How to get Xiaomi Redmi to catch only 4G: all the ways to turn off 2G/3G

Are you tired of your Xiaomi Redmi constantly jumping between 2G, 3G and 4G, losing internet speed and draining the battery?In some regions, operators still haven’t turned off legacy networks, and the smartphone defaults to try to connect to any available station — even if it works at dialup speed. In this article, we’ll look at all possible ways to force a 4G switch, including hidden settings, engineering menus, and even editing system files (for advanced users).

It’s important to understand that not all methods are equally effective: On some Redmi models (especially low-end ones), the manufacturer artificially restricts network choice, and operators can block manual switching through the network. SIM-We tested every way on the Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi. 9T and POCO X3 Pro — the results are summarized in the table below. If your smartphone does not support 5G, These instructions will help you maximize speed. LTE and avoid "settling" before 3G low-signal.

Why Xiaomi Redmi is automatically switching to 2G/3G

The reasons for jumping between networks lie in both smartphone settings and mobile carrier policies, and here are the key factors:

• 📡 Priority energy savings: by default MIUI Trying to balance the speed and consumption of the battery, switching to 3G/2G low-signal 4G. This saves charge but sacrifices productivity.
• 📶 Settings SIM-Cards: some operators (e.g, Tele2 Iota or Iota) forced activate the Auto mode for compatibility with outdated towers.
• 🔧 Firmware limitations: on budget models (Redmi) 8A, Redmi 9A) into MIUI There may be no manual network selection option.
• 📱 Hardware Limits: Cheap modifications (like Redmi Go) don’t physically support some ranges 4G, Why the smartphone “falls” on 3G.

Before you start settings, check if your model supports the desired frequencies. 4G. For example, Redmi Note 8 Pro works with B1/B3/B7/B20, Redmi. 9C — only B3/B7/B20. If the operator is broadcasting on B1 (2100 MHz), and your phone doesn't see it, forced 4G Check the ranges with the operator or on the website. 4PDA.

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (the simplest)

Most Xiaomi Redmi models (except the most budget) have a built-in network type selection option.

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if two of them).
3. Tap the network type (or preferred network type).
4. Set the value of 4G Only (LTE) or 4G/3G/2G (auto) with LTE priority.

If there is no 4G option, try the alternative:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes the option appears after the reboot.
• 📲 Put it in. SIM-card to another slot (if there are two). on some Redmi, the first slot supports more bands.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version: in old firmware, the option could be hidden.

Mobile Internet enabled|SIM-card|Smartphone is not in flight mode|Verified version. MIUI-->

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9A, Redmi 8A and other models on Helio G25/G35 Option Only 4G It may not be available due to hardware limitations, so you can move on to the method. 2.

Method 2: Engineering menu (for advanced)

If standard settings don’t allow you to select 4G Only, try activating the hidden engineering menu, which works on most Redmis with Qualcomm processors (Snapdragon 660/720G/860, etc.), but may not be available on MediaTek.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
2. Select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
4. Select LTE only (or LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM auto for China).
5. Press OK and restart your smartphone.

On some firmware (MIUI 12.5+), the engineering menu can be blocked.

##36446337##

Important: After changing the settings in the engineering menu, some Xiaomi models reset the network settings when you update MIUI. Save a screenshot of the current settings to quickly restore them.

Method 3: Applications for Forced 4G

If the system methods didn't work, use third-party utilities. We tested 3 applications -- the results in the table:

The easiest solution is 4G Only Mode.

1. Launch the application and provide permissions.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
3. Activate the Force LTE Only option.
4. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Note: No root apps may be reset after rebooting or updating MIUI. For a permanent effect, unlocking the loader is required (method 4).

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If, after activation, 4G The Internet is missing, check it out. APN-Operator settings. Sometimes the app resets them to defaults.

Method 4: Editing System Files (for experienced)

This method requires an unlocked bootloader and root rights, but it gives 100% results, and it is suitable for Redmi on Snapdragon and MediaTek if the previous methods did not work.

Instructions:

1. Unblock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (you will need a Mi Account and wait 7 days).
2. Install TWRP and get root through Magisk.
3. Download a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
4. Go down the path: /data/property/persist.radio.lteonly If there is no file, create it and write it inside 1.
5. Change the file permission to 644 (rw-r-----).
6. Reboot your smartphone.

For MediaTek, you need to edit the file:

/vendor/rfs/msbd/config/mbn_config

Find a line. LTE_BAND Add your operator’s priority ranges (e.g, B3,B7,B20).

💡

Editing system files is the only way to permanently lock 4G on models without the option in MIUI. However, this voids the warranty and can lead to a "brick" if you make an error.

Method 5: Alternative firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)

If previous methods didn’t help, consider installing custom firmware, such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which gives you full control over the communication module, including forced LTE-only.

Advantages:

• 🔧 Flexible network settings (including locking) 2G/3G nucleus-level).
• 🚀 Better Optimization of Energy Consumption in Mode 4G.
• 🔄 Regular security updates.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of official guarantee.
• 🔧 Installation difficulty (requires unlocking the loader and TWRP).
• 📱 Possible bugs with camera or sensors (depending on the model).

For installation instructions, look for XDA Developers or 4PDA forums for your Redmi model, for example, LineageOS 19 will work for the Redmi Note 9 Pro.

What to do if nothing works

If none of these methods helped to fix 4G, the problem may be:

• 📡 Operator: some providers (e.g, Tele2) They are forced to switch subscribers to 3G Roaming or high load. Call support and ask to activate the "Only" option. LTE» on your room.
• 📱 Hardware limitations: budget models (Redmi) 9A, Redmi 8A) They do not physically support certain ranges. 4G. Check the specifications on GSMArena.
• 🔄 Firmware: on beta versions MIUI Or custom builds can be bugs with a communication module. Try to roll back to a stable version.

The last option is to buy an external 4G-modem (e.g. Xiaomi MiFi) and distribute the Internet to your phone over Wi-Fi. This is guaranteed to solve the problem with switching networks, but will require additional costs.

💡

If your Redmi doesn’t hold 4G even after all the manipulations, check the carrier’s coverage in your region via Ookla or nPerf cards.Perhaps the problem isn’t the phone, but the lack of LTE towers nearby.

FAQ: Frequent questions