How to quickly switch 4G to 3G on Xiaomi Redmi: all the ways

Why Xiaomi Redmi users want to return to 3G

Modern Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are the default 4G LTE networks, promising high Internet speeds and stable connection. However, not all users are happy with this mode. The reasons for manual switching to 3G can be very different, from saving battery power to solving problems with coverage.

In some regions of Russia and CIS networks 4G It is still unstable: the signal is lost, then switched to 2G, And that leads to call interruptions and slow Internet. 3G (UMTS) It's more reliable, less prone to interference and better able to penetrate the walls of buildings, and it's also more reliable on Redmi models with Snapdragon processors. 4xx/6xx (Like Redmi. 9A, Redmi Note 8) forced-mode 3G It can extend the autonomous operation time 15-20%, since 4G consume more energy.

Another common cause is VoLTE problems. If your carrier doesn't support 4G voice calls (or they're intermittent), your smartphone will constantly jump between networks, causing disruptions. Manually installing only 3G will get rid of those switches. But how do you do it right?

Official method: through the MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the standard MIUI menu.It is suitable for most Xiaomi Redmi models (Redmi 5 to Redmi Note 12) and works on MIUI 12-14 firmware (including global and Chinese versions).

Step instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
• 📡 Go to SIM cards and mobile networks (or Mobile network on some models).
• 🔄 Choose. SIM-The card you want to change your settings for (if you have dual-SIM).
• 🛠️ Tap on the item Network type (or preferred network type).
• 📶 In the list that opens, select 3G (or 3G, WCDMA).
• ✅ Confirm the changes and restart the smartphone (recommended for settings).

If there is no 3G item on the list, only 4G/3G/2G (auto) and 2G, then your firmware is hiding this mode, in which case one of the alternative methods described below will help.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models with MediaTek Helio (e.g. Redmi) 10A) afterswitching 3G It's not a mistake, it's just a shell. MIUI optimized 4G. To return the indicator, restart the phone or turn on/off flight mode.

Hidden settings: an engineering menu for experienced users

If the standard method does not work, you can use the Engineering Mode, which is suitable for all Xiaomi Redmi, but requires caution - incorrect changes can disrupt the communication module.

How to open the engineering menu:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
2. In the window that appears, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
4. In the drop-down list, select WCDMA only (this is 3G).
5. Press OK and restart the device.

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 11), the engineering menu may be blocked.

• 🔓 Install the app MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek chips) or Shortcut Master (universal version).
• 🔍 Through an in-app search, find EngineerMode and run it.
• 📡 Move to the MTK Settings → BandMode and select WCDMA.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Redmi with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (such as Redmi Note 10 Pro), changing the settings in the engineering menu can reset IMEI. Before experimenting, write it down: type *#06# and save both numbers (if you have Dual-SIM).

Table: Compatibility of methods with popular Redmi models

If your model is not listed in the table, focus on the processor: an engineering menu is usually available for MediaTek, an ADB or third-party utility may be required for Snapdragon.

Problems after switching to 3G and their solutions

Even after a successful switch, Xiaomi Redmi users may experience problems.

1. No network or "Emergency Calls Only"

If after the change of mode the smartphone lost communication:

• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes the communication module “hangs” when changing the standard.
• 📡 Manually select the operator: Settings → SIM-map → Choice of network → Manual search.
• 🔧 Check if yours is supported. SIM-map 3G. Some operators (for example, Tele2) on tariffs "for smartphones" may be limited.
• 🛠️ If nothing helps, reset your network settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting mobile network settings.

2. Slow internet or connection breaks

The speed in 3G depends on the load of the base station.

• 📶 Check the signal level in Settings → SIM-map → Network signal, if it's weak (1-2 division), 3G It's gonna get worse. 4G.
• 🔗 Try disabling Call Quality Improvement (VoLTE) in the settings SIM-The cards, sometimes it conflicts with the 3G.
• 🌐 Use it. VPN (For example, Cloudflare WARP) — Some operators troll traffic in networks 3G.

3. Battery discharges quickly

Paradoxically, on some Redmi models (like the Redmi 9T), forced 3G can increase battery consumption, because the smartphone is constantly searching for the network.

• 🔋 Enable the Power Saving Mode: Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime.
• 📴 Turn off automatic network search in roaming (unless you are travelling).
• 🔄 Get back to the regime. 4G/3G/2G (Check if the battery is better.

💡

If, after switching over, 3G stopped coming SMS (Especially from banks, check the settings. APN. Sometimes operators tie in SMS-centre-point 4G. Update the configuration APN manually or request settings from the operator.

Alternative methods: applications and ADB

If the standard methods don't work, you can use third-party tools that are suitable for advanced users and require caution.

1.Appendix Network Signal Guru

A utility for deep customization of the mobile network. Supports most Xiaomi Redmi on Qualcomm Snapdragon:

1. Download the app from the Play Market.
2. Provide root rights (if any) or ADB permissions.
3. Go to the Network Type tab and select WCDMA only.
4. Apply the settings and restart the phone.

2. ADB-teams (without root)

For users who do not want root access, but are ready to connect the smartphone to the PC:

1. Install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (shoot 7 times), then Additional → For Developers → Debugging over USB.
3. Connect Redmi to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode 1 (where 1 — regime 3G)
4. Reset the device.

To get back 4G, use the command:

adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode 9

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 newer ADB-Teams can be blocked by Xiaomi's security policies.If the team doesn't work, try adding a flag --user 0: adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode 1 --user 0

When should I go back to 4G?

Despite the advantages of 3G in some scenarios, there are situations where it is better to return 4G LTE:

• 🎮 You play online games (PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty – Delays in the 3G Make the gameplay uncomfortable.
• 📹 Stream the video in high resolution (1080p higher) — 3G will not provide sufficient speed.
• 📞 Your operator supports VoLTE and ViLTE (video calls on the Internet) 4G), 3G These functions are not available.
• 🔋 You notice that the battery is discharged faster than in the 4G (It's on a weak signal. 3G).

To return 4G, repeat the steps from any method, but select:

• In standard settings: 4G/3G/2G (auto) or LTE.
• In the engineering menu: LTE/WCDMA/GSM auto.
• Through ADB: preferred_network_mode 9.

💡

If the Internet doesn't work after you return to 4G, check the APN settings. Sometimes, when you manually switch the network, they are reset, request current settings from your carrier or restore them from a backup.

FAQ: Frequent questions about switching 3G/4G Xiaomi Redmi