How to set up a Xiaomi smartphone to work only on the LTE network: the full guide

Are you tired of constantly switching between 2G/3G/4G on your Xiaomi smartphone? Noticing that the Internet is lost and slow due to automatic network selection? The solution is simple: force the LTE mode to be installed. This will not only speed up page loading and stabilize the connection, but also save battery power by eliminating unnecessary searches for outdated networks.

In this article, we’ll cover everything from standard settings to hidden engineering menus, and it’s relevant for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Pro, Mi 11, etc.). Importantly, some methods require developer rights or ADBs, and we’ll explain in detail how to activate them without risking the device.

Why is Xiaomi constantly switching between 2G/3G/4G?

By default, Xiaomi uses Auto mode (or LTE/3G/2G), which should theoretically provide maximum compatibility.

• 📉 Speed drop - with a weak signal 4G The phone can be "sliding" on 3G, where the speed is 10 times lower.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption – constant scanning of all ranges discharges the battery 15-20% faster.
• ⚠️ Problems with VoLTE - if the operator supports calls on the Internet LTE, but the phone switches to 3G, quality of communication is deteriorating.
• 📡 Unstable signal – in densely populated areas, the smartphone can “stick” on congested 3G-honeycomb.

Manufacturers (including Xiaomi) hide the LTE Only option in the basic settings, as it can cause connection problems in areas with poor coverage. However, if you are sure that LTE is stable in your region, the forced mode will only give the pros.

Method 1: Standard network settings (without developer rights)

On most Xiaomi models, the LTE Only option is hidden, but it can be activated via the standard menu.

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
3. Go to Network Type (or Preferred Network Type).
4. If there is an LTE Only item on the list, select it. If not, read on.

Some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 for the global version) do not have this item.

• 🔧 Try resetting your network settings (Settings) → Memory. → Reset → Resetting your network settings. Sometimes it returns hidden options.
• 📱 Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) – in some cases, this reveals additional menu items.

💡

If you have LTE only, check if your carrier supports VoLTE (4G calls).

Method 2: Activate through the Engineering Menu (#4636##)

The hidden engineering menu allows you to manually prioritize networks, a method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, but requires caution – incorrect settings can disrupt the connection.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
2. In the menu that appears, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
4. Choose. LTE only (or) NR/LTE only 5G-model).
5. Press Back and restart the phone.

If after the reboot the connection is lost:

• ❌ VoLTE is not supported – return settings to LTE/WCDMA (4G/3G).
• 📶 Weak signal. LTE — Check the coverage of the operator in your area.

Method 3: Using applications for forced LTE

If the standard methods don't work, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, and we tested 3 reliable applications:

Recommended: Start with 4G Only Mode.

1. Launch the application and provide permissions.
2. Select Force LTE Only.
3. Activate the Persist after reboot option.

💡

Rootless apps can be reset after the MIUI update. Check the settings after each update!

Method 4: ADB commands for forced LTE (without Root)

If the previous methods didn't work, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is the most reliable tool, and it doesn't require superuser rights, but it does require USB debugging.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. 7 times click on MIUI Version. Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate Debugging over USB.

ADB Tools

Xiaomi

adb shell


settings put global preferred_network_mode 9

Code «9» means "Only" LTE». For 5G-model «20» (NR/LTE).

Reboot the phone.

To return automatic mode, use the command:

settings put global preferred_network_mode 10

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Enable debugging on USB| Download ADB Tools| Connect the phone with the original cable-->

Problems and Solutions: What to Do When LTE Fails to Work?

Once forced activation is done, only LTE can be difficult to handle, and let's look at the typical cases and how to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If the signal is completely lost after changing the settings (no signal). LTE, neither 3G), Don't panic. Return the settings to the car via the engineering menu or ADB. 90% of the time, this solves the problem.

If none of the methods worked:

• 🔄 Reset network settings (Settings) → Memory. → Reset → Resetting network settings).
• 📲 Update the firmware - in new versions MIUI Frequently fix network bugs.
• 🛠️ Contact the service - the problem may be in the communication module (antenna or modem).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi’s “LTE Only” mode