Modern smartphones give users access to communication technologies that just yesterday seemed inaccessible to the mass consumer. One of these features is VoLTE (Voice over LTE), which allows you to make voice calls directly over the 4G network without switching to outdated 2G or 3G standards. For subscribers of the MTS operator, this option becomes especially relevant, as it provides crystal clear sound and instant connection.
Many owners of devices based on Android are faced with a situation where the VoLTE icon does not appear automatically, although the tariff and network coverage fully support this technology. This often causes confusion, because the phone's hardware capabilities allow it to work in high quality mode, but software settings block the function. In this article we will analyze all the nuances of activating the service, including hidden methods for advanced users.
Enabling this option not only improves the quality of the call, but also allows you to simultaneously use high-speed Internet during a call. If you frequently work remotely or play online games, switching networks during an incoming call can be a critical issue. Correctly setting up your gadget will eliminate these inconveniences and ensure stable communication anywhere in the operator’s coverage.
What is VoLTE technology and why do MTS subscribers need it?
Technology VoLTE is the transmission of voice traffic in the form of packet data through a fourth generation network. Unlike traditional circuit switching, where a separate frequency is allocated for calls, here the voice is digitized and transmitted in the same way as messages in instant messengers or web pages. This allows the MTS operator to optimize the load on base stations and provide communication services at a new level.
The main advantage for the user is the absence of connection delays. The time to establish contact with the interlocutor is reduced to 1-2 seconds, whereas in 3G networks this process can take up to 7 seconds. In addition, the sound quality is significantly higher due to the use of a wideband audio codec that transmits the entire spectrum of the human voice, and not just its mid-range frequencies.
It is important to note that for this feature to work, several conditions must be met simultaneously. Your smartphone must be certified by the operator or have the appropriate firmware, and the SIM card must be replaced with a modern version that supports USIM. Without meeting these requirements, even the presence of a checkmark in the settings does not guarantee the actual operation of the service.
⚠️ Attention: Using VoLTE consumes traffic from your main package of minutes, not Internet traffic. Voice packages in the LTE network are charged by the MTS operator as regular voice calls.
Another hidden advantage is energy efficiency. Since the phone does not need to constantly switch the radio module between LTE and WCDMA/GSM standards during a call, battery power is consumed more economically. This is especially noticeable in areas of uncertain 3G signal reception, where the device usually spends a lot of energy searching for a stable network.
Technical requirements and checking device compatibility
Before you start activating the service, you need to make sure that your equipment is physically capable of supporting this communication standard. Not all smartphones, even those labeled 4G, are equipped with the necessary RF modules for voice transmission over LTE. The MTS operator maintains a list of compatible devices, which is regularly updated as new models are released.
The first step should be to check the version of the basic software. Manufacturers often add support for new network functions in security updates or major releases Android. Go to the settings menu and find the About the phone → Android versionsection to make sure you have the latest OS build installed. Outdated firmware may be the main reason for the absence of the treasured icon.
The condition of your SIM card is also critically important. Old cards, released more than 5-7 years ago, may not have a profile for working in new generation networks. If you have been using the same SIM card since purchasing your first smartphone, most likely it will need to be replaced at a communication store. This procedure is usually free if you keep your number and tariff plan.
- 📱 Availability of a 4G/LTE module with support for MTS operator frequencies (Band 3, Band 7, Band 20).
- 📶 Active "4G Internet" service on your tariff plan.
- 💾 Firmware for a smartphone with an unlocked operator's engineering settings menu.
- 🆔 Replacing an old SIM card with a new USIM at the sales office.
It is worth taking into account regional coverage features. In some remote areas, MTS base stations may not yet be upgraded to carry voice traffic over LTE. In such cases, the phone will automatically switch to 3G or 2G when you try to make a call, regardless of your settings.
Standard activation through smartphone settings and USSD codes
The easiest and safest way to enable the function is to use the standard operating system interface. In most modern models based on Android This option is included in the explicit mobile network settings menu. However, the location of the items may differ depending on the manufacturer’s shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS, etc.).
First, open the section Settings → Mobile network → SIM cards. Select the slot with your MTS SIM card and find the switch labeled “Calls via LTE” or “Use VoLTE”. If such an item is missing, try going to the advanced network settings, which are sometimes hidden in the "Preferred network type" submenu.
If the visual switch is not found, you can use the operator's service codes. MTS provides the ability to activate the service through a USSD request, which forces the function on the network side. This is especially useful if the phone settings have been reset after updating or rearranging the SIM card.
*111*711#After entering this combination and pressing the call button, you should receive a notification that the service has been successfully activated. In some cases, the system will ask you to confirm the action with a response message. After this, it is recommended to reboot the device so that the network settings are applied correctly.
☑️ Check before activation
Sometimes it happens that the service is activated on the operator’s side, but the phone does not see it. In such a situation, try manually selecting the network type. Go to Settings → Mobile network → Network type and force set the value 4G/LTE (preferred). Avoid "3G Only" or "2G/3G" modes, as they completely block VoLTE operation.
Activation through the engineering menu for advanced users
For owners of smartphones whose manufacturer has hidden the ability to enable VoLTE in the standard menu, there is a method to access the engineering mode. This method allows you to directly interact with the device’s radio module, bypassing the limitations of the software shell. However, you should act with extreme caution, as incorrect changes can lead to loss of connection.
To get to the service menu, open the "Phone" application and enter a special code. For MediaTek processors, the most common code is ##3646633##. For Qualcomm-based devices, the code may be different, for example ##4636## or ##86583##, which forces the display of the VoLTE switch.
After entering the code, an interface with many technical tabs will open. You need to find the section Phone Information or MTK Settings. In this section, look for the item Volte Configuration or checkmark Enable VoLTE. Set the switch to position On or select the IMS profile that matches your operator.
⚠️ Attention: Changing parameters in the engineering menu may lead to unstable operation of the modem. Write down the original values before making any changes so that you can return everything to the way it was.
Pay special attention to the IMS settings. In some firmware, you need to manually enter the APN for IMS or select the correct profile. If you see a drop-down list with operators, select MTS or Russia. If there is no list, leave the default value, but make sure that the IMS Registration status is displayed as "Registered".
What to do if the code does not work?
Some new versions of Android (11, 12, 13) block access to the engineering menus through dialing. In this case, you may need to install a special launcher application for engineering modes or obtain root access, which will void the warranty.
After making changes, be sure to completely reboot the device. Simply turning off the screen or restarting the interface will not apply the new radio settings. If after turning on the phone no longer sees the network, return the settings to their original state through the same menu.
Configuring APN access points for stable IMS operation
The correct operation of VoLTE technology directly depends on the correct configuration of Internet access points (APN). The IMS protocol, which is responsible for voice transmission, uses a dedicated access point, different from the one used for regular surfing. If these parameters are incorrect or missing, registration in the VoLTE network will not be possible.
Go to the menu Settings → Mobile network → Access points (APN). Select an active MTS access point or create a new one by clicking on the plus icon. You need to check if there is a separate profile for IMS. In modern firmware it is often added automatically, but sometimes it has to be entered manually.
The main parameters for the internet.mts.ru access point should look like this: username and password - mts, authentication type - PAP or CHAP, APN type - default,supl. For IMS services, the parameters may differ, and here it is important not to delete system entries marked with a lock icon.
| Parameter | Value for MTS Internet | Value for IMS (if required) |
|---|---|---|
| Name | MTS Internet | IMS |
| APN | internet.mts.ru | ims |
| Proxy | Not specified | Not specified |
| Port | Not specified | Not specified |
| APN type | default,supl | ims |
If you find that the APN type does not contain a value ims, try adding it manually, separated by commas, to the existing parameters. After saving your settings, turn airplane mode on and off to initiate re-registration with the updated settings.
If the Internet stops working after changing the APN, click the menu button in the access points section and select "Reset to default settings." This will return the operator's factory configurations.
Diagnosing problems and troubleshooting
Even after following all instructions, users may encounter situations where VoLTE does not work or is unstable. Often the problem lies not in the phone settings, but in the way the device interacts with a specific base station. The first step is to check if you are in a "radio quiet" area or in a room with thick walls that are blocking the LTE signal.
If the VoLTE icon appears and disappears during a call, this may indicate a weak signal or network congestion. Try moving closer to a window or going outside. It is also worth checking if you have a power saving mode enabled, which may limit the operation of the radio module in the background to save battery power.
In some cases, a conflict arises due to the installed second SIM card of another operator. When one SIM card is busy talking via VoLTE, the second may require switching the antenna to another standard, which breaks the connection. Try to temporarily disable the second SIM card and check the service in single mode.
- 🔄 Perform a complete reset of the network settings in the menu
System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings. - 🗑️ Remove and re-add the APN access point for the MTS operator.
- 📵 Check whether the installed antivirus or firewall is blocking the network ports required for IMS.
- 🏢 Contact the communication store to check the SIM card profile for technical faults.
It is also worth mentioning the influence of custom firmware. If you have installed an unofficial version of Android (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.), VoLTE support may be broken due to the lack of proprietary modem drivers. In such cases, returning to stock firmware is the only solution to the problem.
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface and available functions may vary depending on the Android version and phone model. If you do not find the described item, use the settings search by entering the word "VoLTE" or "LTE".
The stability of VoLTE operation is 90% dependent on the quality of network coverage in a particular location and the health of the SIM card, and not just on the smartphone settings.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does enabling VoLTE affect Internet traffic consumption?
No, voice calls via LTE are charged by the MTS operator in the same way as regular calls. They charge minutes from your voice package, not megabytes of Internet traffic. The technology uses a data channel only to transmit a signal, but is recorded by the operator's billing system as a voice session.
Why does the VoLTE icon disappear when leaving home?
This means that in this area the operator's base stations are not yet equipped to transmit voice over 4G, or the LTE signal is too weak to maintain a high-quality connection. The phone automatically switches to 3G or 2G to ensure continuity of the conversation, since these networks have greater coverage.
Is it possible to use VoLTE when roaming abroad?
The service is available only if the operator of the host country has an agreement with MTS to support VoLTE roaming and your phone supports the required frequencies. In most cases, calls abroad will be made through standard 2G/3G networks unless the Wi-Fi Calling service is enabled.
Will VoLTE work if you disable mobile data in the settings?
Yes, VoLTE technology works regardless of whether you have packet Internet enabled for your browser. The radio module uses a dedicated channel for voice data, which is activated automatically when you start a call, even if the "Mobile Data" slider is in the off position.
How do I know if my phone officially supports VoLTE?
Check the technical specifications of the device on the manufacturer's official website or in the smartphone box. You can also enter the code ##4636## and look in the "Phone information" section to see if there is a "VoLTE provisioned" item there. If it is available and active, there is support.