Tired of dropped calls or poor sound quality? The solution could well be hidden in the settings of your smartphone. A technology called VoLTE (Voice over LTE) has existed for several years now, but many users are still unaware of its existence or its benefits.
Yet enabling it can be a real game-changer for your mobile communications.
Let’s see together what VoLTE is, why it is better to use it, and above all how to activate it on your device.
What is VoLTE and why should you use it?
VoLTE, or Voice over LTE, is a technology that allows voice calls to be made via the 4G LTE network. Traditionally, voice calls went through 2G or 3G networks, even if your phone was connected to 4G for data. VoLTE is a game changer by using the 4G network for voice.
This technology is not new – it has been around since 2014 – but adoption has taken time. Today, in 2024, all major mobile operators offer it, and most recent smartphones are compatible. However, many users still have not activated this option, thus depriving themselves of many benefits.
The advantages of VoLTE
Activating VoLTE brings several notable benefits:
- Better sound quality : VoLTE calls provide greater audio clarity than traditional calls. You will hear your interlocutor as if they were right next to you.
- Faster calls to make : Connection time can be reduced by up to 50% compared to traditional calls. No more waiting for long seconds before it rings!
- The ability to browse the internet during a call : With VoLTE, you can use the Internet while being on a call. Useful for sharing a link, checking information or even using GPS while you talk.
- Better battery life : Surprisingly, VoLTE can help save your battery. By using a single network (4G) for everything, your phone no longer needs to juggle different technologies, reducing its power consumption.
The cost of VoLTE
One question many people ask is the cost of this technology. The good news is that VoLTE doesn’t cost anything extra! VoLTE calls are included in your usual mobile plan, at no additional cost. Additionally, contrary to what some might think, these calls do not use your internet data envelope. It is therefore of great benefit to the user.
How to activate VoLTE on your smartphone
Now that you’re convinced of the benefits of VoLTE, let’s see how to enable it on your device. The procedure varies slightly depending on whether you have an iPhone or an Android smartphone.
Enabling VoLTE on iPhone
If you are an iPhone user, here is the procedure to follow:
- Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone
- Scroll to and tap “Cellular Data”
- Select “Cellular Data Options”
- Tap “Voice & Data”
- Choose “5G auto” if available, otherwise “4G”
Once you’ve completed these steps, your iPhone should use VoLTE for your calls, provided your carrier supports it.
Enabling VoLTE on Android
For Android users, the procedure may vary slightly depending on the make and model of your device, but here are the general steps:
- Open your phone’s “Settings” app
- Look for an option like “Connections” or “Mobile Network”
- Look for an option named “VoLTE Calls” or “4G Calls”
- Enable this option if it is not already enabled
On newer versions of Android, the option may already be enabled by default. In this case, just make sure that the option is activated with your operator.
How to check if VoLTE is active on your phone
Once you’ve gone through the activation steps, you’ll probably want to check if VoLTE actually works. Here are some methods to confirm this:
Method 1: Observing the network icon
The easiest way to check is to look at the network icon at the top of your screen during a call. If VoLTE is active, you should see that the phone stays connected to 4G or 5G during the call, instead of switching to 3G or 2G as was the case before.
Method 2: Using the passcode (Android only)
On Android phones, there is a slightly more technical method to check the VoLTE status:
- Open the “Phone” app
- Dial the following code: *#*#4636#*#*
- In the menu that appears, look for “Phone Information”
- Scroll down until you find “Voice Network Type”
If you see “LTE” or “NR” (for 5G) next to “Voice Network Type,” that means VoLTE is enabled and working.
What to do if VoLTE doesn’t work?
Despite your best efforts, you may not be able to activate VoLTE on your device. Several reasons can explain this:
Phone Compatibility
Not all phones are compatible with VoLTE. If your smartphone is from before 2015, there is a good chance that it does not support this technology. Even some newer models, including entry-level smartphones, may not be equipped for VoLTE.
Manual activation required
On many older smartphones, even if they are compatible, VoLTE is not enabled by default. You must therefore activate it manually in the settings, as explained previously.
Network problems
Sometimes the problem may be with the network itself. Make sure you are in an area with good 4G coverage from your operator. In some rural or mountainous regions, 4G coverage may still be limited in 2024, making the use of VoLTE impossible.
Carrier configuration issues
It happens that the problem comes from the configuration of your line by the operator. If you have followed all the steps and VoLTE still does not work, do not hesitate to contact your operator’s customer service. They will be able to check if your line is correctly configured to support VoLTE.
The future of VoLTE
As we move into 2024, VoLTE has become the standard for voice calls in many countries. With the continued deployment of 5G, we can expect to see “Vo5G” (Voice over 5G) emerge in the years to come. This technology promises to bring even greater improvements in audio quality and connection speed.
However, VoLTE will likely remain the dominant technology for voice calls for several more years until 5G coverage becomes as widespread as current 4G.
VoLTE is a technology that brings real benefits to smartphone users. Better call quality, faster connection, ability to navigate during calls and even battery saving: the benefits are numerous. And the best part? It’s free and probably already available on your phone.
If you haven’t yet activated VoLTE on your smartphone, now is the time to do so. A few minutes of setup can really improve your daily calling experience. Do not hesitate to share this information with your loved ones, because many are still unaware of the existence of this option which can nevertheless be a game-changer.
Finally, keep in mind that technology evolves quickly. Today’s VoLTE may be replaced by tomorrow’s Vo5G. Stay tuned to new technological advances to always benefit from the best possible quality of communication.
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