Set up a network type on Xiaomi: how to choose 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G

Modern Xiaomi smartphones support several types of mobile networks – from outdated to outdated. 2G ultrafastly 5G. However, not all users are aware that network mode choices directly affect internet speed, connectivity stability, and even battery life. By default, devices are usually automatic, but in some situations manual settings can significantly improve the experience.

For example, in areas with unstable surfaces 4G forced transition 3G This will help to avoid constant switching between networks and save charge.+ 5G available 5G, In this article, we will discuss how to properly configure the network type on any Xiaomi smartphone, including nuances for different versions. MIUI model.

Why change the network type to Xiaomi?

Automatic mode (Better) 4G/3G/2G or 5G/4G/3G/2G) It's good for most users, but it's not always good for you. Here are the key reasons why you should set up your network manually:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery savings: modes 2G or 3G They consume less energy than 4G/5G, What is important for travel or with a weak battery.
  • πŸ“Ά Stability of communication: in remote areas 4G It can often break off, and 3G works more reliably.
  • ⚑ Maximum speed: to download large files or stream to 4K It is better to use it 4G or 5G.
  • πŸ’° Traffic savings: some operators' tariffs are cheaper on networks 2G/3G, limit the speed of 4G.

In addition, manual setting helps avoid problems with VoLTE (voice calls via voice). 4G) or VoNR (calls through the 5G), If they're not operating in a stable, automatic way, for example, POCO F5 Users sometimes face calls interruptions when active 5G β€” transition 4G solves the problem.

πŸ“Š What type of network do you use most often?
Automatic (4G/3G/2G)
Only 4G.
Only 5G.
Only 3G/2G (battery-saving)
I don't know what's chosen.

Where is the network type setup on Xiaomi

The path to the network settings menu depends on the version MIUI And the model of the smartphone. In most cases, the algorithm is:

  1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
  2. Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (or Mobile Network on older versions).
  3. Choose the right one. SIM-map, if there are several.
  4. Click on Network Type or Preferred Network Type.

On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M5) The path may be slightly different:

  • πŸ“± MIUI 12/13/14: Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [choose SIM] β†’ Type of network
  • πŸ“± MIUI for POCO: Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Mobile network β†’ Preferred type of network
  • πŸ“± Old models (MIUI 10-11): Settings β†’ Wireless networks β†’ Mobile network β†’ Type of network

If the network type item is not on the menu, it may be yours. SIM-The card does not support all available modes (for example, 5G The operator's rate is also required on some operators (such as: Tele2 virtual MVNO) limitations may be.

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If there is no "Network Type" item, try inserting SIM-card to another slot (if there are two) – sometimes the settings are tied to the physical slot, not the card.

Available network modes and their features

You'll see a few options in the settings menu, and the names may vary slightly depending on the model, but the point remains the same.

Network modeSupported standardsSpeed.Battery consumptionApplication
Only 2G.GSM, EDGEUp to 0.3 Mbps⭐ (minimum)Emergency calls, maximum charge savings
Only 3G.UMTS, HSPA+Up to 42 Mbps⭐⭐Stable Internet in areas without 4G, call without VoLTE
Better. 4G (recommended)4G, 3G, 2GUp to 1 Gbps (theoretically)⭐⭐⭐Optimal balance of speed and stability
Only 4G.LTE (without 3G/2G)Up to 1 Gbps⭐⭐⭐⭐Maximum speed, but possible problems with calls without VoLTE
5G/4G/3G/2G5G, 4G, 3G, 2GUp to 10 Gbps (5G)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐For flagships in areas with coating 5G

Important: on smartphones without support 5G (Like Redmi. 9A or POCO M3) There is no item on the menu, even if SIM-The card and tariff support this standard.

If you choose the mode only 4G, Make sure your operator supports VoLTE technology (calls through the phone) 4G). Otherwise, you won’t be able to call until you’re back in a supportive regime. 3G/2G. MTS, Beeline and MegaFon VoLTE works at most tariffs, and Tele2 Virtual operators may be subject to restrictions.

Step-by-step instructions for changing the type of network

Let’s take a look at the Xiaomi example. 13T Pro MIUI 14.For other models, the steps are similar, but may differ slightly.

β˜‘οΈ Set up a network type on Xiaomi

Done: 0 / 6
  1. Go to Settings and select SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. If you have two. SIM-Maps, tap the one you want to change the settings for.
  3. Click on Network Type. In some firmware, it may be called Network Preferred or Network Mode.
  4. Select the desired mode from the list (for example, only 4G or 5G/4G/3G/2G).
  5. Confirm the choice. Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) may request a reboot to apply changes.

After a change of mode, a smartphone can lose communication for a few seconds, which is normal. 1-2 minutes, check it out:

  • πŸ“Ά Signal level (the network standard you choose may not be available in your location).
  • πŸ”„ Switch to Flight Mode for 10 seconds and back.
  • πŸ”§ Reset the device.
What if the Internet disappeared after the regime change?
If the Internet has disappeared after switching to 4G or 5G, It's likely that in your location, these networks are not supported by the operator. 4G/3G/2G or contact the operator's technical support to clarify the coverage.

Features of settings 5G Xiaomi

Regime. 5G Only available on Xiaomi flagship models, such as the Xiaomi series 12/13/14, Redmi K50/K60 or POCO F4/F5. Even if your smartphone supports you 5G, required:

  • πŸ“± Compatible SIM-map (usually) USIM or nano-SIM new-type).
  • πŸ“‘ Supported tariff 5G (check with the operator).
  • 🌍 Coverage 5G in your area (check the operator’s website).

To turn on 5G supported:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [choose SIM] β†’ Type of network.
  2. Choose. 5G/4G/3G/2G (or SA/NSA, if there is such a clause).
  3. Activate the option Enable 5G (if it is separate).
  4. Reboot your smartphone.

On some firmware (e.g, MIUI 13 for Xiaomi 11T Pro) additional adjustment may be required 5G-regime:

  • SA (Standalone – Autonomous network 5G, High speed but limited coverage.
  • NSA (Non-Standalone) β€” 5G top-up 4G, wider-coverage.
  • SA/NSA β€” Automatically selecting the best option.

After inclusion 5G Smartphones are running out quickly, try to limit their use:

  • πŸ”‹ Turn it on. 5G only when necessary (for example, to download large files).
  • πŸ“‰ Use the regimen. 4G background.
  • πŸ”„ Turn it off. 5G Roaming to avoid high rates.

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On models with MediaTek Dimensity (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G) power consumption 5G higher than on smartphones with Snapdragon, which is due to the features of modems and firmware optimization.

Solving network problems after changes

If you have problems after changing the network type (no internet, no calls, often communication is cut off), follow the following steps:

⚠️ Note: If you have chosen the mode only 4G and calls stopped working, but the operator does not support VoLTE, return to mode 4G/3G/2G or 3G.

  • πŸ”„ Restart your smartphone – sometimes changes only apply after a reboot.
  • πŸ“Ά Check the coverage area on the operator’s website (for example, MTS coverage map).
  • πŸ”§ Reset network settings: Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Resetting mobile network settings.
  • πŸ“± Update the firmware: sometimes network bugs are fixed in new versions MIUI.
  • πŸ’Ό Check the tariff: contact the operator to check if your tariff supports the selected standard (for example, 5G It can only be available at expensive rates).

If the problem persists, try manually selecting the network operator:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [choose SIM] β†’ Network operators.
  2. Turn off Automatic Selection.
  3. Select your operator manually (for example, MTS or Beeline).
  4. Wait. 1-2 minutes before the smartphone is connected.

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite), after manual operator selection, you may need to reconfigure Network Type.

Tips for optimizing the network on Xiaomi

In addition to choosing the type of network, you can further optimize the mobile Internet:

  • πŸ“‘ Turn off automatic network search in roaming: Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Networking β†’ It'll save you a charge.
  • πŸ”‹ Use Power Saving Mode for Mobile Data: Settings β†’ Battery. β†’ Energy conservation β†’ Limit background data.
  • πŸ“Š Monitor traffic consumption in Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Using traffic.
  • πŸ”„ Enable Data Switching (if two) SIM-maps: Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Data switching.

For owners of smartphones with dual SIM-Maps (for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite) are useful to know:

  • πŸ“± Only one. SIM-map can be used 4G/5G Double communication (the second will work in the 2G/3G).
  • πŸ”„ Both of you. SIM-maps worked 4G, Turn off the Volta for one of them, but then it will not work calls through 4G).

If you travel frequently, pay attention to your roaming settings:

  • 🌍 Enable data roaming only when necessary.
  • πŸ’° Check with the operator the rates for roaming in 4G/5G β€” They may be significantly different from 2G/3G.
  • πŸ“΄ Consider buying a local one. SIM-saving-card.

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In the models with MIUI For the global market (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro Global) some range support 5G It can be limited compared to the Chinese versions, and it's due to certification in different countries.

FAQ: Frequent questions about network setup on Xiaomi

❓ Why, after the choice of "Only" 4G" The calls stopped working?
Your carrier probably does not support VoLTE (calls through the phone) 4G). Get back to the regime. 4G/3G/2G or contact the operator to activate VoLTE. On MTS, Beeline and MegaFon VoLTE is usually turned on by default at compatible rates, and on the Internet, VoLTE is usually turned on by default. Tele2 may require separate activation.
❓ How to check if I have a job 5G?
If the status bar shows an icon 5G, So the network is active. You can also go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Network type and see the current mode. Use applications like Speedtest or Ookle for speed tests. 5G, speed depends on the load of the base station and the tariff.
❓ Can I include? 5G Redmi Note 10 Pro?
No, Redmi Note. 10 Pro (Sweet Model) does not support 5G, It is equipped with a Snapdragon chipset. 732G, absent 5G-modem, list of supported networks: 4G LTE, 3G, 2G. For 5G You need to choose models from the Redmi lines K50, POCO F4/F5 or flagship Xiaomi 12/13/14.
❓ Why is the smartphone constantly switching between 4G and 3G?
This can happen for several reasons: πŸ“Ά Weak signal. 4G In your location (the smartphone is moving to a more stable one) 3G). πŸ”‹ Active energy saving mode (limits the modem operation). πŸ“± Firmware bug (check the updates) MIUI). πŸ“‘ Operator-side problems (contact support) To reduce the number of switches, try: Select mode Only 3G (if 4G Unstable. Disable energy saving for mobile data. Reset network settings (Settings) β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Resetting settings).
❓ How to reset network settings to factory?
To return all network settings to default, follow the following steps: Open Settings. Go to SIM-Click on Reset Mobile Network Settings (or Network Settings Reset). Confirm Action. Once reset, the smartphone will restart and all settings (including Network Type, APN Warning: This does not affect other parameters of the device (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.).