Vodafone 3G Shutdown and Xiaomi Phones

tmike on 25/01/2024 - 09:46

Hi Guys

I have a Poco F3 which has 5G but since the shutdown of Vodafone's 3G (which appears to have happened this week) I can no longer receive or make calls from many locations despite 2-4 bars of signal (non identified signal). I have tried to activate VoLTE and managed to get the option on the phone but it won't work (possibly an issue at Vodafone's end) . My LTE (4G+) is working fine but don't get to connect to it from many locations. Do I have any options but to get a new phone (I do love my Xiaomi phones :-()??????

Thanks

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Comments

  • witheredcouch on 25/01/2024 - 10:05
    +1

    Is there a reason you have to stick to Vodafone? When I had an F3 I had VoLTE working on Gomo (Optus), so it is likely network dependent.

    • ab c on 26/03/2024 - 09:12

      May be people should stick to AU-approved phones: stay away from parallel-imports & phones NOT sold by AU-retailers, eg JB HiFi.

      For those who use (or switch-to) Telstra & Optus network, they too will turn off their 3G network later this year. Your phone WILL-be forced to CALL via 4G…even more-phones can't CALL.

      What makes this a little more complicated is the fact that VoLTE compatibility can differ between Telstra and Optus. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S6 supports VoLTE on Optus, but it doesn't support it on Telstra. The Galaxy S7 was the first VoLTE-compatible S-series phone for Telstra customers.

      For the tech-savy, see if you can work out why CALL-function on Samsung-S6 will works with Optus-4G but NOT Telstra-4G ?
      Above-quotes are from here-> https://www.whistleout.com.au/MobilePhones/News/4G-phones-st…

  • mgtra on 25/01/2024 - 10:06

    turn on volte in sim card settings. im with optus i think they had to activate something their end to get volte to work for me

  • branners on 25/01/2024 - 10:10

    I have a friend who is an engineer with one of the telcos (not Voda) and I asked him about the 3G shutdown a while ago. He knows I have had some Chinese handsets in the past and his reply was "just buy a local phone".
    Went on to talk about phones and towers handshaking on the 3G band, at which point he lost me.

  • mgtra on 25/01/2024 - 10:13
    +4

    try

    1. To begin with, you will have to disable the carrier check for VoLTE. So bring up the dialer and type this command: *#*#86583#*#*
    2. After that, you will need to disable the carrier check for VoWiFi. So bring up the dialer again and type this command: *#*#869434#*#*
    3. Now head over to Settings > SIM and Cellular and select your SIM Card.
    4. Then scroll to the end and enable the toggle next to VoLTE and VoWiFi.

    Remember that these settings will always remain active, even if you restart the phone.

    • tmike on 25/01/2024 - 10:29

      I get the option and can turn on VoLTE but it doesn't allow me to make calls unfortunately. Thanks for your help so far

    • Emojii on 26/01/2024 - 23:05

      Works for me. Thank you mgtra!

      • VeeKTOR on 17/03/2024 - 17:36

        Can I ask where you bought your Poco F3 from? I have a Global one from Aliexpress, does not work. I have another from Amazon UK does not work.

    • plchn on 11/02/2024 - 16:42

      Thank you so much - this worked for me!

    • Narvey Horman on 28/02/2024 - 16:03

      Thank you mgtra, this worked for me!

  • aconfoo on 25/01/2024 - 13:09

    I have the same problem on my Poco F3 with Vodafone network. Everything else works perfectly fine other than the voice phone which I cannot call in or out. If I"m at home I can use WhatsApp for voice and video calls. Can"t change network because I have a 12 months contract with Kogan which uses Vodafone.

  • subwoofer on 25/01/2024 - 13:27
    +1

    If you got the UK version it won't work without another rom

  • tmike on 25/01/2024 - 20:15

    If I have to switch to Optus then which plan or reseller is the best? My phone can take 2 SIMs so I may keep the Vodafone SIM just for the data as I have 4 phones on Vodafone and have huge shared data

  • Ryk on 25/01/2024 - 20:20

    need to load an AU or vodaAU specific firmware

    Telstra is closing 3G by "mid-year'
    Optus is closing 3G by September

    • tmike on 25/01/2024 - 21:07

      Can you do that on a Poco F3?

  • tmike on 25/01/2024 - 20:21

    Unfortunately I have spent all day (literally) trying to convince Vodafone that the issue is a fault at their end as I have a perfectly good 5G phone with VoLTE activated and it won't work - unfortunately none of the poor people in the call centres or the 2 Vodafone stores I went to could do anything about it. I demanded a loan phone until they fix it but got nowhere - looks like Telstra or Optus are getting a new customer or me a new phone :-(

    • JumpingUnicorns on 26/04/2024 - 16:33

      You demanded a loan phone for a device not tested on the Aus network by local carriers?? 🤣🤣

      This isn't a them problem, it's yours.

  • alvian on 25/01/2024 - 22:18

    3G shutdown dates https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/757025

    • tmike on 26/01/2024 - 09:14

      Unfortunatey my phone is a 5G Poco F3 with VoLTE enabled but Vodafone have said they will not support any non australian bought phones!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      • TiredKitty78 on 26/03/2024 - 22:04

        WHAT! That puts my dreams of a Poco x6 5g in the trash.

  • John K on 03/02/2024 - 14:11

    Hope there will be a solution to this Vodafonae issue. My Poco F3 is in perfect condition and I don't want to discard it. Can't move to a different provider as my work uses Vodafone network.

    • tmike on 04/02/2024 - 22:32

      Unfortunately, I don't think there will be a solution but my Moto G84 is working well.

  • mttb123 on 06/02/2024 - 00:26

    Hey tmike, I have the same issues as you. My Poco f3 is the global version purchased from Amazon about 2 years ago.

    I've tried all the steps as described by mgtra above to activate VoLTE and VoWIFI. I've also tried swapping Sims, restarting the phone, reseting network settings, but no luck either. I called Kogan today, but the staff member said they don't support Xiaomi or Poco phones and instead
    suggested I buy a new phone! I also asked whether they could switch on the VoLTE feature on their end, but he says the issue is the F3, not them.

    I have Amaysim as a secondary SIM and can confirm the VoLTE symbol shows up for that SIM, but not the Vodafone SIM. So I'll probably jump across to an optus MVNO if I can't find a fix in the next few days. The annoying thing is I recharged my Kogan account less than 2 months ago, so I have a lot of data and calls to use.

    If anyone has further tips/hacks on what to do, I'm all ears.

    • uzz32 on 07/02/2024 - 00:57
      +2

      Hi Tmike and Mttb - I am in the same situation. I have a Poco F3 purchased from Amazon UK about 1.5 years ago as well. I am with Kogan Mobile and can't make or receive calls. No VoLTE and no VoWiFi. It's good to know that VoLTE works on Amaysim. Just as another data point, I tried a friend's Boost (Telstra MVNO) and confirm that VoLTE also works. In this regard, Coles Mobile, Woolworths Mobile and Aldi Mobile should also work since they're all on the Telstra network.

      I have another Poco F3 in the family which I purchased second hand and VoLTE and VoWiFi work on Kogan Mobile so it must be a global edition (i.e. not a UK edition with EU firmware).

      I am done with Kogan Mobile/Vodafone. I will be making the switch to either a Telstra or Optus based MVNO once both plans expire in mid-April.

      • VeeKTOR on 17/03/2024 - 23:03

        Would you mind double checking if it is in fact a global vs UK edition? I bought one from Amazon UK for my mum, does not work on Vodafone. I bought mine from Poco global store through Aliepxress. Model is listed as Global anyway, does not work on Kogan/vodafone.

        I'm not super keen on flashing the xiaomi.eu ROM to try yet.

  • Smoke2eZ on 08/02/2024 - 17:16

    Anyone having the same issue with POCO X5 Pro? Considering to upgrade to that phone if it does not have the same issue

    • iPodVideo on 12/02/2024 - 18:26

      I’ve got a Redmi Note 12 Turbo which is a POCO F5 with less bands and Vodafone VoLTE works so I wouldn’t see why the X5 Pro wouldn’t.

      • Smoke2eZ on 19/02/2024 - 10:13

        Thanks. Im considering POCO F5 as well as all I care is a strong chipset as a good one can last without lagging for years. My POCO F3 is running in near new condition and now this happens !

        • iPodVideo on 19/02/2024 - 10:34

          You're using the UK version of the F3 right? I believe the only way to get VoLTE to work is to flash a different ROM such as LineageOS.

          • Smoke2eZ on 19/02/2024 - 12:28

            @iPodVideo: I looked into changing ROM but the process seems to be complicated and I do not want to lose data also

          • VeeKTOR on 17/03/2024 - 23:05

            @iPodVideo: How does one tell if they have Global or UK? I'm fairly certain both mine and the one I bought for my mother say Global. Neither work on Vodafone network

            • iPodVideo on 18/03/2024 - 07:24

              @VeeKTOR: If you bought them from Amazon UK then they're probably UK but otherwise I would have no idea

    • ocular on 17/02/2024 - 01:25

      Got a X5 Pro Global Version, Optus and Vodafone sims work Volte and Vowifi. Telstra Volte works but not Vowifi even with the disabling codes.

  • SamTG26 on 19/02/2024 - 09:57

    My husband phone Xiaomi Mi A3 is 4G and stop worked with Vodafone he change to Telstra and my is Xiaomi 12T pro 5G didn't stop but I love xiaomi my scared is all company will stop with xiaomi ? Because telstra will stop at 3g in June.

  • Smoke2eZ on 19/02/2024 - 10:11

    Anyone having the same issue with POCO F5? Considering to upgrade to that phone if it does not have the same issue

    • 41202 on 19/02/2024 - 21:43

      poco F5 which is Redmi Note12 Turbo work fine with kogan（Vodafone）vowifi
      can make phone call when wifi or 4G+

  • Smoke2eZ on 20/02/2024 - 10:21

    Update for anyone who needs it. I changed from Vodafone to Amay (which use Optus) and my POCO F3 5G can make call as normal now

  • hatoma5 on 21/02/2024 - 09:39
    +1

    For those who have the Xiaomi Poco F3, just wondering if switching to Optus/Telstra will be enough in the long run as they will also close their 3G network this year.

    • Smoke2eZ on 22/02/2024 - 01:29
      +1

      There are 3 possibilities. If Optus and Telstra uses the same bands like Vodafone, this issue might reoccur when they close 3G. If the bands are different, there is a small chance Optus/Telstra's bands are compatible with POCO F3. Even if Optus/Telstra uses same bands, there is a chance that the issue will be fixed by then (September). Its all speculations for now. I personally will use Optus until September and wait to see how it goes

  • teki n on 22/02/2024 - 02:07

    My old Pixel 2XL with the latest Pixel Experience Rom (Android 14), didn’t even work on Vodafone with VoLTE, where as my OnePlus Nord with the same Rom was able to make called over VoLTE with Belong, once I put the Belong sim into the Pixel then VoLTE worked. So I would say Vodafone will still block VoLTE and I’ve since ported my family services to belong, boost and Woolies Everyday Mobile.

  • tmike on 12/03/2024 - 20:15

    Hi All

    Just had another long call with technical support at vodafone. They say the reason my Poco F3 doesn't work is because I bought it from China and it does not have the required bands. I asked what they were and she listed - 2100, 1800, 850 and of course my Poco F3 Global has all those bands. The technical lady from Vodafone said I need to speak to Xiaomi as the problem is at there end - of course this is unlikely to be the case so Vodafone still trying to get around the issue. Any other news from anybody?

    • namenotspecified on 13/03/2024 - 23:25

      It's instructions for a different android phone, and I don't know how long it'll last, but try this:

      Settings > System Settings > Back up and reset > Reset Phone > Reset network settings.

      • VeeKTOR on 17/03/2024 - 23:09

        I've done a Rest Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth a few times now for various reasons. Hasn't helped me thus far. Would love to know if you have any other ideas

      • tmike on 24/03/2024 - 21:41

        Unfortunately didn't work for me either

    • Smoke2eZ on 20/03/2024 - 23:56

      Hi mate, as I mentioned above. POCO F3 seems to be working fine on Optus as they haven't dropped support for 3G. I would suggest you port your number to Optus for now and wait til September to see if issue is fixed by then. Hope that helps!

  • iPodVideo on 23/03/2024 - 18:45

    If anyone is willing to unlock their bootloader which will wipe your phone I think flashing a ROM such as the Global version or Xiaomi.eu should work.

    • tmike on 24/03/2024 - 21:42

      I'm pretty sure I am already on Global version.

      • iPodVideo on 24/03/2024 - 21:45
        +1

        Where did you purchase your device?

  • Stonx on 16/04/2024 - 21:16

    Just learned this the hard way today….ported to Vodafone 12 months and now can't make/receive calls. I believe mine is global f3, bought from Amazon UK 2+ years ago

  • ShowTekk on 24/04/2024 - 05:32

    Anyone come up with a solution for this? I'm using a Poco F3 with Vodafone with volte enabled but still cannot make calls

    • Stonx on 25/04/2024 - 21:28

      I think I have tried almost everything I could find off Google but no go :(
      Coles Mobile and Boost works perfectly but not Vodafone. My son uses this and I got him 2nd sim on the phone just in case he need to call a number or if he couldn't thru Whatsapp.

      Hyperos….. apparently F3 will get it as it's last update. Hoping/maybe this might address this problem?

  • sanketrockin on 27/04/2024 - 14:54

    So here what worked for me.
    Came to WA 2 days ago, bought a voda sim at the Perth AIrport. (didn't know this whole fiasco that Xiaomi is not a brand here)
    Was unpleasantly surprised when even after 2 day couldn't get it to work for calling (data worked fantastic):
    I have a Mi11 (venus) imported from China, flashed with MIUI 14 eu rom:

    Steps:
    1. If you have a dual sim phone put the (Australian) sim in Slot 1
    2. run these codes : ##869434## und ##86583## (note: Running the first unblocked my Outgoing calls only, incoming was still an issue)
    3. After running both codes go to Settings:Sim cards & mobile networks and tap sim 1, There you now have 2 additional sliders, Use VoLTE and make calls using WiFi (voWifi). Enable them both.
    4. Now, this should be enough if you have a Vodafone sime and depending on frequency your phone is connected to, if not try step 5
    5. On the same settings page, go to Prefferred network type and select Prefer LTE.

    These steps worked for me and hopefully work for you..

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