Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face situations where standard 4G network mode becomes undesirable, which may be due to unstable coverage in a particular area where the device constantly loses signal and discharges in an attempt to hold the connection, or with a desire to significantly extend battery life. In some cases, users simply prefer a more stable, albeit slow 3G Internet for basic tasks like instant messengers.
The MIUI or HyperOS shell interface doesn't always provide an obvious button to force you to switch to older communication standards. Often the settings are hidden in the engineering menu or require the use of special codes that can vary from firmware version to version. Understanding how to manage network mode correctly avoids problems with skipping calls or SMS.
In this article, we will take a look at all the methods available, from the standard settings on the menu to the use of engineering codes, you will learn how to safely switch your phone to 3G/2G mode without disrupting the system, and in which cases it really needs to be done.
Why you might need to shut down LTE
The main reason users are looking for a way to turn off 4G on Xiaomi is poor coverage: When the LTE signal is weak, the smartphone starts to work hard, consuming battery power in an attempt to maintain the connection, resulting in the device heating up, and the battery goes down in a matter of hours, even if you are not using it.
The second reason is stability: in some regions, a third-generation (3G) network may be more stable than a congested fourth-generation network; for voice calls and text messages, 4G speeds are not critical, but constant connection breaks can be annoying; switching to 3G (WCDMA) or even 2G (GSM) mode often solves the problem of hanging calls.
⚠️ Attention: Forced shutdown 4G This may result in the inability to use VoLTE services (voice via voice) LTE). If your operator only supports voice calls through 4G, then, when switching over 3G Incoming calls may stop arriving while mobile internet is turned on.
There are also scenarios for using old ones. SIM-specific tariffs or cards where the module 4G In such cases, forced network selection is the only way out of the situation without replacing the equipment.
Standard Method through Settings SIM-map
The easiest and safest way to change the type of network is to use the built-in settings menu, but it is worth considering that in the latest versions of MIUI, Xiaomi often hides the choice of specific standards, leaving only the “Auto” mode.
To start, go to the settings section. Find the Settings item in the main menu and select SIM-Maps and mobile networks. This shows all active SIM cards. Choose the one you want to change settings for.
In the menu that opens, look for Network Type or Preferred Network Type. If you're lucky, you'll see a list of options where you can choose 3G or 2G. If only the "Prefer LTE" option is available, you won't be able to change mode by standard methods, and you'll need to use an engineering menu.
☑️ Checking standard settings
Using the CIT Engineering Menu to Change Mode
If you don't have the right options in the regular menu, the CIT (Customer Integration Test) is a hidden part of the system, designed to test hardware, but accessible to ordinary users, and this is where you often find the Preferred Network Type switch.
To get into this menu, open the Phone app and type ##6484##. On some Redmi or POCO models, the code may differ, such as #4636##. Once the code is dialed, the menu should open automatically.
In the test list, look for a SIM-related item, such as Sim1 Status or Phone Info. Inside this section, look for the drop-down list of Set Preferred Network Type. Clicking on it will show a long list of combinations. To turn off 4G, select an option that does not have “LTE” in its name, such as WCDMA Only (3G only) or GSM Only (2G only).
⚠️ Note: Be careful when choosing a mode "GSM Only. The Internet will be very slow in this mode (EDGE), Some modern applications may not work due to lack of support for the necessary security protocols.
What if the code doesn't work?
Comparison of network modes
Understanding the differences between communication standards will help you choose the optimal mode for your situation, each mode has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the location and tasks.
| Network mode | Data transfer speed | Signal stability | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5G/4G (LTE) | High (up to 100+ Mbps) | Medium (depending on coverage) | High consumption |
| 3G (WCDMA) | Medium (up to 42 Mbps) | Tall. | Moderate consumption |
| 2G (GSM) | Low (up to 0.3 Mbps) | Very high. | Minimum consumption |
As you can see from the table, switching to 3G offers a great balance between speed and power consumption. 2G mode should only be turned on in extreme conditions, when you need to save the phone charge at all costs, and the Internet is almost unnecessary.
Problems with VoLTE and voice calls
By disabling 4G, you should be aware of the risks associated with VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology. Many modern carriers are gradually switching voice to fourth-generation networks, disabling the old 2G and 3G frequencies. If in your region the operator has already done this, then switching the phone to 3G Only or 2G Only mode can lose the ability to make and receive calls.
In such cases, the phone may show the network, but when you try to call it will give an error or reset the call, which is because the phone can't physically switch to 4G for the voice packet, as you have forbidden it to do so in the settings.
If calls stop, the only solution is to return to Prefer LTE or use the Wi-Fi Calling feature if it is supported by your Xiaomi smartphone and carrier.
The Impact of Network Choice on Autonomy
Constant network search is one of the biggest enemies of the battery, and if you're in a zone where 4G is on the edge, the phone is constantly jumping between standards or increasing the power of the transmitter, at which point the modem processor is running at its limit.
Forced switching to 3G in such a situation can work wonders. The smartphone stops frantically searching for a 4G tower and confidently holds the 3G signal. The difference in screen time can be from 20% to 40% depending on the device model and battery condition.
- 📉 Reduced heating: Less load on the radio module means less heat, which prolongs the life of the battery.
- 📶 Stable Ping: In congested nets 4G switchover 3G Sometimes gives a lower ping in games.
- 🔋 Standby mode: In standby mode, the phone in the network 2G/3G It consumes much less energy on registration in the network.
💡
If you use your phone as a navigator in your car, switching to 3G mode can significantly reduce the heat of the device on a long trip, since the GPS and screen already consume a lot of power.
Return to the factory network settings
If the Internet stopped working correctly or the connection disappeared after experimenting with the engineering menu, the settings should be reset. The easiest way is to go back to the Sim1 Status menu (or similar in the engineering menu) and select the LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM (auto connect) or simply LTE/WCDMA/GSM option from the Set Preferred Network Type list.
You can also reset your network settings through the phone's main menu. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Press Reset. This action will not delete your personal data, photos or contacts, but will return all network settings to factory values.
After resetting, the phone will automatically select the best communication standard available, and it is recommended that after this procedure, the device be restarted so that the communication module is fully reconnected to the operator.