If you've ever thought your calls sound mediocre, with dropouts or background noise, it's very likely you're not taking full advantage of the advantages of VoLTE calls or 4G calls You may not even know how to improve the quality of calls and video calls. This technology has been available for years, but many people are still using outdated networks without realizing it.
With VoLTE, your mobile phone stops relying on 2G or 3G for voice calls and starts using the 4G network (and even 5G in many cases) to make callsThis means better audio quality, near-instant connection, less battery consumption, and the ability to browse at full speed while talking, all without paying extra.
What is VoLTE and why has it changed voice calls?
VoLTE stands for Voice over LTE, and it describes a form of communication in which Voice is transmitted as data over the 4G LTE network instead of using the old 2G or 3G networks. For all practical purposes, you still make "normal" calls, with your same plan, but the technology behind it is different.
On traditional networks, even if the mobile phone was connected to 4G for browsing, when initiating a call it had to automatically switch to 3G or 2G to manage voice callsThis network change increased call setup time, worsened sound quality, and could slow down or cut off browsing while you were on a call.
With VoLTE, voice travels as an IP data stream over LTE. The mobile device communicates with the operator's IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) platform, which handles Establish the call and negotiate the audio qualityAdvanced codecs such as AMR-WB (Adaptive Multi-Rate Wideband) are used, capable of transmitting a much wider frequency range than traditional telephony.
While a 3G call operates at around 300 Hz – 3,4 kHz, VoLTE can reach 7 kHz or more, getting very close to How would the other person's voice sound if they were next to you?Furthermore, since there are no continuous network jumps, the system is more stable and efficient.
Advantages of activating VoLTE for your calls
The switch to VoLTE brings a host of improvements that are noticeable from day one. It's not just a technical term: It directly impacts how you listen and how others listen to you. when you call.
The first big advantage is the high definition voice quality (HD Voice)By using wideband codecs and more bandwidth, background noise is reduced and the sound quality is improved. In noisy environments, such as a busy street, a bar, or an airport, the difference compared to a 2G or 3G call can be dramatic.
Another key point is the setup time. With VoLTE, The call comes in almost instantly.The other person's phone starts ringing very quickly. Many operators point out that connection time is reduced by almost half compared to older networks, which provides a very pleasant sense of immediacy.
Its stability is also noteworthy. By always remaining on 4G or 5G, Typical outages and coverage losses are reduced When the phone keeps switching between 4G and 3G, in areas where 2G/3G coverage is weak but 4G signal is good, VoLTE can make all the difference, transforming a call from terrible to seamless.
Finally, there is one advantage that is noticeable but almost never mentioned: the improvement in battery lifeAvoiding continuous network technology changes and keeping everything on LTE (or 5G) reduces energy consumption compared to switching between 4G, 3G and 2G for each call.
Use voice and data simultaneously without losing speed
One of the most practical things about VoLTE is that It allows simultaneous use of voice and data at maximum speed.In other words, you can be on a call while looking at Google Maps, checking your email, watching a video, or replying to messages without the connection slowing down.
With older technologies, when receiving or making a call, the mobile phone's signal could drop to 3G, which meant loss of speed, download interruptions, or even service outagesWith VoLTE, everything stays on the 4G (or 5G) network and the experience is seamless.
This multitasking capability also extends to other advanced services. In many networks, VoLTE is combined with Wi-Fi calls (VoWiFi)which allow you to talk using any available wireless network when mobile coverage is poor, and with native high-definition video calls without having to resort to third-party apps.
Another point that often raises questions is whether VoLTE calls use up data from your internet allowance. Despite traveling on 4G, They don't deduct gigabytes from your data planThe operator counts and charges them as regular voice calls, simply using a different technology.
Requirements to enjoy VoLTE calls
To take advantage of VoLTE, it's not enough to have a modern mobile phone; you must meet a series of conditions regarding the line, the device, and the network. Generally, these are simple requirements, but it's worth reviewing them because If only one fails, the call will not be routed over 4G.
First of all, you need a VoLTE compatible smartphoneToday, virtually any 4G or 5G phone manufactured in recent years supports it, but it may not be available or may come disabled on older models. Brands like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO, OPPO, OnePlus, Huawei, and many others include it as standard in their latest models.
The second requirement is to have a 4G SIM or more modernIf you've been using the same SIM card for many years and your carrier gave it to you when 4G was just starting out, it might be time to replace it. Changing your SIM card is usually free or inexpensive and can be done in stores or through customer service.
It is also essential that your operator has activated VoLTE on their network and on your lineIn Spain, major companies like Movistar, O2, Vodafone, Orange, Jazztel, Yoigo, MásMóvil, Pepephone, Digi, and other regional and low-cost operators have already deployed VoLTE. Some activate it automatically, while others require you to enable it in your line settings.
Finally, for the call to be routed via VoLTE, you need to be in an area with 4G coverage (or 5G, depending on the network)If you lose that coverage during the call, the system may switch to 3G or 2G; the call will continue, but you will lose HD quality and the benefits of VoLTE while you are outside the LTE network.
How to activate VoLTE on Android phones
On Android, the VoLTE setting isn't always called the same thing or located in the same place. Each manufacturer changes the menus slightly, so You may encounter names such as VoLTE, 4G Calling, Voice over LTE, or VoLTE CallingThere are even models where the operator hides it and it is managed automatically.
On most phones, you'll find the option within the mobile network settings. A fairly common way to do this is to go into Settings > Networks and Internet (or Connections) > Mobile network or Internet > SIM settings and, inside, locate a box or switch that says something like “4G Calls”, “VoLTE Calls” or similar.
If your device is Samsung, the usual thing to do is go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks and activate the “VoLTE Calls” option associated with the corresponding SIM. On Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO, it usually appears in Settings > SIM cards and mobile networks with a switch called “VoLTE” or “VoLTE Calls”. On Huawei, it's usually found in Settings > Mobile network.
There are cases where the option doesn't appear even if the phone supports VoLTE. In these situations, the most common issue is that the carrier... control activation automatically and does not offer a button to force or disable it, or that it is necessary to update the terminal software for the menu to display correctly.
If after updating and checking the settings you still don't see anything related to VoLTE, it's best to contact your carrier's customer service to check if Your model is approved and your line has active service..
How to activate VoLTE on iPhone
On iOS, the process is more consistent, as Apple maintains the same menu structure across all its models. From the iPhone 6 onward, Apple devices are compatible with VoLTE as long as the carrier is also compatible..
In recent models, the usual path involves entering Settings> Mobile data> Options> Voice and dataThere you'll see several combinations (for example, automatic 5G, 5G enabled, 4G) and a selector for VoLTE if the carrier offers it. The most common choices are automatic 5G or 4G with VoLTE enabled.
If your iPhone is older than the iPhone 12, the path is still similar, but in the Voice & Data section you may need to explicitly select “4G, VoLTE enabled” to ensure that calls are routed over LTE with HD Voice.
On many lines, especially those of the major operators, VoLTE comes enabled from the factory, so You might not even have to touch anything You might already be enjoying 4G calls without even knowing it. Even so, it's worth checking your mobile network settings.
If the VoLTE option doesn't appear in the Voice and Data menu, you should update iOS to the latest version and, if the problem persists, contact your carrier to confirm that The line has supported service and updated carrier settings..
Mobile phone compatibility, tariffs and operators
Most mobile phones manufactured from 2020-2022 onwards already have VoLTE enabled by default or ready to use as soon as you insert the SIM card. Brands like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO, Huawei or OnePlusAmong many others, they include support in their mid-range and high-end models, and increasingly also in the entry-level range.
In the case of Spanish operators, both the large national companies and many regional operators have deployed VoLTE on their 4G network and, in many cases, also integrate it with VoWiFi services and the evolution towards 5G4G calls are usually included as standard in contract plans, whether for individuals, the self-employed, or businesses.
Some operators point out that VoLTE has no additional cost.You don't pay extra to use it. It's a technological upgrade to the network that's applied to your regular plan. What does remain the same is each company's call and roaming pricing policy, even though voice calls travel over LTE.
For business lines with special configurations (for example, virtual private networks or highly specific services), restrictions may apply. In these specific scenarios, VoLTE is not always permitted due to technical issues or integration with corporate systemsTherefore, it is advisable to verify this with the account manager or the business support area.
The international context must also be taken into account: in countries like the United States, many operators have already shut down their 2G and 3G networksThere, having a mobile phone and a VoLTE-compatible line is almost essential to continue making and receiving calls without relying on traditional telephony.
VoLTE roaming: 4G calls when you travel abroad
The technology behind VoLTE is the same whether you're in your home country or traveling, but Roaming availability depends on agreements between operatorsNot all destinations or networks worldwide offer VoLTE support to visitors.
When the service is available, calls are routed over the 4G network of the foreign operator with which your company has an agreementIf there is also VoLTE interconnection between operators, you can continue to enjoy HD quality even when calling to Spain or other countries.
Regarding costs, VoLTE calls while roaming They are not counted as data consumptionbut as roaming voice minutes. Within the European Union, the same conditions as your domestic plan usually apply (roaming as at home), while outside the EU, the international rates for each destination apply.
To use VoLTE while roaming, you usually need to have Data roaming and international calls activated Check your mobile data roaming settings. If you're traveling to a country with a phased 2G/3G shutdown, make sure your phone model is compatible with the local LTE bands, that VoLTE is enabled, and that the software is up to date.
In destinations where the foreign operator does not support VoLTE or there is no agreement with your company, calls will be routed through the traditional methods available on that network, losing the HD voice part but maintaining the possibility of making calls, as long as the country still has 2G or 3G operational.
VoWiFi and other features that go hand in hand with VoLTE
Many operators accompany the deployment of VoLTE with another complementary service: VoWiFi or Wi-Fi callingThis is a feature that allows you to make and receive voice calls and SMS messages using a Wi-Fi network instead of the mobile network when coverage is poor.
VoWiFi is especially useful in challenging indoor environments, such as basements, homes with very thick walls, or office buildings where the signal is weak. As long as you have a stable Wi-Fi connection, You'll be able to make calls with good quality even if your mobile phone has very little network coverage..
Like VoLTE, Wi-Fi calls are usually included in the plan at no extra cost and are charged like regular voice calls. In many cases, it's possible to initiate a call over Wi-Fi and have it connect to the network. then switch to 4G without interruption when you leave home or work.
In addition to VoWiFi, some devices and networks integrate with VoLTE. native high-definition video callsThis implies power initiate native video calls from the phone app itself, without resorting to external services, taking advantage of the same IMS infrastructure over LTE.
This entire ecosystem (VoLTE, VoWiFi, native video calls, 5G integration) is part of the natural evolution of mobile telephony, in which voice becomes Another service within the data network, with greater quality and flexibility than legacy circuit-switching systems.
Enabling or disabling VoLTE: when does it make sense?
Although the general recommendation is to leave VoLTE enabled, some users may want to in certain circumstances. temporarily turn off the functionFor example, if specific compatibility problems are detected with a particular network or sporadic failures when establishing calls.
The process for disabling it is usually the same as for activating it, but by unchecking the corresponding box in the network settings. On Android, this would involve going to the mobile network options and Disable “VoLTE Calls” or “4G Calls”On iPhone, change your Voice and Data settings to use only 4G/3G without VoLTE. As a temporary alternative, you can set up call forwarding on Android.
It's important to understand that, by disabling VoLTE, You lose HD quality, fast setup, and the ability to browse at maximum speed while talking.The phone will revert to 3G or 2G on each call if the network requires it.
In environments where legacy networks are already being phased out, turning off VoLTE can directly mean losing the ability to make or receive callsTherefore, unless you have a very specific reason, it's most sensible to keep it on.
If, even with VoLTE enabled, you experience audio problems or dropouts, it's best to first check your coverage status, software updates, and, if in doubt, contact your operator to rule out network issues or limitations specific to your plan or device.
The migration of voice calls to 4G and 5G networks has made VoLTE the current standard for high-quality phone calls. Taking advantage of it means Enjoy cleaner sound, faster connections, better coverage, and lower battery consumption.Without changing your number or plan, and in most cases, without paying a single euro more. Checking if your mobile and your operator already have it activated is a simple step that can make a big difference in your daily life every time you pick up a phone to make a call, and if you're interested, you can find out more. apps to record calls.
