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

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 Outdated 2G and 3G networks were mainly intended for transmitting voice calls.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.

Subscribers all over the world, including in Russia, have been using 4G communications with VoLTE technology since 2021. Users evaluate high-speed Internet on their phones using the services of well-known operators.

What is Volte in a smartphone?

The term VoLTE represents a long-term evolution. We are talking about a new wireless connection. The innovative standard allows you to use the Internet at high speed, watch videos in HD format and simultaneously download large files.

The new network is designed for data transmission and has many advantages:

1. High-quality transmission of sound waves. The interlocutor's voice will sound natural and clear. There are no distortions.
2. Transfer of information. You can simultaneously receive data and transmit information.
3. High connection speed. Support for the new network does not require switching to 3G, which speeds up dialing time.

Tariffing is carried out in the same way as in the case of 3G. The data that is transmitted is not included in Internet traffic accounting. This information should be previously clarified with the operator.

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.

Description and terms of use

So what is this – VoLTE Megafon? VoLTE from Megafon is a technology that allows voice communication using high-speed data networks. In other words, you will be able to call other subscribers using the 4G+ (LTE) network.

To understand the meaning of Megafon VoLTE, you need to know the main advantages of the service, and they are as follows:

• High data transfer speed;
• Excellent sound quality;
• Instant connection;
• Simultaneous use of the Internet with a voice call;
• It's absolutely free.

We found out what it is - VoLTE in the Megafon phone. Let's discuss under what conditions the technology can be used:

• Modern smartphone;
• Availability of USIM card.

To find out if your SIM card supports the technology, do the following:

• Open the digital set;
• Enter the combination *507#;
• Press the call key.

If the answer is no, and you cannot use the service, then you can change the card for free at any communication store.

Also, it is important to know on which devices the option can be used; now we will look into this issue.

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.

Volte in Russia

The 4G network is developing gradually. To implement the new standard, you need to update the network to improve the quality of signal reception. In order to use the new network, you must:

• modernize the network using the official services of the operator;
• take care of a stable signal, using additional equipment if necessary;
• use modern mobile devices that support the 4G network.

Many manufacturers do not indicate the presence of VoLTE in device functions. This option is not known to everyone, so it is not very popular.

Geography of distribution

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

Major telecom operator Megafon launched new voice transmission using 4G for the first time in 2021 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 2021 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.

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.

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”.