How to keep the Internet working on Android during a call: a complete guide

Have you ever encountered with a situation when, during a telephone conversation on a smartphone Android the Internet suddenly stops? Maps stop updating, messages are not sent, and messengers get stuck on the “Connecting...” message. This problem is familiar to millions of users, and its reasons lie both in the hardware limitations of old smartphones and in the settings of modern networks 4G/5G. In this article we will figure out why this happens and how to make the Internet work in parallel with calls - without losing the quality of the connection.

The main difficulty is that traditional networks 2G/3G are physically unable to simultaneously transmit voice and data. Even with the advent of VoLTE (voice communication technology over 4G), many operators and devices still do not support its correct operation. But the good news is that the problem can be solved in several ways, from enabling hidden features in settings to using Wi-Fi workarounds. We have tested all methods on devices from Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and other brands to provide you with up-to-date instructions.

It is important to understand that there is no universal solution - it all depends on the smartphone model, version Android, telecom operator and even region. For example, owners Samsung Galaxy S22 with support 5G SA may encounter different settings than users Redmi Note 10 on Android 12. Therefore, we will analyze each method in detail, taking into account possible nuances.

Why the Internet turns off during a call: technical reasons

Before moving on to solutions, let's look at the root of the problem. In 90% of cases, three factors are to blame:

1. 2G/3G network limitations. Old communication standards physically cannot transmit voice and data simultaneously. When making a call, the smartphone “switches” to the voice channel, and the Internet is interrupted.
2. Lack of support for VoLTE. The technology Voice over LTE allows you to transmit voice over a 4G network while maintaining access to the Internet. But many operators do not activate it by default, and some budget smartphones do not support it at all.
3. Operator settings. Some mobile operators (especially virtual ones, for example Tinkoff Mobile or SberMobile) artificially limit the Internet during calls to reduce the load on the network.

There are also less obvious ones reasons:

• 📱 Outdated firmware. On Android 8.0 and below, VoLTE often works unstable, even if the smartphone supports the technology.
• 📡 Weak 4G signal. If a smartphone “clings” to the edge of the network, when making a call it can forcefully switch to 3G, losing the Internet.
• 🔧 Incorrect APN settings. Errors in the configuration of the access point can lead to conflicts between voice communication and data transmission.

Critical nuance: on devices with two SIM cards the problem may occur only on one of them - usually the one used for calls by default. This is due to the fact that the second SIM often works in “data only” mode and does not use voice functions.

⚠️ Attention: If your smartphone was released before 2018, the likelihood of hardware support for VoLTE is extremely low. Check the model specifications on the manufacturer's official website - sometimes the function is hidden in the firmware, but it can be activated manually.

Method 1: Enable VoLTE (head-end communication via 4G)

This is the most elegant solution, but it requires support from both the smartphone and the operator. VoLTE (or HD Voice) allows you to transfer voice calls over a 4G network without interrupting data transmission. Here's how to enable it:

1. Open Settings → Wireless networks → Mobile network (the path may differ depending on the shell).
2. Find item "VoLTE", "Improved calls" or "4G calls". On Samsung it could be Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network mode → VoLTE.
3. Activate the switch. If the option is missing, it means that your operator does not support the technology (see table below).

After activation, check the Internet operation during a call. If VoLTE has turned on successfully, an icon will appear in the status bar next to the network indicator. data-i="94">Features HD or VoLTE.

Operator	VoLTE support	Is activation required in your personal account?	Peculiarities
MTS	Yes	No (automatically activated)	Works on most 2019+ smartphones
Beeline	Yes	Yes (you need to enable the "Voice in 4G" option)	Requires additional payment on some tariffs
Megafon	Yes	No	Supports VoLTE on 5G devices
Tele2	Partially	Yes (only for subscribers in Moscow and Moscow Region)	Limited coverage
Yota	No	—	Uses the Megafon network, but VoLTE is not available

If VoLTE does not turn on, try:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 📋 Update the firmware to the latest version (VoLTE is often added in updates).
• 📞 Call operator support and find out if it is activated service for your number.

⚠️ Attention: On some smartphones Xiaomi i Realme the VoLTE option may be hidden in the engineering menu. To activate it, enter the code ##86583## (for Xiaomi) or ##4636## (universal) in the phone application. In the menu that opens, select Phone information → Set preferred network type → LTE only.

Method 2: Using Wi-Fi for the Internet during calls

If VoLTE is not available or is unstable, the most reliable workaround is to connect to Wi-Fi. Modern smartphones can simultaneously support voice calls over a mobile network and data transfer via Wi-Fi. Here's how to set it up:

1. Connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network (home or public).
2. Make sure that the option is enabled in the Wi-Fi settings Connect to the network automatically.
3. During the call, check that the Internet is working through Wi-Fi, not mobile data (open a browser or instant messenger).

Advantages of the method:

• 🌐 Stable speed (especially if Wi-Fi is faster than 4G).
• 📱 No dependence on the operator.
• 🔋 Savings mobile data traffic.

Disadvantages:

• 🚫 Doesn’t work on the road or where there is no Wi-Fi.
• 🔒 Risk of connecting to unsecure public networks (use VPN).

You can use an application to automate the process Tasker or MacroDroid, which will turn on Wi-Fi when a call starts. For example, in MacroDroid create a rule:

Trigger: Phone call (outgoing/incoming)
Action: Enable Wi-Fi
Restriction: Only if saved networks are available

Method 3: Setting network priority (4G/3G/2G)

If VoLTE is not available and there is no Wi-Fi nearby, you can try to force the smartphone to stay on the 4G network even during a call. To do this:

1. Go to Settings → Mobile network → Network mode.
2. Select "LTE only" (or "4G/3G/2G (auto)"if the first option is not available).
3. Disable the option "Auto switch to 3G/2G"if it is available.

This method does not work on all devices, but on some smartphones (for example, Google Pixel or OnePlus) allows you to save the Internet during a call by forcibly holding the 4G connection. However, be prepared for possible problems:

• 📶 Calls may be interrupted if the 4G signal is weak.
• 🔋 Battery consumption will increase (searching for a 4G network is more energy-consuming).

On smartphones Samsung path to settings may look like this:

Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network mode → LTE/3G/2G (auto)

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, on ColorOS from Oppo/Realme) Forced selection "LTE only" may result in the inability to make a call if a 4G network is not available. In this case, the smartphone will not switch to 3G/2G automatically.

Method 4: Using applications to bypass restrictions

If standard methods do not help, you can use third-party applications that emulate VoLTE operation or redirect traffic. The most effective:

• 📞 VoLTE Enabler (requires root access). Forces activation of VoLTE on uncertified devices.
• 🌍 NetSet (for MediaTek). Allows you to manually configure network parameters, including 4G priority.
• 🔄 Force 4G Only. Blocks automatic switching to 3G/2G during calls.

Instructions for VoLTE Enabler:

1. Download the application from Google Play or APKMirror.
2. Give root access (if required).
3. Select your operator from list.
4. Activate the option "Enable VoLTE".
5. Reboot your smartphone.

Suitable for devices without root access NetSet (works on chips MediaTek):

1. Open the application.
2. Go to the "Network Mode" section.
3. Select "LTE Only".
4. Save the settings and reboot device.

Important: the use of such applications may violate the terms of the agreement with the operator. Some mobile networks block devices that forcibly hold a 4G connection, considering this as an attempt to bypass tariff restrictions.

What to do if the application does not work?

If after using VoLTE Enabler or similar apps the Internet is still disabled, check:

- Compatibility of your smartphone with the application (some work only on certain chipsets, for example, Qualcomm Snapdragon).

- Availability of firmware updates (manufacturers sometimes block "bypass" methods in new versions of Android).

- Correctness of the selected operator in the application settings (some networks require additional activation of VoLTE in your personal account).

Method 5: Alternative solutions for older smartphones

If your smartphone was released before 2017 or runs on Android 7.0 and lower, most likely it does not support VoLTE. In this case, the following remain. options:

• 📶 Using 3G with simultaneous data transfer. Some operators (for example, Megafon) allow you to transfer data over 3G during a call, but the speed will be extremely low (up to 1 Mbit/s).
• 🔄 Call forwarding to IP telephony. Services like Google Voice or Skype allow you to make calls via the Internet without interrupting the connection.
• 📱 Second SIM cardIf you have a dual-SIM smartphone, you can configure one SIM only for data (4G), and the second - for calls (3G/2G).

To configure forwarding to IP telephony:

1. Install the application Google Voice or Skype.
2. Activate the call forwarding service from your operator (usually free).
3. Set up in the application to receive incoming calls via the Internet.

Disadvantages of this method:

• 💰 Additional costs for IP telephony are possible.
• 📞 The quality of communication depends on the speed of the Internet.
• 🔒 Not all operators support forwarding to external numbers.

Compatibility table of smartphones and operators

To save your time, we have collected data on support for VoLTE and simultaneous data transfer on popular devices. Please note that information may vary depending on the region and firmware version.

Smartphone model	VoLTE support	Does the Internet work during a call	Notes
Samsung Galaxy S21/S22/S23	Yes	Yes (with VoLTE activated)	On some firmware, manual activation is required ##4636##
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10/11/12	Yes	Yes (but can be turned off when the signal is weak)	On MIUI 13+, VoLTE is turned on automatically
Google Pixel 4/5/6/7	Yes	Yes	The best implementation of VoLTE among Android devices
Huawei P30/P40	Partially	No (due to firmware limitations)	After sanctions, VoLTE is unstable
OnePlus 8/9/10	Yes	Yes	Requires updating to OxygenOS 11+

If your model is not in the table, check support VoLTE on the manufacturer's website or in the specifications on GSMArena. Pay attention to the section "Network" —it should indicate VoLTE or LTE Cat.4+.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When setting up simultaneous operation of the Internet and calls, users often make the following mistakes:

• 🔧 Ignore updates. Manufacturers regularly release patches to improve VoLTE support. Check for updates in Settings → System → Software update.
• 📶 Incorrect network selection. If you manually select "Only 3G", VoLTE will not work, even if it is supported.
• 📱 No reboot. After changing network settings, always reboot your smartphone - this will reset the modem cache.
• 🔄 Using VPN. Some VPN services conflict with VoLTE. Disable VPN before calling.

Another common problem is conflict of two SIM cards. If you have a dual-SIM smartphone, make sure that:

• VoLTE is enabled for the SIM card from which you are calling.
• The main SIM operator supports the technology.
• Not activated in the settings option "Only 4G" for the second SIM (this may block voice calls).

If after all the manipulations the Internet still turns off, check:

1. Dial ##4636## → Select "Phone Information".
2. Scroll down to the "Set preferred network type" block.
3. If there is no LTE only option, your smartphone does not support forced 4G mode.

⚠️ Attention: On some smartphones Sony Xperia and Nokia After manually turning on VoLTE through the engineering menu, the mobile data may disappear. In this case, return the settings to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

My smartphone supports VoLTE, but the Internet still works turns off. What's wrong?

There may be several reasons:

• The operator has not activated VoLTE for your number (call support).
• Weak 4G signal - the smartphone switches to 3G, losing the Internet.
• Conflict with applications that change network settings (for example, Freedom or AdGuard).

Try to temporarily disable all VPNs and firewalls, and also check the 4G coverage in your region on the operator's website.

Will VoLTE work in roaming?

It depends on the operator. For example, MTS and Megafon support VoLTE in roaming with some partner networks (mainly in Europe and Asia), and Beeline and Tele2 — no. Check with your operator before traveling. In most cases, when roaming, the Internet will be disconnected during a call.

Is it possible to enable VoLTE on a smartphone without root access?

Yes, on most modern devices VoLTE is enabled through standard settings without the need for rooting. Only specialized applications like VoLTE Enabler, which forcibly activate the function on uncertified ones, require root access. devices. However, this can lead to unstable network operation.

Is it true that VoLTE uses up the battery faster?

Yes, but not significantly. VoLTE uses 4G for voice communications, which slightly increases power consumption compared to 3G/2G. However, the difference is about 5–10% per hour of conversation. Modern smartphones are optimized to work with VoLTE, so in practice the difference is almost unnoticeable.

What to do if the operator does not support VoLTE?

In this case, you have three options:

1. Use Wi-Fi for the Internet during calls.
2. Go to an operator that supports VoLTE (for example, MTS or Megafon).
3. Use workarounds (apps or forced 4G hold), but this may lead to communication problems.

You can also try to activate VoLTE through the operator’s personal account - sometimes the function is available, but not enabled by default.