How to check for Band 20 in Xiaomi phone: everything from code *#*#4636#*#** to IMEI analysis

You bought Xiaomi and faced a problem in some regions 4G-The reason for this may lie in the lack of support for the Band 20 (800 MHz) band, which is key to coverage in rural areas, basements and on the outskirts of cities. This range is actively used by Russian operators (Beeline, MegaFon, MTS, Tele2), as well as European providers, but not all Xiaomi models support it.

In this article, you'll find 5 proven ways to determine if you have a Band 20 on your phone, from hidden engineering menus to technical specifications analysis. We'll also look at why even if you have a range, the network can't catch, and what to do in such cases. Importantly, some methods require root rights or special applications, but basic checks are available to everyone without additional tools.

What is the Band 20 and why is it important for Xiaomi?

Band 20 (800 MHz) is a frequency channel used to provide 4G LTE over long distances and in low-traffic environments.

• 📡 Coverage range: The signal travels 20–30% further than in the 1800 or 2600 MHz bands, which is critical for rural areas.
• 🏢 Penetration into buildings: better passes through walls, basements and dense buildings.
• 🌍 Use in Russia and Europe: the main range for Beeline, MegaFon and Tele2 in the regions.

The problem with many Xiaomi smartphones (especially budget and older models) is the lack of Band 20 support in hardware. For example, the Redmi Note 8 Pro (2019) does not support this range, while the Redmi Note 10 Pro (2021) does. This leads to the fact that in some areas the phone does not “see” 4G or switches to slow 3G.

⚠️ Note: Even if your Xiaomi supports Band 20, the operator may not provide access to this range in your region).

Method 1: Check through the engineering menu (#4636##)

The fastest way to find out supported ranges is to use Android’s hidden engineering menu.

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, where supported communication standards are displayed.
4. Click on More... (or More...) and the list of ranges will open.

Look for the LTE Band 20 or 800 MHz. If it's not available, your phone doesn't support this range. Please note that some MIUI firmware may not have this partition or may be hidden.

Enter the code again (sometimes it works with 2-3 attempts)|Check if the antivirus is blocking access to system settings|Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI|Use alternative methods (see below)-->

Method 2: Analyzing IMEIs through Online Services

Each smartphone has a unique IMEI identifier, which can be used to determine its specifications, including the ranges supported.

1. Find out. IMEI your phone: 📱 Enter in the phone keyboard: *#06#. 📄 Look at the device box or under the battery (for models with removable lid).

• IMEI.info (paid but accurate)
• Kimovil (free but requires manual model input)
• Enter IMEI or select Xiaomi model – in the results, look for the 4G LTE bands section.

Example of the report for Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G:

⚠️ Note: Online services may show data for the global version of the model, whereas in Russia, modifications with reduced ranges are often sold (for example, Redmi). 9C Band 20 does not support India, but Europe does. Always check the official specifications for your region.

MTS|Beeline|MegaFon|Tele2.|Yota|Other-->

Method 3: Network Analysis Applications (NetMonster, LTE Discovery)

If the engineering menu is not available, use specialized applications that show the actual ranges in the current network, as well as the ranges supported by the phone.

• 📊 NetMonster (Android) – displays the current range, signal level and neighboring towers.
• 🔍 LTE Discovery - shows all supported ranges and current frequency.
• 📡 Network Signal Guru – Detailed information about the cell, including Band and PCI.

How to use (in the example of NetMonster):

1. Install and open the application.
2. Go to the Network (or Network) tab.
3. In the LTE block, look for the Band string – if there are 20, the range is supported and used.
4. To check all supported ranges, go to Device Information → Supported ranges.

💡

If NetMonster shows Band 3 (1800 MHz) or Band 7 (2600 MHz) but doesn't have Band 20, that explains the coverage problems in rural areas. 3G (customized SIM-maps, if 4G floundering.

Method 4: Checking the Official Specifications of Xiaomi

The most reliable, but time-consuming way is to find the technical documentation for your model on the official Xiaomi website.

1. Go to the official Xiaomi website.
2. Type in a phone model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G).
3. Open the Specifications (or Specifications) tab.
4. Find the Network & Connectivity section → 4G LTE.

Examples for Xiaomi 13 Lite:

4G LTE: Band 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/18/19/20/26/28/38/40/41

If you have a Band 20 on the list, you'll see the range.

• 🌎 Global (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G Global - usually supports Band 20.
• 🇮🇳 India (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro India) – often without Band 20.
• 🇨🇳 China (e.g. Xiaomi 12 China) – may not support European bands.

Method 5: Manual network testing (band switching)

If you are not sure of the results of previous checks, you can force Band 20 (if supported) to be turned on and check the coverage.

1. Install the MTK Engineering Mode app (for MediaTek processors) or Qualcomm Mode Changer (for Snapdragon).
2. Open the app and go to the Band Selection section.
3. Select the LTE Band and manually mark only the Band 20 (or add it to others).
4. Save the settings and restart the phone.

If 4G network has been introduced (or improved coverage) after the reboot, the range is maintained. If the network is not available or the phone switched to 3G, the Band 20 is not available.

⚠️ Warning: Manually changing ranges can cause network loss or connection problems. After the test, return the settings to the original state (select Auto in Band Selection).

Why the phone doesn't catch the Band 20, even if it's supported

The situation where Band 20 is in the specs, but the network is not working, is common.

• 📵 Operator does not provide access: some tariffs or regional affiliates of operators may block the range.
• 🔄 Firmware limits ranges: Band 20 can be software-disabled in Chinese or Indian firmware.
• 📡 Weak signal: If the tower is far away, the phone may not be clinging to the Band 20, even if it is there.
• 🔧 Wrong settings APN: Check the access point settings (path: Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN)).

Decisions:

1. Update your firmware to the latest version of MIUI (path: Settings → About Phone → System Update).
2. Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
3. Try inserting. SIM-card of another operator (for example, Tele2 actively uses Band 20).

💡

If your Xiaomi doesn’t catch 4G in the countryside, but it’s working fine in the city, there’s a 90% chance that the Band 20 isn’t there, and if you change your phone to a model that supports that range, it’s going to help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Band 20 in Xiaomi