How to turn off 2G on Xiaomi: the full guide

Owning a modern smartphone implies the expectation of high data speeds, but in many regions network coverage is unstable, and the device often falls into an outdated communication standard. When the Edge or G icon appears on the Xiaomi screen instead of the usual 4G or LTE, the Internet almost stops working, turning into unreadable mush, this is because by default the system tries to maintain communication at any cost, automatically switching to the available, even the slowest channel.

Forced shutdown of the second generation of mobile communications (GSM) This allows you to solve this problem by forcing the device to search only for networks. 3G and 4G. This setting not only saves battery power, which is wasted when constantly searching for a signal, but also significantly improves the security of your voice calls and the security of your voice. SMS-In this guide, we will discuss all available methods, from standard settings to using the engineering menu.

Why you should shut down the second generation network

The main reason users are looking to block 2G on their devices is because of poor data quality. The GPRS and EDGE standards of this generation provide speeds that were acceptable more than a decade ago, but today even loading a simple web page can take minutes. If you are in the area of insecure reception, the phone will constantly try to hold the connection, which leads to a rapid battery drain.

Moreover, the security of second-generation networks leaves much to be desired. GSM encryption has long ceased to be reliable, and attackers using inexpensive equipment can intercept calls and SMS. By disabling this mode, you force the smartphone to more secure communication protocols, such as LTE or WCDMA, where modern algorithms for encrypting traffic.

There is also the problem of so-called “trap towers” (IMSI-catchers), which mimic the base station of a mobile operator, most often using outdated protocols to force subscribers to switch to themselves. Locking 2G makes your Xiaomi invisible to such attacks, since it simply will not respond to offers to connect to the carrier frequency of the second generation.

⚠️ Attention: Disable support 2G, You need to be sure that your local operator provides quality coverage. 3G or 4G. Otherwise, you risk being left without voice communication in remote areas or basements where modern frequencies do not break through.

Standard Method through Settings SIM-map

The easiest and safest way to change your preferred network type is in the basic interface of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system. This method does not require obtaining superuser rights or installing third-party software, making it available to any smartphone owner. However, it is worth considering that in some versions of the firmware, the range of options available may be limited by operator policies or regional features.

First, you need to open the device settings and go to the connection section, and the path is usually as follows: → SIM-maps and mobile networks. If you have a dual-sim version, choose the one that you want to use. SIM-The map you want to change the settings for. Next, find the preferred network type and click on it.

In the menu that opens, you'll see a list of modem modes available. To turn off 2G, you'll need to choose an option that doesn't mention GSM or 2G. The best choice is "Prefer LTE" or "4G/3G," depending on the wording in your shell version, which will prevent the phone from switching to EDGE, but will allow you to use 3G if the 4G signal is lost.

It’s important to understand that standard settings may not completely hide the ability to connect to 2G for voice calls (CSFB) if the carrier uses this technology to transmit voice, in which case the phone can still briefly switch to the old standard during an incoming call, but the Internet will not work.

Using an engineering menu to force selection

If the standard settings don't work, or if the network type selection is hidden, the engineering menu comes to the rescue, which is a hidden part of the system, designed for testing equipment by engineers, but also accessible to ordinary users, and is logged in through a special code in the "caller", but on new versions of Android, access to these features may be limited.

To get to the menu, open the call app and dial ##4636##. If the code works, you'll see the Test menu. Select Phone Information. In this section, find the drop-down list called Set Preferred Network Type.

This list contains many technical codes for different frequency combinations. You have to choose a variant that excludes GSM.

• 📡 LTE Only. LTE, But the calls may not work)
• 📡 LTE/TD-SCDMA (combination-mode 2G)
• 📡 WCDMA/LTE (best-case 3G and 4G)

⚠️ Note: Be extremely careful when choosing a mode «LTE In many cases, this mode blocks the ability to make and receive regular voice calls if your carrier does not support VoLTE technology!

Once you select the right setting, you can set it up instantly. If the network is gone, try turning on and off the aerial mode. The engineering menu allows you to flexibly control the radio module, but inexperienced actions can lead to loss of communication, so record the changes you make.

Configure with Activity Launcher

In situations where the direct code for accessing the test menu is blocked by the manufacturer, Activity Launcher comes to the rescue, a legitimate application from Google Play that allows you to run hidden activities of the system, including those responsible for network settings.

Once you install the app, search for the word radio or cell in the query bar. In the search results, you need to find activity related to Phone Info or com.android.settings. Once you run it, you will be taken to the same engineering menu as the one mentioned in the previous section, but bypassing the code lock.

Next, the algorithm of actions repeats: find the drop-down list of preferred networks and choose the mode without the use of the system. GSM. The advantage of this method is that it works even on those firmwares where the standard USSD-It's an efficient way to access the hidden functions of the radio module.

It's worth noting that once the device is rebooted, the settings can reset to factory values, and then you have to do it again, and some users create shortcuts on desktops to quickly access these hidden menus, so that you can quickly change the modes of network operation if necessary.

Application of ADB commands for advanced users

For those who are not afraid of the command line, there is the most powerful Android management tool – Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method allows you to send system commands directly, bypassing the GUI, and it requires you to connect your smartphone to your computer through a computer. USB-cable and availability of installed drivers.

The first step is to activate USB debugging mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and click on the build number seven times to become a developer. Then, in the Advanced Settings menu → For developers, turn on USB debugging.

Once you connect your phone to your PC, open the command prompt in the ADB folder and enter the command to log in to shell: adb shell. Next, the service call command is used to manage network preferences, but the syntax may vary depending on the version of Android. A more versatile way is to use commands to change global settings, if they are available in your firmware.

adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode 9

The value of "9" in this example corresponds to LTE/CDMA/EvDo/GSM/WCDMA mode, but the specific numbers may vary. The exact code to disable 2G is better specified for a specific CPU model (Snapdragon or MediaTek), which provides maximum control, but requires technical literacy.

Comparison of network modes

To make a final decision on the choice of settings, you need to understand the difference between the available modes of operation of the radio module, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages, which directly affect the quality of communication and autonomy of the device.

The table below compares the basic modes you may find in the engineering menu or network management apps:

As you can see from the table, there is no perfect "for everyone" solution. If your goal is maximum speed, but you are willing to sacrifice calls in some cases, you can choose LTE mode only. If stability is important, you should leave the option to switch to 3G, but exclude 2G.

Possible problems and solutions

After making changes to network settings, users may face a number of problems, the most common being total signal loss, which occurs if your current location does not have coverage of the standard you chose to enforce, for example, if you turn on LTE Only in an area where only 3G catches, you will be left without communication.

Another problem can be the inability to make outgoing calls, which is typical for situations where voice calls on a 4G network (VoLTE) are not supported by your carrier or tariff plan, and access to 3G/2G is prohibited by settings, in which case the phone will show the network, but calls will not pass.

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If the Internet is gone after changing your settings, try turning on the flight mode for 10 seconds and then turning it off, which will force the modem to re-register with new parameters.

To solve these problems, just go back to the original state. In the standard menu, simply select 4G/3G/2G (auto) mode, and in the engineering menu, LTE/WCDMA/GSM (auto connect). Resetting network settings to factory values also helps to correct the software errors of the radio module.

⚠️ Warning: If you have changed your settings through the engineering menu and can't return everything back, reset your network settings.This won't delete your personal files, but will return the connection settings to factory values.

Impact of 2G Disconnection on Autonomy

The question of power consumption deserves special attention. Many users wonder whether turning off 2G will save battery power. The answer lies in the physics of the process: the modem consumes more power when the signal is weak and has to constantly increase the transmission power or look for a better base station.

If you're in a zone where the 4G signal is unstable, the phone starts frantically switching between 4G, 3G and 2G, trying to hold the connection. This process, called handover, is extremely energy-intensive. By stopping the 2G transition, you eliminate one of the steps of that search, which could theoretically reduce energy consumption.

However, if you don’t have 4G coverage in your area and your phone is constantly scanning the airwaves to find it, turning off 2G can make things worse: the phone will spend resources looking for a non-existent 4G instead of running quietly in stable 3G. So this method of saving energy is only effective in mixed coverage.

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Disabling 2G improves the security and stability of your internet connection, but requires 3G/4G coverage in your area for communication problems to be avoided.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)