How to change the type of network on Xiaomi: 4G, 3G or 2G

Why it is important to set up the right type of network on Xiaomi

Modern Xiaomi smartphones support several types of mobile networks, from outdated 2G (EDGE/GPRS) to high-speed 4G LTE and new 5G in flagship models. However, not all users know that manual network type setting can significantly affect the autonomy of the device, Internet speed and even call stability. By default, the system chooses the "Auto" mode, but it is not always optimal.

For example, in areas with unstable 4G coverage, the phone can constantly switch between standards, which leads to increased battery consumption and connection breaks. On the other hand, the mandatory restriction to 3G sometimes improves the quality of voice in calls, and 2G can save the situation in the outback where new networks are simply not available. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of the configuration, including hidden parameters for power users.

Where to find network type settings on Xiaomi

The MIUI interface is updated regularly, but the path to network settings remains relatively stable.

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (or Mobile Network in older versions).
3. Choose the right one. SIM-card if you have a dual-sim phone (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ or POCO X5 Pro).
4. Tap on the network type or preferred network type.

In some models (such as Xiaomi 13T or Redmi 12), this item may be hidden behind an additional menu. If you don't find it, try the path: Settings → Connections and Sharing → Mobile Network. On older versions of MIUI (up to 12), look in Settings → Additional → Mobile Networks.

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If there is no "Network Type" item, check if it is active. SIM-Put it in another slot or reboot your phone.

What types of networks are available on Xiaomi and what do they mean?

In the network type selection menu, you'll see several options, and their names may vary slightly depending on the model and version of MIUI, but the essence remains the same:

Newer models (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70 Pro) may offer 5G or 5G/4G/3G/2G options. Choose it only if your carrier supports the fifth generation in your region (check MTS, Beeline, MegaFon or Tele2).

How to Choose the Best Network Type for Your Situation

There's no universal advice, it depends on your objectives and coverage conditions.

• 🏙️ A city with a good 4G: choose 4G (LTE) or 4G/3G/2G (Speed will be maximum and switching to 3G/2G rare.
• 🏡 Suburban or cottage: try it 3G — It is often more stable than the floating" 4G. If the Internet is not needed, only 2G battery-saving.
• 🚗 Car rides: 4G/3G/2G (car 3G. 4G often in motion, and 3G hold on.
• 🌲 Deep without 4G: 2G or 3G. Sometimes. EDGE (improved 2G) It works faster than the "suspending" 3G.
• ⚡ Battery savings: Only 2G or 3G. In some models (for example, POCO M6 Pro) This increases the working time by 15-25%.

Test different modes in your area, for example, if 4G is not working well at home but there is a 3G tower nearby, a mandatory 3G limit can give you a more stable Internet. Check the speed through services like Speedtest or Youtube (run 1080p video).

Hidden network settings: engineering menu and USSD-team

If standard settings don't work, you can dig deeper. The Engineering Menu (or Engineer Mode) lets you manually select frequencies, operator, or even disable unused ranges. Careful: the wrong changes can lead to network loss!

To open the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code ##4636##
3. Select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
4. Scroll down to Set preferred network type.

Here you will see an extended list of options, including:

• 📡 LTE only - compulsory 4G (drop-off 3G/2G).
• 📶 WCDMA only 3G (without 4G/2G).
• 📞 GSM only 2G (maximum battery savings).
• 🔄 LTE/WCDMA auto — 4G fall-on 3G (without 2G).

⚠️ Attention: In the engineering menu, you can accidentally change the settings that will lead to loss of network or inability to call. Do not change the settings if you are not sure about their purpose. For example, the Band Mode option can make the phone invisible to the tower if you choose an unsupported range.

Also useful. USSD-commands to check current connection:

• 📱 To check the operator and network type: *#0011# (on some models).
• 📊 To display the signal: ##4636## → Phone information → Signal Strength.

Redmi and POCO can use the ##2263## command to view range information.

Frequent problems and their solutions

After a network type change, you can have problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🔌 No network after settings change: Restart your phone. Return the setting to the car. Check if it's active. SIM-map in Settings → SIM-map.
• 📵 Not catching. 4G, although the operator supports: Update the firmware (Settings) → The phone. → System Update. Check if Flight Mode is on and turn it off. Reset network settings: Settings. → SIM-map → Resetting mobile network settings.

The battery is quickly depleted after switching to 4G:

1. Turn off the Background update of applications in traffic settings.
2. Try 3G mode, it is less energy-consuming.
3. Check if the phone is warming (there may be a problem with the modem).

⚠️ Note: If after the change of network type, VoLTE is missing (calls on the Internet) 4G), Check if your carrier supports this feature. on some Xiaomi (e.g. Redmi) 10C) VoLTE only works in the mode 4G/3G/2G (Forced only 4G Maybe you can turn off the call!

If the problem is not solved, try resetting the network settings to factory:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Network Reset (not a full reset!).
3. After restarting, reset the network type.

Features of setting up 5G on the new Xiaomi

Xiaomi models with 5G support (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi K60, POCO F5) have additional options.

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose. SIM-card (if two of them).
3. Tap Network Type and select 5G/4G/3G/2G or 5G Only.
4. Wait for the connection (can take up to 1-2 minutes).

Take a few nuances into account:

• 📡 5G Not available in all regions – check the coverage on the operator’s website.
• 🔋 Battery consumption is 10-15% higher compared to 4G.
• 📱 Not all applications are optimized for 5G — Some may be slower due to buffering".
• 💰 The tariff should be maintained 5G (check with the operator).

If 5G is not enabled, despite the fact that the smartphone supports it:

1. Update the firmware to the latest version.
2. Check if VoNR is active (calls by phone) 5G) customized SIM-map.
3. Reset your mobile network settings (Settings) → SIM-map → Reset).

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On Xiaomi models with a Snapdragon processor (e.g., POCO F4), 5G is more stable than on Dimensity (e.g., Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions