How to improve the quality of mobile Internet on Xiaomi: from settings to hardware solutions

Slow mobile internet on Xiaomi, Redmi or smartphones POCO — The problem that even flagship models face is that the reasons can be both software settings and hardware constraints, from the wrong network mode to the operator’s congested base station. In this article, we’ll break down 12 proven ways to improve mobile internet speed and stability, including hidden settings. MIUI, optimisation SIM-Maps and even hardware modifications for advanced users.

It is important to understand that there is no universal solution: the effectiveness of methods depends on the device model (for example, Xiaomi). 13 Pro supports 5G SA/NSA, Redmi Note 10 — only 4G LTE), firmware (MIUI 14 vs HyperOS) and even the region of use. We tested the recommendations on devices from POCO F5 Xiaomi Mix Fold 3, You will find relevant advice regardless of your age.

Start with basic settings that can be applied in 5 minutes, and then move on to advanced techniques – including manually changing network settings through the engineering menu and choosing the optimal operator for your region.

1. Checking the basic parameters of the network

Before digging deep into the settings, make sure the problem isn't lurking on the surface. Start by checking the current network mode and status SIM-map:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
3. Check the network type: if only 3G or 2G, change 4G (preferably)/3G/2G or 5G/4G/3G/2G (for supported models).
4. Make sure the mobile data switch is active and the status bar shows an icon 4G, LTE or 5G (not+ or).

If your Xiaomi shows you H+ (3G) instead 4G, It's a signal of a problem. It can be different:

• 📶 Weak signal: The device automatically switches to a more stable but slower network.
• 🔧 Wrong settings APN: The operator cannot authorize your device to 4G-network.
• 📱 Model limitations: some budget Redmis (e.g. Redmi) 9A) non-bandwidth 4G your operator.

Also check your operator’s coverage area through official maps (such as RootMetrics or the provider’s website). 4G, The device will constantly switch between standards, resulting in lags.

2. Optimizing APN settings

APN (Access Point Name is the bridge between your smartphone and the operator's network. APN They can limit speed or even block access to mobile Internet. APN Frequently get lost after a firmware update or change SIM-map.

To set up the APN:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Access points (APN).
2. If there are several profiles, choose the one that matches your operator (for example, Internet.mts.ru for MTS).
3. Click on the profile and check the key fields: Name: can be any (for example, MTS Internet). APN: The authentication type must be the same as the official data of the operator (see table below). PAP or CHAP. Type APN: Must default,supl or default,supl,mms.

Save the changes and restart the device.

If your operator’s profile is not listed, create it manually by clicking Add APN. After saving, select a new profile and restart your smartphone. On some Xiaomi models (e.g., on some Xiaomi models, POCO X3 Pro) after manual addition APN You need to turn on the aircraft mode for 30 seconds to apply the settings.

⚠️ Note: If after the change APN Internet is gone completely, go back to the settings and select the default profile or delete all user accounts. APN. Some operators (e.g. Yota) block access when settings are incorrect.

3. Network reset and network re-registration

If the mobile Internet is unstable (it appears, then disappears), the problem may be in the cache of network settings, VPN), But it often helps to bring back stability. 4G/5G.

How to reset your network settings on Xiaomi:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Network Reset (not to be confused with a full reset!).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

After discharge:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📶 Turn on the plane mode for 10-15 seconds, then turn off.
• 🔧 Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks and re-select network mode (e.g, 4G).

If the reset didn’t help, try forced re-registration on the network:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination ##4636## (the test menu will open).
3. Go to the tab Information about the phone.
4. Scroll down and click Select Network manually.
5. Wait for the network search, select your operator and connect.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12), the ##4636## combination may not work due to limitations MIUI. In this case, use an alternative method: install the Network Signal Guru app from Google Play and re-register through it.

4.Using an engineering menu for fine-tuning

For advanced users, Xiaomi provides access to the Engineering Mode, where you can manually configure your mobile network settings. This is especially useful if your device is not catching. 5G or permanently loses the connection.

How to open the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination ##4636##.
3. Go to the tab Information about the phone.

In this menu, pay attention to the following parameters:

• 📊 Set preferred network type: select the standard that your device supports most (e.g, NR/LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM for 5G + 4G).
• 🔄 Enable/disable LTE: make sure that LTE included.
• 📶 Signal strength: check the signal level in dBm (the closer you get to the signal level) -70 dBm, all the better; -110 dBm is a very weak signal).

For supported models 5G (for example, Xiaomi 12T Pro, POCO F4 GT) In the engineering menu, you can turn on the mode SA/NSA:

1. In the engineering menu, select Telephony. → Network Select.
2. Find the option. NR Mode and install SA+NSA (if available).
3. Save the settings and restart the device.

On some firmware MIUI (especially global versions, the engineering menu can be blocked, in which case you need to activate the developer mode to unlock (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — press 7 times) and enable debugging USB.

5. Verification of compatibility with operator ranges

Even if your Xiaomi supports you 4G or 5G, This doesn't guarantee stable service with your carrier, because each provider uses its own frequency bands, and if your device doesn't support them, the speed will be limited.

For example, MTS in Russia actively uses the ranges:

• B1 (2100 MHz – the main one for 4G, but not well in the building;
• B3 (1800 MHz – good coverage in cities;
• B7 (2600 MHz – high speed but low coverage;
• B20 (800 MHz – Best for rural areas (permeates well through walls).

To find out what ranges your Xiaomi supports, check the specifications on the GSMArena or FrequencyCheck website.

• 📱 Xiaomi 13 Pro: Supports 5G n1/n3/n5/n7/n8/n20/n28/n38/n40/n41/n77/n78;
• 📱 Redmi Note 12: only 4G B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41.

If your carrier is using a range that your smartphone does not support (e.g. Yota is actively using) B26 (850 MHz and yours POCO X3 He doesn't get caught, the only solutions:

• 🔄 Change the operator to one whose ranges match your device;
• 📡 Use an external antenna (this will require a special adapter and support) MIMO smartphone).

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If you travel frequently, check the support for the ranges in advance. B20 (800 MHz), and in Asia — B40 (2300 MHz Devices for the Chinese market (e.g. Xiaomi for the Chinese market) CN-regions may not support European ranges!

Hardware solutions: antennas and signal amplifiers

If the software methods didn't work, the problem could be the hardware, the weak antenna of the smartphone, the interference, or the long distance to the tower.

Signal amplifiers (repeaters)

A repeater is a device that captures a weak signal from the outside and relays it indoors.

• 📶 Alfa AWIFI-CPE — supportive 4G LTE and 5G, connect over Wi-Fi;
• 📶 Huawei B525 — 4G-router with connector for external antenna;
• 📶 TP-Link M7350 — portable.

External antennas

Some Xiaomi models, for example, POCO F3 GT Black Shark or Black Shark have a connector for connecting an external antenna TS-9 or SMA. The antenna can be fixed on the window or roof, and the cable can be connected to the smartphone through an adapter.

Example of signal amplification kit:

• 🛠️ adapter: TS-9 to SMA (about 300-500 ₽);
• 📡 Antenna: directed 4G LTE MIMO (1500 ₽);
• 🔌 Cable: low-omb RG-58 (5m).

⚠️ Attention: Connecting an external antenna to a smartphone without a connector requires disassembling the device and soldering - this voids the warranty! For Xiaomi, non-native antenna support (for example, Redmi 10), it is better to use a repeater.

Also check the case and accessories: metal or magnetic cases (such as those with MagSafe support) can shield the signal. Try removing the case and testing the Internet speed again.

7. Update of firmware and modifications

Firmware MIUI (or HyperOS in new models) directly affects the mobile network, and older versions of the software may have speed-limiting bugs or cause frequent connection breakdowns.

How to update firmware:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates and install the latest version.
3. If the update does not come, download the firmware manually from the Xiaomi Firmware site and install through Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Badge ⋮ → Select a firmware file.

If official updates don’t solve the problem, consider custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that are often better optimized for mobile networks.

• ⚠️ Installation of custom firmware will reset all data;
• ⚠️ Some models (such as Xiaomi with MediaTek processor) may lack support 5G;
• ⚠️ The guarantee will be cancelled.

For custom firmware installation:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool;
2. Install. TWRP Recovery;
3. Sweep through firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).

Before switching to custom firmware, check the reviews on the forums (for example, XDA Developers – Some builds may have mobile network bugs.

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Updating your firmware is the first step in network problems, even if your device is new, in the latest versions. MIUI Frequently correct errors with connection to 4G/5G.

8. Alternative methods: VPN, change IMEI and other tricks

If the standard methods don't work, you can try non-obvious solutions. One of them is using the same methods. VPN. Paradoxically, but sometimes VPN Accelerates the mobile Internet at the expense of:

• 🔒 Bypassing traffic throttling by the operator;
• 🌍 Connecting to servers with better routing;
• 🛡️ Leak protections DNS (which can inhibit the connection).

Recommended VPN test:

• 🔹 Warp (Cloudflare) – Free, Minimum Overhead;
• 🔹 ProtonVPN – good speed on free fare;
• 🔹 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) - not VPN, improves DNS-routing.

Another radical method is change. IMEI. Some operators limit speed for certain device models (especially the Chinese versions of Xiaomi). IMEI It can remove these restrictions, but it's illegal in most countries and leads to a loss of warranty. We don't recommend this method, but if you do, use proven tools like Chamelephon).

Other non-standard solutions:

• 🔄 Slot switching SIM-If you have dual-SIM, try swapping the cards;
• 📴 Shutdown VoLTE/VoNR: In some regions, voice calls are 4G/5G conflict with data;
• 🔋 Battery Savings: Modes like Ultra Battery Saver MIUI Limit background data transmission.

⚠️ Attention: Change IMEI or firmware of modified radio modules may result in blocking IMEI You're not going to be a network operator or you're going to lose your network forever!

FAQ: Frequent questions about mobile Internet on Xiaomi