Modern Xiaomi smartphones by default use automatic network settings, giving priority 4G (LTE) or 5G However, in some situations, users are required to force switching to only the 3G — For example, to save battery power, solve connection problems or work with old ones SIM-In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to limit the network to only the third generation on Redmi devices, POCO and other Xiaomi products under management MIUI 12–15 and Android 10–14.
It's important to understand that the manufacturer doesn't provide a direct 3G Only option in standard settings, which is due to the global shift of operators to more modern networks. However, there are workarounds, from hidden menus to third-party applications. We tested all methods on current firmware and collected only working solutions, including a unique way through the engineering menu for models on Qualcomm processors, which is not described even in foreign forums.
Before you start, check:
- 📶 Yours. SIM-card 3G (check with the operator).
- 🔋 Battery charge above 30% – changing network settings can temporarily increase power consumption.
- 📱 Version. MIUI at least 12 (on older firmware, some methods will not work).
Method 1: Through standard settings SIM-map
Most Xiaomi models, including Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5) You can limit the network type through the menu. SIM-This method doesn't guarantee that the phone won't connect to the map. 4G, It often helps with unstable connections.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Choose yours. SIM-card (if two of them).
- Tap on the network type (or preferred network type).
- In the list of options, select 3G or 3G Only (if you have one).
⚠️ Note: On some firmware instead of "Only" 3G" displayable WCDMA or UMTS — If only the list is synonymous. 2G/3G/4G (Car, move on to the next method.
Check the balance. SIM-Cards (some operators are blocking) 3G zero-point)
Turn off Wi-Fi so that changes can be applied immediately.
Remember the current settings in case of rollbacks
Reboot your phone after the changes-->
Method 2: Engineering menu (for Qualcomm processors)
Xiaomi smartphones on Qualcomm Snapdragon chips (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro, POCO F3, Xiaomi 11T) have a hidden engineering menu where you can force the block 4G. This method requires input USSD-code and works even where standard settings do not give a choice.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##4636## Some models may require ##36446337###.
- In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
- Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
- In the drop-down list, select WCDMA only (this is 3G).
- Press Back and restart the device.
⚠️ Note: On devices with Mediatek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) This menu may not have the options you want, or it may not have the options you want.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
Method 3: Applications for Forced Network Switching
If the system methods didn't work, third-party utilities would come to the rescue, and we tested 5 popular apps and selected the two most reliable ones:
1. Network Signal Guru (for Qualcomm):
- 🔧 Allows you to manually select the type of network (including: WCDMA only).
- 📊 Shows detailed information about cell, signal level and frequency.
- ⚠️ Demands. ROOT-rights to full functionality.
2. 4G/5G/LTE Switch (universal):
- 🌐 It works on most Xiaomi models without root.
- 🔄 Could be forced to shut down. 4G Even if it is not in the standard settings.
- 📲 Interface in Russian.
Download one of the apps from Google Play, provide the necessary permissions and select 3G Only or WCDMA mode. After applying the settings, be sure to restart the phone.
Standard SIM settings
Engineering menu
Party of annex
Never change.
Another way.-->
Method 4: Edit the build.prop file (for advanced)
This method is suitable for experienced users who are ready to work with system files. 4G at the firmware level, but requires ROOT-rights and data backup.
Instructions:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
- Go to /system/build.prop.
- Find a line. ro.telephony.default_network And change it to: ro.telephony.default_network=3 If there is no line, add it to the end of the file.
- Save the changes, set the rights 644 and restart the device.
⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of build.prop can lead to network loss or looped reboot.Before changes, back up the file!
💡
If you've made it through build.prop, you can either return the original line value or delete it altogether. You may need to flash it back to restore it.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To simplify the choice, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:
| Method | Difficulty | ROOT is required | Works on | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard settings | ⭐ | ❌ No. | All models. | Medium (may reset) |
| Engineering menu | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | Qualcomm | Tall. |
| Party of annex | ⭐⭐ | ⚠️ Sometimes. | All models. | Depends on the app. |
| Editing by build.prop | ⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | All models. | High (risk of error) |
For most users, the best solution is an engineering menu (method 2) or an application (method 3).If you are not afraid of experimentation and want a constant result, try build.prop, but only if you have a backup of the system.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Forced switching to 3G can cause unexpected errors, and we've collected some of the most common ways to fix them:
1.The phone does not catch the network after the changes
- 🔄 Restart the device and check if the settings have reset.
- 📶 Manually select the operator in Settings → SIM-map → Choice of network.
- 🔧 If you used build.prop, return the original values.
2. 3G works, but internet speeds are very low
- 📡 Check the cover. 3G in your area (for example, through the operator’s website).
- 🔗 Operator may limit speed on legacy networks – check in support.
- 🔄 Try switching to 2G/3G (Auto – sometimes it gives a better speed than a clean one 3G.
3.Settings are reset after rebooting
- 🔧 This is normal behavior for some firmware. Use applications like Network Signal Guru to fix settings.
- 📱 On some models, it helps to disable the Auto-Update function in the settings SIM.
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If neither method worked, check if your carrier is blocking manual network switching, such as Tele2 and Iota, sometimes ignoring the phone's settings and forcefully connecting to 4G.