Modern Xiaomi smartphones, running on the shell of MIUI or the new HyperOS, are equipped with advanced communication modules that can automatically switch between 2G, 3G and 4G standards depending on signal quality. However, in unstable coverage or when cell towers are congested, the device can get stuck at lower speeds, ignoring the available high-speed LTE. Users often face a situation where the indicator shows 3G or H+, although the operator guarantees fourth-generation coverage.
Forced 4G Only or LTE Only allows you to stabilize your connection, reduce ping in games, and speed up page loading. This is especially true for subscribers who are at the edge of coverage areas or in places with large crowds where the automatic network selection algorithm is not working correctly. In this article, we will discuss safe and effective ways to fix the priority communication standard.
It is worth noting that interference with the radio module requires caution. Incorrect configuration of the preferred network type can lead to complete loss of signal if your area is not covered by LTE. So before you start manipulation, make sure that you are in the zone of confident reception or you have the ability to quickly reverse changes. We will consider methods that do not require obtaining superuser rights (Root), which makes them available to any device owner.
Why the smartphone does not hold 4G: analysis of the reasons
Before you start taking action, you need to understand the nature of the problem. Often users are looking for a way to turn on Xiaomi 4G It is a matter of force, although it is a matter of settings. SIM-Cell towers can be overloaded, and the network itself drops some of the subscribers on the network. 3G in order to balance the load, in such cases, to fix LTE helps to maintain the connection, but the speed may fall to the minimum values.
Another common cause is physical condition. SIM-Older cards issued many years ago may not work properly with modern encryption standards and frequencies. 4G LTE. Also affected by the wear of the SIM itself: oxidation of contacts or microdamage of the chip lead to periodic breaks of the connection and the transition to standby mode.
The software problems of the Android operating system itself should not be discounted. After updating the firmware or installing the beta versions of the MIUI, the configuration of the radio module can be confused. In such situations, simple resetting of network settings or flashing the modem helps, but often competent manual setting of priorities is enough.
⚠️ Attention: Forced incorporation of the regime "LTE Only can make incoming and outgoing voice calls impossible if your carrier does not support VoLTE (Voice over) technology. LTE). In this case, the calls will only pass through messengers or will not work at all.
Basic settings through the standard menu
The easiest and safest way to try to improve communication is to check the standard smartphone settings. Manufacturers often hide some options or set priorities that are not always optimal for specific regions. First, you need to go to Settings, then select About phone and click on All settings.
In the list you need to find the section Advanced settings or immediately go to SIM-maps and mobile networks. Here, by selecting active SIM-The standard Xiaomi menu usually offers options like "Preference" 4G", "Preference 3G" or "Only." 2G". Selection of Preference item 4G Gives the system a command to keep LTE, but allows switching to 3G signal-deterioration.
If the standard choice doesn't work, you can try switching the network mode to 3G Only, waiting 10-15 seconds, and then back to 4G Preference. This method restarts the radio module and makes the phone re-register online, often finding a more stable tower, but this may not be enough to rigidly fix the standard.
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Before changing your network settings, turn on and off Flight Reim for 10 seconds, which will reboot the radio module and often solve the problem without deep intervention.
Using the Engineering Menu to Fix LTE
To get a deeper setup that allows you to literally lock your phone in 4G, you need to use the engineering menu, which is a hidden part of the system that's designed for testing equipment by engineers, which you can access on Xiaomi through a special code or application. Type ##4636### into the dialer. If the code didn't work, maybe your version of the shell is blocking this entry.
Once you have successfully entered the code, the Testing menu will open. Select Phone Information. SIM-If you have two cards, you'll have two options available, Phone Information 1 and Phone Information 2. Select the one that matches your main SIM.
This menu has a long list of options. To work only in 4G, you need to choose the LTE Only option. Immediately after choosing the network indicator will blink, and the phone will reconnect exclusively to LTE towers. If there is no 4G coverage, the connection will disappear completely (it will appear that says "No network").
☑️ Check before entering the engineering menu
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| LTE Only | Only 4G network. | Use it for a stable Internet |
| NR/LTE/GSM | 5G/4G/2G car | Optimal for new 5G phones |
| WCDMA Only | Only 3G. | Only for a test or a call. |
| GSM Only | Only 2G. | To save charge in the wilderness |
Alternative method through Activity Launcher
In the newer versions of MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS, access to the code engineering menu is often blocked, in which case the third-party Activity Launcher app available on Google Play comes to the rescue, which allows you to run hidden system activities, including the one responsible for network settings.
Once you install the app, run it and wait until the scan is over. Type the word radio or network in your search. You need to find an activity called com.android.settings.RadioInfo or a similar one containing the word PhoneInfo. Launching this activity will open the same menu as the engineering code.
The algorithm is the same: find the Set Preferred Network Type and select LTE The good thing about this method is that it works on most models where direct access is not available through the Internet. USSD-However, be careful: the interface may vary depending on the version of Android.
⚠️ Note: Using third-party apps to access system features carries minimal risks. download Activity Launcher only from official vetted sources, such as Google Play Store.
Return to the factory network settings
If you've been experimenting with network modes and you've been running in a way that's unstable, or you just want to get it back to normal, you need to reset. Simply switching a point may not be enough if the system has "remembered" the wrong priority. The most reliable way is to reset the network completely.
To do this, go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Press Reset button. Phone will warn that all saved Wi-Fi passwords and associated Bluetooth devices will be deleted. Confirm action.
Once rebooted, the smartphone will return to factory-based network selection algorithms, typically 5G/4G/3G/2G (auto) mode, the most stable option for everyday use, allowing the phone to decide for itself when to switch to a faster or longer-range standard.
What to do if IMEI disappears after changing settings?
Comparison of radio module operation modes
Understanding the difference between modes helps make informed decisions. LTE Only is ideal for sharing the Internet or downloading large files when voice communication is not needed. However, for the average user who can be called, it is better to use combined modes.
LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM (or similar, containing several standards) is the middle ground. The phone will hold on to 4G, but if the signal deteriorates, it will go to 3G, retaining the ability to voice call. Forced restriction to only one standard deprives the device of flexibility.
Also worth considering is the battery impact. Searching for LTE Only with a weak 4G signal makes the modem run at maximum power, which quickly puts the battery down. If you're in an area where 4G barely catches, it's better to allow the switch to 3G to save energy.
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The optimal mode for daily use is "LTE Preferred" (Preference 4G), not "LTE Only", which provides a balance between speed and availability of voice communication.