How to completely disable 5G on Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways

Why users want to turn off 5G on Xiaomi and when they really need to

The fifth-generation network promises lightning-fast internet speeds, minimal latency and stable connectivity. But in practice, Xiaomi owners (especially the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G, POCO F4 GT or Mi 11 Ultra models) face unexpected challenges: fast battery discharge, overheating, unstable signal or even automatic 5G connectivity in low-coated areas, leading to communication disruptions. Paradox: sometimes 4G LTE works more reliably than the β€œadvanced” standard.

The 5G shutdown can be justified in several cases:

  • πŸ”‹ Saving battery power - module 5G It consumes 15-25% more energy than 4G, especially in network search mode.
  • πŸ“‘ Weak coverage – if there are few towers in your area 5G, The phone will constantly switch between standards, which eats up traffic and resources.
  • πŸ’° Tariff without 5G β€” Some operators (e.g. Tele2 or Iota) include access to 5G It’s only in premium packages, but the phone is still trying to connect.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Privacy - in theory, 5G-Networks are easier to track due to more frequent data exchange with towers (although this is a controversial point).

It’s important to understand that turning off 5G will not impair the quality of communication if you don’t have stable coverage in your area. In most cases, the phone will automatically switch to 4G or 3G, retaining the ability to call and mobile Internet. But there are nuances – for example, on some MIUI firmwares, after disabling 5G, the network icon may disappear in the status bar (although the connection will work).

Method 1: Disable 5G through Xiaomi’s standard settings

The easiest and safest method is to use built-in MIUI options. It is suitable for most models that support 5G: from the budget Redmi Note 10 5G to flagships like Xiaomi 13 Pro. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 firmware (inclusive).

Steps to shut down:

  1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
  2. Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (or Mobile Network on some versions).
  3. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
  4. Click on Network Type (or Preferred Network Type)
  5. In the list of available standards, uncheck 5G (or select an option without mentioning 5G, such as 4G/3G/2G (auto)).

After the changes are applied, the phone will restart the communication module (it can take up to 30 seconds), to check the result, close all applications and look at the network indicator in the top panel: if 4G or LTE appeared instead of 5G, it was successful.

β˜‘οΈ Checking the shutdown 5G

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X5 Pro 5G) post-off 5G In the settings, the VoLTE option (voice through) may disappear LTE). If it matters HD-Calls, check this option separately in the Settings menu SIM-map β†’ Voice communications.

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

If standard settings prevent you from turning off 5G (for example, on custom firmware or in some regions), you can use the engineering menu, which requires caution - wrong actions can disrupt the network.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##4636## Some models may have an alternative code: ##36446337###
  2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
  3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
  4. In the drop-down list, select LTE only or LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM auto (without mentioning 5G).
  5. Press OK and restart the device.

If, after these actions, 5G Still active, try another option from the list (e.g, GSM only, but then it will shut down and 4G). On some firmware MIUI The engineering menu can be blocked – in this case, only the method of using the USSD-codes (described below).

What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
If nothing happens after entering the code, check: 1. Administrator rights (some firmware requires unlocking the bootloader). 2. Version MIUI β€” Chinese ROM 3. Alternative code: ##4636## or ##36446337##. If nothing helps, use the method with USSD-codes SIM-map.

Xiaomi modelSupport for 5G supportCan I turn it off through the settings?An engineering menu is required
Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5GYes (MediaTek Dimensity 920)Yes.No.
POCO F4 GTYes (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1)Yes.Only for forced shutdown
Xiaomi 12T ProYes (Dimensity 8100-Ultra)Yes.No.
Mi 11 Lite 5G NEYes (Snapdragon 778G)Yes.Only for older versions of MIUI
Redmi 10CNo.β€”β€”

Method 3: USSD-lock-in 5G

If previous methods have not worked, you can try special methods. USSD-commands that are sent through the Phone app. These codes are level-based. SIM-cards and operators, so their effectiveness depends on your tariff and region.

Try the following commands (enter as a phone number and click "Call":

  • πŸ“ž Code for deactivation 5G (Universal: ##5463## After you enter, you will see a menu where you need to select Disable 5G.
  • πŸ“ž Code for resetting network settings (if) 5G I'm on my own: #72786##
  • πŸ“ž Code to check the current network standard: ##4636## (after entering, go to Phone Information).

If a Connection problem or invalid MMI code appears after entering the code, it means:

  • Your operator blocks such commands (often happens at MTS and Beeline).
  • You have unofficial firmware installed (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
  • SIM-card does not support 5G (check with the operator).

πŸ’‘

If USSD-The codes are not working, try inserting them. SIM-card to another phone (such as iPhone or Samsung), disable 5G And then you can return the card back to Xiaomi.

Method 4: Disconnection 5G via settings SIM-card

Some mobile operators (e.g. MegaFon or Yota) allow you to manage network standards through your personal account or USSD-It's convenient if you don't want to go through the phone settings.

How to do this:

  1. Open your operator’s app (for example, My MegaFon or My Beeline).
  2. Go to the Service Management or Network Settings section.
  3. Find the option Network Type or 5G-access.
  4. Turn off the 5G option or select 4G/LTE only.
  5. Save the changes and restart the phone.

If your carrier does not have such a section in the application, try calling support and asking to disable it. 5G This is usually free and takes no more than 5 minutes. 5G even on other devices with this SIM-card.

πŸ“Š What kind of operator do you have?
MegaFon
MTS
Beeline
Tele2.
Yota
Other

⚠️ Attention: On tariffs with unlimited Internet disconnection 5G For example, MegaFon in some regions reduces speed to 50 Mbps if the device does not support the speed limit. 5G. Check the terms of your tariff before changing the settings.

Method 5: Disable 5G over ADB (for power users)

If all previous methods failed, the debugging of ADB, a developer tool that allows you to change hidden Android settings, is suitable for users with an unlocked bootloader and USB debugging enabled.

Instructions:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI Version until you become a developer.

Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers

USB debugging

ADB-driver

adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode 9

where 9 is the code for LTE/3G/2G (auto) mode.

Reboot the phone.

Other Values for the Team preferred_network_mode:

  • 12 – 5G only (if you need to return it)
  • 10 - 5G/LTE/3G/2G (auto).
  • 7 - LTE only.

πŸ’‘

Using ADB resets some network settings. After applying the command, check the call and SMS β€” manually restore the APN settings if necessary.

What to do if 5G is turned on after the MIUI update

Many Xiaomi users are faced with the fact that after updating the firmware MIUI (especially the global or European version), 5G turns on automatically, even if it was disabled before, this is due to the company’s policy: starting with MIUI 13, the system by default activates all available communication standards.

How to fix it:

  1. Reset network settings: Go to Settings β†’ SIM-Maps and mobile networks. Select Network Settings Reset. Confirm and restart your phone.
  2. Reverse to the old version of MIUI: Download the archive with the right firmware from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater. Use Fastboot or Recovery to install.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware rollback can cause your phone to be locked if anti-rollback rules are not followed. MIUI and Android in settings.

Use the Magisk modules:

For rooted devices, there are modules like the 5G Switch or Network Mode Changer that force 5G to be locked at the system level, installed via Magisk Manager.

If the problem repeats after each update, consider switching to custom firmware (like Pixel Experience or LineageOS), where network management is more flexible.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the 5G shutdown on Xiaomi

Can I turn it off? 5G only for one SIM-cards if there are two?
Yes, in most Xiaomi models, network settings are tied to each SIM-map separately. Go to Settings β†’ SIM-Maps and mobile networks, select the desired SIM You can change the network type just for it. The second card will remain with the same settings.
Is it true that 5G shutdowns are making calls worse?
Not if you have VoLTE activated (voice via voice) LTE). Calls will be made by 4G-network without loss of quality. Problems can only occur on very old firmware (MIUI 10 and below), where VoLTE is disabled by default.
Why did the 5G phone slow down?
It's probably not a 5G shutdown, but a network reset or a conflict with the operator. Check: APN settings (should meet operator requirements); Power saving mode (sometimes limits background data transfer); Network coverage in your region (perhaps 4G is worse due to tower congestion); Try manually selecting the operator's network in settings (Settings β†’ Mobile Network β†’ Network Operators).
How to check if 5G is disabled?
There are several ways: Look at the network indicator in the top bar β€” instead of 5G should be 4G or LTE. Run a speed test (for example, Speedtest) β€” if the speed is less than 100-150 Mbps, most likely you are on 4G. Use the NetMonster or CellMapper app for details about the connection. In the engineering menu (#4636#) check the Network Type bar.
Can 5G be permanently disabled so it doesn’t turn on after a reboot?
On most Xiaomi models, network settings are saved after restarting. However, on some firmware (especially Chinese) the system can reset them to factory. ADB-command (mode 5) Install the Magisk module to lock 5G. Turn off automatic updates MIUI If the problem recurs, contact Xiaomi Support, which may be a bug in a particular firmware version.