How to Set Up 4G on Xiaomi Phone: A Complete Guide from Support Checking to Troubleshooting

Have you bought a new Xiaomi smartphone or found that mobile Internet only works in 3G mode, although your tariff supports 4G (LTE)? This problem is familiar to many users – even on flagship models like the Xiaomi 13 Pro or the budget Redmi Note 12, you sometimes have to manually activate high-speed Internet. In this article, we will analyze all the possible reasons why your Xiaomi does not have 4G, and give step-by-step instructions for setting up – from basic parameters to hidden engineering menus.

It is important to understand that the lack of a badge 4G/LTE The status bar doesn't always mean the phone is in trouble, SIM-map or even the wrong type of network in the settings MIUI. We're going to analyze each scenario and show you how to diagnose a malfunction, if you've tried rebooting your phone or inserting it. SIM in another slot - do not stop there: there are solutions in the article that are not written in the standard instructions.

1. Check 4G support for your Xiaomi model

Before you set up your network, make sure your Xiaomi is physically 4G-enabled. Even some 2020-2021 models (like the Redmi 9A as standard) were sold with stripped-down communication modules.

  • 🔍 Xiaomi official website: find your model in the "Specifications" section» → «Network. Look for lines. 4G LTE, LTE-A VoLTE.
  • 📱 Phone Settings: Go to Settings → The phone. → General information → Model: Type the model name into a search engine for support 4G».
  • 🛠️ Engineering menu: dial in the phone application ##4636##, select Phone Information» → «Network settings. If there is a list LTE — support.

Attention to regional versions! Some Xiaomi models (e.g., POCO X3 Pro) have different modifications for the markets of India, Europe and China. Chinese versions (CN) often lack support for European 4G frequencies (B3, B7, B20 bands). If you bought a phone on AliExpress or in an unofficial store, check the labeling on the box.

Xiaomi model4G supportNotes
Redmi Note 12 Pro+Yes (LTE-A, VoLTE)Supports B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41 bands
Xiaomi 13 LiteYes (5G + 4G)V 4G-The mode is faster than many flagships of 2021
POCO M5sYes (LTE)No 5G support, but 4G is stable even in roaming
Redmi 9A (India version)No (only 3G)In the European version of 4G is available, but with limited ranges

⚠️ Note: If your model does not support 4G, but you see the badge LTE in settings – it can be a false activation (the phone connects to the network, but the speed remains at the level of the device). 3G). Check the real speed with Speedtest.

📊 What kind of mobile operator do you have?
MTS
Beeline
Megaphone
Tele2.
Yota
Other

2. basic 4G settings in MIUI

If your Xiaomi supports 4G, but the internet is slow or shows up as 3G/E, check the standard settings first.

  1. Open "Settings» → «SIM-maps and mobile networks».
  2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if two of them).
  3. Tap Network Type and install 4G (preferably) or LTE.
  4. Activate the Volte (VoLTE) and ViLTE options if available.

If 4G is not (preferably) available, try the alternative route:

  1. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Mobile Network.
  2. Select Network Mode and install LTE Only (this will make the phone ignore 3G/2G).

What if the 4G option is gray?

  • 📶 SIM-card does not support 4G (check with the operator).
  • 🔄 Phone locked at firmware level (you need to update) MIUI).
  • 🛡️ Power saving mode is activated, which disables LTE (Turn it off in "Settings" → Battery»).

The regime is chosen "4G (preferably)"|VoLTE and ViLTE included|SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (main card)|Power saving mode is off.-->

3.Problems with SIM-map-and-operator

Even if the phone supports 4G, The settings are correct, the problem may lie in SIM-- I'm not sure if you're a card operator or a fare:

  • 🆔 Type SIM-map: 4G only works with USIM or LTE-ready SIM. Old ones. SIM (until 2015, they are not supported LTE. Replace the card in the operator's cabin.
  • 📡 Tariff plan: some budget rates (for example, "For calls" at Tele2) limit speed to 3G. Check the conditions on the operator’s website.
  • 🔄 Roaming: in some regions, operators are forced to switch subscribers to the Internet 3G. Clarify the coverage on the map (for example, MTS coverage).

How to check the type SIM-map:

  1. Take the SIM out of your phone.
  2. Look at the chip: if there is an inscription USIM or 4G LTE in front of the operator’s logo, the card is modern.
  3. Insert the SIM into another 4G phone – if it’s faster, the problem is your Xiaomi.

⚠️ Note: If you use a virtual operator (Tinkoff Mobile, SberMobile), make sure it runs on a supported network. 4G (Tinkoff uses Tele2 infrastructure, where LTE not everywhere).

If the SIM and tariff are fine but 4G doesn’t appear, try the forced registration on the network:

  1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Select your SIM → “Access Points (APN)” → click on the three dots in the upper right corner → “Reset to factory.”
  3. Reboot the phone.

4. Update firmware and reset network settings

An outdated version of MIUI or a network settings failure can block 4G. Here's how to fix it:

MIUI Update

The manufacturer regularly releases patches to improve communication.

  1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
  2. Click on “Check Updates” and install the latest version.
  3. If the update is not available, check manually on the MIUI Downloads website.

Important! After the update, reset your network settings:

  1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Select “Reset mobile network settings” (not to be confused with a full phone reset!).

APN manual installation

If 4G didn’t work after the reset, try manually entering APN settings. Here are the current settings for popular carriers (2026):

Operator.APN nameAPNType of authentication
MTSmtsinternet.mts.ruNo.
Beelinebeeline internetinternet.beeline.ruPAP
MegaphoneMEGAFONinternetNo.
Tele2.tele2 internetinternet.tele2.ruPAP/CHAP

To add APN:

  1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
  2. Press + (add a new APN).
  3. Enter the data from the table above, save and activate the new profile.

💡

If the Internet is completely lost after manually entering the APN, go back to the factory settings of the APN and restart the phone.

5. Engineering menu and hidden settings

If standard methods don't work, you'll have to look at the Engineering Mode, which is a hidden section of MIUI where you can force 4G on or diagnose problems with the communication module.

How to open the engineering menu:

  1. Open the phone app.
  2. Enter the code ##4636## (some models run #36446337##).
  3. Select “Phone Information” (Phone Information).

In this menu, pay attention to:

  • 📶 Set preferred network type: install LTE only LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM auto.
  • 🔄 Network: if the Network Type bar is specified UMTS (3G) or GSM (2G), So, the phone's not catching. 4G.
  • 📡 Signal Strength: If the signal level is lower than -110 dBm, the problem may be in the antenna or SIM-map.

Forced activation of 4G through the engineering menu:

  1. In the Phone Information section, find the Set preferred network type.
  2. Select LTE only (if you don’t have one, try LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM/WCDMA auto).
  3. Press Set and restart the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose! Incorrect settings can lead to loss of network or overheating of the communication module.

What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11), the engineering menu is blocked. In this case: 1. Install the MTK Engineering Mode app from Google Play (for MediaTek processors). 2. Or use the Shortcut Master to find hidden menus. 3. On Qualcomm processors, try the code ##7780# (network reset).

Hardware problems and repairs

If none of the software methods worked, the problem may be in the hardware:

  • 📶 Damaged antenna: often breaks down after falling or getting moisture, check if the antenna contact is moving away from the motherboard.
  • 🔌 Faulty. SIM-slot: if 4G It doesn't work just on one. SIM, The second one is fine, the problem is the slot.
  • 🛠️ Failure in the communication module: on Qualcomm processors (for example, Snapdragon) 732G into POCO X3) burn RF-chip.

How to diagnose a hardware malfunction:

  1. Put it in. SIM-card to another phone, if there is 4G It works, the problem is your Xiaomi.
  2. Check if the top of the phone is warming (the antenna is located there), and if it is overheated, it indicates that the module is malfunctioning.
  3. Run the communication test through the engineering menu (#4636## → Phone Information → Run Ping Test). If the packets don't pass, the module is the problem.

If the diagnosis confirmed a hardware breakdown:

  • 🔧 Contact the Xiaomi service center (warranty repair is possible if the phone is not dropped or disassembled).
  • 💰 Cost of replacing the antenna: ~1 500–3 000 ₽ (model-wise).
  • 🔄 If the phone is warranty, do not open it yourself - this will cancel the warranty!

💡

Before repairing, check if the 4G case with metal elements or magnetic stand is blocking, and sometimes they shield the signal.

7. Alternative ways to speed up the Internet

If 4G has not yet worked, but the Internet is urgently needed, use these methods:

  • 📶 Modem mode: connect the phone to the laptop USB and distribute the Internet through USB-Tethering (sometimes faster than the phone itself).
  • 🔄 VPN: Some operators throttle speeds on certain sites. VPN (Cloudflare's Warp can bypass restrictions.
  • 📡 Wi-Fi Calling: If you have a weak signal 4G, but you have access to Wi-Fi, enable this option in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Additionally. → Wi-Fi Calling.

How to turn it on USB-tetering:

  1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
  2. In the phone settings, go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Modem Modem.
  3. Activate. USB-tetering.
  4. On PC in Networks, select a new connection.

If, even after all the manipulations, the speed remains low, check:

  • 📊 Operator network congestion (speed may fall during peak hours).
  • 🔋 Power saving mode (disables background data transmission).
  • 🛡️ Firewall or antivirus (can block traffic).

FAQ: Frequent questions about 4G on Xiaomi

❓ Why Xiaomi is showing an icon 4G, but the speed is like 3G?
This is called a "false 4G." The phone connects to LTE, but the operator limits the speed to 3G. Reasons: You have an outdated tariff without priority 4G. The operator throttles the speed due to the high load on the tower. The APN settings indicate the wrong type of connection (should be default,supl). Solution: call the operator and check if you have full 4G on (sometimes you need to connect the option "Maximum Speed").
❓ Can I include? 4G Xiaomi-free SIM-map?
No, to activate. 4G needful SIM-support-card LTE. You can, however, connect to: 4G-You can use your phone in modem mode for another device, if you want to use the Internet without it. SIM, Consider buying a mobile Wi-Fi router (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router) 4G).
❓ Why After Updating MIUI missing 4G?
This is a common problem when switching to new firmware versions. Causes: Resetting settings APN (Manually enter, see section 4. Operator frequency lock (e.g., after upgrade, the phone stopped supporting range) B20, The first thing you need to do is reset the network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → If it doesn't work, roll back the firmware to the previous version via the Mi Flash Tool.
❓ Does it work? 4G roaming on Xiaomi?
Yes, but with reservations: Your carrier must have a 4G roaming agreement with a local provider. The phone must support the country’s 4G frequencies (e.g. Turkey uses B3 and B7, which most Xiaomi supports). Sometimes you need to manually select the network (Settings → Mobile Network → Network Operators → Search).
❓ How to check what frequencies 4G I support my Xiaomi?
There are several ways: Official specifications: find the model on the GSMArena website in the "Network" section. Network Signal Guru app (shows the available frequencies and signal strength). Engineering menu: type ##4636## → "Phone Information" → look at the Network Type and Strength line. For Russia, the ranges are important: B3 (1800 MHz), B7 (2600 MHz), B20 (800 MHz). If they are not on the supported list, 4G will work unstable.