Set up 4G on Xiaomi phone: a detailed guide with pictures

Mobile Internet has become an integral part of our lives, but sometimes even on modern Xiaomi smartphones, users face problems connecting to networks. 4G/LTE. Whether the icon of the network disappears, or the speed leaves much to be desired, or the phone stubbornly clings to the Internet. 3G Instead of a faster connection, this article will help you understand why this happens and how to set up the right setup. 4G Xiaomi – from basic parameters to hidden features MIUI.

We’ll look at all possible scenarios, from simple mobile data activation to manual operator selection and network resets. We’ll focus on the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 11 models, but the instructions will also work for other devices based on MIUI 12/13/14. If you just bought a smartphone or experienced problems after the upgrade, here you will find solutions.

Checking the basic conditions for 4G

Before digging into the settings, make sure the problem isn't on the surface. Here are 4 key points that are often overlooked:

  • πŸ“Ά Network coverage: Check with the operator (MTS, Beeline, Tele2, MegaFon), whether your region supports 4G. In some areas, it is still only working. 3G or 2G.
  • πŸ’³ Plan: Even if the smartphone supports 4G, Your rate may limit the speed or type of network.
  • πŸ“± Frequency support: Not all Xiaomi models work with all bands 4G In Russia, for example, POCO M3 Does not support the 800 MHz Band 20 that Yota uses.
  • πŸ”„ Reboot: Banal but often helps.Reboot phone and take out/paste SIM-map – this will reset the temporary errors of the communication module.

If all the points are OK, but 4G still doesn't work, we'll move on to settings, and let's start with the simplest one: checking the network mode.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (especially Chinese build) may not support Russian frequencies 4G. Check the specifications on Kimovil or GSMArena before buying.

πŸ“Š What kind of operator are you connected to?
MTS
Beeline
MegaFon
Tele2.
iota
Other

How to enable 4G in Xiaomi settings

By default, Xiaomi smartphones should automatically connect to 4G, but sometimes this mode turns off after an update or reset.

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (or Mobile Network on older versions) MIUI).
  3. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
  4. Tap on the network type or preferred network type.
  5. Set a 4G (preferably) or LTE value. If you don’t have one, choose 3G/4G (auto).

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global), the path may be slightly different:

Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ Mobile Network β†’ [Select SIM] β†’ Network Type

After changing the settings, wait until the 4G or LTE icon appears in the status bar.

β˜‘οΈ Checking settings 4G

Done: 0 / 4

If 4G never worked after this manipulation, it could be more of an issue, either with APN settings or with a carrier.

Configure APN Access Points for 4G

APN (Access Point Name) is the "address" that a phone uses to connect to a carrier's Internet. If it's configured incorrectly, 4G won't work even if the network is available. Most of the time, APN is set up automatically, but sometimes manual editing is required.

Here’s how to check and change your APN settings on Xiaomi:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Choose yours. SIM-Map and tap Access Points (APN).
  3. If there are multiple profiles, choose one that is marked as active (usually ticked).
  4. Check the following parameters (they must match your operator’s data): Name: Arbitrary (for example, MTS Internet) APN: Unique address (for MTS – Internet.mts.ru) Username / password: Usually not required (leave blank) Authentication type: PAP or CHAP APN type: default,supl (sometimes added,mms)

Save the changes and restart the phone.

Operator.APNUser namePassword.
MTSinternet.mts.ruβ€”β€”
Beelineinternet.beeline.rubeelinebeeline
MegaFoninternetgdatagdata
Tele2.internet.tele2.ruβ€”β€”

If you don't get the Internet working after you edited the APN, try creating a new profile from scratch, rather than editing an existing one. Sometimes the old settings conflict with the new ones.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware (especially custom) may not have the ability to edit APN. In this case, only resetting network settings or flashing will help.

Manual selection of network and operator

If your phone can’t automatically connect to 4G, try manually selecting the carrier and network type, especially in regions with unstable coverage or after roaming.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
  3. Tap Network Operators (or Network Choices).
  4. Turn off the option Automatically and wait until the phone finds the available networks.
  5. Select your operator manually (e.g. MTS-RU or Beeline RU).
  6. Go back and check if the 4G icon has appeared.

If you find a network but no connection, try another option: Network Mode:

  • πŸ“‘ Only 4G β€” The phone will only be looking for LTE, ignore 3G/2G. It is suitable if you are confident in the coverage.
  • πŸ”„ 3G/4G (Auto: Recommended mode for most users.
  • πŸ“ž Only 3G β€” It'll be useful if 4G It is unstable and calls are more important than speed.

πŸ’‘

If after manual selection of the network the Internet disappeared completely, return the settings to automatic mode and restart the phone.

Network Resetting and Other Radical Measures

If none of these things worked, it’s time to move on to more serious measures, starting with a network reset β€” it will delete all stored Wi-Fi networks, passwords and mobile Internet settings, but often solves 4G problems.

How to reset your network settings on Xiaomi:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Tap Reset (or Restore and Reset on older versions).
  3. Select Network Reset (not to be confused with a full reset!).
  4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

After the discharge, you will have to re-dump:

  • πŸ” Enter passwords from Wi-Fi;
  • πŸ“± Set up APN (usually set up automatically);
  • πŸ”„ Include mobile data.

If that doesn’t work, check out:

  • πŸ› οΈ Update MIUI: Go to Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Update the system and install the latest patches.
  • πŸ“¦ IMEI: Make sure that IMEI If your phone is not reset (checked in *#06#) if the numbers are zeros, you need to restore the number.
  • πŸ”§ Hardware problems: If the phone fell or got wet, the communication module could fail, in which case only the service center will help.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) After resetting the settings, the menu may disappear APN. In this case, only flashing through Fastboot will help.

What do I do if IMEI is missing?
If, after resetting or firmware IMEI It was 000000000000000000, which means it was damaged. NVRAM-Recovery will require an engineering menu (code ##4636##) or firmware through the SP Flash Tool. Without skills, it is better to contact the service.

4G problems on specific Xiaomi models

Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique β€œchips” (or bugs) that affect the operation of 4G. Consider the most common cases:

Redmi Note 10/11/12 and VoLTE issues

These models often have a conflict between VoLTE (voice calls over 4G) and the normal Internet. If 4G disappears after the call, try:

  • Turn off VoLTE in Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ [Yours. SIM] β†’ VoLTE.
  • Update the firmware to the latest version (this bug has been fixed in the new updates).

POCO X3/X4 and 3G β€œsticking”

These phones sometimes "forget" 4G settings after a reboot.

  • Manually set up 4G only mode.
  • Disable the function Smart network switching in the settings SIM-map.

Mi 11/12 and the problem with two. SIM-map

On the flagships of Xiaomi when using two SIM-map 4G It can only work on one of them, to shift priority:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-map.
  2. Select the SIM you want to use for 4G.
  3. Activate the Use option for mobile data.

πŸ’‘

On most two-sim Xiaomis 4G It only works on one. SIM-It's a hardware constraint, not a bug.

Additional Tips for a Stable 4G

If 4G works but the speed is poor or the connection is constantly breaking, try these tips:

  • πŸ“ Turn it off. GPS: In some cases, geolocation interferes with stable connection to towers. 4G.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery Savings: Ultra-Saving or Charge Saving Modes May Limit Background Data Transfers.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ VPN and firewalls: Turn it off VPN-applications (e.g. Turbo) VPN AdGuard, which can block traffic.
  • πŸ”„ Switching between SIM: If you have two. SIM-Try to temporarily turn off the second card – sometimes it helps.

It is also worth checking the signal quality in the engineering menu:

  1. Enter the code ##4636##.
  2. Go to the tab Information about the phone.
  3. See Network Type – if there is LTE, but the speed is low, the problem may be on the operator’s side.

On Xiaomi models with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi 9/10), it sometimes helps to include the option β€œPrefer LTE” in the engineering menu (item β€œSet preferred network type”).

FAQ: Frequent questions about 4G on Xiaomi

Why is the phone showing 4G but the internet is not working?
This can be due to: Incorrect settings APN (check the settings for your operator), traffic ended or blocked by the tariff (check the balance), failure in the communication module (reboot or reset settings will help), also try to turn off Wi-Fi - sometimes the phone "stuck" on the wireless network even without a connection.
How do I know if my Xiaomi supports 4G?
There are three ways: View the specifications on the GSMArena website (enter the phone model); check in the settings: Settings β†’ About phone β†’ Characteristics (look for LTE or 4G strings); enter the code ##4636## and see the available network types. Pay attention to the supported bands. Bands are important for Russia Band 3 (1800 MHz), Band 7 (2600 MHz) and Band 20 (800 MHz).
Can I turn on 4G+ (LTE-A) on Xiaomi?
4G+ (LTE-Advanced is only available on supported models (e.g. Mi). 10/11, Redmi K40) To activate: Make sure your tariff supports 4G+ (Check with the operator. Enable the option in the settings: Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ [Yours. SIM] β†’ Turn on LTE+ (If you have one, restart the phone. 4G+ will appear in the status bar if the network is available.
Why did 4G disappear after MIUI update?
This is a common problem after major updates. Try: Reset the network settings (as described above); Manually re-register APN (old settings may have reset); roll back to the previous version of MIUI (if the problem is massive, wait for a patch); If nothing helps, check the forums (for example, 4PDA) - there may be a special fix for your model.
How to speed up 4G on Xiaomi?
If the internet speed is low, try it: πŸ“Ά Switch to another tower manually (in the engineering menu). πŸ”„ Disable Traffic Savings in Settings SIM-map. πŸ›‘οΈ Use it. VPN servers in your area (sometimes paradoxically speeds up connection). πŸ“± Install alternative network management software (e.g. Network Signal Guru) and check speed on Speedtest site – possibly operator-side problem.