roaming (price depends on the tariff).
• 🌍 Data charges may be charged if VoLTE is considered Internet traffic (rare but sometimes).
• ⚠️ Some operators (for example, Beeline) in roaming transfer VoLTE-calls to paid numbers (for example, +7 9xx... turn into +7 9xx...@biline.ru), adds value.

🔍 How to check:

1. Before traveling, check with the operator whether VoLTE is supported in the host country.
2. In roaming, make a test call and check the balance - if the amount is written off unexpectedly, turn off VoLTE.

💡

In most EU countries (Germany, France, Italy) VoLTE works without problems, but in the US and Canada, additional settings may be required (for example, manual APN input).

FAQ: Frequent questions about VoLTE on Xiaomi