Modern Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with advanced communication modules that support fourth-generation standards. However, in some situations, users are forced to switch to older protocols, such as 3G or even 2G. This may be due to unstable coverage in certain regions where the LTE signal is constantly interrupted, causing the device to spend battery power on a constant search network.
Another common reason is to reduce power consumption, as LTE is one of the most energy-intensive components in a communications system, and to turn off high-speed mode allows you to significantly extend battery life if the user does not need high data speed to stream or download large files.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available ways to limit the network, including standard system settings and hidden engineering menus, learn how to properly set network priorities to avoid signal loss in low-reception areas, and understand the risks that can arise when changing the system parameters of the radio module.
Why you might need to turn off 4G on your smartphone
The main reason that owners of Redmi and Poco devices are looking for ways to turn off LTE lies in the features of the coverage of cellular operators. In remote areas from major cities, as well as in buildings with thick walls or basements, the signal of the fourth generation is often unstable.
There are also use cases where high internet speeds are not necessary, such as when the phone is used as a device for calling, listening to radio, or navigating through preloaded maps, GSM or WCDMA mode will be more than sufficient, and a forced speed limit will allow the modem processor to be offloaded and the background activity of network services to be reduced.
⚠️ Note: Forced switching to mode only 2G/3G It may result in the inability to make calls via VoLTE or use high-quality video services that depend on the broadband channel.
It is also important to note that some of the older SIM-Maps or data plans may not work properly on next-generation networks in certain locations, and manually selecting the type of network is the only way to ensure stable voice communication. Understanding how your radio module works will help you manage your device’s resources effectively.
Standard way to switch through MIUI settings
The simplest and most secure method of network type change is built into the standard MIUI or HyperOS shell interface. It does not require superuser rights or third-party software installation. However, it is worth considering that in recent firmware versions, manufacturers often hide the option of choosing only 3G or 2G, leaving the user only the option of turning on or off 5G.
To access the basic settings, you need to go to the device's settings menu, and the path is usually this: open Settings, then select the partition. SIM-Maps and mobile networks. All active SIM cards are displayed here, and you can set individual connection settings for each of them.
In the menu that opens, you'll find the network type item, and in the ideal scenario, you'll find a list of options that say, "LTE preferred," "3G only," "2G only." If you only see the "Use 5G" switch, your carrier or firmware is limiting your choice, and then you might not be able to switch to a lower standard with standardized means.
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If the settings menu does not have a choice of a specific type of network, try to extract SIM-card, reboot phone, insert card back and check the available options again.
Therefore, after each major software update, it is recommended to recheck these parameters, especially if you live in the area of uncertain reception.
Using an engineering menu to select a network
If standard settings don't provide the necessary functionality, the Android engineering menu comes to the rescue. This is a hidden part of the system, designed for testing equipment by engineers, but accessible to ordinary users through a special set of commands. On Xiaomi devices with MediaTek and Qualcomm processors, the commands may differ.
The most common code to enter the test menu is ##4636##. Once you type this combination, the hidden testing menu will automatically open in the Phone app. If the code doesn't work, your operator may have blocked it, or the firmware has restrictions, in which case third-party apps from the Google Play store may be required.
From the menu that opens, select Phone Information. Scroll down and you will find the Set Preferred Network Type drop-down menu, which offers a wide range of options, including WCDMA only (3G only) or GSM only (2G only), and selecting a specific item instantly applies settings to the modem.
☑️ Check before changing network settings
⚠️ Warning: Do not change the settings in other sections of the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose. Incorrect settings can lead to improper operation of the radio module or complete disappearance of the signal.
It's worth noting that once the device is rebooted, the settings made through the engineering menu can be reset, which is the normal behavior of the system that protects the user from accidental loss of communication. Sometimes it requires the use of special locking applications or root rights to fix the result, but this is more complex manipulation.
Battery problems and the impact of LTE mode
The fourth generation network mode requires significantly more power from the smartphone compared to 2G and 3G. This is due to more complex signal encoding algorithms, higher frequency of data packets exchange with the base station and the need to constantly maintain the connection even in standby mode.
When the phone is at the edge of LTE coverage, it starts to constantly "scream" into the network, increasing the transmitter power to maintain the connection, which causes the antenna module and the main board to heat up. If you notice that the phone discharges quickly in certain places (for example, in the country house or in the office), most likely, the problem lies in the constant search for LTE network.
Disabling high-speed modems allows the modem to be put into more economical mode, and the battery is spent mainly on maintaining the voice channel and rare data sessions, especially for older batteries that have already lost some of their capacity and can not keep the charge under high load for long.
In addition, reducing the load on the radio part has a positive effect on the overall temperature of the device. Less heating means less wear and tear of the internal components and more comfortable use of the smartphone in the hands. For users who leave the phone on for several days in standby mode, turning off LTE is a mandatory optimization measure.
Comparison of communication standards and their characteristics
Understanding the differences between communication standards helps to make an informed decision about which mode to use in a particular situation, each standard has its advantages and disadvantages, which manifest themselves depending on the location and tasks of the user.
Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of popular mobile communication standards available in Xiaomi smartphones:
| Characteristics | GSM (2G) | WCDMA (3G) | LTE (4G) | NR (5G) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum speed | up to 0.2 Mbps | up to 42 Mbps | up to 1 Gbps | up to 20 Gbps |
| Energy consumption | Low. | Average. | High. | Very high. |
| penetrating ability | Tall. | Medium | Low. | Very low. |
| Principal appointment | Calls, SMS | Calls, web surfing | Streaming, games. | VR, 8K video |
As you can see from the table, GSM provides the best coverage in hard-to-reach places and minimal charge consumption, but Internet speed here is almost unsuitable for the modern web. 3G is the middle ground, providing acceptable speed for messengers and navigation at moderate power consumption. Choosing a 3G only mode is often the optimal solution for balancing functionality and autonomy.
Fifth generation (5G) networks are redundant for most use cases and require compatible tariff and coverage, which is not everywhere, so in most cases users choose between LTE and 3G depending on the current location.
Frequent questions and troubleshooting
Even following the instructions, users may encounter unusual situations, such as when selecting the "Only" mode. 3G" The Internet may stop working if the operator does not provide data services in this standard or if the access point settings (APN) The parameters are specified only for LTE. In such cases, the settings should be checked. APN.
Another common problem is that incoming calls cannot be made after LTE is turned off, which happens if an operator uses VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology to transmit voice, and the 3G network is overloaded or does not support voice calls in your region, in which case you will have to return LTE priority or check with the operator for 3G voice call support.
⚠️ Warning: If the signal is completely lost after changing the network settings, try turning on the flight mode for 10 seconds, and then turn it off.
Also, consider that some Redmi budget models may have software restrictions on network types depending on the region for which the firmware is intended (Global, China, EU).
What to do if the engineering code doesn’t work?
If nothing helps and the phone continues to behave unstable, it makes sense to reset the network settings, which will return all modem parameters to factory values, which often resolves software conflicts that arose after updates or incorrect experiments with settings.
Return to the factory network settings
If you are confused about settings or after experimenting with the engineering menu, the smartphone stopped working correctly with the network, the best solution is to reset the network settings. This procedure does not affect your personal data, photos or contacts, but deletes stored Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth settings and mobile network settings.
To reset on Xiaomi, you need to go to Settings, then to Connect and Sharing (or Advanced Settings in older versions of MIUI). At the bottom of the screen is the Wi-Fi Reset button, mobile networks and Bluetooth. By clicking on it and confirming the action, you return the communication module to its original state.
After the reboot, the phone will automatically select the most appropriate network type available in your area based on your profile. SIM-This often solves problems with sticking the phone in Edge mode or 3G where he catches confidently 4G, vice versa.
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Network reset is a safe and effective procedure that eliminates most communication module software errors without losing user’s personal data.
Regular monitoring of communication quality and knowledge of how to manage network modes allows owners of Xiaomi smartphones to maximize the use of their device, prolonging its autonomy and ensuring stable communication in all conditions.