How to put 4G on Xiaomi: the full instructions for setting up a mobile network

You bought a new Xiaomi or updated the firmware, but the smartphone stubbornly does not catch 4G-network, operating only in the mode 3G or EDGE? This problem is familiar to many users of the brand - from budget Redmi to flagship Mi and the Redmi. POCO. The reasons can be incorrect settings and hardware limitations. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to activate the device. 4G, including hidden menus of engineering settings, firmware updates and even hardware checks.

It’s important to understand that the configuration algorithm depends on the smartphone model, the MIUI version, and even the carrier. For example, on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, the path to network settings may differ from the POCO X5 Pro, and operators like MTS or Tele2 sometimes require manual input of APN. We have collected universal solutions that work on 90% of Xiaomi devices, and also indicated nuances for specific models and firmware.

Why Xiaomi doesn’t run 4G: The main reasons

Before we get to the settings, we need to eliminate hardware and software problems.-5 Why Xiaomi may not see a fourth generation network:

• 📱 Unsupported range 4G. Some budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C31) Do not work with frequencies used by Russian operators. Check the specifications of your model on the GSMArena website.
• 📡 The operator's problem. You may be in a zone where 4G-The towers are disconnected or overloaded, specify the coverage on the operator's card (for example, MTS or Beeline).
• 🔄 Failure in settings APN. After updating MIUI Or resetting the access point settings can fly. This is a common problem with Xiaomi Mi. A3 Redmi Note 8 Pro.
• 🛠️ Software limitations: some firmware (especially customized) 4G It's off at the core level. MIUI Global Stable for Redmi Note 10 sometimes resets modem settings.
• 📶 Hardware malfunction, if the smartphone can't even see 3G, Possibly damaged communication module (antenna or chip Qualcomm) Snapdragon/Mediatek Helio).

If you’re sure the carrier or coverage isn’t the problem, move to the next section with step-by-step instructions, and pay particular attention to the engineering menu section, which is where 4G locks are often hidden, which are not visible in standard settings.

Method 1: Standard 4G setup via Xiaomi menu

To start with, basic settings are checked, and this method works on all Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI 12/13/14 (including HyperOS for new models).

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (or Mobile Network on older versions) MIUI).
3. Choose yours. SIM-card (if two of them).
4. Click Network Type (or Preferred Network Type)
5. Set the value of 4G (preferably) or LTE/4G/3G/2G (auto).
6. Save the changes and restart the smartphone.

If 4G does not appear after these actions, check if the data mode is turned on:

• Go back in SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• Activate the mobile data switch.
• Make sure that the operator name is next to the 4G or LTE icon.

Some models (such as the Xiaomi 11T Pro or POCO F4 GT) may require additional VoLTE (4G voice calls) settings.

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Challenges by 4G.
2. Enable the option of VoLTE (or Enhanced Calls).

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with two SIM-map 4G It can only work on one of them (usually on the other hand). SIM1). Check if the restriction is worth the double settings SIM.

Method 2: Manual addition of APN for 4G

If after setting up the network type 4G It never happened, the problem could be at the access point (APN). Operators automatically send settings APN first-activation SIM-cards, but sometimes they get lost. Here's how to add them manually:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Access points (APN).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the New Access Point.
3. Fill in the fields according to your operator’s data (see the table below).
4. Save the settings and select the APN you created from the list.
5. Reboot your smartphone.

If your carrier is not in the table, check the settings of the APN on its official website or by phone support. For example, for Tinkoff Mobile or SberMobile, the settings may differ.

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If after saving the APN, the smartphone gives an error “Can not save the settings”, try first to delete all existing access points, and then add a new one.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI China's menu APN To unlock it, type in the number field ##4636## and select Phone Information. → Settings APN.

Method 3: Engineering menu and hidden settings

If standard methods don't work, it's time to look at the Engineering Mode, where you can force 4G on even if your smartphone can't see it, and be careful that the wrong changes to this menu can lead to network loss or modem failure.

Instructions for Xiaomi on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (most models of Redmi, POCO, Mi):

1. Open the phone app and enter the code: ##4636##
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
4. Select LTE only (4G only) or LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM auto (automatic mode).
5. Press Back and restart your smartphone.

For smartphones on Mediatek Helio (e.g. Redmi 9C, POCO C3):

1. Enter the code ##36446337##
2. Go to Connectivity → BandMode.
3. Select LTE from the list of available modes.
4. Save the settings and restart the device.

After the changes to the engineering menu, check if 4G is available. If not, try resetting the network settings:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting mobile network settings.
2. Confirm the reset and restart the smartphone.

Method 4: Update firmware and modem

If your Xiaomi used to support 4G, but stopped after the upgrade, the problem may be the modem firmware. This is true for devices that have upgraded from MIUI 12 to MIUI 13/14 or received HyperOS.

• 🔍 Check the firmware version: Go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Compare it to the latest stable version on the site. MIUI Downloads.
• 🔄 Update the firmware over the air (OTA): Go to Settings. → The phone. → System Update. Click Check Updates and install available updates.

Handheld firmware through Recovery:

If OTA doesn’t help, download the full firmware package (.zip) for your model and install it via Recovery:

1. Download the firmware from the official website (choose Stable or Recovery ROM).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of internal memory.
3. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select Install update.zip and confirm the installation.

After updating the firmware, it is also recommended to update the modem (radio module).

1. Download the modem file for your model (see forums like 4PDA).
2. Fastboot it with the command: fastboot flash modem [name file.img]

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrogate the modem from another model or version - this can lead to complete loss of network! Before firmware, make a backup of the current modem with the fastboot dump modem command.

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Updating your firmware is the most reliable way to bring back 4G if the problem occurs after the MIUI update. However, remember to back up your data before manual firmware!

Method 5: Checking for hardware problems

If none of the software methods worked, maybe the problem is the hardware.

• 📶 Antenna check: A weak signal or no signal may indicate damage to the antenna. SIM-check the card and insert it back (sometimes the contacts are oxidized). SIM-Map (possibly operator problem) View antenna connector under the back cover (removal required).

Diagnostics modem:

Enter the command for the modem test in the engineering menu (#4636##):

##4636## → Phone Information → Run Ping Test

If the ping doesn't go through, the modem is faulty.

Nutrition problems:

If the battery is low, the modem can shut down.

• Battery charge (sometimes 4G is turned off when the charge is below 15%).
• Battery status in Settings → Battery → Status.

If you suspect a hardware malfunction, but are not sure of their abilities, contact the service center Xiaomi. the average cost of diagnosing a modem or antenna is from 500 to 1500 rubles. For models older than 3 years, repair can be unprofitable (cheaper to buy a new smartphone).

Additional tips for specific Xiaomi models

Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique nuances when setting up 4G. We have collected the most common cases:

Xiaomi owners with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) may need to flash a radio module from stock firmware.Instructions and files are searched for on thematic forums (like XDA Developers).

FAQ: Frequent questions about 4G on Xiaomi