Modern Xiaomi smartphones automatically switch between 3G and 4G communication standards depending on the quality of the base station signal. However, in unstable coverage or when located at the receiving zone border, the device can constantly reset high-speed connection, which annoys users. Often there is a need to lock the network on the LTE standard to ensure a stable Internet for navigation or video communication.
The modem switching procedure does not require root rights, but involves the use of hidden system functions or an engineering menu. 4G This is only possible if your SIM-The card supports this standard and you have operator coverage in your location, and in this guide, we will discuss legal and secure methods for setting network priority.
Before we start to make changes, it is worth noting that the interface MIUI It may vary slightly depending on the firmware version (Global, China, EEA). If standard methods fail, it may mean that your carrier is not providing services. 4G at this location or SIM-The card is too old and needs to be replaced.
Checking settings SIM-maps and coverage
The first step should always be basic diagnostics. Often users try to adjust the engineering menu, forgetting to check the elementary parameters in the system. SIM-data transfer card if two of them are installed.
Go to Settings. → SIM-You need to select an active SIM card and check the network type if it says "Preferred". 4G", But the phone still falls into 3G, So the problem is deeper, whether it's the radio module or the lack of a signal. SIM-cards to another slot, as the first slot often takes priority over supporting speed standards.
It is also worth checking whether the traffic saving or energy saving mode is on, which can aggressively restrict the operation of the communication module.
⚠️ Note: If there is no available network in the list 4G/LTE, Your plan may not support this standard or SIM-The map is not updated to format USIM.
Use of the CIT Engineering Menu
The most common way to change the radio settings on Xiaomi is to access the engineering menu through a special code, which works on most devices with Qualcomm and MediaTek processors, but the interface can vary.
Open the Phone app and enter the code ##4636##. If the code is entered correctly, the Testing menu will open. Select Phone Information. In some versions, select the Phone Information menu. MIUI This paragraph may be referred to as “Information on SIM-status".
In the window that opens, find the drop-down list called Set Preferred Network Type. Click on it and select the option that contains LTE Only or TD-LTE, LTE, WCDMA, GSM. This will force the modem to switch to only fourth-generation communication mode.
- 📱 LTE Only - the phone will only catch you 4G, If there is no signal, the communication will disappear completely (calls and the Internet).
- 📡 TD-LTE, LTE, WCDMA, GSM — priority 4G, If you don’t have it, the phone will switch to 3G or 2G (recommended).
- 🔄 NR/LTE/GSM — Relevant to new models with support 5G, where priority is given to newest standards.
Once you have selected the mode, the network should reboot, and you will see a 4G or LTE icon in the status bar, and if after a while the icon has disappeared, then there is simply no coverage of the selected operator in your zone.
Configure via the debugging menu (Xiaomi EU and Global)
If the standard code doesn’t work or the menu is hidden by the system (which is often the case on newer versions of Android 12/13/14), you can use the debugging menu available through the settings.
Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7-10 times on MIUI Version (or OS Version) until it says "You became a developer." Then go back to the main settings menu, go to Additional → For Developers.
Inside the developer menu, scroll down to the Network or Mobile Networks section. Find Show hidden menu and activate it. Then a new antenna icon or network settings menu may appear in the notification curtain (where Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are) where you can select LTE priority.
☑️ Checking before changing the network
Some users note that after updating the firmware, the item may disappear, in which case resetting the network settings will help, but this will remove the saved passwords of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices.
Application of third-party applications
When Xiaomi’s built-in tools are blocked or hidden, apps from the Google Play Store come to the rescue, using the same system APIs but having a more user-friendly interface to manage the type of network.
One popular solution is Force LTE Only (4G/5G). Once installed, launch it and select the login method (Method 1 for Android 10 and below, Method 2 for Android 11+).
Another option is to use signal monitoring applications like Network Cell Info Lite, which don’t always allow you to change settings, but help you determine exactly if there are 4G towers nearby by analyzing frequencies.
| Annex | Functional | Demands a Root. | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Force LTE Only | Fixing the network | No. | Android 6-13 |
| NetMonster | Frequency monitoring | No. | All versions. |
| Signal Info | Signal graphs | No. | All versions. |
⚠️ Warning: Third-party apps may request redundant permissions. Use only proven, high-rated software in the Play Market.
Solving the Return Problems in 3G
A common problem is that you've put LTE Only, the Internet is working, but incoming calls are not going through, and this is because voice communication on 4G networks is done using VoLTE technology. If your carrier or phone doesn't support VoLTE, then when you call in, the phone tries to switch to 2G/3G, which is impossible in 4G only.
As a result, the subscriber hears "Subscriber is unavailable." To avoid this, don't choose LTE Only mode. Select LTE/TD-LTE/GSM/WCDMA mode. In this case, the phone will hold on to 4G for the Internet, but when you call, quickly switch to 3G for voice communication if VoLTE is not active.
You can activate VoLTE on Xiaomi via the engineering menu (Volte Provisioned), but this feature is often hidden by the operator. Check for the HD or VoLTE icon in the status bar after the call.
Impact of flight and reset mode
Sometimes a modem software failure does not allow you to apply the new settings immediately. After changing the type of network in the engineering menu, it is recommended to perform a short-term restart of the radio module.
To do this, turn on Flight Mode for 10-15 seconds, and then turn it off. This will force the communication module to re-register with new parameters. If this does not help, perform a full reboot of the smartphone.
It's also worth remembering that when you move between cities or away from the tower, the phone can reset its priority settings if the 4G signal becomes critically weak, and in such cases, you'll have to repeat the procedure.
Return to standard settings
If the experiments have resulted in a complete loss of communication (even emergency calls have been lost), you need to return everything as it was. The easiest way is to go back to the engineering menu with code ##4636# and select LTE/TD-LTE/GSM/WCDMA (or the option marked Auto).
If the menu doesn't open because of a system error, resetting the network settings will help. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Press Reset. This will return the factory settings of the radio module.
After the reset, the phone will restart. SIM-The card is again selected "Preferred" 4G". This is a regular mode of operation that provides a better balance between the speed and stability of voice communication.