How to switch to 3G on Xiaomi smartphones: all the ways (including hidden)

You are in an unstable zone. 4G-Or is the battery running out too fast because of the constant search for a new generation of network? 3G — A more stable, albeit less fast, standard of communication on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi models, POCO and Mi) this procedure takes less than a minute, but is hidden in the depths of the menu. In some cases, for example, when the SIM card malfunctions, you may even need an engineering menu.

In this article you will find all the current ways to force the switch to 3G, And we'll look at why a smartphone can get stubborn and not save, how to get around the operator's limitations, and what to do if the Internet goes missing after a network change. 3G/4G on the example of popular models Xiaomi.

1. Standard method: through the basic network settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in network type selection menu, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12-14 shell, including the budget Redmi Note 12 and flagship Xiaomi 13. Importantly, before changing your settings, make sure that your SIM card supports 3G (some virtual operators, such as Tinkoff Mobile, may have a limited set of frequencies).

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings app (cog icon on the home screen).
• 📶 Go to SIM cards and mobile networks (or Mobile network on older versions) MIUI).
• 🔄 Choose an active SIM card (if there are two of them).
• 🌐 Tap on the network type (may be called Preferred Network type or Network mode).
• 📊 In the list of options, select 3G (or WCDMA/UMTS — they're synonymous).

Once selected, the smartphone will automatically reconnect to the network. If the 3G option is not listed, this may mean:

• ❌ Your SIM card doesn't support 3G (check with the operator).
• ❌ In the region, offline. 3G-frequency (relevant for some regions of Russia from 2023).
• ❌ On the smartphone installed custom firmware without support 3G-modem.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X5 Pro) after switching to 3G It's not a mistake, it's just that the indicator is updated with a delay of up to 30 seconds.

Make sure that the SIM card supports 3G|Check the cover. 3G in your region|Battery charge not lower than 20%|Turn it off. VPN (can block network change)|Reboot your smartphone after the changes-->

2. Alternative method: engineering menu (for experienced users)

If the standard method didn’t work, or the smartphone “forgets” the settings after the reboot, you will have to use an engineering menu, which is suitable for all Xiaomi models, but requires caution – improper changes can disrupt mobile communication.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##4636## (some firmware may require ##36446337##).
2. In the menu that opens, 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 your smartphone.

If the network doesn’t appear after this, try the WCDMA preferred option (a 3G priority with a drop in 2G in the absence of a signal). On some MIUI firmware, the engineering menu can be blocked, in which case installing the MTK Engineering Mode application (for MediaTek chips) or Qualcomm Service Menu (for Snapdragon) will help.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the engineering menu may not save the settings after the reboot.In this case, use the Network Signal Guru app from Google Play.

3. Applications for forced network switching

If built-in methods don’t work, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, especially for MediaTek smartphones (like the Redmi Note 11 or POCO M4 Pro), where standard settings are often “glutched.”

For use with Network Signal Guru:

1. Install the app and give access to phone functions.
2. Go to the Network tab.
3. Select Preferred Network Type → WCDMA only.
4. Press Apply and confirm the modem reboot.

If the app gives you a Not supported error, your chipset is not compatible, and only the modified modem firmware (e.g., Pixel Experience for POCO X3 Pro) will help.

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Before using third-party networking apps, disable battery optimization for them in Settings → Apps → Permissions → Battery Optimization. Otherwise, they may not save the changes.

4.Why isn't the smartphone saving 3G settings?

A common problem: you chose 3G in the settings, but after rebooting or losing the signal, the smartphone connects to 4G again.

• 🔄 Automatic operator switching: Some SIM cards (like Tele2 or Yota) force the device to be transferred to the mobile device. 4G, If it's available, the solution is to call support and disable the "Choice Network" option".
• 📱 Modem malfunction. Relevant for smartphones with MediaTek Helio G88/G96 (For example, Redmi Note 11S). Helps reset network settings in Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting mobile network settings.
• 🔋 Energy saving: Ultra-saving (or high productivity) mode) MIUI It can ignore manual network settings. Turn off power saving in Settings → Battery.

If the problem persists, check the build.prop file for a string. ro.telephony.default_network=9 (where 9 — priority 4G). You can change it only with root rights or through ADB:

adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode 3

Where 3 is the code for WCDMA only mode.

5. Comparison of 3G vs 4G: What are we winning and what are we losing?

Switching to 3G is always a compromise, and on the one hand, you get a more stable connection in a weak signal, on the other hand, you sacrifice speed and some features. Below is a comparison table for Xiaomi smartphones, as exemplified by the Redmi Note 12 Pro+:

Key findings:

• 🎮 For online gaming (for example, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty) 3G It's not good for ping, but for messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), it's almost the same.
• 📹 Streaming video in 1080p on 3G Impossible – maximum quality will be 480p (Like YouTube Go).
• 🔋 In mode. 3G The smartphone heats up less, which prolongs the battery life (relevant to the POCO F3 overheating).

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Switching to 3G is advisable only in three cases: 1) a weak 4G signal, 2) the need to save battery, 3) roaming with high tariffs on 4G. In all other scenarios, it is better to use automatic mode.

6 Solving problems after switching to 3G

Even if you've successfully activated 3G, there may be some unexpected challenges, and here are some of the most common ways to fix them:

🔴 Problem: There is no internet, but the network shows 3G

Causes and solutions:

• 📵 Infidels APN-settings. Go to settings. → SIM cards. → Access points (APN) And compare the parameters to the operator's references. APN It should be internet.mts.ru.
• 🔒 Traffic blocking. MIUI 14 has the function Background Limitation for mobile data. Check in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Data data.
• 📡 Weak signal. 3G-In the mode, the smartphone can "cling" to a far tower with a low signal level. Try manually selecting the operator in Settings. → Mobile network → Network operators.

🔴 Problem: Calls are not working (no network for voice communication)

This is a typical situation for 4G-Smartphones (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T), where voice calls are transmitted over VoLTE. 3G This technology is disabled and if the operator does not support CSFB (voice-over 2G/3G), Calls will be unavailable:

• Enable 2G/3G calls in the settings (if there is such a point).
• Install the Jio4GVoice app (works with most carriers).
• Return to 4G/3G/2G (auto) mode and turn off VoLTE in the engineering menu.

🔴 Problem: The battery is rapidly draining

Paradoxically, you switched to 3G to save power, but the charge started to go away even faster, the culprit is a constant search for the network. In the weak zone of the 3G modem, it uses more power than 4G.

• Turn on Flight Mode for 10-15 seconds, then turn off - this will reset the connection.
• Install the AccuBattery app to monitor the flow.
• If the problem persists, go back to 4G and use the Adaptive Battery in the MIUI settings.

7. Features for different Xiaomi models

Not all Xiaomi smartphones work equally well on a 3G network. Here are the key nuances for popular lines:

For owners of POCO F3/F4 with Snapdragon 870 chipset, it is important to know: these models support 3G+ (HSPA+), which theoretically can give speeds up to 84 Mbps.

1. In the engineering menu, select WCDMA/HSPA.
2. Install the Network Cell Info Lite app and check the connection type.
3. If the speed is not increasing, contact the operator - it is possible that HSPA+ is turned off on their side.

FAQ: Frequent questions about 3G on Xiaomi