4G Xiaomi Phone: What it Means, How It Works, and Why It Needs?

When you see the inscription 4G And on the screen of your Xiaomi, that means that your smartphone is connected to the fourth generation network, the most common mobile communication technology today. But what exactly is behind these two letters? Why is it important for Redmi users, POCO Or Mi? And how do you make the right use of all the possibilities? 4G on Xiaomi devices?

Many people mistakenly think that 4G โ€” It's just "fast Internet." It's actually a whole bunch of technologies that not only affect download speed, but also call quality, connection stability, and even some of the functions of a smartphone. 4G In the context of Xiaomi phones, what standards their devices support, how to check and configure the network, and answer frequent user questions.

If youโ€™ve ever wondered why your Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is a great choice. 4G+, not 4G, Why in some places the network suddenly switches to the 3G โ€” This article is for you. We'll also talk about compatibility with operators, the features of the two. SIM-maps and give practical advice on optimizing the connection.

What is it? 4G And how it works in Xiaomi smartphones

Technology 4G (Fourth Generation is the mobile communication standard that has replaced 3G The main difference is the significantly higher data rate (up to 1 Gbps in theory) and the lower latency (ping:

  • ๐Ÿš€ Fast upload of files, high-resolution video without buffering
  • ๐Ÿ“ž Clearer voice calls thanks to VoLTE technology LTE)
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Smooth online gaming without lags
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Stable connection even under weak signal conditions

In smartphones Xiaomi support 4G It is implemented through special modems (for example, Qualcomm Snapdragon). X50/X60 It's called MediaTek Helio, which is integrated into the processor, and these modems determine what frequencies and standards your device supports. 13 Pro works with LTE Cat.20, which allows for speeds to be reached 2 Gbps, while budget models like Redmi A2 limited LTE Cat.4 (before 150 Mbit/s).

It is important to understand that the real speed depends not only on the smartphone, but also on:

  • ๐Ÿ“ก Operator coverage (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2)
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ The load of the base station in your area
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Settings APN (point)
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Battery state (at low charge, the smartphone can limit speed)
๐Ÿ“Š What operator do you have in your Xiaomi smartphone?
MTS
Beeline
MegaFon
Tele2.
Yota
Other

What Xiaomi models support 4G: full-length

Almost all Xiaomi smartphones released after 2015 support 4G. But there are important nuances:

  1. Flagship models (Xiaomi) 14, 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3) โ€” support LTE Cat.18-20 and aggregation of carriers (up to) 5 Component frequencies at the same time, which gives the maximum speed.
  2. Mid-segment (POCO X6, Redmi Note 13 Pro+) โ€” usually LTE Cat.12-15 (before 600-800 Mbit/s).
  3. Budget models (Redmi) 12C, POCO M6) โ€” limited Cat.4-7 (before 300 Mbit/s).

Critical moment for Russian users: from 2022, many new Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 12 series) are delivered without support for bands 4G, This is due to changes in certification.Be sure to check compatibility on sites like FrequencyCheck before buying.

Xiaomi modelLTE categoryMax. speed (Mbps)Support for VoLTERanges 4G (Russia)
Xiaomi 14 ProCat.202000Yes.1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38
POCO F5 ProCat.15800Yes.1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28
Redmi Note 12 Pro+Cat.13400Yes.1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28
Redmi A2+Cat.4150No.1, 3, 5, 7, 8

โš ๏ธ Note: If you buy Xiaomi from abroad (e.g., the global version), check out Band 20 (800 MHz) support โ€“ this is the main range. 4G Without it, the network will only work in cities.

How to check if it works 4G on your Xiaomi

If you are not sure if your smartphone is connected to 4G, There are several ways to check it out:

  1. Network indicator: The icon should be displayed in the top notification bar 4G, LTE or 4G+. Absence of a badge or inscription 3G/E This means that the smartphone uses an older network.
  2. Speed Test: Run an app like Speedtest or nPerf. 20-30 Mbps, you're definitely in 4G.
  3. Network settings: Go to Settings โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ [yours SIM] โ†’ Network type. This should be the location. 4G (recommended).

If 4G It does not work, follow the following steps:

Check the balance and rate (some operators block the price). 4G negative-balance)

Reboot your smartphone

Update to the latest version of MIUI

Reset network settings to Settings โ†’ System โ†’ Reset settings โ†’ Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings

Check it out. SIM-Card (possibly damaged or not supported) 4G)

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Pay special attention to the settings APN. The wrong access point settings can limit speed. For most Russian operators, use the:

  • ๐Ÿ“Œ Name: Internet.mts.ru (for MTS), Internet.beeline.ru (for Beeline), etc.
  • ๐Ÿ“Œ APN: usually coincides with the name
  • ๐Ÿ“Œ Type of authentication: PAP or CHAP
  • ๐Ÿ“Œ Protocol APN: IPv4/IPv6

๐Ÿ’ก

After the shift SIM-map 4G Missing, try manually selecting the network: Settings โ†’ SIM-map โ†’ [yours SIM] โ†’ Choice of network โ†’ Manual scan. Sometimes automatic scans get it wrong.

4G+ vs 4G: What is the difference on Xiaomi smartphones

Many Xiaomi users notice that sometimes an icon appears in the status bar. 4G+. This is not just a marketing move, there is a real technological difference behind it:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Carrier Aggregation (Carrier Aggregation): 4G+ combines several frequency bands at the same time (e.g. 800 MHz) + 1800 MHz + 2600 MHz), which increases throughput.
  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ High speed: If normal 4G give up 150-300 Mbps, then 4G+ can accelerate 600-1000 Mbps (under ideal conditions).
  • ๐Ÿ“ก More stable connection: With a weak signal, aggregation helps to "catch" a connection at a different frequency.

But there are nuances:

  • โŒ Not all operators support the tariffs 4G+. For example, MegaFon has an option "Turbo-Internet".
  • โŒ In small towns, aggregation may not work due to lack of infrastructure.
  • โŒ Xiaomi budget models (e.g. Redmi) 10A) physically supportive 4G+ modem-bound.

To check if your Xiaomi aggregation works, you can use the engineering menu:

  1. Please dial the phone application ##4636##.
  2. Select Phone Information.
  3. Look at the line. LTE CA (Carrier Aggregation, if there are values like B3+B7+B20, signifier 4G+ active.
How to forcefully turn on 4G+ Xiaomi?
This is only possible on some models with Snapdragon processors. 8xx It can be used through an engineering menu or modified firmware, but it can disrupt the stability of the communication and even lead to a lockdown. IMEI. We do not recommend doing this without experience.

VoLTE in Xiaomi smartphones: what it is and how to turn on

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) โ€” This is a voice transmission technology. 4G-network, not through outdated 2G/3G, For Xiaomi users, that means:

  • ๐ŸŽค Clearer sound without noise or interference (broadband codec) HD Voice).
  • ๐Ÿ“ž Instant connection โ€“ no delay in dialing.
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ No switching over. 3G during the call (previously the network fell to the 3G conversationally).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Parallel work of the Internet: you can simultaneously talk and use the mobile Internet.

To enable VoLTE on Xiaomi:

  1. Go to Settings. โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ [yours SIM].
  2. Find the call option on LTE Or VoLTE and activate it.
  3. If you donโ€™t have an option, upgrade or check your modelโ€™s support (e.g. Redmi). 9A Does not support VoLTE).

โš ๏ธ Attention: On some firmware MIUI VoLTE option may disappear after the update, in which case resetting network settings or flashing through the Mi Flash Tool will help.

List of Xiaomi models with VoLTE support (for Russia):

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Xiaomi 11T/12/13 Series - Full support
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ POCO X3/X4/X5 Pro โ€“ works after the update
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Redmi Note 10/11/12 Pro โ€“ Depends on the firmware version
  • โŒ Redmi 9/8/7 Series - only some modifications

Two. SIM-maps 4G: How to set up on Xiaomi

Many Xiaomi smartphones support Dual 4G โ€” simultaneous SIM-map 4G. However, there are important limitations here:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Only one. SIM maybe 4G: The second automatically switches to 2G/3G For calls (unless Dual VoLTE is supported).
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Depends on the processor: Snapdragon modems 6xx/7xx MediaTek Helio G usually supports Dual 4G, Budget chips (Helio) A22) โ€” no.
  • ๐Ÿ“ž Calls: If you are talking one at a time SIM, The second one temporarily loses communication if there is no dual VoLTE).

To set the priority 4G specifically SIM:

  1. Go to Settings. โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Choose. SIM-card for which you want priority 4G.
  3. Enable the option to use for mobile data.
  4. In the Network Type section, install 4G (recommended).

For models with Dual VoLTE (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro):

  • Activate VoLTE for both of you SIM customized.
  • Make sure both of you SIM Support the technology (check with the operator).
  • Update the software - in old versions MIUI Dual VoLTE might not work.

โš ๏ธ Note: On the Redmi Note 9 Pro and similar models with active Wi-Fi Calling, calls can go over Wi-Fi even when VoLTE is turned on.

How to speed up 4G Xiaomi: Practical Advice

If your Xiaomi is connected to 4G, But speed leaves much to be desired, try these methods:

  1. Update: Manufacturers regularly optimize modems. Check for updates to Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Updating the system.
  2. Reset network settings: Sometimes old settings conflict with new standards. reset to Settings โ†’ System system โ†’ Resetting settings.
  3. Turn off energy saving: Modes like Ultra-Economic or Battery can limit mobile internet speeds.
  4. Change location: 4G It's sensitive to obstacles, even moving to 1-2 Meter can improve signaling.
  5. Use an external antenna: For models with support MIMO (For example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra can connect an external antenna via an adapter.

For advanced users:

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Change the ranges LTE via the engineering menu (#4636## โ†’ Phone information โ†’ Set the network type. Choose LTE only for forced use 4G.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Disable unused bands: If your carrier is not using, for example, Band 28, disabling this range can speed up your network search.

๐Ÿ’ก

The most effective way to speed up 4G โ€” use SIM-aggregation-enabled (4G+) And the rate is without speed limits, like the MTS, it's Tariffishchet or the whole thing!".

Frequent problems with 4G Xiaomi and their solutions

Even on Xiaomi flagship models, there may be problems with the 4G. Letโ€™s take a look at the most common ones:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
4G is available, but the internet is not working.Wrong APN settingsDrop it. APN to standard or enter manually
Constantly switching to 3GWeak signal. 4G battery-savingTurn off the power saving mode or change location
VoLTE is not turned onNot supported by operator or firmwareUpdate the software or contact the operator
Low speed at full signalOverloading of the base stationTry to connect later or change range
4G+ doesn't workTariff does not support aggregationCheck with the operator or change the tariff

If none of the methods helped, there may be a problem with the hardware:

  • ๐Ÿ“ก Antenna: Damage to the antenna module (often after falls).
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Slot SIM-Cards: Oxidation of contacts or mechanical damage.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Modem: Failure of the modem part of the processor (solved by flashing or repair).

โš ๏ธ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X3 NFC) If you change the display, you can lose the network, because you damage the antenna tracks when you disassemble them, and you need professional repairs.

FAQ: Answers to frequent questions about 4G Xiaomi

My Xiaomi shows me 4G, but the speed is like 3G. What's the matter?
This can be due to several factors: your operator limits speed on the fare (check the conditions); the base station is overloaded (especially during rush hour). LTE Cat.4 (Maximum 150 Mbps Traffic Savings are enabled in the settings. Try checking the speed in different places or from another location. SIM-card.
How do I know which 4G bands my Xiaomi supports?
There are several ways: See the specifications on the official Xiaomi or GSMArena website. Use applications like Network Signal Guru or LTE Check the Discovery menu (#4636## โ†’ For Russia, the bands are critically important: Band 3 (1800 MHz), Band 7 (2600 MHz), Band 20 (800 MHz).
Can Xiaomi be Forced to Disable? 3G, leave only 4G?
Yes, but it's a problem with communication. If you want to try it, go to the engineering menu (#4636##.) Select phone information. LTE only. โš ๏ธ Warning: In this mode, you will not be able to call unless the operator supports VoLTE! SMS.
Why on the second slot SIM-card 4G?
This is a hardware limitation. In most Xiaomi smartphones (except flagships), only the first slot supports the first one. 4G, And the second one works in 2G/3G. Exceptions: Xiaomi 12/13 series - Dual 4G VoLTE. POCO F4/F5 โ€” Dual 4G (but without VoLTE on the second SIM). Redmi Note 12 Pro+ โ€” Dual 4G Solution: Change. SIM-Cards in places or use an adapter for the second slot (if it is hybrid).
Will my Xiaomi support me? 5G, if he works on 4G?
No, support. 5G It depends on the hardware, the modem and the antennas, if your smartphone doesn't support it initially. 5G (For example, Redmi Note 10), No updates will fix this. 5G: Xiaomi 11T/12/13/14 series POCO F3/F4/F5 Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G, Note 12 Pro+ 5G Please note that even if the model supports 5G, In Russia, this network is still only in test mode (MTS, MegaFon in Moscow and St. Petersburg).