4G Xiaomi smartphones: what it means, how it works and how to set up?

You just bought a new smartphone Xiaomi and in the characteristics saw a mysterious acronym 4G? Or maybe your phone suddenly stopped catching mobile Internet, and the settings flaunt the inscription “Only” 3G»? Don’t worry, in this article we will understand what it means. 4G Xiaomi smartphones, how it works, how it differs from other communication standards and how to set it up correctly.

Standard 4G (LTE) — It’s not just a fast internet, it’s a whole ecosystem of technology that determines how fast your Redmi is, POCO Or Mi will load pages, stream videos, or update apps, but many users are facing problems: the network floats, the speed leaves much to be desired, the phone refuses to connect to the Internet at all. 4G. In this guide you will find answers to all questions - from theory to practice, including the unique nuances of firmware. MIUI, which affect the operation of the mobile network.

We'll also compare 4G different-standard (3G, 5G), We will explain why sometimes Xiaomi smartphone “can’t see” the network of the fourth generation, and give step-by-step instructions on diagnosis and troubleshooting!

What is it? 4G In a smartphone: just about the complicated

4G (Fourth Generation is the fourth generation mobile communication standard that has replaced the fourth generation. 3G In the early 2010s, its main advantage is a high data transfer rate: theoretically up to 1 Gbps (in practice - 10–100 Mbps depending on the operator and network load: 3G at best, it gives 42 Mbit / s, and in real conditions - barely reaches 5-10 Mbit / s.

In smartphones Xiaomi support 4G implemented through the module LTE (Long-Term Evolution is the core technology behind the standard. When you see the phone's specs say, "This is the key to the standard «4G LTE», It means that the device is compatible with fourth-generation networks:

• 📡 Frequency ranges: 4G It operates on different frequencies (for example, B1 (2100 MHz), B3 (1800 MHz), B7 (Not all Xiaomi smartphones support the same ranges – it depends on the model and region of sale.
• 🔄 Dual 4G (VoLTE: Some Xiaomi phones support two simultaneous phones SIM-map 4G, and VoLTE technology (voice calls over the Internet) LTE without the speed of the Internet).
• ⚡ 4G+ (LTE-Advanced: An improved version 4G, It combines several frequency bands to increase speed (up to 300 Mbps) found in flagship Xiaomi models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Xiaomi). POCO F5 Pro).

It is important to understand that 4G It's not just about the speed of the Internet, it depends on it:

• 🎮 Quality of online games (lesser ping).
• 📹 Stability of video calls (Zoom, WhatsApp, Telegram).
• 📱 Speed of downloading applications and updates.
• 🚗 Navigation services (Yandex.Maps, Google Maps) in real time.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi supports 4G, but the status bar shows H+ or 3G, The problem may lie in network settings, firmware or SIM-More on this in the section "Why the phone does not catch" 4G».

How to check if your Xiaomi supports you 4G

Before you set up your network, make sure your Xiaomi smartphone supports it at all. 4G. This can be done in several ways:

Method 1: View the characteristics of the model

The most reliable method is to find the official specifications of your model on the Xiaomi website or in the GSMArena database.+ The "Network" section will be:

2G: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900


3G: HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100




4G: LTE band 1(2100), 2(1900), 3(1800), 4(1700/2100), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 20(800), 28(700), 38(2600), 40(2300), 41(2500)




5G: SA/NSA

If there's a list LTE — Your phone supports you. 4G.

Method 2: Check the phone settings

Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Network type, if there are options on the list 4G (recommended LTE, So the module 4G on the phone.

Method 3: Use the Engineering Menu

For advanced users: enter ##4636## in the dialer, then go to Phone Information. Set preferred network type should have options with LTE.

⚠️ Note: If there are no options in the engineering menu LTE, but in the characteristics of the model 4G And it says, you may have custom firmware installed that cuts off the network support, and then you can use the official firmware. MIUI.

4G vs 5G vs 3G: What's best for Xiaomi?

Many users are wondering whether to chase after 5G, if 4G Is it already providing acceptable speed? Let's compare three communication standards in the context of Xiaomi smartphones:

The table shows that 4G This is the optimal balance between speed, coverage and power consumption for most Xiaomi users. 5G It is only applicable to large cities and requires a higher rate. 3G Many operators are already starting to shut down third-generation networks).

But there are nuances:

• 📶 In some regions of Russia (for example, in the hinterland) 4G work slower 3G tower-overload.
• 🔋 5G In Xiaomi smartphones (for example, Xiaomi) 13T Pro) discharges the battery faster than 4G.
• 💰 Tariffs with 5G Usually more expensive, and the difference in speed in real conditions (not in tests) can be negligible.

Why Xiaomi is not catching 4G: top-up-7 causes and solutions

You are sure that your smartphone supports 4G, but the status line is H-+ Let's look at the most common causes and ways to eliminate them.

1. Incorrect network settings

The problem is that the phone's settings have the wrong network mode, and it's easy to fix this.

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
3. Click Network Type and install 4G (recommended LTE.

2.Problems with SIM-card

If SIM-Old card (issued before 2015) may not support 4G. Decision:

• 🔄 Replace. SIM new (USIM) cameraman.
• 📱 Make sure that SIM correctly inserted into the tray (chip up!).

3. Lack of coverage 4G in your region

Check your operator's coverage map (e.g. Rostelecom or Beeline) if in your locality. 4G The phone will automatically switch to 3G.

4. Software failures or outdated firmware

Sometimes bugs in MIUI hinder 4G. Try it:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📲 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🧹 Reset network settings (Settings) → System system → Additionally. → Resetting the network).

Hardware malfunctions

If none of these methods helped, there may be problems with:

• 📡 Antenna module (often after falls).
• 🔌 Loot. SIM-maps (contact oxidation).

In this case, contact the Xiaomi service center.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi is purchased in China (the domestic version), it may not support Russian frequencies. 4G. Check this out on FrequencyCheck before buying!

How to turn it on 4G Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

If your phone supports you 4G, But the network is not activated, follow this instruction:

1. Open “Settings” and go to the section SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
3. Click on Network Type and install 4G (recommended LTE.
4. Turn on Volte if you want to make calls 4G without falling internet speed. For this: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Call VoLTE. Activate the switch.

Reboot your phone to make the changes take effect.

After that, an icon should appear in the status line 4G or LTE. If this does not happen, check it out:

• 📶 Signal level (you may be in a poor coverage area).
• 🔄 Settings APN (see spoiler above).
• 📱 Compatibility SIM-maps (should be) USIM).

💡

If you have a two-sim Xiaomi and 4G It only works on one. SIM, Check the network priority settings. In some models (like the Redmi Note 11), you can choose which one to choose from. SIM will be used 4G Default: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Priority 4G.

How to speed up 4G Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Even if your Xiaomi is connected to 4G, It can be slow. Here are a few ways to increase it:

1. disable automatic network selection

Sometimes the phone clings to an overloaded tower to pick the best one by hand.

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Choice of network.
2. Turn off Automatically and wait until the phone finds the available networks.
3. Select your carrier’s network with the highest signal strength (e.g, MTS-RU instead MTS).

2. Enable LTE-Advanced (4G+)

If your Xiaomi supports LTE-Advanced (for example, POCO F4 GT Xiaomi 12T), activate this option:

Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Turn on 4G+ (name may differ).

3. Update firmware and modem

Manufacturers regularly optimize the operation of the module 4G. Update. MIUI:

Settings → About the phone → System update.

4.Use applications to amplify the signal

Applications like Network Signal Speed Booster (available on Google Play) help optimize connectivity, but don’t expect miracles — they only work with weak but stable signals.

5. Disable background apps

Many programs (such as messengers or cloud services) consume traffic in the background, slowing down.

Settings → Annexes → Permits → Autostart and disable unnecessary.

💡

If the speed 4G Xiaomi suddenly fell, first check if the operators have introduced restrictions (for example, when high-speed traffic is exhausted). USSD-request (e.g. *100# for MegaFon).

Frequent questions about 4G Xiaomi smartphones