A modern smartphone from Xiaomi or Redmi automatically chooses the best network for calls and the Internet by default. However, in conditions of unstable coverage or when the towers of base stations are overloaded, the device can get stuck on 3G or even H+, which critically reduces the speed of loading pages. Forced fixation of the 4G Only mode allows you to stabilize the connection and avoid constant jumps between communication standards.
Users often experience a phone that stubbornly ignores available LTE by switching to older data protocols, which may be due to software failures in the MIUI or HyperOS shell, as well as the modem’s specific operation in a particular region, and in this article we will discuss safe and advanced methods of solving the problem.
Before we go into radical action, make sure that the problem is not a physical SIM card or a plan, and if your carrier is fast and the coverage is secure, but the phone doesn't want to be 4G, then you need to step in and tweak your system settings, and we'll look at the methods from simple menu switching to using engineering codes.
⚠️ Note: Using hidden engineering menus can cause temporary loss of communication. If the phone stopped catching the network after the changes, just restart the device or select Preferred mode. LTE».
Why Xiaomi is switching to 3G instead of 4G
The modem algorithms in Xiaomi smartphones are set to maximize energy efficiency and voice stability. In some cases, the system prioritizes 3G if the LTE signal seems to be not strong enough to confidently receive incoming calls, this is especially true for older SIM cards that do not support VoLTE technology.
Another reason could be frequency overload. The operator tower can broadcast a 4G signal, but because of the large number of connected subscribers, bandwidth drops. In this situation, a Redmi or POCO smartphone can automatically switch to a less loaded but slow 3G to provide at least basic functionality. Forced switching on forces you to ignore these algorithms.
Physical factors, such as a case with metal inserts, a damaged antenna after a fall, or a software failure of a radio module after a firmware update, sometimes help simply resetting the network settings, but if the problem comes back, a deeper intervention is required in the parameters of the preferred network type.
Basic configuration of the preferred network type
The safest and first step any Xiaomi owner needs to take is to check the standard settings. Android provides a built-in prioritization mechanism that often gets lost after changing the SIM card. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
Select the SIM card you use to access the Internet and find Network Type, where you need to set the value Preferred LTE. In some versions of MIUI, this option may be called "Network Type Preferred." If it's 3G or 2G, the phone will not physically be able to connect to high-speed Internet, even if there is a signal.
☑️ Checking basic settings
After changing the parameter, it is recommended to turn on the air mode 10-15 It will restart the radio module and make the phone re-register with new parameters. 4G+ or LTE, If the phone rolls back down again, it's solved. 3G, We move on to more complex methods.
Using the Engineering Menu to Fix LTE
If the standard menu doesn’t work, the Android hidden engineering menu comes to the rescue. On Xiaomi devices, it is often accessed through a special code. Open the Phone app and dial the combination ##4636#. If the code works, the Verification menu will open.
In the list that opens, select Phone Information. Find a drop-down list called "Install preferred network type." There are many options hidden here, including those that aren't on the regular menu. You need LTE Only. Choosing this option will force the modem to only work in 4G mode.
⚠️ Attention: Regime «LTE Only can block incoming and outgoing voice calls if your carrier does not support VoLTE technology. Use this mode only for Internet distribution or when maximum download speeds are needed.
What if the code doesn't work?
It's important to understand the difference between modes. LTE/TD-SCDMA/WCDMA is a softer option that prioritizes 4G but allows you to slide to 3G for calls. LTE Only mode is hard lock. If you're in an insecure reception zone, the Only phone may just lose the network completely, as it can't switch to a backup standard.
Settings through Activity Launcher
Newer versions of HyperOS and MIUI 14 often shut down hidden menus, and the solution is to use system shortcuts, download the Activity Launcher app from Google Play, which allows you to run hidden system activities, including deep modem settings that are not available through the normal interface.
Run an app and search for the word “activity” or “preferred.” You need to find activity related to PreferredNetworkType. Often it hides deep in system settings, such as in the com.android.settings section. Click on the desired item, you will be taken to the same network type selection menu as through the engineering code.
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If the search for the word "network" does not yield results, try searching by activity number or the word "cell." The application interface may be in English, but the essence remains the same - find the network type switch.
The good thing about this method is that it doesn't require root rights and works on most models, including the Redmi Note and Xiaomi Mi series. However, remember that after you reboot the phone, the settings may reset to the standard, in which case you'll have to repeat or use more sophisticated methods with ADB.
Comparison of network modes
To give you an idea of which mode to choose, let’s look at the main differences between the options available. Choosing the wrong mode can cause the phone to show “no network”, even though the operator tower is nearby.
| Regime. | Description | Impact on calls | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| LTE Only | Only 4G, Ignoring 2G/3G | Calls may not be made without VoLTE | For maximum internet access |
| LTE/TD-SCDMA/WCDMA | Priority 4G, Fallback on 3G | Calls are stable. | Recommended treatment |
| GSM Only | Only 2G EDGE/GPRS | Calls are working, the internet is very slow. | To save battery life |
| WCDMA Only | Only 3G. | Calls are working, average speed | If there is no 4G coverage |
As you can see from the table, for everyday use, the best suited hybrid mode with a priority LTE. It provides a balance between the speed and availability of voice communication. LTE Only mode should be turned on only in cases where the phone is “hang” on 3G in the zone of confident 4G reception, and you urgently need fast Internet, and you plan to call through instant messengers.
Reset network settings and APN
Sometimes the problem lies not in the choice of the standard, but in the wrong access points. APN. If the access point settings are outdated or lost, the phone may not register correctly on the network. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
Click the reset button (usually a broom icon or three dots in the corner) and select Reset to defaults. After that, make sure your operator access point is selected. For MTS, Beeline, Megafon or Tele2, settings should be adjusted automatically if you have a SIM card.
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Network settings reset does not delete your personal data, contacts or apps; it only affects Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and mobile settings, so it is a secure procedure.
If that doesn't work, do a full network reset. Path: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. This action will return all network settings to factory values, which often solves the problems with the "glitch" of the radio module.