How to turn off LTE on Xiaomi: the full guide

Modern smartphones from Xiaomi are set to use the fastest available networks, such as 4G and LTE, which provides high data transfer speeds, which is necessary for streaming video and online games. However, in certain situations, the user may need to forcefully switch to older communication standards, such as 3G or even 2G.

The reasons for this can range from poor coverage in the countryside to the need to save battery power. LTE is often the only way to ensure a stable voice call where the Quartet catches but does not hold a connection. In addition, some old tariff plans or specific corporate communications settings may require work exclusively on third-generation networks.

In this article, we will take a closer look at all the ways available to change network priority on Redmi and Poco devices. We will look at the standard methods through the settings menu, use the engineering menu for advanced users, and discuss why it can be useful for your model.

Why you might need to turn off 4G on your smartphone

Many Android device owners don’t even think about changing their network settings until they encounter problems. An unstable signal is the most common reason people are looking for a way to turn off LTE. When the phone is at the edge of coverage, it starts to constantly “jump” between 3G and 4G, which leads to a complete lack of Internet connection and the inability to make a call.

⚠️ Attention: Forced switching to 3G confidently 4G This method will significantly reduce the speed of mobile Internet, and only use it if you have problems with the stability of communication or to save energy.

Another important aspect is autonomy: LTE modules consume significantly more power than previous generations of radio modules. If you are on a trip where you can not charge your phone, and only calls and messengers are important, switching to 3G can extend the life of the device by several hours.

It's also worth mentioning compatibility. In some rare cases, when you use it, SIM-In old carrier cards or specific corporate tariffs, the network may not work properly in a (mixed) mode. 3G Solves problems with registration on the network.

The standard way through the MIUI settings menu

The easiest and safest method available to each user is to use the standard interface of the MIUI shell or HyperOS. Smartphone manufacturers have provided the option of choosing the preferred type of network so that the user can adapt the device to his needs without using third-party software.

First, you need to open your device's settings. Find the partition that connects and wireless networks. Depending on the firmware version, it may be called differently, but the logic of the arrangement of elements remains the same for most Xiaomi models.

• 📱 Open the Settings app on the main screen.
• 📡 Go to section. SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• 🔢 Choose a specific one. SIM-If you have two cards (for example, two, SIM 1).
• 📶 Click on Network Type or Preferred Network Type.

In the list that opens, you'll see a few options, usually "Prefer LTE," "3G Only," "2G Only." To turn off LTE, you have to choose an option that doesn't mention 4G or LTE. Most often, it's "Prefer 3G" or "3G Only."

After selecting a new setting, the icon in the status bar will change from 4G or LTE to H+, 3G or E. This means that the command is accepted, and the modem has changed to work with cell towers in the new mode. If the icon has not changed after a couple of minutes, try turning on and off the air mode.

Using an engineering menu to force switching

If the standard menu doesn't work, or the network selection point is hidden by the operator, the Android engineering menu comes to the rescue, a hidden interface for diagnostics and testing of equipment that allows you to manage the parameters of the radio module at a deep level.

To enter this menu, you use a special code that you need to type in the Phone app. Be careful when entering, as changing unfamiliar settings can affect the operation of the device. We will only affect secure settings associated with the type of network.

##4636##

Once you enter the last asterisk, the Testing menu will open, and you're interested in the Phone Information section, and there's a drop-down list of "Install preferred network type," and there's a lot of options in this list, including specific combinations for different communication standards.

• 🔍 Find the line Set the preferred network type.
• 📉 Choose an option WCDMA only (only) 3G) or GSM only (only) 2G).
• ✅ To get it back to the way it was, choose NR/LTE/GSM/WCDMA (automatic).

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other options on the engineering menu unless you know exactly what they are responsible for. Incorrect settings can cause the phone to stop seeing SIM-map.

Using the ##4636## code works on most Xiaomi devices, but newer versions of MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS may block this method, so if nothing happens after you enter the code, then access to the engineering menu is closed software, and you will have to use other methods.

Application of third-party applications for network management

When Xiaomi’s system limitations don’t allow for flexible network management, apps from the Google Play store come to the rescue. There are many utilities that create shortcuts for hidden Android features or provide a custom interface for switching modems.

One of the most popular and proven solutions is the Force LTE Only (4G/5G) app. Despite the name, it allows not only to turn on but also to turn off LTE by locking the phone in 3G mode. This is especially true for new models where standard paths in settings can be changed.

The principle of operation of such applications is simple: they either use the same engineering code as in the previous section, but through a graphical interface, or refer to system systems. API To change the priority of the network, after installation, you just need to select the desired one. SIM-map and press the Set button 3G Only.

It is important to understand that after a phone reboot, settings made through third-party apps can be reset, in which case you will need to repeat the procedure or use widgets if the application supports their creation. This is not a bug, but a feature of Android that protects the user from accidental loss of communication.

Impact of network mode on autonomy and battery

The issue of power consumption is acute for owners of Xiaomi smartphones with active use. LTE/4G mode requires more power from the antenna and the processor to maintain high-speed connection, especially if the signal is weak.

When switching to 3G, power consumption is reduced. The radio module operates in a more gentle mode, since the bandwidth requirements are lower. In conditions where the 4G signal is barely catching (one stick), the difference in autonomy between LTE and 3G modes can reach 20-30% per day.

But there's a downside to this: If you're in an area where 3G is also not catching well, the phone will be constantly looking for the best tower, and you won't save money. Networking is the most energy-intensive process for any mobile device, so forcing LTE to go down only makes sense when the 3G signal is stable and confident.

Also, consider the heating of the case: when you are actively working in 4G networks in conditions of poor reception, the smartphone can significantly heat up, which negatively affects the chemistry of the battery in the long run.

The solution: lost internet and speed

Once you have done the LTE shutdown, you may find the internet running much slower, which is an expected behavior, since 3G (HSPA+) technologies cannot physically deliver speeds comparable to 4G. The top speed in 3G rarely exceeds 10-20 Mbps, and in reality is often 2-5 Mbps.

If the internet is completely gone, though the icon 3G or H is burning, check the access point settings (APN). Sometimes when you change the type of network old settings APN You may have a conflict. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) and try to select a different profile or reset the settings to the factory.

You may also find that a carrier in your area has already started to turn off the 3G towers (frequency repharming), in which case, if you turn off LTE, you will be left without communication at all. Before you lock the phone in 2G/3G mode, make sure that your carrier still maintains these standards in your location.

• 📉 Check if the internet is working in the browser.
• 🔄 Try resetting the settings. APN.
• 📡 Make sure there is coverage in your area. 3G.

If you want fast internet for navigation or maps, but want to save charge, it's better to use Prefer LTE mode, but turn off background data transfer for heavy applications.A complete 4G shutdown will leave you with slow internet, which may not be acceptable for the job.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)