Modern Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with advanced communication modules that by default seek to capture the fastest available network, most often this is the 4G LTE standard. However, in some situations, high data speeds become irrelevant, and sometimes even harmful to the stability of the connection. Users often face the need to force the device to switch to 3G or 2G mode to save battery power or improve the quality of voice communication in low-course areas.
Owners of Redmi and Poco devices know that the MIUI or HyperOS shell interface can hide some advanced network settings from the average user. The standard menu doesn't always offer an obvious switch that would allow you to instantly abandon high-speed Internet. This is done by manufacturers to simplify the interface, but creates difficulties for those who understand the technical nuances.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways that modems can be restricted, how to use hidden engineering codes, system settings, and third-party utilities to manage network protocols, and how to disable LTE can be an effective solution to problems with continual network reconnection on the road.
Why Xiaomi owners should give up 4G network
The main reason users want to deaktiviroovat high-speed internet is because of an unstable signal in remote locations. When a smartphone is on the edge of tower coverage, it starts frantically switching between 2G, 3G and 4G standards in an effort to find the best signal, a process called handover that causes a surge in power consumption and a rapid battery drain.
In addition, in some regions, the coverage of the fourth generation network can be overloaded, which leads to high delays (ping) when sending messages in instant messengers or making voice calls via VoLTE. Forced switching to the older but stable WCDMA or GSM standard often solves the problem of "hanging" calls. The phone stops spending resources on finding the best signal and confidently holds the connection.
Another important aspect is security and privacy: some users prefer not to leave a digital trail through high-speed data channels when it is not urgently necessary. Disabling LTE at the modem level ensures that background applications cannot use a fast channel to synchronize large amounts of data without your knowledge.
⚠️ Before changing your network settings, make sure you have an alternative way to get online (such as Wi-Fi) if you urgently need a navigation or online map.
Basic method through the standard settings menu
The easiest and safest way to change the type of network is to use the built-in tools of the Android operating system. In most Xiaomi models, this path is not deep, but the names of the items may vary slightly depending on the firmware version.
First, you need to unlock the screen and go to the main app menu. Find the Settings icon, which usually looks like a gear. Next, the algorithm requires care, since manufacturers often change the structure of the submenu in MIUI updates.
☑️ Algorithm of actions in settings
Once you enter the SIM card menu, look for Preferred Network Type. When you click on it, you will see a list of available protocols. If you choose 3G or Preferably 3G, the phone will automatically disable the LTE module and only work on third-generation networks.
It is worth noting that on some global firmware versions, carriers can block the option of selecting only 2G/3G through the standard menu, in which case the list can be cropped and the switch will be missing, then you will have to resort to more advanced methods described below.
Using an engineering menu to disable LTE
If standard settings don't work, the engineering menu, a hidden part of the system that's designed to test the hardware, comes to the rescue. USSD-code that runs on most Qualcomm and MediaTek processors installed in Xiaomi smartphones.
To enter the test menu, open the Phone app and enter the combination ##4636##. Once the last star is entered, the Testing menu should automatically open. If this does not happen, your operator or firmware may block this code and you will need to install a special dealer application.
In the list that opens, select Phone Information. You will see a page with technical statistics and radio settings. Find a drop-down list called Set Preferred Network Type. This is where the key to managing communication standards is found.
| Name of the regime | Description of the standard | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|
| NR/LTE/GSM/WCDMA | All available networks (5G/4G/3G/2G) | Maximum consumption |
| LTE Only | 4G only (calls may not work) | Average expenditure |
| WCDMA Only | 3G only (optimum for stability) | Low expenditure |
| GSM Only | 2G (maximum savings) only | Minimum expenditure |
In the Set Preferred Network Type list, you can choose an option that excludes LTE. Usually it is WCDMA Only (3G only) or GSM Only (2G only). Be careful: by choosing LTE Only mode, you may lose the ability to make regular voice calls if your carrier does not support VoLTE technology or it is not configured.
⚠️ Warning: Changes to the engineering menu are instant. If the network is lost after selecting a new mode, try turning on the flight mode for 10 seconds and then turn it off.
Application of third-party applications for network management
When the system codes don't work or the interface of the engineering menu seems too complicated, you can use specialized software from the Google Play store. There are a number of utilities that provide a convenient graphical interface to manage the parameters of the radio module without having to memorize complex codes.
One of the most popular and proven solutions is Force LTE Only (4G/5G), which creates a shortcut that leads directly to the desired sub-menu of Android settings, or uses its own rights to switch modes, especially for devices where the code ##4636## is blocked by the manufacturer.
After installing and running the app, select Method 1: Open Old Android Menu or Method 2: New Android Menu, depending on your system version. In the window that opens, find the drop-down list and select the desired standard, such as WCDMA for 3G only.
It's important to understand that these apps don't change the firmware of the phone, they only give you access to hidden switches. Once the device is rebooted, the settings can reset to standard ones, so you have to run the app again. This is a temporary solution, but very effective on the road.
Impact of LTE Disconnection on Autonomy and Communication
The switch to previous generations has a direct impact on the smartphone’s lifetime from a single charge. The communication module consumes significantly less energy when operating in 2G/3G mode, since it does not need to process complex signals at high frequencies and maintain a broadband data channel.
But the downside is that third-generation Internet speeds are significantly lower, heavy pages loading, high-resolution video watching, or using a navigator in real time can become impossible or extremely uncomfortable, and latency is also increasing.
In addition, in some modern network implementations, operators are gradually decommissioning 2G and 3G towers, redirecting resources to 4G and 5G. In such regions, a forced LTE shutdown can lead to the complete disappearance of the signal (“No network”). Always check the relevance of your carrier’s coverage.
Possible problems and solutions
Once you change your network settings, users may face a number of common problems, the most common being the inability to make an outbound call, which happens if you choose LTE Only mode and the carrier does not support voice calls over the Internet (VoLTE) or this feature is not activated on the SIM card.
Another problem is the slow rate of updating information in applications: messengers can deliver messages for a long time, and cards can load data, in which case it is recommended to temporarily return the settings to Auto or LTE/WCDMA/GSM to perform the necessary actions, and then restrict the mode again.
Mobile internet may also crash when the H+ or E icon is on, but the pages are not loading, so you need to check the settings of the APN hotspot. Sometimes, when you change the network type, the old APN settings stop working correctly, and you need to update or recreate them by taking data from the operator's site.