If you've ever seen a strange 4G icon on your phone next to a call, or if someone has told you about VoLTE calls And if you haven't heard much, stick around, because this is for you. This technology is already standard across almost all carriers and brands, and it's worth knowing what it does, how to activate it, and what you need to get the most out of it.
Beyond its fancy name, what VoLTE actually does is make your regular calls sound better, connect faster, and not interrupt your browsing when someone calls you. In the following lines you'll see What is VoLTE, what advantages does it have, which operators and mobile phones are compatible, and how to activate it both on Android and iPhone, plus some key details about its use while roaming.
What is VoLTE and how does it actually work?
The term VoLTE comes from Voice over Long Term EvolutionThis translates to Voice over LTE, or in other words, calls over the 4G network (and also 5G in many cases). Until a few years ago, even if your mobile phone was browsing on 4G, as soon as you made or received a voice call, the phone would automatically switch to 2G or 3G to complete that call.
With the arrival of VoLTE, the Voice is sent as data within the 4G networkwithout needing to downgrade your technology. It's a system similar to what apps like WhatsApp or Telegram do when you make calls over the internet, except here it uses the operator's mobile network, with its own priorities for quality and stability.
This change implies that the calls are established much fasterso that your voice is heard better and you can continue using 4G or 5G data without losing speed while you talk. In addition, many operators have configured VoLTE so that, even though your call travels as data over the network, It will not be deducted from your data allowance.but is charged as a normal voice call.
In short, VoLTE is an evolution of the mobile network that allows Traditional calls are made over the same data infrastructure that you use to browse, which simplifies the network, improves quality and lays the foundation for the phased shutdown of 2G and 3G that is already happening in several countries.
Main advantages of VoLTE calls
The first big advantage you'll notice when using VoLTE is the improved sound qualityCalls are made in high definition (HD), with more audio bandwidth, allowing you to hear the voice more clearly, with more nuances and less background noise, even in noisy environments such as the street, the subway or a bar.
Another key improvement is the call setup timeWith VoLTE, the time between pressing the call button and hearing the first ring is significantly reduced. That awkward silence of a couple of seconds that used to exist is noticeably less, because there's no longer a need to switch from 4G to 3G or 2G to initiate a call.
While you're on a VoLTE call, your mobile phone can continue using VoLTE. 4G or 5G data without losing speedYou can browse, use social networks, send files, share location or tether to your laptop without the call stopping everything, something that did happen when the voice was on 3G or 2G.
There is also a positive effect on the phone batteryStaying on a single technology (4G) during a call avoids the constant network switching that consumes more power. In general, making calls with VoLTE uses less battery than switching between 4G for data and 3G/2G for voice.
Another very interesting advantage is that VoLTE integrates very well with WiFi calls (VoWiFi). If your operator allows it, you can start a call connected to a WiFi network and, if you move away and lose the WiFi, the conversation can continue over 4G without interruption, provided the mobile phone and the network are prepared for this transfer.
In terms of features, VoLTE continues to support classic network services such as call forwarding, restrictions on incoming or outgoing calls, international call blocking, voicemail, and other standard features. In practice, you still make a "normal" call, only everything behind the scenes is more modern and efficient.
Among the possible drawbacks, the main one is that You depend on a good 4G signalIf the coverage is weak or unstable, you may experience dropped calls or a decrease in quality. In many cases, the phone will automatically switch to a 3G or 2G network if necessary, but this change may result in a brief interruption or slight delay.
Another point to consider is that, initially, VoLTE only worked between customers of the same operator.And calls between two different companies weren't always in HD. Over time, this has been resolved through VoLTE interconnection agreements between operators, but there may still be cases where the call doesn't reach the highest possible quality.
Operators in Spain that offer VoLTE calls
In Spain, virtually all major operators and many alternative brands already offer VoLTE calling service for most of their customers, provided the mobile phone and SIM are compatible and up to date.
Vodafone was one of the first companies to bring VoLTE to Spain around 2015Since then, it has continued to invest heavily in LTE and 5G networks, expanding coverage and improving quality. Its partner brands (such as Lowi) also benefit from this infrastructure, although specific conditions may vary depending on the tariff.
Orange offers VoLTE to residential contract customers and self-employed individuals provided they have a compatible smartphone. Furthermore, former Amena customers (now part of Orange) and brands using the Orange network can also enjoy VoLTE calls and, in many cases, Wi-Fi calling supported by the operator's 4G network.
Movistar markets VoLTE under the name of “4G Voice”On most contract plans, the service is automatically activated when the user has a VoLTE-compatible mobile phone and the appropriate SIM card. Activation requests are not required in many cases. Their O2 brand also includes VoLTE and WiFi calling for its customers, something available since approximately March 2020.
Yoigo offers VoLTE calls to its users with mobile plans, including unlimited minutesUsing VoLTE doesn't cost anything extra compared to a regular call, so your minutes bill won't change; you'll simply make better use of the network. All you need to worry about is having 4G coverage and your data plan configured correctly.
Other operators such as R or companies with triple coverage and VoLTE technologyMobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that operate on major networks (Vodafone, Orange, Movistar, Yoigo) are also deploying or already offer VoLTE. In many cases, activation is automatic, but it's always a good idea to check the operator's website to see if your plan, SIM card, and phone model are supported.
In the case of operators who highlight their triple coverage and VoLTEThey usually combine network quality with unlimited call and mobile data plans, also adding options such as smartphone leasing so that the user can renew their mobile and ensure they have a terminal fully compatible with VoLTE and 4G/5G.
Phones compatible with VoLTE
To use VoLTE, it's not enough for your phone to have 4G: it also needs to the model and software specifically support VoLTE on your carrier's network. These days, the vast majority of recent smartphones include it, but it's worth reviewing some examples of best-selling models that are usually compatible.
In the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone with VoLTE support These support covers the iPhone 6 family and beyond. This includes the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone X, XR, XS, XS Max, the Pro Max variants, and later models such as the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max, as well as subsequent generations. It is always recommended to keep your iOS version updated to ensure full carrier compatibility.
In Android, brands like Samsung, Huawei, LG, Sony, and many others have been incorporating VoLTE in its mid and high rangesFor example, Samsung supports models such as the Galaxy S9 and S9+, the S10 family (S10e, S10, S10+), Note 8, Note 9, Note 10, Note10+, Note 10 Lite, the Galaxy S10 Lite, the Galaxy S20 range (S20, S20 Ultra 5G, S20+ 5G) and many members of the A and J series, such as the A50, A51, A71, J3, J5 and J7.
Huawei models that support VoLTE include Huawei P10, P20, P30 (and their Lite and Pro versions)and the Mate 10, Mate 20, Mate 20 Pro, and Mate 20 Lite, among others. As always, VoLTE availability may depend on the software version and carrier firmware installed on the device.
In the case of LG, there is compatibility in terminals such as LG G5, G6, G7 Fit, G7 ThinQ, G8s ThinQ and several ranges such as the K10, K11, K30, K40, K41S, K50, K61, as well as the Q6, Q7, and Q60 series. Many of these devices only display the VoLTE option if they have been updated to the latest available software version.
For Sony, we find support in smartphones such as Xperia X, XZ and XZ Premiumas well as in later, higher-end models. In some cases, the menu where VoLTE appears may have a slightly different name (4G Calls, 4G Voice, etc.), but the function is the same.
In addition, there are manufacturers like TCL, HONOR or OPPO These devices also integrate VoLTE support, and some even combine this feature with Wi-Fi calling on certain models and carrier configurations. Depending on the device, you may find specific options for SIMs, mobile data, and Wi-Fi calling linked to VoLTE.
In any case, to use VoLTE you need to meet these basic requirements: a compatible mobile phone, a voice and data plan that supports it, 4G coverage in your area, and the VoLTE option activated in the phone settings. It is highly recommended to keep the operating system and firmware updated to prevent the option from not appearing or malfunctioning.
Technical requirements and conditions for using VoLTE
Operators typically require certain conditions to activate VoLTE on each line. The first is to have a relatively modern SIM compatible with 4GVery old cards may not support advanced services well, and in those cases, it may be necessary to request a duplicate SIM.
Furthermore, it is essential to be in an area with 4G or LTE coverageIf your mobile phone only has a 3G or 2G signal, the call will not be routed via VoLTE, but using traditional cellular technologies. If you move during a VoLTE call and leave 4G coverage, the conversation may switch to 3G or 2G. This ensures the call won't be dropped, although you may notice a decrease in voice quality.
Another common condition is that the ensure the terminal software is up to date (including the baseband version)Many manufacturers enable or improve VoLTE through system updates. If it's been a long time since your last update, the option may not appear in Settings even if your hardware is compatible.
In some operators it is also important that services such as international calls and roaming If you plan to use VoLTE outside of Spain, without these activations on your line, you may have problems making or receiving calls in certain countries where 2G/3G networks have been shut down or are no longer in use.
For companies that offer advanced VoLTE and triple coverage services, it is recommended to check the details from the customer area or the app. active services on your lineas well as roaming and international calling settings. This ensures that the phone will work correctly both domestically and internationally.
How to enable VoLTE calls on Android
With most carriers, VoLTE is automatically activated if your phone and SIM support it, but you might want to check. manually activate or deactivate the functionThe process may vary slightly depending on the brand (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, TCL, Sony, HONOR, OPPO, etc.), but the general route is very similar.
On many Android devices, the first step is to enter “Settings” or “Configuration” On your phone, look for the "Connections", "Networks & Internet" or "Mobile Networks" section, which is where everything related to mobile data, WiFi and SIM cards is located.
Once inside this menu, you will need to locate the section for “Mobile network”, “SIM cards and mobile networks” or “Mobile data”Depending on the manufacturer, you'll see options here such as preferred network type (4G/3G/2G), APN, roaming, and similar settings. On some TCL devices, the path may go directly through "Mobile Data" to reach the VoLTE options.
Within that section, look for an option called “VoLTE calls”, “4G calls”, “VoLTE” or similarIt usually appears as a switch that you can turn on or off. If it's off, turn it on to start making voice calls over 4G when coverage is available.
On phones from brands like Sony, HONOR, or OPPO, in addition to the VoLTE setting, you'll sometimes also see an option for “WiFi Calling” or “Wi-Fi Calling”. On certain models, this feature is only available depending on the carrier. On some Sony models, for example, the menu path leads to SIMs or SIM cards, where you'll see both VoLTE and the Wi-Fi Calling option.
If the VoLTE option doesn't appear anywhere, it may be because The model may not be compatible, the carrier may not yet offer VoLTE on your line, or the software may not be up to date.In such cases, it's advisable to consult your company's customer service or review troubleshooting guides such as Calls aren't going through on my mobile phone. if applicable.
How to activate VoLTE calls on iPhone (iOS)
On modern iPhones, in many cases VoLTE is enabled by default. When the carrier supports it, but you can also check and adjust the preferences to your liking. The process on iOS is quite simple and is usually very similar in all recent versions.
To begin, open the app “Settings” on your iPhone Then tap on the "Mobile Data" section (or "Cellular Data," depending on your iOS version). There you'll see if your data is enabled, and if you have more than one SIM or eSIM, you can choose the line you want to configure.
Within “Mobile data”, select the option "Options" Then, go to the "Voice & Data" menu. This is where you can decide whether you want your iPhone to use 4G, 5G, and whether it allows VoLTE for voice calls.
Depending on your iPhone model and iOS version, you'll see an option that says something like “4G, VoLTE: yes / no” Or, on 5G devices, options that combine 5G with VoLTE. Make sure the VoLTE option is selected if you want to benefit from HD quality and the other advantages.
If for any reason the VoLTE option does not appear, it may be because The carrier does not offer service on that type of line, whether the SIM is old or the iPhone is not up to date to the latest version of iOS. In these cases, it's advisable to check if there's a pending "carrier settings" update (iOS usually displays a notification) or contact the carrier.
VoLTE within the national territory and while roaming
The technical basis of VoLTE is the same wherever you are, but its behavior changes slightly when You travel abroad and are roamingIn Spain, when you make a VoLTE call, the call is routed over your operator's 4G network, with HD quality conditions and without consuming data from your allowance in most tariffs.
When you go out, VoLTE calls are made over the local operator's 4G network with which your Spanish company has a roaming agreement. For the call to maintain HD quality, a specific VoLTE interconnection agreement between both operators is necessary. If there isn't one, the call may be degraded or use older technologies.
In terms of cost, VoLTE calls within the national territory They usually don't have an additional cost and don't use up any data.These calls are charged as normal voice minutes, according to your plan. When roaming, the call is not billed as data traffic, but as roaming voice minutes. Within the European Union, if your operator offers "roaming like at home," these calls are usually included at no extra charge, but outside the EU, applicable international rates may apply.
VoLTE is becoming especially important in countries that are shutting down their 2G and 3G networksA prime example is the United States, where numerous carriers have almost completely phased out these older technologies. This means that to make and receive calls there, your mobile phone must be VoLTE compatible, have it activated, and have services like roaming and international calling enabled.
If you're going to travel to destinations like these, it's a good idea to check beforehand that your The terminal supports VoLTE on the country's frequency bands.that you have the latest update installed (Settings > Software update), that roaming and international calls are activated on your line, and that when you dial a number you correctly include the country code.
Operators like R explain that, in roaming, VoLTE calls are routed over the 4G network of the foreign operator with which they have an agreementTo ensure everything works, they also recommend enabling data roaming on your mobile, checking your customer area to verify voice rates from your destination country, and activating additional services if necessary.
Customer service and support for VoLTE
If you have questions about VoLTE, device compatibility, or setup, many carriers have enabled Customer service channels via WhatsAppwhere you can send screenshots, photos, documents or voice notes to get faster and more convenient advice.
To use these channels, you are usually asked to Save the official WhatsApp number in your contacts from the operator and that you contact us from a mobile line that is in your name or included in your contract, for security and identity verification reasons.
On the first access, they usually explain in detail the WhatsApp service terms of useThis information explains how they handle your personal data, what types of inquiries you can make, and their response times. From there, you can send messages whenever you need to, at no extra cost and with the same level of service as if you were calling.
Companies like Lowi or R, for example, report that the use of this channel is free for the customer and that it is a more convenient alternative to resolve technical questions (such as VoLTE activation, roaming configuration, compatibility problems, etc.) without having to wait on a traditional call.
On the other hand, it is important to remember that the data you provide through these channels or when registering as a customer is integrated into company databases, such as Vodafone Spain in the case of Lowi, with specific contact addresses to exercise data protection rights (access, rectification, cancellation, opposition, limitation, etc.).
With this entire ecosystem of VoLTE technology, 4G and 5G coverage, compatible mobile phones and support channels, it is now possible to enjoy Calls with far superior quality, near-instant connection, and simultaneous use of voice and data, both within Spain and in most parts of the world, provided your operator and your device are ready for it.
