Have you ever wondered why your Xiaomi displays 4G or LTE in the status bar, and the speed of the Internet can be very different? Or why one smartphone catches the network more stable than the other, even if both support the same standards? Today we will understand what LTE is in Xiaomi smartphones, how this technology works under the hood of your device, and why its proper setting can significantly improve your mobile Internet experience.
Many people mistakenly believe that LTE and 4G are the same thing. In fact, LTE (Long-Term Evolution) is an evolutionary step on the path to full 4G, which has become the basis for modern networks. Xiaomi’s LTE support is implemented in different ways, from low-end models with limited ranges to flagships that can work with almost any network in the world. In this article, you will learn how to check what standards your phone supports, how to turn on or off LTE, and what to do if the speed leaves much to be desired.
We will also touch on some little-known nuances, such as why it is sometimes better to manually choose a network over automatic mode, like ranges. LTE They affect coverage and speed, and why even in a safe area, the Internet can slow down. FAQ Answering the most frequent questions from Xiaomi users.
What is LTE and how is it different from 4G?
To start with, LTE (Long-Term Evolution) is a wireless standard often associated with 4G, but technically it doesn’t fully meet the original requirements for fourth-generation mobile, because the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) set strict criteria for 4G, including a peak download speed of 1 Gbps for fixed devices. The first LTE networks didn’t meet these requirements, so they were officially called “3.9G” or “pre-4G.”
Over time, the technology has evolved and improved versions have emerged:
- 📶 LTE (Cat. 4) – up to 150 Mbps per download, the most common solution in budget smartphones.
- 🚀 LTE-Advanced (Cat. 6 and above) – aggregates several frequency bands, reaching speeds of 300-600 Mbit / s.
- 🌐 LTE-Advanced Pro is now close to being a real» 4G, Support for up to 1 Gbps and technology MIMO (multichannel).
In Xiaomi smartphones, you’ll most often find 4G LTE designations — a marketing ploy to emphasize compatibility with modern networks. In practice, even budget models like the Redmi 9A support LTE, but with limited ranges, whereas flagships like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra can work with LTE Cat. 20 and speeds up to 2 Gbps.
⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi specifications are only «4G», but not mentioned LTE — It's not that the technology isn't supported, but it's probably that the manufacturer has simplified the description, because today, it's not. LTE synonymous 4G.
How to check LTE support in your Xiaomi smartphone
Before you set up a network, you need to make sure your smartphone supports LTE at all. There are several ways to do this:
- Official specs: Go to Xiaomi's website, find your model, and check the "Network" section, look for strings like LTE FDD, LTE TDD, or specific ranges (e.g. B1/B3/B7).
- Phone settings. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network type, if there's a item on the list 4G (LTE), So there's support.
- Specialized apps: Install Network Signal Guru or LTE Discovery from Google Play, which will show all supported ranges and current connectivity.
Pay special attention to the bands (LTE) – for example, in Russia, the most common ranges are B3 (1800 MHz), B7 (2600 MHz) and B20 (800 MHz). If your Xiaomi does not support at least one of them, the Internet speed may be lower than expected.
Another nuance: some Xiaomi models for the Chinese market (China ROM) may not support European or Russian LTE bands. If you buy a phone in the “gray” way, be sure to check its compatibility with local networks on the FrequencyCheck website.
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If your Xiaomi doesn’t catch LTE, but the specifications indicate support, try updating your firmware to the latest version.
How to turn on or off LTE on Xiaomi
By default, LTE on Xiaomi smartphones is enabled, but sometimes settings are lost (for example, after updating or resetting).
- Open the Settings.
- Move to the SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
- Press Network Type.
- Choose 4G (recommended) or LTE Only (if you want to disable 3G/2G).
If there is no 4G (LTE) option on the menu, it can mean:
- 📵 Yours. SIM-card does not support LTE (outdated tariff or old-style card).
- 🔄 The phone has firmware installed without support LTE for your region.
- 🛠️ Hardware malfunction (for example, damaged communication module).
For diagnosis, try inserting SIM-card LTE — If the network is working there, the problem is your Xiaomi. If not, contact the operator for a replacement card.
☑️ Verification LTE Xiaomi
Why LTE is Slow on Xiaomi: The Main Reasons
Even if your smartphone supports LTE, Internet speed can be disappointing, and here are the most common reasons:
| Reason. | How it manifests | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Overloaded tower | Speed drops during rush hours (evening) | Switch to another range manually or change operator |
| Operator restrictions | Low speed even with full signal | Check the fare (possibly limited traffic or speed) |
| Suboptimal range | The phone clings to a weak signal (e.g. B20 instead of B3) | Manually select priority range (root or engineering menu required) |
| Firmware problems | After the update, LTE disappeared or the signal deteriorated | Reverse to the previous version or wait for the patch |
One of the most insidious problems is carrier aggregation, a technology that combines several different types of systems. LTE-If your Xiaomi supports it (for example, models with a high speed). LTE Cat. 6 and above), but the operator does not provide this option, you lose up to 50% of the potential speed.
Another thing is that the network is a priority, and the default is that the phone chooses which tower to connect to, but sometimes it makes a mistake, like sticking to a distant tower with a weak signal instead of a near one, and in such cases, the forced choice of the network helps:
- Enter the number ##4636##.
- Select Phone Information.
- Scroll down to Set the network type.
- Choose LTE only (only if you are sure there is coverage in your area).
⚠️ Attention: Forced choice LTE only may cause loss of communication if there is no coverage in your area 4G. In this case, the phone will not be able to switch to 3G or 2G.
How to speed up LTE on Xiaomi: practical tips
If you don’t like LTE speed, try these methods (from simple to complex):
- 🔄 Restart the phone. It's banal but often helps -- the communication module can freeze after a long time.
- 📡 Turn on flight mode for 30 seconds, then turn it off.
- 🛠️ Update the firmware. Manufacturers regularly optimize modems. Check the updates in Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 📶 Use an external antenna (for supported models). some Xiaomi smartphones (e.g, POCO F3) have a connector for connecting an external antenna, which can significantly improve the signal.
For advanced users, there are a few more tricks:
- 🔧 Change the settings. APN. Sometimes operators update access options, but the phone doesn't automatically pull them up. → SIM-map → Access points (APN) Compare the current settings with the operator’s recommendations.
- 📊 Turn off automatic network selection. In the engineering menu (#4636##) you can manually block weak bands, leaving only those that work well in your local area.
- 🚀 Activate VoLTE. Voice technology over LTE Not only does it improve the quality of calls, but it can also positively affect the stability of the Internet connection. → SIM-map → Challenge LTE (VoLTE).
If nothing works, try to test the speed in different places, and maybe the problem is not the phone, but the carrier coverage, and you can use services like Speedtest or OpenSignal that will show not only the speed, but also the signal quality.
What if LTE disappeared after the update?
LTE in Xiaomi: myths and reality
There are many myths surrounding LTE, especially when it comes to Xiaomi smartphones.
Myth 1: “The more LTE bands a phone supports, the better.”
Reality: It's not the number, it's the relevance of the ranges. For example, the Xiaomi Mi 11 supports 53 LTE bands, but only 5-6 of them are actually used in Russia. The rest are useless.
Myth 2: “LTE is faster than Wi-Fi.”
Reality: In theory, yes, but in practice, speed depends on the congestion of the tower, the tariff and even the weather. In urban areas, good Wi-Fi (especially at 5 GHz) is often more stable than LTE.
Myth 3: “If the phone shows 4G+, it’s going to be fast.”
Reality: A 4G+ sign only means that Carrier Aggregation is used, but if the tower is overloaded, the speed can be even lower than in conventional LTE.
Myth 4: “All Xiaomi smartphones work equally well with LTE.”
Reality: Even within a single lineup, there can be differences. For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro supports LTE Cat. 12 (up to 600 Mbps), and the base model of the Redmi Note 10 only Cat. 7 (300 Mbps).
Another common misconception is that dual SIM-cards degrade speed LTE. In fact, in most Xiaomi models, both are SIM may work in 4G simultaneously (Dual technology) 4G VoLTE), but the speed may drop if one of the cards is active for the call.
The future of LTE: what awaits owners Xiaomi
Despite the strong adoption of 5G, LTE will remain the main communication standard for a long time, especially in budget and mid-budget smartphones. Xiaomi continues to produce devices that only support LTE (for example, the Redmi A2+ in 2023), as 5G infrastructure is not yet everywhere developed, and the cost of 4G chips is much lower.
Even in 5G phones, LTE remains critical, as:
- 📶 Coverage 5G It is currently limited to major cities.
- 🔋 Energy consumption 5G higher, so when the signal is weak, the phone automatically switches to LTE.
- 💰 Tariffs with 5G It is often more expensive and not all users are willing to pay more.
For Xiaomi owners, this means that even in 3-5 years, LTE will remain relevant, and operators continue to upgrade their networks, implementing technologies like LTE-M (for IoT devices) and LTE-Advanced Pro, which can coexist with 5G.
If you’re planning to buy a new Xiaomi smartphone, look for models that support Dual 5G (such as Xiaomi 13T or POCO F5). They can work in 5G and LTE at the same time, which guarantees stable connection in all conditions.
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Even in the 5G era, LTE will remain the primary standard for voice and internet in most regions of the world until at least 2027-2030.