In unstable coverage or if necessary to extend the battery life of the device, users often look for a way to turn off LTE on their gadgets. Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones running the MIUI shell or HyperOS have flexible network settings, but the standard interface does not always allow you to do this with a single click. Understanding how to force the phone to 3G mode can be a decisive factor for successful call or save battery power at a critical moment.
There are several proven methods of network type change, from simple menu switches to the use of engineering codes. The choice of the specific method depends on the version of the operating system and the model of your device. In this article, we will discuss all the options available in detail so that you can choose the most suitable one for your situation.
Why you might need to turn off 4G on your smartphone
The main reason Android device owners are looking to turn off LTE is poor coverage in certain locations. 4G signals tend to switch quickly to EDGE or disappear completely, leading to connection breaks during a conversation. Forced transition to 3G provides a more stable, albeit less fast, channel, which is critical for voice calls.
The second important aspect is power consumption: a communications module constantly searching for an LTE network in an uncertain reception zone consumes significantly more power than when running on second- or third-generation networks. If you are on a trip and every percentage of Redmi's charge is per weight of gold, the Internet speed limit will help the device last longer.
It is also worth noting situations where the carrier does not support VoLTE technology, and the phone is persistently trying to use batch data for voice calls. 3G Only solves the problem of lack of voice communication, and this technical limitation is often found when using old ones. SIM-card-roaming.
⚠️ Attention: After disconnection LTE Mobile internet speeds will be significantly reduced, and it is not recommended to perform these actions if you need access to heavy files or video streaming.
Users who often move between areas with different coverage know that a constant search for a 4G network can heat the device. Restricting frequency ranges allows you to reduce the heat of the modem processor, which has a positive effect on the overall performance of the system.
Standard method through settings SIM-map
The most secure and simple method available on most global versions of MIUI firmware is in the standard settings menu, where you can choose your preferred network type without using third-party software. The algorithm is simple and requires no special knowledge.
First, you need to open the main settings menu of your Xiaomi.Look for the section responsible for connecting to the network, which is usually called «SIM-Maps and mobile networks. That's where the key switch controls modems.
- 📱 Go to Settings and select a paragraph «SIM-maps and mobile networks».
- 📡 Click on your operator name or “Use” SIM-Default card for data transfer.
- ⚙️ Find the “Preferred Network Type” line and tap it.
- 📉 In the list that opens, select the option «3G» or "Preferred" 3G».
Once you select the appropriate item, the 4G or LTE icon in the top status bar should disappear, changing to 3G or H+. If the list of options does not contain a separate item for 3G, but only “Preferred to 4G”, then the standard means to disable high-speed mode will not work, and you will have to resort to other methods described below.
It is important to understand that on some new versions of the HyperOS shell, manufacturers can hide detailed network settings, leaving only automatic choice, in which case the system decides which communication standard to use based on the strength of the signal and the load on the base station.
Using an engineering menu to select a network
If the standard menu doesn't work, the Android engineering menu comes to the rescue, and it's a hidden part of the system that's designed to be used by engineers to test hardware, but it's also accessible to the general public, and you can force the network mode to be set to a specific network. SIM-map.
To enter this section, a special code is used, which you need to enter in the Phone app. The most common combination on Xiaomi and Redmi devices is the ##4636##. After entering the last star, the menu should open automatically, without the need to press the call button.
In the Test window that opens, select "Phone Information" if you have two. SIM-The second card will be available under "Phone Information 2" and find a drop-down list called "Set up your preferred network type».
Available codes for entering the test menu:
#4636## - Standard Android Test Menu
#3646633## - MediaTek Engineering Menu (MTK)
##8255## — GTalk Service MonitorIn the list of options, choose a mode that does not contain the acronym LTE. The optimal choice is WCDMA only (3G only) or GSM only (2G only, if you want maximum energy saving).
⚠️ Warning: Do not change other settings in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose. Resetting the modem parameters can lead to malfunction of the communication module.
It is worth noting that on smartphones with Snapdragon processors, the list of available modes may differ from devices based on MediaTek. In addition, in the latest Google security updates, access to this menu through codes is often blocked, and the user has to look for alternative ways.
What if the code doesn't work?
Application of third-party applications for network management
When MIUI’s built-in capabilities limit the user’s experience, specialized applications from the Google Play store come to the rescue. Programs like Force LTE Only (4G/5G) or NetMonster allow you to manage modem settings more flexibly than the standard interface.
The principle of these utilities is that they create a shortcut or interface for hidden system functions of Android. Once you install the application, you will need to give it the necessary permissions, after which you will be able to select a specific communication standard.
- 📥 Download the "Force" app LTE Only or equivalent from the Play Market.
- 🔓 Launch the program and go to the section "Method 2: Android 10"+» (or corresponding to your version of the OS).
- 📡 In the "Set Preferred Network Type" section, select «LTE Only" to be included or «WCDMA Only" to disconnect 4G.
- ✅ Press the “Apply” button to apply the settings.
Using third-party software is a convenient way, but it has its own risks: applications can contain advertising, require unnecessary permissions or stop working after a system update, so using such programs is only justified if standard methods do not work.
Some Xiaomi antivirus systems may block such applications as potentially undesirable, which would require disabling real-time protection or adding the program to exceptions so that it can make changes to the network’s system settings.
Comparison of modes of operation of the communication module
Understanding the difference between communication standards helps you make an informed decision about which mode to choose. Each standard has its own advantages and disadvantages that directly affect the user experience.
LTE mode provides the highest data rate, which is ideal for watching videos, playing games and downloading large files. However, it consumes more power and may be less stable in buildings with thick walls. At the same time, 3G (WCDMA) offers a good balance between speed and coverage, providing decent quality voice communication.
| Parameter | LTE (4G) | 3G (WCDMA) | 2G (GSM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum speed | up to 1 Gbps | up to 42 Mbps | up to 0.38 Mbps |
| Energy consumption | High. | Average. | Low. |
| Call stability | Depends on VoLTE. | Tall. | Maximum |
| Indoor coverage | Average. | Good. | Excellent. |
By choosing 2G mode, you get maximum autonomy and range, but you sacrifice the quality of the Internet, which will become almost unsuitable for modern web surfing.
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The best mode for everyday use in the city remains 4G/LTE, then 3G It is better to use in areas of weak signal or to save charge.
Possible problems and solutions
Redmi users may experience a number of common problems when they change their network settings, most often when they choose 3G, the phone loses all communication or cannot see the operator’s network, which may be because the operator in your region has already disabled support for old communication standards.
Another common problem is that you can't make outgoing calls, and if you've disabled LTE and VoLTE isn't activated or supported, the phone may be trying to use the Internet for calls, which may not be available in 3G or may be too slow, so you need to check your voice settings.
Sometimes settings are reset after the device is restarted, which is the behavior of Android security, which seeks to return optimal network settings, and to avoid this, some users use setting fixing apps, although this does not guarantee 100% of the result.
⚠️ Note: If after changing the settings, the phone stopped seeing SIM-the card, try to remove it, wipe the contacts and paste back, then restart the device.
Also, consider that in 3G mode, some types of multimedia messages (MMS) may not arrive or notifications from messengers may come with a delay.