Why Xiaomi Smartphone Switches Between 3G and 4G β and How to Fix It
Have you noticed that your Xiaomi suddenly βslows downβ mobile Internet, even though the 4G icon is on the screen?The reason is often the automatic switch between 3G (UMTS) and 4G (LTE) networks. The manufacturer lays down such an algorithm to save battery power or with a weak signal, but in practice this leads to connection breaks, slow loading pages and problems with online games.
In this article, we will discuss all working methods of forced 4G on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones β from standard MIUI settings to hidden engineering menu commands. The methods are tested on MIUI 12-14 firmware and are relevant for 2019-2026 models (including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5).
β οΈ Important: Coercive regime 4G It can increase battery consumption by 5 to 15 percent (GSMArena tests) but it can stabilize Internet speeds. LTE, Smartphone may lose communication completely β check the coverage area of the operator before setting up.
Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (without engineering menu)
The safest method is to use the built-in MIUI options, which is suitable for most models, but on some firmware the item may be hidden.
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to SIM cards and mobile networks (or Mobile network on older versions).
- Choose yours. SIM-card (if two of them).
- Tap on the network type (or preferred network type).
- In the list of options, find and select 4G (LTE) or LTE only.
π What to do if the paragraph βOnly 4GΒ» On some firmware (e.g., some firmware, MIUI Global for the European market, this option is hidden:
- π± Update the firmware to the latest version - in MIUI 14 option returned for most models.
- π§ Use the Engineering Menu (Method 2 below).
- π Install regional firmware (for example, MIUI China, where the option is always available.
Make a backup copy of the settings SIM-map
Check the 4G signal level in your area
Charge your phone at least 30%
Remember the current settings in case of rollbacks-->
β οΈ Warning: After switching to "only" mode 4GΒ» Xiaomi will not be able to call 2G/3G-If your operator does not support VoLTE (voice over your network) LTE), Check the operator's VoLTE support before setting up!
Yeah, it's working.
No, calls are on 3G/2G.
I don't know how to check.
I have another operator.-->
Method 2: Engineering menu (for experienced users)
If the standard settings do not have the option βOnly 4Gβ, it can be activated via the engineering menu (also known as MTK Engineer Mode or Qualcomm Service Mode), which works on 90% of Xiaomi models, but requires caution β incorrect settings can disrupt the mobile network.
π Instructions for Qualcomm processors (Snapdragon):
- Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
- In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
- Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
- In the drop-down list, select LTE only.
- Press Back and restart the phone.
π Instructions for MediaTek processors (Helio, Dimensity):
- Enter the code # #36446337## (or #3644633## on new models).
- Go to the Connectivity section β BandMode.
- Select LTE and tick all available ranges (or only those that your carrier supports).
- Save the settings and restart the device.
β οΈ Note: On some models (POCO X3 Pro, Redmi Note 10 Pro) the engineering menu can be blocked. If nothing happens after entering the code, try it:
- π Install the application MTK Engineering Mode from Google Play (MediaTek only).
- π§ Use it. ADB-commands (method 3 below).
- π² Enable Developer Mode and Allow Debugging USB.
What if the signal is lost after the change?
Method 3: ADB-Teams (for advanced users)
If the engineering menu is not available, you can force only 4G on through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that requires a computer and basic command-line skills, but is guaranteed to work on any Xiaomi.
π Step-by-step instruction:
- Download and install ADB Tools on your PC (such as the official Platform Tools).
- On the phone, turn on Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in the settings) and activate Debugging over USB.
- Connect the phone to the PC and in the command line (terminal) enter: adb devices If the device is determined, continue.
- Enter a command for forced inclusion LTE: adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode 9 Where 9 β regime code LTEΒ» (For other modes, see the table below).
- Reboot the phone.
| Meaning | Network mode | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | LTE only (4G) | Recommended option |
| 10 | LTE/3G/2G (Auto) | Standard regimen |
| 7 | 3G only (WCDMA) | For weak networks |
| 1 | 2G only (GSM) | Minimum battery consumption |
π How do you get back to automatic mode? Type a command:
adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode 101. Install Xiaomi USB Drivers drivers from the official website.
2. Use another USB-cable (original from Xiaomi).
3. Enable the option "Debugging by" in the developer settings USB (security)".-->
Method 4: Applications for Forced 4G Enablement
If you don't want to go through the settings, you can use third-party apps that automate the switching process, but require root rights or ADB-access.
π Top.-3 tested applications:
- π± 4G Only Mode is a simple interface that runs without root on most Xiaomi ADB background).
- π§ Network Signal Guru β shows detailed information about the network and allows you to block 3G/2G.
- π‘ LTE Only Mode (Root) β for users with unlocked bootloader.
β οΈ Note: Apps from Google Play may contain ads or request unnecessary permissions. Check reviews and ratings before installing. 4G Only Mode as the Most Secure Solution.
π‘
Forced 4G applications do not guarantee stable performance on all models. If communication problems arise after installation, uninstall the program and use standard settings.
Problems and Solutions: What to Do When 4G Doesn't Work
Even when set up correctly, 4G only can malfunction, and here are some common problems and ways to address them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No network after switching | The operator does not support LTE in your region. | Return Automatic Mode or check coverage on the operatorβs website |
| Calls don't go through. | No support for VoLTE | Enable VoLTE in the settings SIM-maps or go back to 3G |
| The internet is slow working | Weak LTE signal or base station overload | Try to manually select the 4G range in the engineering menu |
| Settings are reset after rebooting | Firmware failure or application conflict | Reset your network settings or re-sweep your phone |
π How to check for VoLTE support?
- Go to Settings β SIM cards β [Your SIM] β Enable VoLTE.
- If you donβt have an option, your carrier or phone model doesnβt support the technology.
- Check with the operator (for example, MTS, Beeline, Tele2 or MegaFon) whether the service is activated for your number.
π‘ How to manually select ranges 4G? If the smartphone catches LTE, But the speed is low, it might be connecting to an overloaded range. From the engineering menu (#4636##) select:
- πΆ Band 3 (1800 MHz) β the most common in Russia.
- πΆ Band 7 (2600 MHz) β High speed but weak signal in buildings.
- πΆ Band 20 (800 MHz) β best coverage in rural areas.