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 βadvancedβ standard.
The 5G shutdown can be justified in several cases:
- π Saving battery power - module 5G It consumes 15-25% more energy than 4G, especially in network search mode.
- π‘ Weak coverage β if there are few towers in your area 5G, The phone will constantly switch between standards, which eats up traffic and resources.
- π° Tariff without 5G β Some operators (e.g. Tele2 or Iota) include access to 5G Itβs only in premium packages, but the phone is still trying to connect.
- π‘οΈ Privacy - in theory, 5G-Networks are easier to track due to more frequent data exchange with towers (although this is a controversial point).
Itβs important to understand that turning off 5G will not impair the quality of communication if you donβt 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 β 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 Xiaomiβs 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:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (or Mobile Network on some versions).
- Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
- Click on Network Type (or Preferred Network Type)
- 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.
βοΈ Checking the shutdown 5G
β οΈ 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:
- Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##4636## Some models may have an alternative code: ##36446337###
- In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
- Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
- In the drop-down list, select LTE only or LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM auto (without mentioning 5G).
- 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 β in this case, only the method of using the USSD-codes (described below).
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
| Xiaomi model | Support for 5G support | Can I turn it off through the settings? | An engineering menu is required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Yes (MediaTek Dimensity 920) | Yes. | No. |
| POCO F4 GT | Yes (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1) | Yes. | Only for forced shutdown |
| Xiaomi 12T Pro | Yes (Dimensity 8100-Ultra) | Yes. | No. |
| Mi 11 Lite 5G NE | Yes (Snapdragon 778G) | Yes. | Only for older versions of MIUI |
| Redmi 10C | No. | 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":
- π Code for deactivation 5G (Universal: ##5463## After you enter, you will see a menu where you need to select Disable 5G.
- π Code for resetting network settings (if) 5G I'm on my own: #72786##
- π 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).
π‘
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:
- Open your operatorβs app (for example, My MegaFon or My Beeline).
- Go to the Service Management or Network Settings section.
- Find the option Network Type or 5G-access.
- Turn off the 5G option or select 4G/LTE only.
- 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.
β οΈ 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:
- 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 9where 9 is the code for LTE/3G/2G (auto) mode.
Reboot the phone.
Other Values for the Team preferred_network_mode:
- 12 β 5G only (if you need to return it)
- 10 - 5G/LTE/3G/2G (auto).
- 7 - LTE only.
π‘
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 companyβs policy: starting with MIUI 13, the system by default activates all available communication standards.
How to fix it:
- Reset network settings: Go to Settings β SIM-Maps and mobile networks. Select Network Settings Reset. Confirm and restart your phone.
- 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.
β οΈ 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.