How to switch from 4G to 3G on Xiaomi phone: all the ways

Modern Xiaomi smartphones use 4G/LTE networks by default for maximum Internet speed, but sometimes users need to force switch to 3G. The reasons can vary from saving battery power to solving coverage problems in remote regions. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the network type on Redmi, POCO and other lines running MIUI 12-14, and also consider the nuances that are not written in the standard instructions.

Many people mistakenly believe that switching to 3G worsens the quality of communication, but in practice in some cases it improves the stability of calls (for example, with a weak 4G signal).In addition, on devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon 4xx/6xx series processors, the forced choice of 3G can reduce the heating of the communication module by 15-20% - this is true for models like the Redmi Note 10 or POCO X3 Pro.

Next, you'll find step-by-step guides for different firmware versions, tips for fixing common bugs, and answers to frequent questions. If your phone doesn't support manual switching, there are alternative solutions in the article.

Why you might need to switch from 4G to 3G

At first glance, it seems counterintuitive to abandon 4G, but there are several good reasons for this move:

• 📶 Weak coverage 4G: In rural areas or on the outskirts of cities, operators often provide only 3G-The compulsory selection of this standard will eliminate the constant jumping between the two. 4G and 2G, battery-free.
• 🔋 Charge savings: Module 4G It consumes 25-30% more energy than 3G. On Xiaomi budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) It can give +1-2 hours of autonomous work.
• 📞 Calling problems: On the networks 4G It uses VoLTE technology, which doesn't always work well. 3G Return classic voice calls without breaks.
• 🛡️ Privacy: In some countries 3G-Networks are less susceptible to traffic interception than 4G (because of the nature of encryption).

It is interesting that on devices with two SIM-cards (for example, Xiaomi) 11T Pro) switching the network on one of them does not affect the other - their settings are independently managed. 4G for the Internet, and the second SIM activate 3G call-in.

Before changing the settings, check if your operator supports you. 3G In your region, for example, in Russia, MegaFon and Beeline are actively curtailing. 3G-net 4G/5G, while the body2 And MTS still retains coverage.

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings menu (for most models)

This is the simplest method that works on 90% of Xiaomi devices running MIUI 12-14. Instructions are suitable for the Redmi Note 11, POCO F4, Xiaomi 12 Lite and other popular models.

Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen) and follow the following steps:

1. Go to section. SIM-maps and mobile networks (or mobile network on some firmware).
2. Choose. SIM-The card you want to change your settings for (if you have two) SIM).
3. Click on Network Type (or Preferred Network Type)
4. In the list of available options, select 3G (can be designated as WCDMA or UMTS).
5. Confirm the changes and restart the phone (recommended for settings).

If there is no 3G option on the list, just 4G/3G/2G (auto) or 4G only, then your firmware does not support manual selection.

⚠️ Note: On some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra) after switching to the new model 3G It's not a mistake, it's just a reboot.

Method 2: Engineering menu (for advanced users)

If standard settings don’t allow you to choose 3G, you can use the Engineering Mode, which works on most Qualcomm Snapdragon devices, but you need to be careful that wrong actions can disrupt the communication module.

Instructions for entering the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
2. In the menu that appears, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to Set preferred network type.
4. Select WCDMA only (this is 3G).
5. Press OK and restart the phone.

On devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi 9C or POCO C31), the combination for entering the engineering menu may differ:

#36446337## for MediaTek
#4636### for Qualcomm

If the network does not appear after the changes, return the settings to the original state and try another method.

Method 3: Applications for Forced Network Selection

If none of the previous methods worked, you can use third-party utilities, which are especially useful for devices with custom firmware or trimmed settings (for example, for European versions of Xiaomi, where network selection is remote).

Top.-3 tested applications:

• 📱 Network Signal Guru – Shows detailed network information and allows you to manually block bands 4G. Supports Xiaomi on Qualcomm and MediaTek chips.
• 🔧 4G Switcher is a simple utility for switching between 4G/3G/2G. Requires root rights on some firmware.
• 🛠️ MTK Tweaks – a specialized application for devices on MediaTek (for example, Redmi) 10A). Allows you to fine-tune the communication module.

Before installing, check the reviews about compatibility with your Xiaomi model.Some apps may conflict with MIUI 14 due to security policies.

⚠️ Note: Applications like Network Signal Guru may request permissions to access the app. SMS Don't provide them unnecessarily, because that's a risk of data leakage.

Table: Compatibility of methods with popular Xiaomi models

Not all methods work on all devices, and the following is a compatibility table for popular models:

If your model isn’t in the table, try all three methods in order. On new devices (2023-2026), Xiaomi often blocks manual network management in order to “optimize the user experience.”

Alternative solutions if 3G is not enabled

If none of these methods worked, consider the following options:

• 🔄 Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting mobile network settings, which will return the settings to factory settings, but will not delete personal data.
• 📋 Firmware Update: In some cases, the network selection restriction is removed after the update MIUI. Check the relevance of the version in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ Custom firmware installation: Firmware like Pixel Experience or LineageOS often regains full control of the communication module.
• 📡 Use of external modem: If 3G critically necessary (e.g. for equipment operation), connect the phone to 4G-router 3G-regime.

On dual-devices SIM-With cards (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) you can try to swap the cards in places - sometimes the second one is the second one. SIM has extended network settings.

💡

If you travel frequently, create a shortcut to quickly switch your network. To do this, install QuickShortcutMaker and find the action com.android.settings.Settings$MobileNetworkSettingsActivity.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When switching to 3G, Xiaomi users experience a few common mistakes, and here’s how to fix them:

Problem 1: After choosing 3G, the network goes completely missing.

Solution: Return settings to 4G/3G/2G (auto), restart your phone and try again. If it doesn't work, check if the carrier is blocking 3G in your area (e.g. Yota completely disabled 3G in 2023).

Problem 2: The network icon shows 3G, but the internet is not working.

Solution: Remove and Re-Add APN-settings for your operator. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Access points (APN). Parameters APN You can find the operator's website.

Problem 3: After the reboot, the network becomes 4G again.

Solution: This is a feature of some Xiaomi firmware. To fix 3G, install the Network Signal Guru app and manually block 4G/LTE bands.

Problem 4: You can’t call in 3G mode (no sound).

Solution: Turn off VoLTE in the settings SIM-Path: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → VoLTE Challenges.

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If after all the manipulations 3G It doesn’t work, check if yours is supported. SIM-Old cards (issued before 2015) may require replacement in the operator's cabin.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions