How to leave only 4G on Xiaomi smartphones: all ways for MIUI 12-14

Why Xiaomi users want to leave only 4G – and should they?

Xiaomi smartphones in recent years support up to 5 different network standards at a time, from outdated 2G (EDGE) to modern 5G. However, many users deliberately turn off all modes except 4G (LTE) - and for good reason.

First, the forced use of only 4G increases battery life by 12-18% due to the switching off of energy-consuming switches between networks. Secondly, in some regions of Russia and the CIS operators still have not optimized the 5G operation, which causes the smartphone to waste extra resources on finding an unstable network. Finally, there is a technical nuance: on devices with MediaTek Dimensity (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro + or POCO F5) with active 5G, 4G speeds can sag to 30-50 Mbps instead of the declared 300+ Mbps.

But before we get to the settings, it’s important to understand that turning off 2G/3G isn’t always safe. In some cases (such as low 4G coverage), the phone can lose communication completely. Next, we’ll take a look at all the methods available, from standard MIUI settings to the engineering menu, and also explain which Xiaomi models allow you to flexibly manage network modes.

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (works on 90% of devices)

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI menu.It is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones based on MIUI 12-14, including the Redmi Note 11/12/13, Xiaomi 12/13/14 and POCO X5/F5. Except for devices for the Chinese market (with China ROM firmware) - they may not have a choice network.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app** (cog icon).
2. Go to section. SIM-maps and mobile networks (or mobile network on some firmware).
3. Choose yours. SIM-card (if two of them).
4. Tap on the "Network Type"** (or Preferred Network Type).

Make sure yours is yours. SIM-card 4G (check with the operator)

Check the 4G signal strength in your region (e.g., via the NetMonster app)

Battery charge must be at least 30% (in case of failure)

Remember the current settings in case of rollbacks-->

If the list does not include 4G only, it means that your firmware limits your choice, in which case try the alternatives below.

⚠️ Note: On some devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T Pro or Black Shark 5) after the choice “Only 4G» It's because of VoLTE, if your carrier doesn't support it, turn on the mode «4G/3G/2G (car) and use USSD-switch-off 2G/3G.

Method 2: Engineering menu (for advanced users)

If the standard settings do not work, you can use the Engineering Mode (Engineer Mode), which works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek processors (for example, Redmi 10C, POCO M5) and some devices on Snapdragon (except flagship models with blocked access).

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Phone app** and type the combination: ##4636## Some firmware may require: ##36446337###
2. In the drop-down list, select: 📶 LTE only 4G (recommended) 📶 LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM auto — 4G/3G/2G (motor-car) 📶 LTE/WCDMA/GSM Auto - alternative automotive

Apply

⚠️ Attention: Changes to the engineering menu can cause a mobile network to crash. If the signal is lost after applying the settings, return the "Set preferred network type" to the "Auto" value and restart the phone. If this does not help, reset the network settings to Settings. → Memory and network → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.

MediaTek (Helio/Dimensity)|Qualcomm Snapdragon|Another (specify in the comments)|I don't know-->

Method 3: USSD-codes for operators Beeline, MTS, MegaFon, Tele2

If your operator supports you USSD-Teams for managing network settings can disable unnecessary standards directly through the Phone app, a method that is especially useful for Xiaomi owners with firmware where there is no manual network selection (e.g. China). ROM custom-assembly).

Here are the current teams for Russian operators (2026):

• 📱 Beeline: Dial *110*181# and select "Only" 4G» menu.
• 📱 MTS: send USSD-request *111*4679#, Then follow the instructions.
• 📱 Megaphone: Use the team *105*467# and choose «LTE Only».
• 📱 Television2: type *155*1#, Then go to “Network Settings».

After shipping. USSD-wait SMS-confirmation from the operator. 5-10 You know, you can't wait a minute, but sometimes you need to restart your smartphone. 2G/3G — Please check this information with the operator.

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If USSD-codes do not work, try to send them through the application "Messages" (SMS) It's not a standard dialer, but it sometimes helps with limited-enabled firmware.

Method 4: Network management applications (without root)

If none of the previous methods worked, you can use third-party applications. They do not require root rights, but some features may be limited on the latest versions of MIUI 14.

• 🔧 Network Signal Guru - shows detailed information about the network and allows you to manually select standards (there is a free version.
• 🔧 4G Only Mode – a specialized application for forced inclusion 4G (It runs on MediaTek and parts of Snapdragon).
• 🔧 MTK Engineering Mode – an alternative to the standard engineering menu for devices on MediaTek.

Example of settings via Network Signal Guru:

1. Install and open the application.
2. Go to the Network tab.
3. Tap on the current type of network (e.g. LTE/WCDMA).
4. In manual mode, select "LTE Only"**.
5. Confirm the changes and restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: Applications like Network Signal Guru may conflict with system services MIUI. If after using them, mobile Internet disappeared, delete the application and reset network settings (Settings) → Memory and network → Reset).

Method 5: Edit the build.prop file (root only)

This is the most radical method, which requires unlocked bootloader and root rights, and is suitable for power users who want to permanently lock in 4G Only mode at the system level, the advantage of this method is stability: even after the MIUI update, the settings will remain.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/build.prop
3. Find a line: ro.telephony.default_network=9 (If it is not, add it to the end of the file).
4. Change the value to: ro.telephony.default_network=13 (where 13 — code for “Only” mode LTE»).
5. Save the file, set the rights to 644 (rw-r--r---) and restart the phone.

Problems and Solutions: What to Do When 4G Doesn't Work?

Even after setting up properly, 4G Only mode may not work as well.

• 🔴 No network after reboot: check if the settings in the engineering menu are reset. If so, repeat the procedure and install the Network Signal Guru app** to fix the settings.
• 🔴 Calls don't go through: your carrier doesn't support VoLTE «4G/3G/2G»** and use USSD-switch-off 2G.
• 🔴 Internet is working, but the speed is low: it is possible that the operator restricts the speed of the Internet. 4G For your rate, check the settings. APN In Settings → SIM-map → Access point (APN).
• 🔴 Settings are reset after the update MIUI: This is standard system behavior. After the update, repeat the setting or use the method from build.prop.

If none of these methods helped, check:

1. Does yours support you? SIM-map 4G (Outdated cards can only work in 2G/3G).
2. 4G/LTE service is activated by the operator (sometimes a separate connection is required).
3. Are there any regional restrictions (for example, in some areas, 4G only works in the 800 MHz band, which older smartphones don’t support).

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If after all the manipulations 4G It never worked, try to put it in. SIM-A card to another smartphone and check if it's catching the network, which will help determine if the phone or the operator is having a problem.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up 4G on Xiaomi