The 3G Network Shutdown - How to Enable VoLTE on Your Xiaomi or Poco Phone

By Trent Henskes
2 min read
The 3G Network Shutdown - How to Enable VoLTE on Your Xiaomi or Poco Phone

New Zealand’s mobile operators (Spark, One NZ, and 2degrees) have shut down their 3G networks to expand 4G and 5G coverage. If you use a Xiaomi smartphone, your device must have Voice over LTE (VoLTE) enabled to make or receive voice calls—including emergency 111 calls. Follow this step-by-step guide to activate VoLTE on your Xiaomi phone today.

What is VoLTE and Why is it Essential?

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) routes voice calls over modern 4G and 5G data networks instead of legacy 3G infrastructure. Enabling VoLTE provides several critical benefits:

  • Uninterrupted Service: Prevents call drops following the nationwide NZ 3G network shutdown.
  • HD Call Quality: Delivers clearer, more crisp audio during voice calls.
  • Simultaneous Data Use: Allows you to browse maps or web pages while actively on a call.
<

How to Enable VoLTE on Your Xiaomi Phone in NZ

  1. Unlock the Hidden VoLTE Toggle (Dialer Code): Open your phone's dialer app, enter *#*#86583#*#*, and tap call if required. A pop-up message reading “VoLTE carrier check was disabled” will appear at the bottom of the screen, revealing the hidden VoLTE toggle inside your system settings.
  2. Open Mobile Network Settings: Navigate to Settings > SIM cards & mobile networks.

Xiaomi SIM cards and mobile networks settings screen NZ

  1. Select Your Active SIM Card: Tap on your primary active SIM card.

Select active SIM card in Xiaomi settings menu

  1. Enable the "Use VoLTE" Switch: Locate the Use VoLTE toggle and switch it ON.

Toggle ON Use VoLTE setting on Xiaomi phone

Is Your Phone Still Unable to Make Calls?

If the VoLTE toggle does not appear or calls fail after entering the code, your Xiaomi model may lack support for New Zealand’s primary 4G band (Band 28 700MHz). Explore our range of fully network-compatible 4G & 5G smartphones in stock at our Auckland CBD warehouse.

2 comments

I bought this Xiaomi 17T Pro in NZ. I was told it’s compatible with the current 4G. It can make phone call but it did drop a call this morning. It workbon phoning same number again. However service provider OneNZ message me that this Xiaomi may not work. Also I get error 403 code from my indici app. Can this be fixed.

hoelian how

If you see ‘hd2’ icon next to your signal on top of the screen and cannot make call, then the phone is using 3.5G or 3G network.
You can try the hidden menu:
Dial ##4636## in the phone app
→ Phone Information → Preferred network type → Select NR/LTE (without WCDMA/TDSCDMA)

Mark

Leave a comment