How to turn on Xiaomi smartphone only 4G: all ways

Are you tired of the constant “jumping” between 3G and 4G on your Xiaomi, which drains the battery and slows down the Internet? Iliperhaps want to force the network to lock only on 4G (LTE) to avoid automatically connecting to slow standards? In this article, we will analyze all the current methods – from standard MIUI settings to hidden engineering menus and commands for ADB.

The problem of unstable connection is especially relevant for owners of low-end models of Redmi (for example, Redmi Note 10/11/12 or POCO X3/X4), where energy saving algorithms aggressively switch the network. And in some regions, operators still have not turned off 2G/3G, which forces the smartphone to spend resources on finding outdated towers. We tested all methods on the firmware of MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese versions) and identified those that work stably.

Why Xiaomi is switching from 4G to 3G/2G

The reasons for automatic network switching lie in both MIUI settings and hardware limitations:

• 🔋 Battery savings: in Battery or Balanced System mode, the communication module forcibly reduces power consumption, preferring less “voracious” networks 3G/2G.
• 📡 Weak signal. 4G: if the level of coverage LTE below -110 dBm, the smartphone is moving to a more stable (but slow) network.
• 📱 Outdated firmware: in MIUI No manual selection of communication standard was made prior to version 12.5.
• 🔄 Operator policy: some providers (e.g, Tele2 Regional operators have not yet been shut down. 2G/3G, That forces the device to connect to them.

Interestingly, even the flagship models Xiaomi 13/14 This is a problem if you are using it. SIM-cards with tariffs that do not support VoLTE (voice communication over the Internet) 4G). In this case, the smartphone is forced to switch to 3G Calling the Internet, which creates the illusion of a “bad Internet».

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (for firmware 12.5 and later)

If your Xiaomi is running MIUI 12.5 or fresh (including HyperOS), the easiest way is to use the built-in network selection menu.Please note: on some models (such as the Redmi 9A or POCO M3), this item may be hidden.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
3. Tap on the network type (or preferred network type).
4. In the options list, select 4G Only (LTE) or 4G/3G/2G (auto) → then go back again and select 4G Only (sometimes double confirmation is required).

If you don't have a Network Type, your version of MIUI doesn't support manual switching, so you can go to the Engineering Menu or ADB method.

Make a backup copy of the settings SIM-map

Make sure you have enough money (some operators block 4G at zero balance)

Disable VPN (it can interfere with network definition)

Battery charge of at least 30% (for stable operation of the communication module)-->

Method 2: Engineering menu (for all Xiaomi models)

Activation of hidden settings

The Engineering Mode allows you to manually block unwanted communication standards, which works even on older models (such as the Redmi 4X or Mi A1), but requires caution – incorrect settings can lead to network loss.

Steps to enter:

1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##4636## Some firmware may run an alternative code: ##36446337###
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
4. Select LTE only (or 4G only) from the list.
5. Press OK and restart the device.

Important: If the network is lost after the reboot, go back to the engineering menu and select LTE/WCDMA/GSM auto (automatic mode).

Method 3: ADB commands (for advanced users)

Forced switching through debugging

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a low-level system setup tool that works for all Xiaomi models, but requires a PC connection.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Terminal

adb devices

The name of your device should appear.

adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode 9

Decoding of values

• 9 - LTE only (4G)
• 10 - LTE/3G/2G (auto)
• 7 - 3G only
• Reset the device.

If the network does not appear after the command, check whether your operator supports the command. 4G in your area, also make sure that SIM-card inserted SIM 1 – On some Xiaomi models, only the first slot supports LTE.

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Before using ADB, install the official Xiaomi drivers for your model, which can be downloaded from MIUI Downloads in the Driver section.

Method 4: Applications for Forced 4G Enablement

If you don't want to go through the settings or connect your smartphone to your PC, you can use third-party utilities, and we tested a few apps and identified those that actually work on MIUI:

Warning: Most applications require root rights or access through ADB. Without them, they can only show network information, but not change it. Also be careful with programs that request access to SMS or calls - this can be a scam.

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Google Play apps cannot guarantee 4G on all Xiaomi models, but their performance depends on the MIUI version and the processor (Snapdragon or MediaTek).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even when set up correctly, the smartphone can be unstable, and we've collected some common errors and ways to fix them:

• 🔌 No network after switching to 4G: Check if your operator supports you. 4G in your area (e.g. cart.guru) Make sure that SIM-card inserted SIM 1 (only in some models it supports only one). LTE). Restart your smartphone in Safe Mode (press the power button) → Safe mode) and check the network – if it appears, the third-party app is to blame.
• 📵 Constant switching between 4G s+ (3G): Turn off VoLTE in the settings SIM-maps -- sometimes this helps stabilize the connection. Try installing the power menu. LTE Band by hand (e.g. Band 3 or Band 7 – common in Russia).
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge in mode 4G: Turn on Traffic Savings in Settings SIM-maps and mobile networks. disable Network Search in roaming (unless you are travelling).

If none of these methods worked, it may be hardware, such as a damaged communication module, in which case, contact Xiaomi’s service center (addresses can be found on mi.com).

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Before visiting the service center, reset the network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting mobile network settings to help eliminate software errors.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions