Forum Discussion
3g switch off / Volte - Supported on all other networks but 3
I ended up getting a 3 sim and I have WiFi and Volte support so whatever the issue is Smarty limits devices for some reason, currently in the process of porting my number away now.
To see if you have Volte dial *#*#4636#*#* > Phone Information > Scroll down and see if Volte provisioned / Wifi calling is enabled. See the photos in the OP for reference.
Hi dawdie 👋
I can't get my brain around what VoLTE is🤔😶 (it's an age thing!) but when I clicked on the link in the email to 'check my phone' I got these directions...
Android devices
Most Android smartphones made in the past decade support 4G VolTE
- Go to ‘Settings’ on your Android phone
- Tap on ‘Network & Internet’
- Tap on ‘Mobile Network’
- If your device is compatible with 4G VolTE or 5G, you will see either ‘4G’ or ’5G’ as an option under ‘Preferred network type’ or ‘Network mode’
With my mobile I see '4G' (which is selected) and so I am assuming that all is OK?!?!?! If the 4G VoLTE capability is not supported by my mobile does this mean that the 4G option would not be seen as an option?? #confused
I don't have the £ to buy another compatible VoLTE mobile..... is VoLTE the 'norm' for 4G or is there a 'Non-VoLTE' 4G (apologies I don't know how else to form this question)??
Ta kindly for your advice x
Hi Decembersangel irrespective of whether you've got 4G or 5G signal, the VoLTE is a separate feature on your phone that utilises the network to make calls over your data connection. These calls function the same way as today by using up your calls allowance. Networks have stated that if your device does not support at least 4G, then you'll not be able to make calls. VoLTE brings benefits like higher quality audio, faster call connection and better coverage.
VoLTE is going to become increasingly important as the 3G switchoff happens since once that happens, there will be no 3G network for calls to fall back on, so they'll have to take place on 4G. This is why there is a recommendation to future-proof now and have a device that is VoLTE compatible for when this happens so that you don't experience any interruptions to your service.
On many devices you may not see a button or icon for those - not all networks have profiles for every manufacturer or device but a good way to indicate whether VoLTE works on your device is to simply:
Switch off Wifi
Make sure mobile data is on
Place a call
During the call check that you remain on 4G/5G
If you remain then VoLTE is working - no further action needed.
If however you end up dropping to 3G then you don't have VoLTE active. Mobile networks have contributed to the mess that is in understanding which models are supported by which network - not all phones will work everywhere! If the network you're intending to use has a list of compatible phones that is usually a good place to start in order to understand what your options are, if you want to make use of this.
In many years from now, VoNR (Voice over 5G) may become the standard that replaces this. Then we start to experience the 'real 5G', when we get to that! 😁
Hope this helps!
This is either the same as what you are suggesting or perhaps a refinement. What do you think?
TEST
In SETTINGS go to SYSTEM, then ABOUT PHONE (or directly to ABOUT PHONE from Settings in an older phone) Then select STATUS, SIM STATUS. Look at MOBILE NETWORK TYPE and it should say 4G.
I did the test using my own landline so I didn't need to bother anyone else.
Leaving the settings window open, make a phone call and once it has been answered for 5-10 seconds check switch to the open SIM STATUS window showing and check if the MOBILE NETWORK TYPE is still showing 4G. In my view, if 4G is being displayed then your call is VOLTE/4G Calling. If 3G, HSPA or something else is being displayed then in my view the call is not VOLTE/4G. (HSPA is a 3G Technology)
Note I have tried this on test on a very old 4G phone and it did change to HSPA. The time to connect is also longer as the phone needs to disconnect from 4G and reconnect to 3G before dialing .
