What does the VoLTE icon that appears on the phone mean, the pros and cons of the technology

Greetings friends!

I will write in simple words, without complex terms, so that even the most novice user can understand it!! Plus I’ll show you how to disable it on Samsung, Honor, Huawei!

Immediately short answer:

The inscription VoLTE appeared on the phone - a technology that allows you to make calls via the LTE (4G) network, advantages: high connection speed, HD audio quality, parallel operation of the Internet, the ability to simultaneously talk with several subscribers.

VoLTE - a new type of communication

Most 4G wireless networks today use the LTE network. Outdated 2G and 3G networks were mainly intended for transmitting voice calls. Later, support for cellular data was added. The modern network allows you to transfer data at high speeds, up to 45 Mb/sec. But often the speed is much lower, since its parameters are influenced by many factors, for example, the distance between the phone and the base station.

VoLTE technology transmits voice messages over the LTE network. It first appeared from SingTel. A little later, Samsung released the first smartphones with the implemented VoLTE service. The improved type of communication was immediately appreciated by cell phone manufacturers and telecom operators. The enabled option significantly reduces the load on the network. The conversation between the interlocutors takes place without any interference, with good sound quality.

4G communications with VoLTE technology have been used by subscribers all over the world, including in Russia, since 2016. Users evaluate high-speed Internet on their phones using the services of well-known operators.

Does VoLTE work with HD calling on a phone?

Users are wondering whether VoLTE supports a technology known as “HD calling”. As a reminder, HD Calling technology guarantees crystal clear audio that sounds so perfect that it feels like you are right next to the person you are talking to. As a result, it is much easier to hear what the other person is saying when you talk using HD calling than through a regular mobile call.

We answer. VoLTE technology supports HD Calling and you can take full advantage of the said technologies. And despite the fact that in Russia HD Calling is only at the implementation stage, the advantages of using it are obvious.

Features and benefits of the technology

The use of VoLTE technology significantly reduces the load on the network and provides financial benefits for subscribers. In addition to these advantages, this standard has a number of advantages:

1. Fast connection – high-speed communication with another subscriber is achieved due to the absence of the need to switch the mobile device to GSM or 3G during communication between subscribers.
2. High quality voice communication - the transmission speed in other networks is much lower, so during a conversation there is interference and noise that interferes with the conversation. There are no such problems with VoLTE.
3. Using the Internet during a call – when the 2G or 3G network is working, the smartphone switches to a voice call, turning off the Internet. With the new technology, you can use the browser without interrupting the conversation.
4. Free calls – operators use VoLTE over regular traffic, the package is consumed, not megabytes.
5. Increasing the capacity of cellular networks means reducing the load on the network. This allows you to simultaneously increase the number of users.

What is LTE

The abbreviation itself stands for Long-Term Evolution, which means “long-term evolution.” This does not reveal the essence of the phenomenon to us, but it lies in purely technical concepts (the scheme and methods of signal transmission between phones and cells have changed).

If we do without complex, useless terms, then LTE is a wireless Internet connection that provides unrealistically high data transfer speeds. The maximum in the entire history of mobile phones.

How did you achieve such impressive results?

Before the creation of LTE, cellular communications could only operate on a specific frequency. This created some restrictions and generally slowed down the operation of mobile communications. For example, 2G networks use only a few bands (850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz). The same situation is in 3G, but with the addition of two more bands - 1900 and 2200 MHz.

Unlike previous standards, LTE technology can operate on any frequency . Both at the lowest and highest (from 450 MHz to 5 GHz).

But the main feature of this technology is the ability to combine several ranges into one channel .

This opportunity appeared after the creation of the LTE Advanced version. It was this version that marked the beginning of a new era - 4G.

Disadvantages of use

Despite the impressive list of advantages, the new technology still has some disadvantages:

1. Some cell phone models do not support VoLTE. It is supported only by modern gadgets from well-known manufacturers.
2. To ensure high-quality sound, both parties need to use the technology.
3. Insufficient coverage outside major cities. If the signal is lost, manual network configuration will be required. In this case, you will have to make calls on a 3G network.
4. Battery consumption increases. Therefore, when your smartphone battery is low, it is better to use a regular network.

Using the standard implies high quality sound during a call, while the load on the battery increases significantly. Before connecting, you should evaluate the capabilities of your mobile device, since the use of VoLTE is not suitable for all scenarios.

What is the difference between 4G and LTE

Today the terms LTE and 4G are used together. In fact, these are slightly different concepts. LTE technology has been around for a long time and includes 19 versions. The very first of them were far from current standards.

And only the tenth version of LTE Advanced (and all subsequent ones) belong to the fourth generation radio communication standard (4G).

The versions created earlier are rather an intermediate option between 3G and 4G.

In November 2010, the International Telecommunication Union officially recognized LTE-Advanced as the 4th generation (4G) wireless networking standard.

What advantages does LTE give us:

1. Formally, the download speed reaches 326.4 Mbit/s, the upload speed up to 172.8 Mbit/s.
   In fact, these figures may vary depending on the quality of the signal, network congestion, and tariff plan restrictions. But even this is enough to ensure lag-free streaming. This means that within the coverage area you will be able to watch streaming video, participate in online conferences and generally not limit yourself when using the Internet.
2. On the technical side, the LTE standard uses the existing 3G infrastructure. This makes the transition of subscribers from 3G to 4G smoother. If for some reason you leave the LTE coverage area, your device will automatically switch to 3G mode without losing connection.
3. coverage radius ranges from 3.2 to 19.7 km. But, as in the case of 3G, the signal level will depend on the power of the base station.

What does LTE speed depend on?

Most large operators in the Russian Federation can operate in certain bands: 2600 MHz, 1800 MHz and 800 MHz. Almost all cellular base stations operating in the 800 MHz band are capable of providing maximum speed at a distance of up to 13 km. Accordingly, in an area of ​​reliable LTE coverage, the signal quality will be much better.

In addition, each individual operator has different bandwidth and coverage area. That is, at different points of the same network and in different networks, the speeds will be different. So if you want to know what speed you can expect, check the LTE coverage map with your operator.

Remember that other factors influence the final speed: weather conditions, the number of users - the more of them, the lower the average speeds.

Geography of distribution

Mobile operators in Russia: Megafon, Beeline, MTS and Tele2 support the VoLTE service, but not in all regions of the country.

The large telecom operator Megafon first launched a new voice transmission using 4G in 2016 in Moscow. Today it provides services in the regions: Moscow, Leningrad and Samara. The service connects automatically and is available on devices from well-known manufacturers.

Mobile operator Beeline launched the service in 2015 in Moscow. Today the online option does not work, most likely this is due to technical glitches.

Tele2 launched VoLTE in 2022 in the capital. Today the standard works only in the Moscow region. You can connect it only through a USSD request. A special feature of the operator’s connection was the ability to make calls via Wi-Fi.

The mobile operator MTS launched the service in 2018. Despite the late transition to new technology, this operator is considered the most advanced. VoLTE is connected automatically or through a request service. The company has an impressive list of devices that support the service.

Regions where the network operates:

• Yaroslavl region;
• Kaluga region;
• Moscow and region;
• Republic of Bashkortostan.

The promising technology is complemented by voice transmission over Wi-Fi. In the future it is planned to develop and expand its capabilities.

History of the technology

The first commercial VoLTE service was launched in August 2012 by the Metro by T-Mobile brand, the rights to which belong to the American network operator T-Mobile US, Inc. In 2014, this technology was launched in Singapore, and then a dozen more countries announced support for VoLTE.

Now the technology is undergoing active implementation in many countries of the world, including Russia. Despite its potentially rich capabilities, the implementation of VoLTE is often limited to the central regions of the country (for example, in Russia it is Moscow and the Moscow region). This is due to the fact that not all user phones support 4G technology, so many operators consider it impractical to re-equip capacity for potentially low demand.

You can find out whether your phone supports VoLTE technology by viewing its technical specifications on the device manufacturer’s website.

Look for VoLTE support in your device's specifications

What devices are supported?

Today, most flagship mobile phones support LTE. After purchasing a smartphone, VoLTE is connected automatically. The standard is supported in the following models:

• Apple iPhone from 6 series and above;
• LG;
• Samsung;
• Sony Xperia;
• Nokia;
• Huawei.

The option is also supported by most models of modern Chinese gadgets.

Analogs

In addition to VoLTE, the ViLTE service is being developed around the world. The principle of its operation is similar to its predecessor, only instead of voice a video signal is transmitted. When a subscriber does not have access to the Internet, is outside the network coverage area or is traveling abroad, Wi-Fi Calling comes to the rescue. The name means that voice calls are transmitted via a Wi-Fi network, for which a client application is used.

The latter option is imperfect because it may charge you per call. In this case, it is more practical to use instant messengers that establish communication via Internet access.

How to start using it?

The technology is used only if two main conditions are met. First of all, the option must be supported by the mobile operator, and secondly, the smartphone. To find out about operator support for this type of communication, just contact him and ask a question.

In the gadget, this function is activated automatically or manually. Most modern phones support this service, but not all users know about it.

To connect VoLTE you will need:

• Open the Settings menu on your phone.
• Select "Connections".
• Go to the “Mobile networks” section.
• Select the “VoLTE Calls” sub-item.

• Move the slider to the right (it should light up blue).

For owners of gadgets based on iOS, the activation process is a little different. To enable the service, you need to open the “Settings” menu, select the “Cellular” section, then go to the “Enable LTE” subsection. Set the value to “Voice and data”.

How to enable VoLTE and use it on a Xiaomi/Redmi phone

Activating the function on your smartphone is quite easy. For this:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to the "SIM cards and mobile networks" section. In some smartphone models and versions of MIUI, the “Enable/Disable” VoLTE button is available directly in this general section. In others, you need to select a specific SIM card and look for the switch in its settings.
3. Near the “Enable VoLTE” or “VoLTE HD Call” item, move the slider to the active state and get improved quality of voice and video calls.

If you do not see the corresponding switch in the settings, then the function is hidden and needs to be unlocked. For this:

1. Start dialing mode and enter the special USSD request *#*#86583#*#*.
2. A small window will appear on the screen with the notification “Volte carrier check was disabled”. This means that the functionality has been blocked. Now the required switch should appear in the SIM card settings. Next, repeat the steps described above in the activation instructions.

There is another way to activate:

1. In dialing mode, enter the combination *#*#4636#*#*. Please note that this combination will not work on all Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones.
2. A window will pop up where you need to select “Phone Information”. If you have a model with support for two SIM cards, accordingly, the system will offer a choice of “Phone Information 1” and “Phone Information 2”. These are the first and second SIM cards.
3. You need to select the one you need and in the menu that appears, set the slider to the active state opposite “VoLTE synchronization is enabled.”

Note! If you need to make a call using VoLTE to a landline phone, be sure to dial the number in this format: +7-area code-phone number. By dialing the number in short format, the call will automatically be transferred to the 3G or 2G network depending on your current location.

How can I turn off or deactivate

Disabling the option on smartphones running Android OS is the same, regardless of the brand of the device. To disable the service you will need:

1. Open the Settings menu.
2. Select the “Connections” section.
3. Click on “Mobile networks”.
4. Find the item “VoLTE Calls”.
5. Disable the option by dragging the slider to the left.

Apple iPhone smartphone users will need to do the following:

1. Open the “Settings” section.
2. Find “Cellular” in the list.
3. Tap on “Data Options”.
4. Select the “Enable LTE” subsection.
5. Click on “Voice and Data”.
6. Deactivate the service.

How to disable VoLTE on Xiaomi/Redmi

When VoLTE mode is enabled on the smartphone, the corresponding icon lights up at the top of the screen, notifying the user about this:

If you do not need this functionality to work, then it is easy to turn it off and thus remove the icon.

1. In Settings, go to the “SIM cards and mobile networks” or “Cellular communications” section (different models have different menu item names).
2. Find the VoLTE switch and set it to Off. Please note that on some models the switch is located in the settings section of a specific SIM card, and not in the general “SIM cards and mobile networks”.

Modern smartphones with VoLTE

Support for the new type of communication is available in many devices, even relatively inexpensive ones. For example, the corresponding technology is built into Xiaomi Redmi 4X. This smartphone is one of the best-selling smartphones on AliExpress. People like the low price tag and optimal performance.

Buy Xiaomi Redmi 4X

Of course, many flagships support VoLTE technology. In theory, Samsung Galaxy S8, iPhone 8 and Xiaomi Mi6 allow you to talk via LTE networks. VoLTE is also found in less expensive devices - for example, Meizu M5 Note and iPhone SE are equipped with the corresponding technology.

Several disadvantages of this technology

Unfortunately, in everything good and modern there are always some shortcomings. And you need to know about them before completely switching to the next innovative standard. At the moment, this technology has two main disadvantages:

• The first is limitation. The technology is still relatively new. Therefore, its coverage area is not yet so widespread throughout the territory of our planet. Yes, developed networks are present in some small high-tech countries. For example, in South Korea or in Singapore. But in large countries this is a problem. Therefore, you can easily find yourself without communication if you move a couple of hundred kilometers somewhere to the side, into the outback. And in order to be available to other people again, you will need to manually switch the phone settings. Settings do not change automatically. It's worth remembering;
• The second is additional energy consumption. Using LoLTE, you will have to charge your mobile phone battery more often. And if it is initially very weak, then this can become a very serious problem.

Considering all the above advantages and disadvantages, people have two questions:

1. How to activate this standard?
2. And how to disable it, if necessary?

Let's look at these processes using the examples of today's popular Huawei and Honor phones.

If VoLTE is blocked

The operation of VoLTE depends on many factors, so calls often fail. After the release of the next version of MIUI, it was decided to temporarily block the option in certain regions in order to debug its operation in a quiet mode.

So, the option may not work in the following cases:

• does not support the device itself;
• blocked on a specific version of MIUI or in a given region;
• Operators do not support the technology in their networks.

In the first case, of course, there is nothing you can do (except maybe buy a new phone). In the second situation, flashing the smartphone or using a service code (as we said earlier, *#*#86583#*#*) can help. Finally, if your operator does not support LTE, you will have to wait for the networks to launch, or switch to another cellular operator.

To understand the situation, look on the Internet to see how things are going with your Xiaomi model. Also pay attention to the MIUI version, operator and region.

Results

VoLTE is a relevant way in 2022 to transmit voice calls in digitized quality without interference, noise, etc. The technology is supported by all Samsung flagships starting with the Galaxy S4. Budget and mid-range devices will begin to receive VoLTE compatibility starting in 2022. Anyone who wants to disable the function can disable it in the device settings. An analogue of the function is Wi-Fi Calling, which requires a connection to Wi-Fi networks instead of 4G.

Sources

• https://SmartPhonus.com/volte-%D1%87%D1%82%D0%BE-%D1%8D%D1%82%D0%BE-%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0 %BE%D0%B5-%D0%B2-%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%B5%D1%84%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B5-%D0%B8% D0%BB%D0%B8-%D1%81%D0%BC%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%82%D1%84%D0%BE%D0%BD/
• https://reedr.ru/smartfony/chto-takoe-volte/
• https://set-os.ru/chto-oznachaet-znachok-volte-na-ekrane-telefona/
• https://samsung-wiki.com/chto-takoe-volte-v-smartfone-samsung.html
• https://it-tehnik.ru/gadgets/znachok-volte.html
• https://ocomp.info/volte-chto-eto-takoe.html
• https://shop.mts.ru/news/chto-takoe-volte-i-na-kakikh-smartfonakh-rabotaet/
• https://itdesc.ru/volte-chto-eto-takoe-v-telefone-i-kak-otklyuchit/
• https://www.orgtech.info/volte-samsung/
• https://proslo.ru/volte-chto-jeto-takoe-v-telefone/

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What is it - Parameters and purpose

What is this, VoLTE? VoLTE is a technology for transmitting voice data over an LTE Internet network. The translation of the definition speaks for itself: Voice is a voice. We have explained what VoLTE is in a smartphone from a technology point of view - we will consider the need for use.

Data transfer appeared for one simple reason - the new generation network does not support voice format, as was possible in the 2G and 3G networks. Thus, calls pass through the 3G network, the smartphone switches networks, which causes a delay in operating speed. In order to avoid wasting traffic and precious time, this function was invented.

What does VoLTE mean on a phone? Voice communications are converted into data packets and successfully transmitted between mobile devices. In addition, VoLTE Internet calls have certain advantages for users:

• Instant connection. Switching between standards is no longer required, which speeds up the dialing process;
• You can conduct a dialogue and use traffic at the same time - talk and use a video broadcast or navigator;
• Excellent sound quality. The voice sounds clear, loud and without distortion.

As a rule, calls made using this option are not charged - the cost is already included in the parameters of the connected tariff plan.

There are also some minor disadvantages to this option. In particular, these include:

• High load on the device;
• Lack of standard in remote parts of the country. We will talk about distribution in detail below.

We discussed that this is Vol LTE, now we will look at its sign in a mobile device and tell you what it means.

The benefits of a new way of communication for ordinary people

In addition to the amazing financial benefits that this standard provides to people, which may well lead to a reduction in the cost of all tariffs from mobile operators in the future, this technology has other advantages:

• Almost instantaneous dialing to your interlocutor. Usually, when a person calls another person using standard mobile networks, some time passes before the second one hears the call - at this moment the connection occurs. When using VoLTE, communication is established almost immediately. And sometimes this can be very important for users;
• The highest quality of communication. No third-party sounds, poor audibility, speech interruptions and other unpleasant effects that people may have already become accustomed to, but clearly want to get rid of;
• When using this standard for communication, the Internet does not turn off simultaneously with the start of a conversation. But this is precisely what many people who are connected to standard 4G complain about. Now you can talk on the phone and calmly conduct parallel communication, for example, on social networks.