How to put LTE Only on Xiaomi: full instructions with secret codes and settings MIUI

Are you tired of the constant jumps between 4G and 3G on your Xiaomi when the network disappears and returns at low speed? LTE Only mode (4G only) solves this problem once and for all – the smartphone stops β€œjumping” to outdated communication standards, providing stable high-speed Internet. But manufacturers often hide this option in the depth of the menu or even block it in the firmware. In this article, you will learn all the working ways to enable LTE Only on any Xiaomi device – from the budget Redmi to the flagship Mi and POCO.

We tested the methods on MIUI 12-14 firmware (including global and Chinese versions), as well as on custom firmware devices like Pixel Experience or LineageOS. Importantly, some methods require super-user rights (root), but we'll start with the simplest solutions that do not require hacking. If you have never changed your network settings manually, don't worry, we'll go through each step with pictures and explanations.

We warn you beforehand that a forced 3G/2G shutdown could worsen connectivity in some regions where 4G coverage is unstable. But if you live in a city with good coverage, it will be a way to save the mobile Internet from the brakes. Ready to start?

1 What is LTE Only Mode and Why is it Needed by Xiaomi?

LTE Only (or β€œ4G Only”) is a mobile network setting in which the smartphone ignores all other communication standards (3G, 2G) and works exclusively on the fourth generation network. By default, most Xiaomi use LTE/3G/2G (auto) mode, which means automatically switching between standards depending on the signal level.

The problem is that automatic switching often works suboptimally:

  • πŸ“‰ The smartphone can "stick" to the 3G, even 4G available (especially in the field of motion).
  • πŸ”„ At low signal 4G The device is constantly reconnected, which leads to interruptions of the Internet.
  • 🐒 In some regions 3G-The network is overloaded and the speed is lower than in the 4G.

On Xiaomi devices with Qualcomm processors (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro), LTE Only mode is often hidden in the engineering menu, while on smartphones with MediaTek chips (Redmi 9/10 series), it can be enabled through standard settings.

⚠️ Attention: If in your area 4G-coverage is unstable (for example, in the subway or outside the city), forced shutdown 3G/2G This may cause a complete loss of communication in some areas. Before activating the mode, check your carrier's coverage map.

πŸ“Š What is the processor in your Xiaomi?
Qualcomm
MediaTek
Other (specify in the comments)
I don't know.

Method 2: Enable LTE Only through standard MIUI settings (without root)

This is the simplest method that works on most modern Xiaomi with MIUI 12-14 firmware. It does not require superuser rights and is suitable for devices with MediaTek chips (for example, Redmi 9A, Redmi 10C, POCO M4 Pro). On smartphones with Qualcomm, this method may not work – in which case move to the next section.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
  2. Go to the SIM cards and mobile networks section β†’ Choose yours. SIM-map.
  3. Click on Network Type (or Preferred Network Type).
  4. In the list, find and select LTE (or 4G only).
  5. Confirm the choice and restart the smartphone.

If there is no LTE Only item on the list, then your firmware does not support it, in which case try one of the alternative methods below.

Check the balance SIM-Cards (sometimes the operators block the cards) 4G zero-balance)

Make sure that SIM-card 4G (Older cards may not work)

Disable Wi-Fi to check for network type change

Remember the current settings in case of rollback-->

⚠️ Attention: on some firmware MIUI after the choice LTE This is due to VoLTE technology. LTE). If calls stop working, return settings back or activate VoLTE in the menu. SIM-map.

Method 2: Secret engineering codes for enabling LTE Only (Qualcomm)

If the standard settings do not have LTE Only option, and your Xiaomi is running on a Qualcomm processor (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+, POCO F3, Mi 11), you can use the engineering menu. This method does not require root rights, but requires caution - incorrect changes can disrupt the network.

Follow the instructions:

  1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##4636## Some firmware may run an alternative code: ##36446337###
  2. You will be taken to the Testing menu. Select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
  3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
  4. In the drop-down list, select LTE only.
  5. Press OK and restart the device.

If the network is not working after restarting:

  • πŸ”„ Return the settings to LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM auto (authorized).
  • πŸ“Ά Check if your operator supports you. 4G in your region.
  • πŸ”§ Try another engineering code (list below).
Xiaomi modelWorking engineering codeNote
Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro##4636##Menu in English, LTE only at the bottom of the list
Mi 11, Mi 11 Ultra##36446337##You need to choose. SIM-map
Redmi 9T, POCO M3##2263##It only works on firmware up to MIUI 12.5.

πŸ’‘

If the engineering menu does not open, try entering the code through the Symbol app or install any type app. USSD-codes from Google Play.

Method 3: Use of ADB-Teams (for advanced users)

If previous methods have failed, you can force LTE Only to be enabled via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer and minimal command-line skills, but does not need root rights.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
  2. On your smartphone, activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone. Tap 7 times on the MIUI Version until you become a developer!

Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers

USB debugging

File transfer

ADB

adb devices

Make sure the device is identified (should appear its serial number).

LTE Only

adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode 9

where 9 is the LTE Only mode code.

Reboot your smartphone.

To return automatic mode, use the command:

adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode 10

(where 10 is LTE/3G/2G auto mode).

List of network mode codes for ADB
1 - GSM only 2 - WCDMA only 3 - GSM/WCDMA auto 4 - TD-SCDMA only 5 - LTE only 7 - GSM/WCDMA/LTE auto 9 - LTE only (with VoLTE support) 10 - GSM/WCDMA/TD-SCDMA/LTE auto

⚠️ Attention: on some firmware MIUI after-use ADB-Network settings can be reset after rebooting. To record changes, use the command: adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode 9; adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode 9 (Re-entry sometimes helps to bypass resetting).

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

If you have root rights, you can force LTE Only mode through the editing of the system file build.prop. This method works on all firmware, but requires caution - incorrect changes can lead to network loss or device freeze.

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=9 If it is not, add it to the end of the file.
  4. Save the changes and restart the smartphone.

Before installing custom firmware:

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial firmware can disrupt the work IMEI Always back up your phone or your modem. EFS and NVRAM Look for backup instructions on the forum. 4PDA or XDA Developers.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Why my Xiaomi doesn’t have the β€œonly” option LTEΒ» customized?
It depends on three factors: Processor: on Qualcomm chips, the option is often hidden in the engineering menu, and on MediaTek it can be available in standard settings. MIUI Operator: some providers block the forced mode LTE Only on a level SIM-Solution: Try engineering codes or ADB-method.
❓ Can I include? LTE Only rooted?
Most of the methods in this article (standard settings, engineering menu, ADB) don’t require root rights. Root is only for editing build.prop or installing some Magisk modules.
❓ What to do if after switching on LTE Only the internet was gone?
Probable causes and solutions: πŸ“΅ No coverage 4G: Check your operator’s coverage map. πŸ”§ Resetting settings: Repeat activation of the mode through ADB ore-menu. πŸ“± Operator Blocking: Contact the provider’s support and check if the mode is allowed LTE Only on your fare.
❓ Does it affect? LTE Only during battery life?
In LTE Only mode, the smartphone doesn’t use energy to scan 3G/2G networks, but the 4G module itself can consume a little more power because of constant high-frequency operation, a difference of 5 to 10 percent on average per day.
❓ Does it work? LTE Only on Xiaomi with two SIM-map?
Yes, but the settings apply separately for each SIM-If you're using two cards, you'll have to turn on the mode. LTE Only for each manually. On some firmware when activated, one mode is activated. SIM The second may stop working – in this case, return the automode.