Modern Xiaomi smartphones running on the shell of MIUI or HyperOS, by default, strive to provide the user with the maximum possible connection speed, automatically choosing between 2G, 3G and 4G. However, in unstable coverage or when in the zone of the "border" signal, the device can constantly jump between communication standards, which leads to call breaks, loss of data packets and accelerated battery discharge. Forced installation of 4G mode becomes not just a whim, but a necessity for stable operation of messengers and navigators.
Many Xiaomi Redmi and Poco owners are faced with a situation where the phone “clings” to weak 3G, deflecting faster LTE, or vice versa, loses the network in the subway, trying to find 4G where it is physically not. In the standard Android setting menu, often hidden advanced radio module management capabilities that are available to engineers or require activation through special codes. Understanding how to make the smartphone work exclusively in one standard will help you optimize communication in travel or at home.
In this article, we will look at all the current ways to switch network modes, from simple settings in the MIUI interface to the use of engineering menus and third-party applications. You will learn why automatic network selection sometimes works incorrectly and how to manually prioritize LTE. This is especially true for models released for the Chinese market, where some European default frequencies may not be available.
Why to Forcely Switch to 4G: Advantages and Disadvantages
Before you make changes to your system settings, it’s important to understand what the implications are for your device. The main benefit of LTE (Long Term Evolution) fixation is data stability. When the phone doesn’t spend CPU resources constantly searching and switching between 3G and 4G towers, power consumption decreases and ping in online games becomes more predictable.
But there's a downside to this: If you're in an area where 4G coverage is unstable or unavailable, forced selection of this mode will result in complete loss of communication ("No network"). Unlike automatic mode, the smartphone will not switch to 3G for voice calls unless VoLTE is activated. So, before fixing the mode, you need to make sure that you receive the signal confidently in your location.
⚠️ Warning: Forced switching to "Only" mode 4G" It can make it impossible to send incoming and outgoing voice calls in uncovered areas. LTE, If your carrier does not support VoLTE, be ready to return the settings back.
Another important aspect is the effect on heat transfer: In a very weak signal, the modem of a smartphone starts to work at the power limit to maintain the connection. Fixing to one standard often allows the module to work in a quieter mode, which is especially noticeable when using a smartphone as a router or during long conversations through messengers.
Standard method through the MIUI settings menu
The safest and first way that every Xiaomi user should try is to use a standard interface. In most cases, the system allows you to choose the preferred type of network, although it does not guarantee hard fixation. SIM-maps and mobile networks.
In the menu that opens, click on the desired SIM-map (if there are two) and find Network Type or Preferred Network Type, and you will be given several options. 4G or LTE, This does not exclude other standards, such as: LTE". This will give the system a command to keep it going. 4G, but will fall on 3G critically degraded.
☑️ Checking basic settings
It's worth noting that some global firmware versions may have limited listings, and if you only see Prefer 4G, but the phone still goes into 3G, you can't limit your choice to standard methods, and you'll need to move to more advanced methods. Also make sure that the VoLTE slider is activated if your carrier supports this technology, which will allow you to make calls over a 4G Internet channel.
Using an engineering menu to select a network type
If standard settings don't work, the engineering menu, a hidden part of the system designed to test hardware, comes to the rescue. On Xiaomi smartphones, it is often accessed through a special code in the Phone app. Dial the combination ##4636##. If the menu opens, you will see a list of tests.
Select Phone Information. Scroll down to Set preferred network type. In the drop-down list, you'll see a lot of technical abbreviations. To work only in 4G, you'll need to select LTE Only, which will rigidly lock the modem on LTE.
| Name of the regime | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| NR/LTE/GSM/WCDMA | Auto mode (5G/4G/3G/2G) | Recommended for everyday use |
| LTE Only | Only 4G LTE. | Use only with a stable signal |
| WCDMA Only | Only 3G. | For areas with poor 4G coverage |
| GSM Only | Only 2G. | To save charge or calls |
On some devices (especially with MediaTek processors) after selecting LTE Only, communication may disappear completely if there are no 4G towers in your location. In this case, the phone will have to reboot or quickly choose another mode before the timeout expires.
What if the code doesn't work?
Application of Force LTE Only (4G/5G)
For users who have an engineering menu code that is not working or hidden, there are specialized applications from Google Play, such as Force LTE Only (4G/5G). These utilities use the same system APIs as the engineering menu, but provide a user-friendly interface and quick switching. Download the application and launch it.
In the main app window, click Method 1: Android 11+ (or your version of the OS). The same Phone Information menu you discussed above will open. Select LTE Only from the list. The main advantage of these apps is that they have a widget or quick switch in the notification curtain, which allows you to instantly return Auto mode when you leave the area of good coverage.
It's worth considering that after a smartphone reboot, the settings in these applications are often reset to standard. This is the Android security mechanism. So automatically running the application when you turn on the phone is critical to maintaining 4G Only. Make sure that in the battery settings you give the application permission to start and work in the background.
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To prevent network settings from being reset after rebooting, add the mode switching app to the Unlimited Data Access list and turn off the power savings for it in the MIUI battery settings.
Features of working with MediaTek and Qualcomm processors
Xiaomi smartphones can be based on different platforms, and the approach to network management on them varies. MediaTek (Helio, Dimensity) devices often have a more open engineering menu, available through the code # #3646633# (MTK Engineering Mode). Here, in the Telephony -> BandMode tab, you can customize the frequencies you support in detail.
Qualcomm Snapdragon processors use a menu available in ##4636##, which we reviewed earlier. MIUI Access to a change in the network type in this menu may be blocked (point gray or not). ADB-Teams or third-party applications with extended rights.
⚠️ Note: In the MediaTek engineering menu, do not change the values in sections you are not sure about (e.g. Power or Power). RF). This can lead to improper operation of the antenna module or overheating of the device.
The difference is also Carrier Aggregation support. Forced LTE Only on some older modems can disable aggregation, and you'll only get one frequency speed, not the total. So after the switch, be sure to check your Internet speed through like Speedtest services to make sure the quality of the connection has really improved.
Solving the problem: what to do if the Internet or calls are missing
The most common problem after switching to 4G only is the disappearance of voice communication, which is because classic voice calls (CSFBs) run over 2G and 3G networks.