How to enable and configure 3G on a Xiaomi smartphone: full instructions

Why you might need 3G on a modern Xiaomi

Even in the age of universality 4G and incipient implementation 5G technology 3G The reasons are diverse, from the lack of coverage of new networks in remote regions to saving battery life, for example, when traveling on highways or in small towns where towers are located. 4G Not yet installed, switching to 3G-The network may be the only way to stay connected.

In addition, some users deliberately choose the third generation of mobile communication to reduce the load on the battery - under equal conditions of operation in the 3G network, Xiaomi smartphone (be it Redmi Note 10, POCO X3 or Mi 11) discharges more slowly than when using LTE. Also do not forget about the tariffs of operators, where 3G traffic can cost less or even enter into unlimited packages of the old sample.

In this article, we will discuss all ways to include 3G on Xiaomi devices – from basic settings in the menu to manual configuration of access points (APN) And we're going to focus on the models that we're going to use to solve the typical problems. MIUI 12/13/14, where the interface has changed.

Checking 3G support for your Xiaomi model

Before you try to set up a network, make sure that your Xiaomi smartphone supports 3G at all. Most modern devices (released after 2015) are equipped with modules that are compatible with UMTS 900/2100 MHz - the standard frequencies for 3G in Russia and the CIS.

• 📱 Budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C31) may have simplified communication modules where 3G It only works on one frequency.
• 🌍 Imported versions (e.g. global Mi) 10T for Europe, sometimes deprived of Russian support 3G-range.
• ⚡ 5G-Smartphones (Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi) K50) They are usually backward compatible, but may prioritize new networks.

You can check compatibility on Kimovil or GSMArena by entering your device model. Note the lines of 3G bands - UMTS 900 and/or UMTS 2100 should be specified there.

Method 1: Enable 3G through standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use built-in MIUI options. The interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the general logic is maintained:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to SIM cards and mobile networks (or Mobile network in older versions).
3. Choose. SIM-map for which you want to set up 3G (if).
4. Tap on the network type (or preferred network type).
5. In the options list, select 3G (or 3G Only, WCDMA).

If there is no explicit item in the list "3G", try out 2G/3G — This is a forced mode where the smartphone will ignore 4G. Once the settings are changed, the device will automatically reconnect to the network. 30 seconds.

Check the balance. SIM-Cards (should be positive)

Make sure that SIM-card activated by the operator

Turn off Airplane mode.

Reboot your smartphone after changing your settings-->

Important! On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 for Xiaomi 13), the "Network Type" clause may be hidden.

1. Enter the network type request in the settings search bar.
2. The system will give a direct link to the hidden menu.

Method 2: Manually configure APN for optimal 3G performance

If the 3G network is connected but the Internet is unstable or non-existent, the problem may lie in the incorrect APN settings (Access Point Name), which is especially true for devices purchased abroad or when using virtual operators (for example, Tele2 on the Rostelecom network).

To set up the APN manually:

1. Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → [select SIM] → Access Points (APN).
2. Slip the Add button (or the + icon in the upper right corner).
3. Fill in the fields according to your operator’s data (see the table below).
4. Save the settings and select the profile you created in the APN list.

Critical detail: if the network does not appear after saving the APN, check the APN Type field - it should contain the default,supl (for Internet and geolocation). In some versions of MIUI, this field is hidden - you can open it by tapping on three points in the upper right corner of the APN screen.

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If the Internet does not work after setting up the APN, try to temporarily turn off Wi-Fi - sometimes MIUI blocks mobile traffic if you have a wireless connection.

Solving typical 3G issues on Xiaomi

Even after setting up correctly, Xiaomi users may face difficulties, and consider the most common scenarios and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Attention: If, after switching to 3G The smartphone has stopped catching the network at all (not even a single one). 2G), Check if the mode is activated. 4G This is a common error in manually manipulating the modem settings.

• 🔄 Network appears and disappears: The problem may be an unstable signal. Try manually selecting the operator in Settings → Mobile network → Network operators (turn off automatic search).
• 🐢 Low speed. 3G: Make sure that in the settings APN note IPv4 (not IPv6), Many operators have optimised the infrastructure for the fourth version.
• 📵 No network after update MIUI: Reset network settings to factory (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth).

For devices with MediaTek-processors (for example, Redmi 9, POCO M3) is characterized by the problem of "hang" modem in 3G mode.

1. Switch to 2G, wait 10 seconds.
2. Return to 3G via the Network Type Menu.
3. If it doesn’t help, restart your smartphone.

Optimizing the speed and stability of 3G

Even with the right setup, 3G speeds may leave much to be desired, and here are a few ways to improve performance:

• 📶 Signal amplification: Use applications like Network Signal Guru (available on Google Play) to monitor signal strength if it is weak (less than the signal level). -100 dBm), try moving closer to the window or use a repeater.
• 🔧 Change of change MTU: In the settings APN add a line MTU It's 1472, and it optimizes packet data.
• 🛡️ Shutdown VPN: Virtual Private Networks Can Conflict with 3G-This is especially true if you use OpenVPN.

For advanced users, if your Xiaomi is rooted, you can use the MTK Engineering Mode app (for MediaTek) or Qualcomm QXDM (for Snapdragon) to fine-tune the modem settings. For example, forced WCDMA only mode sometimes gives you better stability than automatic selection.

Example of command for ADB (requires USB debugging enabled):

adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode 3

This command is forced to set the 3G only mode (the value of "3" corresponds to WCDMA). To return to automatic selection, use the value of "9" (LTE/WCDMA/GSM auto).

Xiaomi 3G vs 4G Comparison: When to Switch

The 3G transition is not always justified, and the table below shows a comparison of key parameters that will help you make a decision:

Switching to 3G is advisable in the following cases:

• 🏞️ You are in a low-coverage area. 4G (rural areas).
• 🔋 You need to save battery power (especially for devices with a small battery like the Xiaomi Mi). A3).
• 💰 Your tariff provides unlimited 3G-traffic, but restricts 4G.

The transition to 4G is a good idea if:

• 🎮 You play online games (low ping is important).
• 📹 Stream high-resolution video (for example, 1080p YouTube).
• 📥 Download large files (updates, archives).

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On devices with a Snapdragon 8xx processor (such as the Xiaomi 12 Pro), the modem is better optimized for 4G/5G, so the 3G speed on them can be lower than on budget models with MediaTek Helio.

Alternative ways to connect to 3G

If standard methods do not work, consider alternatives:

• 📲 USB-Modem: Connect 3G-modem (e.g. Huawei) E3372) Xiaomi through OTG-In the settings, select the cable. USB-web-based.
• 🔗 Tethering: Distribute the internet from another device (such as an old smartphone) where 3G stable.
• 🛠️ Modem firmware: On forums 4PDA or XDA Developers can find modified firmware for Qualcomm modems, improving the work with the 3G.

For USB-modems may require the installation of drivers. MIUI They are usually automatically determined, but if the connection is not established, try it:

1. Connect the modem to the PC and update the drivers through Device Manager.
2. Copy the driver files to the smartphone in the /sdcard/USBDriver folder.
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: Modem firmware is a risky operation that can lead to loss IMEI or complete network failure. Before the procedure, back up the modem partition via TWRP.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions