The situation when the flagship smartphone from Xiaomi suddenly loses the network in the zone of confident reception or switches between towers for a long time, is familiar to many users. Often the problem lies in software conflicts, incorrect settings of network priorities, or even in particular the location of the network. SIM-Understanding the principles of the radio module allows you to diagnose and eliminate most communication problems without going to the service center.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the software and hardware methods for improving reception quality. You will learn how to properly configure your preferred network type, whether to trust third-party amplifiers and in which cases resetting network settings will help. Connection stability depends on many factors, and a competent device configuration can significantly affect Internet speed and voice calls.
Before you go to complex manipulations, you need to exclude trivial reasons. SIM-If the problem is only in one particular location, it's probably because the tower is remote or the walls of the building are shielding the signal. However, if the catch falls everywhere, it's time to adjust your gadget.
Diagnostics and basic checks before setting up
The first step is to determine the current signal strength in numerical terms, and the standard sticks in the status bar give only a rough idea of the situation. To make a precise diagnosis, engineers use the dBm value. The closer to zero, the better the signal. For example, -60 dBm is a great reception, and -110 dBm is a zone of insecure reception or no reception.
To see these numbers on Redmi or POCO smartphones, you can use the standard test menu. Enter the phone app code ##4636##. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information. Here you will see Signal strength. If the value is below -105 dBm, the phone will periodically lose network or go to EDGE/2G mode.
⚠️ Please note: Do not attempt to force the “only” regime. LTE» or "Only" 3G», If you are not in the area with the perfect coverage of the chosen standard, this can lead to the complete disappearance of incoming calls, since voice is often transmitted over networks. 2G/3G (technology CSFB), If not supported by VoLTE.
It is also worth checking the physical condition of the tray for SIM-Oxidized contacts or a loose landing of a card can cause periodic communication breaks, remove the SIM, wipe the contacts with soft cloth and make sure that it lies in the slot straight. On two-symbol models, try to move the card to another slot, as sometimes one of the modules may work incorrectly due to a software error.
Configure preferred network type and frequencies
Automatic network selection often performs incorrectly in border coverage areas.The smartphone can cling to a far tower 4G low signal, ignoring the nearby tower 3G Forced priority change can solve the problem. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Preferred type of network.
If your carrier has already implemented VoLTE (voice over 4G) technology in your region, LTE Only will work steadily. Otherwise, when an incoming call is made, the phone will try to switch to 3G/2G, and if the signal is weak, the call may break. The optimal choice is often “LTE Preferably” or “LTE/WCDMA/GSM (auto)” mode.
To fine-tune it, you can use the engineer's hidden menu. Enter the code ##4636## and select "Radio Module Settings." In "Set preferred network type," you can select specific combinations. For example, LTE Only will leave you with only the Internet without voice communication (if there is no VoLTE), and WCDMA Only will force the phone to switch to 3G, which sometimes gives a more stable, albeit slower, Internet in rural areas.
- 📶 LTE/TD-LTE/WCDMA/GSM — Standard mode for most regions, provides a balance of speed and coverage.
- 📶 WCDMA Use only in areas where 4G It is not easy to catch, but you need a stable, albeit not fast Internet.
- 📶 GSM Only – extreme measure for calls in remote villages, the Internet will not work.
Reset network settings and update APN profiles
Accumulated network configuration errors can cause the communication module to run in an unstable manner, often after a MIUI or HyperOS firmware update, or after a change of operator, and resetting the network returns all settings to factory values by removing stored Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but this often “cures” the mobile Internet problem.
Resets can be done via Settings menu → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth → Reset. Once rebooted, the phone will re-register on the operator’s network. If the problem was a conflict of network protocols, the communication should stabilize.
☑️ Checklist of resetting settings
An important step is to check the access points. APN (Access Point Name: If the settings are wrong, the phone may show you that you have a network, but the Internet will not work. Go to your mobile network settings, select your own. SIM-Map and go to "Access Points (APN)». Press the reset button or create a new point, and you've taken the actual data from your operator's official website. APN — frequent reason for lack of Internet with an icon 4G.
| Parameter | Value for most operators | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Name (Name) | Internet (anything) | You can ask it randomly. |
| APN | Internet (or mts, beeline, etc.) | Key parameter |
| Type APN | default,supl | I'll have to do it in comma. |
| Protocol | IPv4/IPv6 | Double recommended |
Use of engineering menu and hidden functions
The engineering menu is a powerful tool for advanced users to control the radio module at a low level. In addition to changing the type of network, you can see detailed statistics on neighboring towers. The Neighbor Cells tab will show which towers the phone sees and what their signal level (RSRP) is.
If you see the phone holding onto a tower at -115 dBm, even though there is a tower at -85 dBm nearby, you can try temporarily switching the network type (for example, to 3G and back) to get the modem to reconnect to a more powerful source.
Is it dangerous to change the settings in the engineering menu?
For root-right users, there are applications that allow you to unlock hidden bands (Band Locking), this is true for global versions of smartphones that may not support some frequencies of Russian or Ukrainian operators (for example, Band 20 or Band 7).
- 🔍 RSRP — signal strength level (the closer to the 0, All the better, normal. -95 dBm).
- 🔍 SINR — signal-to-noise ratio (an important parameter for speed, should be positive).
- 🔍 PCI — Physical Cell ID helps you understand which tower the phone is connected to.
Influence of covers, accessories and SIM-map
Don’t underestimate the impact of external factors on the antenna of the smartphone. antennas in modern Xiaomi are often built into the frame of the case. Metal cases, cases with magnetic holders for cars or just very thick protective pads can shield the signal, reducing its level by 10-15 dBm.
Try removing the case and checking the signal level, and if the sticks are added, the problem is solved by replacing the accessory, and it also matters your age and your type. SIM-Old SIMs issued 5-7 In the past, it may not work properly on modern networks. 4G/LTE. Operators recommend changing them periodically SIM-map to a new, supportive USIM.
⚠️ Attention: Cheap adapters «3 into 1» (large SIM-The card is inserted into the adapter for micro-SIM) Often make bad contact. Use only the original card size or a quality adapter that fits tightly to the contacts.
Also, charging your phone while talking or using the internet can cause electrical interference, especially if you use a non-original power supply or unshielded cable, a phenomenon known as "power supply noise" that jams the radio signal. Try turning off the charger and check if the connection has improved.
Applications to amplify the signal: myths and reality
There are hundreds of apps in the Play Market that have names like Signal Booster, Network Speed Up, and so on. It's important to understand that you can't software-generated antennas. The law of physics is a law. An antenna has fixed characteristics, and no application can make it emit more powerful than the manufacturer's mandate.
What do these apps really do? They do the same things you can do manually: reset the connection to the current tower and make the phone search again, perhaps by connecting to another tower with a better signal, and they can clear the cache of network services, and the effect is there, but it's temporary and it's not literally "amplification."
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Instead of questionable boosters, use Flight Mode, turn it on for 10 seconds and turn it off, which will force the radio to restart and often help you find the network faster than any third-party application.
Some applications require advanced access rights or root rights to change system configuration files on a Redmi Note or Mi smartphone, which can cause system disruption, block banking applications (due to system integrity breaches), and loss of warranty.