Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face the need to force the device to switch to a third-generation network, which can be caused by a weak 4G signal in remote areas or the need to save battery power, as the 3G module consumes less power when the coverage is unstable.
The setup process is not always obvious, as modern MIUI and HyperOS interfaces tend to automatically select the best communication standard available.
In this article, we will analyze all available methods: from standard menu settings to the use of engineering codes that allow you to rigidly fix the modem.
Standard Network Priority Settings
The easiest and safest way to change the type of network is to use the built-in operating system tools, so you don't need root rights or a computer connection.
The interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same for all devices of the brand.
Go to Settings, then select About Phone and click All specs or find it right away. SIM-maps on the main menu.
On the selection screen SIM-You need to find the section responsible for the preferred type of network.
Here, the system will offer several options, among which you need to choose Preferably 3G or 3G Only.
If you select 3G Only, the phone will stop looking for 4G/LTE and 2G signals, which can result in a total lack of communication in areas where third-generation coverage is missing.
⚠️ Attention: Forced switching to 3G confidently 4G It can significantly reduce data rates, but sometimes it’s the only way to keep a stable voice call when towers are overloaded.
After selecting the desired setting, the phone can lose the network for re-registration in a new type of base station for a few seconds.
Make sure that the appropriate 3G or H+ icon appears in the status bar.
Using an engineering menu to fix the mode
If the standard settings do not give the desired result or the network selection point is blocked by the operator, you can use the engineering menu.
This is a hidden part of the system designed for hardware testing, which provides access to the deep settings of the radio module.
To enter, open the Phone app and enter the code ##4636###.
On the screen will open the menu "Verification", where you need to select the item Information about the phone.
Scroll down to the section "Install preferred network type".
In the drop-down list, select WCDMA Only for 3G or WCDMA preferred for 3G priority with 2G switching.
What if the code doesn't work?
Changes are applied instantly, without the need to restart the device.
However, it is worth remembering that after a full reboot of the smartphone, the settings can be reset to factory values, and the procedure will have to be repeated.
This is because the system is prioritizing trying to connect to the fastest available network.
Configure APN Access Points for 3G
Even if the phone switched to 3G, the internet might not work without the right access point settings.
Communication operators require specific parameters for authorization in the data network.
Go to the Settings path → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
Here you will see a list of available profiles.
If you don’t have a profile, click the menu button (three dots or the New Access Point button) and create a record manually.
Key fields are Name (you can write any, for example, "3G Fast") and Access Point (APN), where you need to enter your operator's data (for example, Internet.mts.ru or Internet.beeline.ru).
After entering the data, be sure to save the profile and activate it by putting a dot opposite the name.
In some cases, it is useful to change the APN type to default,supl, although by default the system usually substitutes this automatically.
Incorrect APN settings are the most common reason when the 3G icon is on and pages in the browser are not loading.
Hidden teams and ADB-toolkit
For advanced users who lack standard tools, there is the option to manage network preferences through the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) debugging bridge.
This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer through USB-cable and availability of installed drivers.
First, you need to turn on the developer mode: seven times click on the build number in the About Phone section, then activate Debugging by USB in the developer menu.
After connecting the device to the PC, open the command line and enter a command to set the network priority.
The team looks like this:
adb shell service call phone 28 i32 2The 2 is the 3G mode (WCDMA).
The number 1 usually stands for 2G, and 0 or 3 is global mode (LTE/3G/2G).
The syntax of commands can vary depending on the version of Android and the chipset (Snapdragon or MediaTek), so there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
⚠️ Attention: Use ADB-Incorrectly entering parameters can lead to loss of communication or unstable operation of the radio module, requiring resetting of network settings.
This method is good because it allows you to automate the process through scripts if you need to switch modes frequently.
However, for one-time use, it is easier to use the engineering menu or standard settings.
Diagnosing Connection Problems
If after all the manipulations 3G not working, the problem may lie not in the settings of the phone, but in the physical state SIM-card-tower.
Old ones. SIM-Cards issued more than 10 years ago may not work properly on modern networks or may not support certain frequency bands.
It is also worth checking whether your data service is blocked from your carrier.
Try the following steps to diagnose:
- 📱 Extract. SIM-map, wipe the contacts and paste back, making sure the correct position.
- 🔄 Perform a full reset of network settings in the Connections and Sharing menu.
- 📍 Check your operator’s coverage map at your current location.
- 📞 Call the operator support service to check the status of services.
Often, a simple device reboot helps, which resets temporary network login errors.
If the phone sees the network but does not register (writes “No Network Access”), it may be that the device is restricted by IMEI or is locked up under another operator.
💡
If you often move between areas with different coverage, install a widget to quickly switch network modes to the desktop for easy management without logging into the deep settings menu.
Comparison of network modes
Understanding the differences between modes of operation will help you choose the optimal balance between speed and autonomy.
Each communication standard has its own technical features and use cases.
Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of available modes.
| Network mode | Maximum speed | Energy consumption | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2G (GSM/EDGE) | Up to 0.3 Mbps | Low. | Tall (everywhere) |
| 3G (WCDMA/HSPA) | Up to 42 Mbps | Average. | Medium |
| 4G (LTE) | Up to 1 Gbps | High. | Depends on the zone. |
| 5G | Up to 20 Gbps | Very high. | Low (bye) |
As you can see from the table, 3G is the middle ground for many users, providing acceptable speeds for messengers and navigation with moderate battery consumption.
At the same time, 3G may not be enough to stream high-resolution video.
💡
Choosing a network mode is always a compromise between internet speed and your Xiaomi’s battery life.