How to Enable VoLTE on Your Phone - 3G Network Shutdown

The 3G network is shutting down in New Zealand. And since mobile phones mostly use 3G network for phone calls, you may no longer be able to make or receive calls, unless VoLTE is enabled.

If you can make or receive calls, the function is already enabled. If not, it might need to be enabled manually.

Luckily, it’s easy to turn on.

For most mobile phones:

1. You can go to [Settings].
2. Tap [Mobile networks].
3. Find the VoLTE or 4G Calling and toggle it on.
4. You should be able to see the VoLTE icon, and you are ready to go.

What is VoLTE, and why does it matter?

VoLTE stands for Voice over LTE. In simple terms, it means your phone will make calls over the 4G network instead of 3G. This brings some great benefits:

Clearer call quality
Faster connection times when making calls
No slowdowns to your mobile data while you’re on a call

With 3G on its way out, VoLTE is essential to keep calling without interruption.

Xiaomi will release an update soon...

Xiaomi has confirmed that a software update will be rolling out to enable VoLTE automatically on supported models here in New Zealand.

But if you'd prefer to get in early, or want to be sure everything's working before the network changes happen - you can turn it on manually right now.

How to Enable VoLTE on Your Xiaomi Phone

Follow these simple steps:

Open the Phone app (where you dial numbers)
Type in: *#*#86583#*#*
You will see a pop-up at the bottom of your screen which says "VoLTE carrier check disabled". The VoLTE option should now appear in your Settings.
Now go to Settings and tap on SIM cards & mobile networks
Select your active SIM (e.g. “SIM 1” or your provider’s name)
Scroll down to find VoLTE or Make calls using VoLTE and toggle it ON (if not already enabled)
And you’re done!

If you have followed the instructions above carefully, your Xiaomi phone is now good to go. However, if VoLTE still does not connect, you may need to contact your network operator (Spark, One NZ, 2degrees) to confirm your SIM card and account have been correctly provisioned for 4G Calling / VoLTE services. One NZ and 2degrees SIM cards should be automatically set up for VoLTE. If you are a Spark or Skinny customer, you may need to contact them for one-off manual provisioning.