Disconnecting frequencies on Xiaomi: how to remove unnecessary networks 3G, 4G, 5G

Modern Xiaomi smartphones support dozens of frequency bands for 2G, 3G, 4G (LTE) and 5G networks, but not all of them are needed in everyday use. Excess frequencies not only consume battery power for constant network scanning, but can also impair connection stability if the operator in your region uses a limited set of bands. In this article, we will discuss how to safely disable unnecessary frequencies on Redmi, POCO, Mi and other brands – from simple methods through settings to profound changes in the engineering menu.

It’s important to understand that the procedure differs depending on the smartphone model, the firmware version (MIUI or HyperOS) and even the region of sale. For example, on global versions (EEA), some options can be blocked, whereas on Chinese (CN) – are available without restrictions. We will look at universal methods that work on most devices, and also point out pitfalls that can lead to network loss or unpredictable modem behavior.

Why turn off the frequencies on Xiaomi?

There are three main reasons, and each of them is relevant for different use cases:

• 🔋 Battery savings: the modem constantly scans all available frequencies, even if they are not used by your operator.Switching off excess bands reduces the load on the processor and reduces energy consumption by 5-15%.
• 📶 Communication stability: With a weak signal, your smartphone can jump between frequencies, causing calls to break or Internet speed to drop. Leaving only optimal ranges, you force the connection to a reliable channel.
• 🛡️ Security: Some frequencies (such as Band 28 or Band 71) are used for special services or military needs, and may be legally required to be turned off in certain regions.

In practice, the most noticeable effect is seen in areas with poor coverage, where the smartphone spends a lot of resources on finding alternative networks. For example, if your operator only works on Band 3 (1800 MHz) and Band 7 (2600 MHz), then support for Band 20 (800 MHz) or Band 40 (2300 MHz) will only interfere, causing the device to waste time on useless attempts to connect.

⚠️ Note: Not all frequencies can be turned off without consequences.For example, removing Band 8 (900 MHz) can lead to complete communication loss in rural areas, where this range is often used to extend coverage.

How to find out what frequencies your Xiaomi supports

Before you turn something off, you need to understand what ranges your device is running, and there are several ways to get this information:

1. Official specifications: Go to Xiaomi’s website, find your model, and look at the Network & Connectivity section. For example, for the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, it will say 5G: n1/n3/n5/n8/n28/n41/n77/n78.
2. Network analysis applications: Utilities like Network Signal Guru or CellMapper show the current frequencies used and nearby towers, and you can download them from Google Play.
3. Engineering menu: Enter ##4636##, go to Phone Information and see Set preferred network type.

To accurately determine the frequencies used in your region, you can use carrier coverage maps. For example, MTS, Beeline or MegaFon have interactive services that show which bands are involved in a particular city, and by comparing this data with the supported frequencies of your Xiaomi, you will understand that you can safely turn off.

Method 1: Disconnecting frequencies via MIUI/HyperOS settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in system options, and unfortunately, it is not available on all models and firmware versions, but it is worth a try.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
3. Go to Network Type or Preferred Network Type.
4. Instead of Automotive (LTE/3G/2G (auto)) select LTE Only or 3G Only if you want to disable old standards completely.

On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi 13T or POCO F5), this menu may have an additional LTE Range or 4G Gangs item. You can manually tick only the frequencies your carrier uses. If there is no such item, move on to the next method.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with HyperOS (new firmware instead of HyperOS) MIUI) The path to settings may be different.Look for the Mobile Network section → Additional settings → Gangs. LTE.

Method 2: Use of the Engineering Menu (codes and MTK Engineer Mode)

If you don’t have frequency management options in your standard settings, you can use the engineering menu, which works on most Xiaomi devices, but you need to be careful that you can lose your network if you do something wrong.

For Qualcomm Snapdragon processors:

1. Open the phone app and enter the code: ##4636##
2. Go to the phone information (or phone information) section.
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block and select the desired standard (e.g. LTE only).
4. Root access or special software may be required to turn off specific frequencies.

For MediaTek processors:

1. Install the MTK Engineer Mode app from Google Play.
2. Open it and go to MTK Settings → BandMode.
3. Choose yours. SIM-check the map and tick only the desired frequencies (for example, LTE B3 and LTE B7 for MegaFon in Moscow).
4. Save the settings and restart the phone.

On some models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3), the engineering menu can be blocked, in which case the Network Signal Guru app, which allows you to manually select ranges without root rights, but with restrictions, will help.

Method 3: Applications for frequency management (without root)

If you don't want to go through the engineering menu, you can use third-party utilities, which don't require super-user rights, but they're limited.

• 📱 Network Signal Guru: Shows current frequencies and allows you to manually select preferred ranges (not working on all models).
• 📡 4G LTE Switch: Switching the smartphone between standards 2G/3G/4G, but does not control individual frequencies.
• 🔧 NetMonster: Analyzes nearby towers and helps determine the optimal settings for your region.

Example of Network Signal Guru:

1. Install the application and provide all necessary permissions.
2. Go to the LTE Band tab.
3. Press Select Bands and select only the ranges your carrier uses.
4. Save the settings and wait for the reconnection to the network.

Note that after the smartphone restarts, the settings may reset. To avoid this, use the Lock Band option in the app - it captures the selected frequencies until the next manual change.

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Before using third-party apps, check reviews about them on Google Play – some utilities may contain ads or collect data about your location.

Method 4: Disable frequencies via ADB (for advanced users)

If previous methods have failed, you can try changing your settings via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and basic command line knowledge.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in the Developer Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version – Press 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
4. To see the current modem settings, run: adb shell su getprop gsm.lte.band (root rights required).
5. To turn off a specific frequency (e.g. Band 20) use setprop gsm.lte.band "3.7.8" (specify only the desired ranges by comma).

After completing the commands, restart your smartphone. Note that changes through ADB may reset after the firmware update.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If you're not sure what you're doing, you better use other methods.

What frequencies can be turned off without risk?

This depends on your operator and region, and below is a table of recommendations for major Russian providers (currently for 2026):

For 5G the situation is more complicated - the coverage is still unstable, and the disabling ranges n78 or n41 It can deprive you of high-speed Internet where it is already available. 5G your operator.

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Turn off only frequencies that are not exactly used by your carrier in your area, otherwise you risk being left without communication.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When working with frequencies, users often make the following mistakes:

• 🚫 Disabling all bands except one: This can result in a complete loss of communication if the tower at this frequency is overloaded or has moved beyond its coverage.
• 🔄 Ignoring regional features: for example, in Moscow, you can safely turn off B5 (850 MHz), but in rural areas this range may be the only available.
• 🔋 Untested apps: Some Google Play utilities promise to “improve the signal” but actually just block all but one of the frequencies, leading to communication breakdowns.
• 📱 Forget about two. SIM-maps: if you have two different carriers, you need to configure the frequency settings separately for each.

Critical error: disabling Band 3 (1,800 MHz) without checking, a frequency that is the main frequency for most operators in cities, and blocking it is almost guaranteed to lead to loss of LTE.

If the phone stops catching the network after the changes, don't panic.

• Reset network settings (Settings → System → Resetting → Resetting mobile network settings).
• Restore the factory modem settings through the engineering menu (code ##4636##).
• Phone flashing (extreme case).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions