How to turn off 4G on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways and what will happen after that

Why users want to turn off 4G on Xiaomi and when they really need to

Today’s Xiaomi smartphones are the default 4G LTE networks, providing high Internet speeds and stable communications. However, there are situations where turning off the fourth generation of mobile communication becomes not a whim, but a necessity, for example, in areas with unstable coverage, where the phone constantly switches between 3G and 4G, wasting battery power. or when the mobile operator charges 4G traffic more than 3G, this is found in some regional tariffs.

Another common cause is voice problems. 4G VoLTE technology is used (voice through voice) LTE), It doesn't always work properly on older Xiaomi models or when roaming, and users complain of communication interruptions, poor hearing, or inability to make a call until they turn it off. 4G. This is also true for owners of devices with MediaTek Helio chipsets (for example, Redmi Note). 8/9/10), Sometimes there are conflicts of modems when working in the LTE-network.

But before we get to the instructions, we have to be honest about the question, do you need this? 90 percent of the time, the problem is solved by updating the firmware, changing the firmware. SIM-card USIM (supportive 4G) ortune APN. Shutdown 4G — It's a last resort that takes away the benefits of high-speed Internet. If you're determined to do that, read on.

Method 1: Disable 4G through standard Android settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models running Android 9 and later, the main advantage of this method is that it does not require root access or special knowledge.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to section. SIM-maps and mobile networks (some firmware may refer to as Mobile Network or Data Transfer).
3. Choose. SIM-map for which you want to disconnect 4G (If you have a dual-sim).
4. Click on Network Type or Preferred Network Type.
5. In the menu that opens, select one of the options: 📶 3G/2G (Auto: The phone will only use third and second generation networks. 📶 Only 3G — compulsory regime UMTS/WCDMA. 📶 Only 2G — regime GSM (The most energy efficient but slow).

After selecting the mode, the phone will automatically reconnect to the network. Please note that on some firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5 for the global version), the menu item may be called Network mode or hidden behind additional settings. If you do not find the desired section, try searching by settings (the icon of the magnifier in the upper right corner).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra or Redmi) K40) post-off 4G VoLTE may be missing, which means that voice calls will be passed through the 3G, which can impair communication quality in low-coated areas.

Method 2: Use of an engineering menu (for advanced users)

If the standard settings do not give the desired result (for example, the phone still clings to the phone). 4G), You can try to turn it off. LTE This method requires caution, as incorrect actions can disrupt the modem. Suitable for devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets (for example, Xiaomi Mi 10, POCO F3) and some MediaTek.

Instructions for Qualcomm:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
4. Choose one of the options: 🔄 WCDMA preferred - priority 3G. 🔄 GSM only 2G. 🔄 LTE/WCDMA Auto – Automatic choice between 4G and 3G (if you want to leave 4G, but take priority).

For MediaTek chipsets (e.g., Redmi Note 9 Pro with Helio G95):

1. Enter ##36446337## (or ##ENG## on some models).
2. Go to BandMode. → Choose yours. SIM-map.
3. In the LTE Band section, uncheck all ticks (this will disable 4G support for this SIM).
4. Save the settings and restart the phone.

Note that these commands may vary by region. If the code does not work, check with the operator for the current combination.

2. through the operator's personal account

Most operators allow you to change the type of network in the web version of your personal account:

1. Go to the operator’s website (for example, my.mts.ru or lk.beeline.ru).
2. Sign in to the phone number.
3. Find the "Service Management" or "Network Settings" section.
4. Select the option “Disable 4G” or “Only 3G/2G”.

3. Replacement SIM-card 3G

If your current SIM-card 4G (USIM), You can replace it with the old one. SIM (only 3G/2G). For that:

• 🔄 Contact the Salon of Communication with a Passport.
• 🔄 Ask me to give you that. SIM-card LTE (Please note that you need an “old model").
• 🔄 Activate the new card (the number will remain the same).

What will happen after the 4G shutdown: pros and cons

Before you make your final decision, weigh the pros and cons: Disabling 4G affects not only internet speed, but other phone features as well.

Pros:

• ⚡ Saving battery power - modem 4G consume 15-30% more energy than 3G.
• 📞 Call stability in areas with poor coverage 4G The phone will not be constantly switching between networks.
• 💰 Saving traffic – some operators charge LTE-More expensive traffic (relevant to corporate tariffs).
• 🔋 Less heat on the phone – especially noticeable on budget models (Redmi) 9C, POCO C31).

Cons:

• 🐢 Slow Internet – download speed in 3G into 5-10 times lower than 4G.
• 🎵 Multimedia problems – High-resolution video will be loaded with delays.
• 📱 Some apps will not work – for example, YouTube or TikTok may limit the quality of content.
• 🔄 Unable to use VoLTE – voice calls will pass through 3G, Which can impair the quality of the communication.
• 📡 Problems with geolocation - in mode 3G/2G Location determination on cell towers works less accurately.

If you have disabled 4G but encountered problems (e.g., SMS stopped coming or mobile internet stopped working), return the settings and try alternative solutions:

• 🔧 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI.
• 🔧 Reset network settings in Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting network settings.
• 🔧 Check the settings. APN (access points – they must meet the operator’s requirements.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you turn off 4G, you often have typical preventable problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

1.The phone doesn't catch the network after a 4G shutdown

This happens if you have chosen 2G Only mode, but there is no GSM coverage in your region.

• 📵 Go back to the settings and select 3G/2G (motor-car).
• 📵 Check if the data transmission is enabled for this SIM-map.
• 📵 Reboot the phone.

2. Calls are not working after VoLTE shutdown

If you've disabled 4G but your calls are not working, you may have activated the "LTE Only" option in your carrier settings.

• 📞 Call #4636### and check what is in Phone Information. WCDMA preferred.
• 📞 Contact the operator and ask to disable the VoLTE binding.

3.The battery discharges quickly even after the 4G shutdown

If the charge consumption has not decreased, the problem may not be in the modem, but in the background activity of the applications.

• 🔋 Check battery consumption in Settings → Battery.
• 🔋 Turn off background activity for unnecessary applications.
• 🔋 Energize the power saving mode.

4. Mobile Internet does not work in roaming

Some operators are blocking 3G/2G roaming, leaving only 4G.

• 🌍 Check with the operator what networks are available in the host country.
• 🌍 Try to manually select the network in Settings → Mobile network → Network operators.

💡

Before traveling abroad, check with the operator what networks (2G/3G/4G) are available on roaming. In some countries (for example, the United States or Japan), 2G networks are already disabled, and a phone without 4G will be left without communication.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions