Many users, choosing a new smartphone, especially if it is an imported model from China, come across the mysterious term Band 20. In the specifications of Xiaomi devices such as Redmi Note or Poco, this option is often hidden or not specified, which causes confusion when buying. Understanding what the Band 20 is critical for residents of Russia and CIS countries, since it is on this frequency that many operators provide 4G coverage outside of major cities.
Lack of support for this frequency can turn a modern gadget into a device with a slow speed. 3G-So, while in a metropolis you may not notice the difference when you go to an area, you risk being left without a navigator and communication. LTE Band 20 is a priority for owners of Xiaomi equipment.
In this article, we will explore the technical nuances of radio modules, how to force the inclusion of hidden ranges and find out why Chinese versions of smartphones often lack this feature out of the box, you will learn how to check your device and whether it is worth overpaying for a global version for a stable Internet.
The 800 MHz band, known as Band 20, is a low-frequency spectrum that has a unique physical characteristic: it can bend obstacles and penetrate through walls of buildings much better than high-frequency bands. That is why operators’ base stations use this frequency to provide coverage in rural areas and remote areas. In the context of smartphones, Band 20 support means having a corresponding radio module and antennas tuned to receive an 800 MHz signal. However, even if the phone’s hardware is technically capable of running this range, what regional software can be used to dictate this frequency. 💡If you travel between town and country a lot, having a Band 20 is more important to you than the number of megapixels in a camera or the speed of charging. There is a misconception that the Band 20 is only for voice communication. LTE If your phone doesn't see 800 MHz, it'll switch to the next one. 3G (UMTS), This will result in a significant drop in page loading speed and video content.
Global and Chinese versions: what is the difference When buying Xiaomi, the user often faces a choice: take a cheap one CN-The main difference is the frequency support, the global versions of smartphones, intended for sale in Europe and Russia, initially have the unlocked Band 20. In Chinese versions, this range is often hidden software because it is used for other purposes or is not the main one in China. 4G. The Band 20 unlock procedure on the Chinese version is possible, but it requires tampering with system files or using a special engineering menu. CN The difference is often identical, only in program constraints (regional locas). However, in some budget models, antennas can be physically trimmed, and no program dances will add support for the missing frequency. 📊 What is Xiaomi's version now? Global (Global) Chinese (CN)European (EEA)For the average user who doesn’t want to mess around with flashing and risking a warranty, buying a Global version is the only safe way to get a working Band 20. Attempts to activate hidden functions on Chinese firmware can lead to unstable modem operation or complete loss of signal after system updates.
How to check for Band support 20 Before you start any action, you need to know exactly whether your particular instance of the smartphone supports the range 800 MHz. There are several ways to check, from simple visuals to engineering codes, and the easiest way is to have a box or specifications on the official website, but you need other tools for a device you've already bought, and the first way is to use an engineering menu. Dial the code on your phone ##4636##. If the menu opens, go to Phone Information. From the list of Set Preferred Network Type, select the mode LTE Only or LTE/TD-SCDMA/WCDMA/GSM. Next, you need to find the item “Configure ranges” LTE» (Set LTE If there is a Band on the list 20 (or 800 MHz) and it's active, your phone is ready to go. ☑️ Check frequency support Dial code ##4636##Select Phone Information Find Set LTE Bands Find the Band 20 (800MHz)Check the activation tick Completed: 0 / 5 The second way is more accurate, and it shows the real situation here and now. Download the Network Cell Info Lite app or the Axetrom Network Scanner. Run the scan. LTE 800 MHz, the app will show the current frequency. 1800 MHz. 3) or 2600 MHz. 7), Try to artificially create the conditions for the transition to 800 MHz (like going down to the basement or out of town), but the easiest way to see the list of supported frequencies is in the device information section inside the app.
Instructions for the inclusion of the Band 20 If the test showed that the hardware phone supports the frequency, but it is disabled, you can try to activate it forcibly. POCO, But it requires attention. We're going to use a hidden test menu that allows you to control the modem settings. First, make sure you have it on. SIM-You're in a safe zone, open a standard call and type in a command ##4636##. In the menu that opens, select “Phone Information” 1» (or 2, If the SIM card is in the second slot, find the drop-down list "Configure preferred network type." LTE, for example, LTE Only (for the test) or NR/LTE/GSM/WCDMA. What to do if the code is not working ##4636## Does not open the menu, perhaps your version of the shell MIUI block that access. In this case, you can try installing the “Activity Launcher” application from Google Play, find the “Testing” activity there» -> «Phone info and run it. Also, the menu may not be available if the phone is connected to the computer via a computer. USB In debugging mode. Then click "Configure ranges" button. LTE» (Set LTE Bands. A checklist will open. Search the Band 20 list (often labeled as "Band 20") 800MHz). Check it against it, and then the phone may lose the network for a short time and reset the radio, if after that, the status bar has an icon. 4G or LTE where it used to be 3G, So the manipulation was successful. ⚠️ Warning: Do not change the settings in the engineering menu unless you are sure of your actions. LTE Only can cause the phone to stop accepting incoming calls if the operator does not support VoLTE technology. After checking, be sure to return the settings to Auto or LTE/WCDMA/GSM.
Programmatic activation through ADB In cases where the engineering menu does not give the desired result or hidden, advanced users use debugging on the Internet. ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and having basic command line skills, and allows you to send commands directly to the device’s radio interface without the limitations of the user interface. First, you need to activate the developer mode on Xiaomi. Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times quickly click on the "Version" MIUI». Then in the menu "Extended settings» → «For developers, include “Debugging by USB». Connect your phone to your PC, install drivers ADB and enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is determined, you can try to enter a command to enable all ranges LTE, including the Band 20. The command may look like this (syntax may vary depending on the Qualcomm or MediaTek processor): Adb shell service call phone 1 s16"However, a more versatile and secure way for Xiaomi is to use special scripts or helper apps that automate input. ADB-For example, there are utilities that just tick the right gangs and broadcast it to the system through debugging. 💡Activation method through ADB It only works if the phone's radio module is physically 800 MHz. If the antennas are cut off in the factory, you can't programmatically add Band 20 by any commands. ADB Or the engineering menu will probably fly off. You'll have to repeat the procedure again. This is the price for using a regionally stripped-down version of the device.
Frequency and Operator Compatibility Table to better understand why Band 20 So, it's important to look at the main bands used in Russia and Europe and their characteristics. 4G. Band Range (Band) Frequency Characteristics Use Band 3 1800 MHz Main Urban Range High Speed in Band Cities 7 2600 MHz High capacity, small radius Stadiums, shopping center, megacities center Band 20 800 MHz Low frequency, long range Countryside, tracks, in Band buildings 31 450 MHz Very low frequency Countryside (SkyLink/Tele2) As you can see from the table, Band 20 band 31 They are key to covering large areas. 31 Not all operators are used, but the band 20 (800 MHz) is the de facto standard for LTE-Exclusive areas outside of the MKAD and other large agglomerations. The operators of the Big Four (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) actively use this frequency.
Despite the tempting possibility of full functionality, interference with the radio module carries risks, the main one is the instability of communication. Forced switching on all bands can cause the phone to constantly rush between towers of different frequencies, trying to find the best signal, which leads to increased battery consumption and heat of the device, another problem is the loss of warranty. If the Xiaomi service center finds traces of software interference or changes in the system parameters of the radio module, you may be denied free repairs. ⚠️ Note: Some models with MediaTek processors change IMEI or profound modification NVRAM-partition (where antenna calibrations are stored) may cause the communication module to fail completely. The only way to restore the phone is through paid service tools (Box) available to the masters. In some countries, changing the certification characteristics of the device (and the frequency plan is part of the certification) can formally violate the rules for using the RF spectrum, although in practice, complaints are extremely rare against ordinary users.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will the warranty go out if I turn on Band 20 through the code?
Technically, any change in software settings not provided by the manufacturer can be grounds for denial of warranty. However, simply using the ##4636## engineering menu to check or temporarily change the priority of networks usually does not leave any traces visible in standard diagnostics. But if you have reflashed your phone or changed your IMEI, the warranty will definitely burn.
Does the Band 20 work on all Redmi and Xiaomi models?
Flagship models and mid-segment devices (Mi series, Xiaomi Number series, Redmi Note Pro) most often have a full set of antennas. In low-end models (Redmi A-series, some C-series), the manufacturer can physically save on components, and then software activation will not help.
Why did 4G disappear after MIUI update?
The firmware update often resets the custom settings of the engineering menu to factory values. If you previously activated the Band 20 manually, after the update, the system will return to regional settings (for example, Chinese), where this range is disabled.
Does the absence of the Band 20 affect the speed of the Internet in the city?
In the heart of major cities, the impact is minimal, as there is a dense network of towers at high frequencies (1800 and 2600 MHz), but in sleeping areas, basements, subways (in some areas), and dense buildings, the absence of 800 MHz can lead to frequent 3G switching and speed drops.