How to force only 4G on Xiaomi: All the ways

Are you tired of constantly switching between 3G and 4G on your Xiaomi, which leads to communication interruptions or slow Internet?In some regions, operators are still actively using outdated 2G/3G networks, which prevents the stable operation of modern applications. Fortunately, on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark) you can manually prioritize only 4G (LTE) – this will improve Internet speed and reduce delays when calling via VoLTE.

In this article, we’ll look at all the methods available, from standard MIUI settings to hidden engineering menus and commands for ADB. Note that some methods require root rights or special knowledge, but most users will be able to do with basic settings. We’ll also explain why carriers sometimes block forced 4G mode and how to get around it.

Why is Xiaomi Smartphone Switching to 3G/2G?

Before setting up a network, it is important to understand the reasons for automatic switching. In many regions of Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and other CIS countries, operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) still maintain outdated networks:

• 📡 2G (GSM/EDGE) — is used for voice communication and SMS, speed 0.3 Mbit/s.
• 📶 3G (UMTS/HSPA+) — maximum speed 42 Mbps, but really often lower 10 Mbit/s.
• 🚀 4G (LTE) — modern standard with a speed of 50 to 300 Mbps (depending on the operator).

By default, Xiaomi (like other Android smartphones) is set to 4G/3G/2G (auto) mode, which means the phone will automatically switch to an older network if:

• ⚡ Signal. 4G weak (for example, in the basement or outside the city).
• 📞 You make a voice call (unless VoLTE is supported).
• 🔄 The operator forcibly redirects traffic (for example, to save resources).

As a result, you can observe:

• 🐢 A sharp drop in Internet speed when switching to 3G.
• 📵 Connection breaks during calls or video streaming.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption due to constant network search.

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (without root)

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI options, which is suitable for most models, including:

• 📱 Xiaomi 11/12/13 series including 11T Pro, 12 Lite).
• 📱 Redmi Note 10/11/12 redmi 9/10.
• 📱 POCO F3/F4/F5, POCO X3/X4/X5 Pro.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if two of them).
3. Tap by Network Type (or Preferred Network Type).
4. In the list, find and select LTE (4G) or 4G preferred.

If there is no such item, try an alternative path:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find network settings and select LTE only.

An important caveat: some firmware (especially Global ROM) may not have LTE-only options, so move on to the following.

Method 2: Engineering menu (USSD codes)

If standard settings don’t allow you to choose only 4G, you can use a hidden engineering menu, which works on most Xiaomi, but requires caution – incorrect changes can disrupt the network.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
2. Select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
4. In the drop-down menu, select LTE only.
5. Press OK and restart the phone.

On some models (such as the POCO F3 or Redmi Note 10 Pro), the engineering menu may look different. If you don't see the LTE only option, try the alternative code:

##2263##

After entering, the Band Selection menu will open, where you can manually select 4G bands. However, this method requires knowledge of the frequencies supported by your operator (for example, MTS in Russia uses B3 (1800 MHz), B7 (2600 MHz), B20 (800 MHz)).

Method 3: ADB-Teams (without root but with PC)

If previous methods didn’t work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which doesn’t require superuser rights, but you need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (the official tool from Google).
2. Activate the developer mode (7 taps according to the MIUI version in About Phone).
3. Enable USB debugging in Settings → For developers.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
6. Run the command to force 4G: adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.Settings\$NetworkDashboardActivity Then manually select LTE Only in the network settings.
7. If the option is not available, use a direct command (works on the MIUI 12+): adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode 9 where 9 — code for the mode Only LTE.

Critical information: after implementation ADB-When you have to restart your phone, or the changes may not apply, please note that some operators (e.g., operators, Tele2 Russia blocks coercive regime 4G level SIM-cards – in this case, only a replacement of the operator or firmware with a modified modem will help.

Method 4: Edit the build.prop file (requires root)

If you have root rights, you can manually edit the build.prop system file, which is responsible for settings on the network, which is suitable for advanced users and can lead to loss of warranty or unstable phone operation.

Instructions:

1. Install any file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/build.prop.
3. Find a line. ro.telephony.default_network And change it to: ro.telephony.default_network=9
4. If there is no line, add it to the end of the file.
5. Save the changes, set the rights 644 (rw-r-----).
6. Reboot the phone.

You can also add lines to build.prop for forced VoLTE activation (voice calls over 4G):

persist.dbg.ims_volte_enable=1


persist.dbg.volte_avail_ovr=1




persist.radio.volte_on=1

💡

Before editing build.prop, back it up! An error in syntax can make it impossible to boot the system.

Problems and Solutions in Forced 4G

Even after successfully configuring LTE Only, you may encounter difficulties, and consider the typical problems and ways to solve them:

⚠️ Note: If after changing the network settings, the phone stopped catching the signal at all, return the settings to Auto mode or reset the network settings in Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting network settings.

If after all the manipulations, 4G did not work steadily, the reasons may be as follows:

• 📶 Hardware problem: the communication module is damaged (for example, after falling or getting moisture).
• 🛠️ Software failure: Reflashing or resetting to factory settings is required.
• 📵 Operator locking: some operators (e.g. virtual operators) MVNO) do not provide access to 4G.

💡

If your Xiaomi does not support the desired ranges 4G (for example, B20 for MegaFon), compulsory inclusion LTE Check the specifications on the website. 4PDA or GSMArena.

Additional Tips for a Stable 4G

To maximize the speed and stability of 4G on Xiaomi, follow these guidelines:

• 🔄 Update the firmware: in new versions MIUI Often improve network support. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📡 Use an external antenna: for models with support MIMO (For example, Xiaomi 12 Pro can connect an external antenna via an adapter.
• 🔋 Turn off battery savings for SIM-maps: go to Settings → Battery → Saving charge → Settings and add SIM cards to exceptions.
• 📱 Check the settings. APN: sometimes incorrect parameters APN hinder stable work 4G. Reset them to factory in Settings → SIM cards. → Access point (APN).

Owners of POCO or Redmi with custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) may need to adjust the modem further.

1. Install Network Signal Guru from the Play Market.
2. Check out what 4G bands are available in your area.
3. Manually block unnecessary bands (e.g. 2G/3G) through the engineering menu.

FAQ: Frequent questions about 4G on Xiaomi