Owners of modern devices Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco often face the need to manage mobile networks. 3G and 4G, Expending battery power, or wanting to force the gadget to work in a more stable but slow communication standard. LTE It is also relevant for those who use old tariff plans or SIM cards that do not support high speeds.
The interface of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS can hide some settings deeper than is customary in standard Android. Users do not always find an obvious switch, as manufacturers often optimize menus for maximum simplicity. In this article, we will analyze all available methods, including standard menus, engineering codes and additional utilities.
Understanding how your device’s radio module works will not only save energy, but also improve voice communication in areas of unstable coverage. We’ll look at the nuances for different firmware versions and models so you can choose the most suitable option for your situation.
Why you might need to shut down your 4G network
The main reason users are looking for a way to deactivate LTE is an unstable signal: When the phone is at the edge of the coverage zone of the high-speed network, it begins to constantly switch between 4G and 3G modes. This process causes the modem processor to work with increased load, which leads to rapid battery discharge and heating of the case.
The second important aspect is the quality of voice calls. Despite the development of VoLTE technology, in many regions voice communication is still carried out through second and third generation networks. If your Xiaomi smartphone tries to hold a weak LTE signal during a call, the interlocutor may hear interruptions or a robotic voice. Forced translation to 3G or 2G often solves the problem.
⚠️ Attention: Disconnection LTE It can significantly reduce the speed of mobile Internet. If you use a navigator or streaming services on the way, make sure that the remaining coverage is not available. 3G It will be enough for your tasks.
There are also specific use cases, such as leaving only 2G on to receive SMS messages from banking systems in roaming or in extremely poor communications. Some older SIM cards may not register correctly on fourth-generation networks, requiring manual tampering with settings.
Standard Method through Settings SIM-map
The easiest and safest way to change the type of network is through the standard settings menu, which does not require additional software installation and works on most current versions. MIUI. You need to go to the Settings section, then select the item. SIM-maps and mobile networks.
In the menu that opens, select the SIM card that you want to change your settings for. Find the preferred network type. When you click on it, you'll see the drop-down list of options. Here, you need to select an option that doesn't mention 4G or LTE in the name. This is usually 3G or 3G Only.
- 📱 Go to the main menu of smartphone settings.
- 📡 Open the section"SIM-maps and mobile networks".
- 🔢 Choose the right SIM card (if there are two of them).
- 📉 Click on “Preferred Network Type” and select 3G/2G.
After selecting a new mode, the phone can interrupt the connection to the network for a few seconds to re-register at the base station. In the status bar, instead of the 4G or 4G+ icon, the symbol H+, 3G or E will appear.
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Changing the network type in the standard menu is the most stable method that persists even after a device is rebooted.
Use of the Engineering Menu for Advanced Settings
If the standard menu doesn't contain the options you need or it's hidden by the operator, the Android engineering menu comes to the rescue, which is a hidden part of the system designed to test the hardware, and on Xiaomi smartphones, you can log in through a set of special code in the Phone app.
Dial ##4636##. If the code is correct, the Testing menu will open. Select Phone Information. Here you are interested in Set preferred network type. In the dropdown list, you need to find a value that only corresponds to GSM or WCDMA, excluding LTE.
Recommended values for LTE disabling:
- GSM only (2G only)
WCDMA preferred (preferred 3G)
TD-SCDMA and GSM (For Chinese versions)Be careful when changing these parameters. Choosing the wrong mode can cause the phone to stop seeing the network at all, in which case it is enough to restart the device or return the original value, which is usually marked as recommended.
⚠️ Warning: The engineering menu contains many critical settings. Do not change parameters that you do not know the value of, especially those related to sensor calibration or radio frequency range.
What if the code doesn't work?
Application of third-party applications for network management
When MIUI's built-in tools limit user experience, specialized applications from the Google Play store come to the rescue, allowing you to flexibly manage network priorities without going deep into system code. One of the most popular tools is Force LTE Only.
Once installed, the app will offer two methods of operation: through Android Method (standard) or Root Method (for devices with superuser rights). For most users, the first option will suit, the application will open the same engineering menu, which was discussed above, but with a more intuitive interface and save the history of switching.
- 🚀 Force LTE Only - a simple mode switch.
- 🔧 Signal Disabler - complete shutdown of the radio module (flight mode with nuances).
Using third-party software allows you to quickly switch between modes through a widget on the desktop.This is convenient if you need to temporarily turn on 4G to download a file, and then return to 3G energy-saving mode. However, it is worth remembering that such applications require permission to change system settings.
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Before installing your network management apps, check their rating and the date of the last update. Outdated software may not work properly on newer versions of Android 12 and 13.
Comparison of modem modes
Understanding the difference between communication standards will help you make an informed decision, with each mode having its advantages and disadvantages depending on your current needs and location. Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of networks.
| Network mode | Maximum speed | Signal stability | Battery consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5G / LTE | High (up to 1 Gbps) | Low (in buildings) | High-pitched |
| 3G (WCDMA) | Medium (up to 42 Mbps) | Medium | Medium. |
| 2G (GSM) | Low (up to 0.3 Mbps) | Tall. | Minimum |
| Auto (Auto) | Depends on the coverage | Variative | Medium/High |
2G mode (GSM) provides maximum signal reception range and minimal power consumption, but is only suitable for calls and text messages. 3G is the “golden middle” for voice and moderate surfing. LTE is indispensable for multimedia, but requires dense coverage with base stations.
The choice of the specific mode depends on the tasks. If you go on a hike where only the ability to make a call is important, switching to 2G/3G will allow the Xiaomi smartphone to last on a single charge much longer. In urban conditions with good coverage, it is better to leave automatic mode.
Decision and possible errors
Users may face a number of difficulties in setting up the system, and it is often the case that after selecting 3G mode, the phone still displays 4G. This may mean that the SIM card does not support third-generation networks in a given region, or the operator forcibly transfers the subscriber to LTE to unload frequencies.
Another common problem is that the Internet goes missing after changing the settings, and then you need to check the settings of the access points. APN. They're on the same menu"SIM-Maps and mobile networks, in the section "Access Point Names (APN)". Make sure your operator’s active point is selected.
⚠️ Warning: If after resetting the network settings or changing the engineering settings, the phone stopped seeing the SIM card, perform a full reset of network settings (not data!) through the recovery menu or make a backup and full reset of the device (Wipe Data).
Also, you should consider that on two-symbol models Xiaomi settings are applied individually for each card. Change the network type for the first SIM will not affect the second. If the Internet is lost, check which of the SIM cards is installed as the main one for data transfer in the corresponding menu.