How to Force 3G on Xiaomi Redmi: 5 Ways to Work

Modern smartphones Xiaomi Redmi by default take priority 4G or 5G Internet speeds are maximum, but sometimes users need to switch to the Internet. 3G. The reasons can range from saving battery power to solving problems with coverage or compatibility with legacy devices (e.g, M2M-In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to switch to 3G-Mode – from standard settings to hidden functions of the engineering menu.

It is important to understand that MIUI interface may vary depending on the firmware version and the Redmi model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 vs Redmi 9A). However, the basic principles remain the same. If you are faced with a situation where the smartphone “hangs” on the network search or constantly switches between standards – our instructions will help stabilize the connection.

Before you start settings, make sure that:

• 📶 Yours. SIM-card 3G (Operators "Beeline", "MTS", "Tele2" and "MegaFon" may have restrictions).
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes it solves network definition problems.
• 📱 Check if the Traffic Savings mode is activated in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.

1. Standard method: through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI options. It is suitable for most Redmi models, including the Redmi 10, Redmi Note 11 and later.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (or Mobile Network on older versions).
3. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
4. Click on Network Type (or Preferred Network Type)
5. In the list of options, select 3G Only (or WCDMA/UMTS).

If the list does not include 3G only, then your firmware is hiding this option, in which case try alternative methods from the following sections. Also note that some models (for example, Redmi A1) can only display 2G/3G/4G (auto) - this means that the smartphone chooses the optimal standard.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with MediaTek Helio (e.g. Redmi) 9C) after the choice of "Only 3G" The mobile Internet may be lost, in which case, return the settings to the 4G/3G/2G (Auto) and use the method with the engineering menu (section) 3).

2. Alternative method: USSD-commands of the operator

Some mobile operators allow manually switching network standards through the network. USSD-This method does not always work, but it can be useful if the settings are MIUI Here are the current commands for Russian operators:

Wait until the command is entered. SMS-If you get the answer "Service is unavailable," your tariff doesn't support manual switching.

It's important: USSD-Teams can be reset after a smartphone reboot or change SIM-The operator can also change the syntax of the commands at any time.

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If USSD-Teams are not working, try inserting SIM-A card to another smartphone (like an old Samsung or Nokia), switch the network there, and then return the card back to Xiaomi. 3G.

3. Engineering menu: hidden settings for experienced users

If the standard methods fail, you can use the Engineering Mode, a method that requires caution, as improper actions can disrupt the modem, and it is suitable for smartphones running Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek chips.

For Qualcomm (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi K40):

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination ##4636##.
3. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
4. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
5. Select WCDMA only (this is 3G).
6. Press Back and restart your smartphone.

For MediaTek (e.g. Redmi 9, Redmi 8A):

1. Enter ##36446337## (or #364463## on newer versions).
2. Go to Connectivity → BandMode.
3. Choose yours. SIM-map, SIM1).
4. In Network Mode, set WCDMA only.
5. Save the settings and restart the device.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14+ If nothing happens after you enter the code, the manufacturer has disabled the function. MTK Engineering Mode (available on Google Play).

4. Applications for forced network switching

If the built-in methods didn't work, you can use third-party utilities, and we tested a few apps and selected the most reliable ones.

• 📱 Network Signal Guru – Shows detailed information about the network and allows you to manually select a standard (3G/4G). Supports Xiaomi on Qualcomm and MediaTek chips.
• 🔧 MTK Engineering Mode is the equivalent of an engineering menu for MediaTek, requiring root rights for full functionality.
• 🌐 4G/3G/2G Switcher is a simple one-screen application for switching standards. runs without root, but may not support new Redmi models.

Check reviews before installing - some apps may contain ads or request unnecessary permissions.We recommend Network Signal Guru as the most balanced option.

Instructions for use:

1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
2. Start it and give access to phone functions.
3. In the main menu, select Network Type.
4. Install WCDMA (3G).
5. Confirm the change and restart the smartphone.

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Third-party applications may conflict with MIUI firmware. If the mobile Internet is lost after switching, return the settings to the original state and use another method.

5 Problem Solving: What to Do When 3G Doesn't Work

Sometimes even after the right settings, the smartphone refuses to connect to 3G. Let’s consider typical problems and their solutions:

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be APN-Check them out:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
3. Make sure that the operator profile is active (for example, Internet.beeline.ru for Beeline).
4. If there are several profiles, try each one in turn.

Xiaomi Redmi models with MIUI 13+ firmware and MediaTek Dimensity chip (such as Redmi Note 12 Pro+) may require a rollback to an older version of the software for stable 3G performance.

6. Features for different Xiaomi Redmi models

Depending on the model and year of release, the process of switching to 3G can be nuanced.

• 📅 Redmi 4X/5A (2017 year: Supported 3G No restrictions. Option "Only" 3G" available in standard settings.

For an accurate definition of the model and version of the chipset, go to Settings → About Phone → Full Specification. If your model is not listed, use the generic methods in Sections 1-3.

Tip for Redmi owners with NFC: Forced 4G/5G shutdowns can disrupt contactless payments. Before switching to 3G, check if your banking service (such as Mir or Troyka) is connected to the mobile network.

7 How to bring back 4G/5G after experimenting with 3G

If you’ve switched to 3G for a while and now want to return to high-speed internet, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Select Network Type.
3. Install 4G/3G/2G (auto) or 5G/4G/3G/2G (auto) (if supported).
4. Reboot your smartphone.

If 4G is not restored, then:

• 🔄 Turn on and off Flight Mode.
• 📶 Manually select the operator network in Settings → Mobile network → Network operators.
• 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

⚠️ Note: On dual-SIM smartphones (two) SIM-maps) network settings can be reset when you restart. 4G, After switching, wait for registration in the network and only then restart the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about 3G on Xiaomi Redmi