Modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO have powerful communication modules that can work in the range from outdated 2G to high-speed 5G. However, it often happens that the device defaults to choose not the fastest or stable mode, preferring, for example, 3G where 4G is confidently caught. This can occur due to operator settings, firmware features or even a banal modem failure. The user needs to know how to force the phone to switch to the desired communication standard to ensure maximum data transfer speed or, conversely, save battery power in the area of poor coverage.
Changing the type of network is not just a slider switch on the menu, it is a complex setup that affects the operation of base stations and energy saving algorithms of the MIUI or HyperOS system. In some cases, standard methods can be hidden by developers for certain regions, which requires the use of more advanced tools or engineering menus. Understanding how network priority works will help you avoid situations where the phone “hangs” in search of a signal or constantly jumps between standards, discharged before your eyes.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can change your network, from simple interface actions to codes. You’ll learn why your phone might not see 4G, how to set up the hotspot correctly, and what to do if the desired communication standard is simply not on the list of available ones.
Standard Switching Methods through Android Settings
The most obvious and safe way to change the preferred network type is to use the built-in menu of the operating system. In the shells of MIUI and HyperOS, this process is as simple as possible, although the location of the items may vary slightly depending on the version of Android. Usually the path lies through the section "Mobile network", where the system suggests choosing the optimal balance between speed and power consumption. If you are in a city with good coverage, it is most logical to choose a mode that supports LTE or 5G.
To perform this operation, you need to open the Settings app and find the section associated with SIM-So, if you choose one SIM card as the primary one for the Internet, you have to change the priority of the network for it, leaving the second one, for example, in mode. 3G to save charge if it is used only for calls.
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If you move between areas with different coatings often, leave Auto mode. Forced switching to 4G in the area where it is not available will lead to a quick battery drain due to the modem's constant attempts to find a base station.
The algorithm for standard switching is as follows:
- 📱 Open Settings and go to the section SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- 📡 Choose the right one. SIM-map from the list (Sim 1 or Sim 2).
- 🔘 Click on Network Type or Preferred Network Type.
- 🚀 In the menu that opens, select the desired option, for example, Prefer LTE or 5G/LTE/3G/2G (motor-car).
It is worth noting that in some versions of the firmware for the global market (Global ROM), the choice of network type can be hidden or simplified to one “Use 5G” switch. This is done in order not to confuse the average user, but for advanced Xiaomi owners this can become a limitation. If the standard path does not give the desired result or the desired item simply does not exist, you will have to resort to alternative methods.
Using engineering menus and codes to access hidden settings
When standard settings don’t allow you to choose a specific network mode, the engineering menu comes to the rescue, a hidden part of the system designed for testing equipment. On Xiaomi smartphones, access to it is often limited, especially in global versions of firmware, but it is worth trying to log in first, this menu allows you to control the parameters of the radio module directly, without the interface limitations.
A special menu is used to enter the engineering menu. USSD-The code you want to type in the Phone app as a normal number, however, if the code doesn't work or the app closes immediately after you type it, it means that your version is not available. MIUI This may require third-party applications from the Play Market, such as MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek processors) or similar utilities for Snapdragon.
What if the code doesn't work?
Popular codes for accessing test menus:
- 🔢 ##4636## – Standard Android Test Menu (works on most devices).
- 🔧 ##3646633## - Engineering menu for MediaTek processors (often found in budget Redmis).
- 📶 ##726633## - alternative code for some models with MediaTek chips.
After successfully logging into the menu (usually Phone Information), find the drop-down list of Set Preferred Network Type. Here you will see many technical abbreviations. 4G choose LTE Only, but remember: in mode LTE Only on many smartphones, incoming and outgoing calls may stop working if VoLTE technology is not configured. LTE/WCDMA/GSM (auto connect).
☑️ Check before changing network settings
Priority setting SIM-maps and mobile Internet
Owners of two-symbol Xiaomi smartphones often face a situation where the Internet is slow because the phone uses the wrong one. SIM-It allows you to flexibly configure which card will be responsible for mobile traffic and which will be responsible for voice only, which is a critical parameter, since the speed of the Internet depends on which slot and network the connection is through.
Settings menu. SIM-The card has a separate option, "Default for mobile Internet," and when you select the card, you force all traffic through it, and the rest of the SIM card can run in the background, waiting for calls or even a phone call. SMS. It is important to understand that on some models with one radio module, when using the Internet on one SIM card, the second can temporarily go into “Unavailable” mode or 2G.
Comparison of operating modes for two SIM cards:
| Parameter | SIM card 1 (Internet) | SIM card 2 (Calls) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of network | 4G / LTE / 5G | 2G/3G (for savings) |
| Battery consumption | High-pitched | Low. |
| Speed. | Maximum | Minimum |
| VoLTE | Recommended | Not necessarily. |
Also worth noting is the Smart Switching feature, which allows the phone to automatically switch the mobile Internet to a second one. SIM-If the main card is missing, it's convenient when traveling, but it can lead to unexpected traffic consumption from the main card if the settings are not controlled.
5G Display Problems and How to Solve Them
Despite the presence of 5G in the characteristics of the smartphone, the icon in the status bar may not appear. This is a common problem that often involves not a phone breakdown, but software restrictions or settings of the region. Xiaomi in some firmware hides the possibility of working on 5G networks for markets where this standard is not yet deployed in mass or not certified.
The first thing to check is the region of the device. If you have a global version of the smartphone, but the region is set to Russia or another CIS country, the phone can block 5G. Try changing the region to India, Nepal or the United States from the Settings menu → Additional settings → Region. After changing the region, restart the device and check if the 5G switch appears in the mobile network settings.
⚠️ Note: Change of region may affect the operation of some system applications and services (for example, theme or browser can change content). After checking the network settings, the region can be returned back, but the switch 5G Sometimes they are active.
The second important thing is that you have the carrier's support of the bandwidth, even if the phone supports the bandwidth. 5G, a in the settings mode is enabled, the icon will not appear if your location does not have towers with support for the desired range (n1, n3, n7, n20, n28 In addition, SIM-The card should be replaced with a new one if it is very old, although in most cases the old SIM cards work successfully in the network. 5G Provided that the operator supports.
If changing the region didn't help, you can use ##8888### (not all models) to covertly switch modem versions, but it's a risky operation. The safer way is to wait for a firmware update from the manufacturer to unlock frequencies for your region. Often these updates come along with new versions of Android.
Diagnostics and resets of network settings when failures
There are situations where the phone sticks in a certain network mode, for example, shows 4G, but the Internet does not work, or does not see the network at all. In such cases, resetting the network settings helps, this action will not delete your personal data (photos, contacts), but return to factory settings all the connection settings: Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairs and mobile network settings.
To perform the reset, go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Confirm and wait for the reboot. Once you turn on the phone, re-enter your Wi-Fi password and check mobile Internet, a method that is especially effective after upgrading your firmware or moving to another city.
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Network resets are a “reset” of modem logic, so if a software failure interfered with the correct switching between towers, the reset will eliminate the configuration error.
It is also worth checking the settings of the access point (APN). Sometimes operators change access settings and the old settings stop working. SIM-map → Access points (APN) and click Reset (usually at the bottom of the screen or in a three-dot menu). The phone will automatically download the current settings from your operator.
If this doesn’t work, the problem may be physical. SIM-Take it out, wipe the contacts with soft cloth and put it back in, make sure the card is intact and sits tightly in the tray. SIM-cards if the contacts in the smartphone itself have oxidized or deformed.
Impact of network mode on autonomy and stability
The choice of network mode is always a compromise between speed and battery life. 5G mode and constant search for LTE signal in the area of uncertain reception significantly increase power consumption. Smartphone modem is one of the most energy-intensive components, and its operation in constant scanning mode can land the battery in a few hours.
If you are in a place where the 4G/5G signal is unstable (for example, in a rural area or in a basement), it makes sense to force the phone to 3G or even 2G mode. This will provide stable voice and the ability to receive SMS, and battery consumption will decrease significantly. For navigation or messengers on the road, this mode is often more effective than constant connection breaks in 4G.
⚠️ Please note: Do not leave your phone in “only” mode. 2G» For a long time, if you're waiting for important notifications from banking applications, some security services may block or require confirmation via push notifications that are on the networks. 2G They may not come or may be delayed.
Automation scenarios (if supported by your version of MIUI) can be used to maximize standby autonomy, such as setting up automatic flight switching or 3G at night, which will save charge by morning without sacrificing the ability to receive emergency calls (in 3G/2G mode).