How to turn on VoLTE on your cell phone (and why you need to)

Richard Howard • March 6, 2020

Ensuring your phone’s VoLTE is turned on has become more important than ever. When available on your carrier’s network, this technology results in greatly increased call quality. Soon, however, it will no longer be an option, as the national carriers get rid of their non-LTE networks. Since we’re not jerks, we’ll start by answering the most important question:

What is VoLTE?

VoLTE stands for Voice over LTE. For once, the tech guys have given us a straight-forward name. As the name suggests, this technology allows us to make mobile phone calls over modern LTE networks, resulting in clearer and more reliable connections than other older GSM or CDMA networks. Turning on LTE/VoLTE requires you to turn on the cellular data setting on your phone. If you are trying to keep your data costs down by keeping cellular data off, you can disable data for any or all of your phones via your Ting account. VoLTE calls are still billed as minutes and will not generate any data usage so there would be no change as far as how the usage is billed.

If you have a relatively modern 4G/LTE equipped phone, chances are it’s VoLTE capable. If it’s not turned on, though, your phone won’t be able to take advantage of this capability. To ensure your phone is future-proofed and ready for when VoLTE is a requirement, here’s how to turn on VoLTE (sometimes called HD Voice if you’re on a Verizon-supported network) depending on your phone type.

Enable VoLTE on iPhone/iOS Device

Tap Settings .

. Tap Cellular .

. Ensure the Cellular Data switch is in the On position.

switch is in the position. Tap Cellular Data Options .

. Tap Voice & Data .

. Ensure LTE, VoLTE On is selected (has a checkmark). If not, tap.

These instructions are for the newest iOS version (iOS 13). On older versions of the iOS, the process to turn on VoLTE will be very similar.

Enable VoLTE on an Android

Depending on the specific Android device you are using, these steps may differ somewhat.

Tap Settings .

. Tap Network & Internet .

. Tap Call .

. Tap to enable VoLTE / HD Voice/ Enhanced calling.

OR

Go to the dial pad of your phone.

Tap the 3 dots/menu in top right.

in top right. Tap Call Settings .

. Tap to enable VoLTE / HD Voice / Enhanced calling.

Still no luck? Here’s a very general version of the process to point you in the right direction. You’ll first go into Settings. The next selection is likely to be something along the lines of Cellular Networks, Call or Call Settings. At this point, look out for any option that mentions VoLTE or Voice over LTE.

If you run into any problems, a quick search of your phone model and VoLTE should clear things up. And then you’re all set!

Upgrade to a VoLTE-ready phone

Unfortunately, if you’re using an older phone or a phone that uses older technology (e.g. 3G and even some older 4G phones), your device may not support VoLTE. To avoid inevitable service disruptions, you should upgrade your phone as soon as possible.

The good news is you can find surprisingly affordable phones that boast great futures and will serve you well for years to come right in the Ting Shop. Some of our favorites are the Samsung A-Series and the unbelievably priced Motorola Moto G6, but there are many more options as well. By activating with Ting, you’ll get a great deal not only on a phone but on your monthly bill as well, thanks to paying only for what you use. Interested in upgrading to a future-proof phone and smarter mobile at the same time? Check out our rates and see how you can save.