How to switch the network from 4G on 3G on Xiaomi: All the ways to MIUI 12, 13 and 14

Xiaomi smartphone users often face the need to forcefully switch from the smartphone to the smartphone. 4G (LTE) on 3G (UMTS). The reasons can range from poor coverage of the new standard in remote regions to battery savings or bypassing operator restrictions. MIUI It doesn’t always provide an obvious way to do this – especially in the latest firmware versions, where network settings are simplified to a minimum.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of switching between mobile communication generations on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO, including hidden engineering menus and alternative solutions for cases where standard options are not available. MIUI (12 to 14) and smartphone models where the algorithm may differ.

It is important to understand that the network is restricted to 3G It has both pros and cons, and on the one hand, you get a more stable connection in areas with a weaker connection. 4G-On the other hand, the Internet speed will decrease by 3-5 times, and some services (for example, high-resolution video calls) may work intermittently.

If your Xiaomi is not catching the network after changes or is not stable, at the end of this article you will find a section with solutions to problems, and for those who want to get it back, we have detailed the process of returning to automatic network selection.

Why you might need to switch from 4G to 3G

At first glance, the rejection of a faster standard 4G However, there are several good reasons why Xiaomi users consciously choose to use the technology. 3G:

🔹 Weak coverage 4G In rural areas or small towns, towers LTE They may be unstable, but 3G (UMTS) It covers the area more evenly. The smartphone will constantly cling to the weak. 4G-signal, waste energy on reconnections and eventually provide worse communication than forced 3G.

🔹 Battery savings. Module. 4G It consumes 15-25% more energy than 3G, Especially if the network is unstable. On weak smartphones (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C31) This can significantly reduce the time of autonomous work.

🔹 Operator restrictions: Some tariffs (especially corporate or outdated) may block access to the Internet. 4G, permit 3G. In this case, the forced choice of the network will help to avoid connection problems.

🔹 VoLTE problems: If your Xiaomi doesn't support voice calls 4G (Or they are working with interference, switching to 3G It will restore the stability of voice communication, albeit at the cost of reducing the speed of the Internet.

🔹 Testing and debugging: Developers or engineers sometimes need to check the application performance on the network. 3G, to assess their performance in a limited capacity environment.

Before you change your settings, check if the communication standard is really the problem, and you can use applications like NetMonster or Network Cell Info Lite that show the signal strength and type of connection in real time.

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings menu (for most models)

If your Xiaomi smartphone is working on MIUI 12-14, the easiest way to change the network is through basic settings. However, in recent firmware versions, the path to these options may be different or hidden:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).

2. Go to the SIM cards and mobile networks section (or Mobile network on some models).

3. Choose. SIM-The card you want to change your settings for (if you have dual-SIM).

4.Tap on the "Network Type" (or "Preferred Network Type").

Here you'll see the options available. Depending on the model and version. MIUI They might look like this:

• 📶 4G (Preferably, automatic choice with priority 4G.
• 📶 3G — compulsory regime only 3G (UMTS).
• 📶 2G — compulsory regime only 2G (GSM).
• 📶 Automobile (2G/3G/4G) — Automatic selection (recommended by default).

Choose «3G» And confirm the change. The smartphone will reconnect to the network, which can take up to 30 seconds.

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Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) The "Network Type" option may not be in the main menu, in which case proceed to Method 3 (Engineering Menu).

If the Internet is gone after a change, check if mobile data is included for this purpose. SIM-Sometimes resetting network settings (in the same section) helps to return the connection.

Method 2: Codes USSD quick-shift

If the standard menu does not offer the necessary options, you can try special ones. USSD-They work on most Xiaomi smartphones, but the efficiency depends on the operator and the device model.

Open the Phone app and enter one of the following codes (without quotes):

• 📞 ##4636## - opens the testing menu where you can select the network type (does not work on all versions) MIUI).
• 📞 ##2263## – displays information about the current connection (useful for diagnostics).
• 📞 ##36446337## - An alternative code for accessing network settings (rarely found on newer models).

After entering the code ##4636##, you will be taken to the Phone Information menu.

1. Scroll down to the "Set preferred network type" block.

2. Select «WCDMA only" (that's what it is. 3G).

3.Push it «OK» and reboot the smartphone.

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Attention: Not all USSD-codes are working MIUI 13/14 If nothing happens after you enter the code, your firmware is blocking the method.

If the code worked, but after the reboot the settings reset, it means that the operator is forced to control the type of network, in which case only the engineering menu or the call for support of the provider will help.

Method 3: Engineering menu (for power users)

When standard methods fail, the Engineer Mode is left to provide low-level access to the modem settings, but caution is needed as incorrect changes can disrupt the network.

To open the engineering menu on Xiaomi:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code:

##36446337##

or alternatively:

##4636##

2. In the menu that appears, select "Engineer Mode" (or "Engineering Mode").

3. Go to section «MTK Settings" (for MediaTek chips) or "Qualcomm Settings" (for Snapdragon chips).

4. Find the Network Mode or Preferred Network tab.

Here you will see an extended list of options, for example:

Choose. WCDMA Only, save the settings and restart the device. If the network didn't show up after the reboot, check it out:

• 🔄 Correctness of the chosen SIM-cards (if two of them).
• 📡 Presence of coverage 3G In your area (check it out via NetMonster).
• 🔧 Correctness of settings APN (they can drop off).

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Note: On some models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi) K50) The engineering menu can be blocked, and in this case, only a special application or firmware with unlocked rights will help.

Method 4: Applications for Network Management

If the system methods don't work, third-party tools will come to the rescue, especially for devices with locked engineering menus or custom firmware.

📌 Network Signal Guru (for Qualcomm chips)

The app allows you to manually select network type, frequency and even a specific operator tower. Supports most Xiaomi smartphones on Snapdragon (for example, for example, the mobile phone, POCO F3, Xiaomi 11T). After installation:

1. Run the utility and grant the rights of the superuser (if there is root).

2. Go to the "Network Mode" tab.

3. Choose «WCDMA Only" and apply the settings.

📌 MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek chips)

It's a standard engineering menu, but it's a friendlier interface, and it works on the Redmi 10, Note 9 Pro, and other Helio or Dimensity processors.

1. Install the app from Google Play.

2. Open the "Telephony" section» → «Network Mode».

3. Install «WCDMA Only" and save.

📌 4G Switcher (Universal Solution)

A simple utility for quickly switching between 2G, 3G and 4G. It does not require root rights, but may not work on the latest versions. MIUI 14 due to security restrictions.

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Note: Root-enabled applications can disrupt the system if used incorrectly. Before installing them, back up your data via Settings → The phone. → Backup.

If none of the apps worked, it could mean your carrier is blocking manual network management at the level. SIM-In this case, you just have to ask the provider to unblock the option.

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Before using third-party utilities, check reviews about them on forums 4PDA or XDA Developers: Some applications may contain advertisements or request unnecessary permissions.

Problems after switching to 3G and their solutions

Even if you successfully change the type of network, you may have problems.

🔴 No network after switching

If the smartphone has stopped catching the network at all:

• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes the modem “hangs” when changing mode.
• 📡 Check if mobile data is included in the settings.
• 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → SIM cards → Reset network settings.
• 📱 Make sure that SIM-The card is inserted correctly (on some Xiaomi models, the second slot supports only the card). 2G).

🔴 The internet is working, but no calls

If, after the transition, 3G Missing outgoing/incoming calls:

• 📞 Check if the voice calls option is enabled in the settings SIM-map.
• 🔄 Return to Automotive Mode and try again – Possibly the problem is operator settings.
• 📡 Make sure that the “Network Type” option is not selected in the “Data Only” menu. LTE» (She's shutting down voice).

🔴 The network is constantly switching between 3G and 2G

If the smartphone does not hold 3G, fall 2G:

• 📶 In the engineering menu, select «WCDMA Preferred instead of «WCDMA Only" - this will allow you to use 2G only in the absence of 3G.
• 🔧 Check the settings. APN — Sometimes incorrect parameters lead to unstable work.
• 📡 Install Network Signal Guru and manually block unnecessary frequencies.

🔴 Quickly sits down the battery in mode 3G

If the charge charge has increased after switching:

• 🔋 Turn off "Network Search" in the settings SIM-maps (this will reduce the load on the modem).
• 📴 Turn on Flight Mode for 30 seconds, then turn off - this will reset the connection.
• 🔄 Return to Automotive Mode and check if the discharge is related to another process (e.g., application background activity).

If none of the solutions worked, check if your carrier is blocking manual network management – some providers (such as Tele2 or Yota) force you to prioritize your network. 4G level SIM-In this case, all you have to do is contact support and request that they unlock.

How to return automatic network selection

If the experiment is 3G You didn’t meet your expectations or you needed it again. 4G, You can just get it back simple. Follow the instructions for your switching method:

🔄 If you used standard settings MIUI:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM cards and mobile networks → Type of network.

2. Select "Automobile (2G/3G/4G)».

3. Reboot the smartphone.

🔄 If you've used USSD-code:

1. Enter the code ##4636##.

2. From the Phone Information menu, select Set preferred network type.

3. Install «LTE/WCDMA/GSM auto (or similar paragraph with the word “auto»).

4. Save and restart the device.

🔄 If you use the engineering menu:

1. Open ##36446337##.

2. Go to Network Mode and select Auto or «LTE/WCDMA/GSM».

3. Confirm the changes and restart the smartphone.

🔄 If you use third-party applications:

1. Open a utility (e.g. Network Signal Guru).

2. Under Network Mode, select Auto.

3. Apply the settings and restart the device.

After returning to automatic mode, the smartphone can search for the network for some time (up to 5 minutes). APN or reset network settings through Settings → SIM cards. → Resetting network settings.

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If after returning to automatic mode, the network is unstable, try manually selecting the operator in the settings. SIM-Sometimes the smartphone "forgets" priority networks after experimenting with manual settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about switching 4G↔3G Xiaomi