How to force only 4G on Xiaomi smartphones: all ways

You are tired of constantly switching between 5G, 4G and 3G Xiaomi, which eats up the battery and creates an unstable connection? 4G In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to limit your smartphone to only a fourth-generation network — from standard settings. MIUI to the hidden engineering menus and ADB-team.

It’s important to understand that manufacturers (including Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO) often hide the option of forced network selection in new firmware versions, citing this as “connection optimization.” However, users have good reasons for manual control: from saving energy (5G consumes the battery 20-30% faster) to solving roaming problems or bypassing operator locks. We tested all methods on current models from 2023-2026 – from Xiaomi 13 Ultra to the budget Redmi Note 12.

Warning: Some methods require developer rights or work with the developer. ADB. If you are a beginner, start with the first section (standard settings), and experienced users can immediately jump to the engineering menu or the scaling up of the menu. ADB-team.

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (without root)

Most Xiaomi smartphones still have the option to choose the preferred network type through the regular menu, but in the latest versions of MIUI (14+), this option can be hidden or limited.

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (or mobile networks on some models).
3. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
4. Tap on the network type or preferred network type.

Here you will see the available options. The ideal choice is LTE only (or 4G only).

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes the option appears after the reboot.
• 📱 Insert SIM in another slot (on two-symbol models).
• 🔧 Update MIUI — In older versions of the firmware, the option may not be available.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro after selection Only LTE It's because of the Qualcomm Snapdragon modems, and the solution is to use an engineering menu.

Method 2: Engineering menu (codes and hidden settings)

If the standard method didn’t work, it’s time to turn to the engineering menu, a hidden tool for network diagnostics that works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, but it requires caution: incorrect settings can lead to loss of connection.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and type in the combination: ##4636## Some models (e.g. POCO F5) may have an alternative code: ##36446337###
2. You will be taken to the Testing menu. Select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
4. In the drop-down list, select LTE only (or NR/LTE for 4G/5G if you need to leave a backup option).
5. Press Back and restart your smartphone.

If the internet has disappeared after this action:

• 🔄 Try a different mode, for example. LTE/TD-SCDMA (Chinese models).
• 📡 Check if your operator supports you. 4G In your area (sometimes the problem is coverage).
• 🔧 Return the settings to Automatic and use ADB-method.

Method 3: ADB-Teams (for experienced users)

If previous methods didn’t work, the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a debugging tool that allows you to change system settings, which is guaranteed to work on all Xiaomi smartphones, but requires a connection to a computer.

Preparation:

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
2. Turn on your smartphone to debug by USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then go back to Additional → For developers).
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

Execution of commands:

1. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
2. Enter in turn: adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode 9 Here. 9 — code-only LTE. Other options: 10 — LTE/5G (priority 5G) 7 — LTE/3G/2G (motor-car) 13 — only 5G (if maintained)

Reboot your smartphone:

adb reboot

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for POCO X5 Pro after ADB-commands can drop IMEI. To avoid this, before changing the network, follow the command: adb shell settings put global. captive_portal_detection_enabled 0

Install ADB Tools on PC

Enable debugging over USB on Xiaomi

Connect your phone to the original cable

Check the connection with the adb device command

Make a backup of network settings

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Method 4: Applications for Forced Network Selection

If you don't want to mess with ADB or the engineering menu, you can use third-party apps. They don't require root rights, but their effectiveness depends on the smartphone model and the version of MIUI.

Top.-3 tested applications:

How to use:

1. Install the application and provide all the permissions requested.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
3. Find the Set Preferred Network or Lock 4G option.
4. Confirm the changes and restart the device.

Cons of this method:

• 🔄 After updating MIUI settings may reset.
• 📵 Some apps show ads.
• 🔒 On Xiaomi with a blocked bootloader, some of the functions may not work.

💡

If your app doesn’t see yours SIM-Map, try to temporarily disable the second SIM (If you have one, or restart your phone in safe mode.

Method 5: Edit the build.prop file (for advanced)

This method is only suitable for users with an unlocked bootloader and a willingness to work with system files. It allows you to permanently lock LTE mode at the firmware level, but if you do not act correctly, it can lead to the loss of a network or bootloop.

Instructions:

1. Download any file manager with root access (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /system/build.prop.
3. Find a line. ro.telephony.default_network. If it is not, add it to the end of the file:

ro.telephony.default_network=9


persist.radio.lte_vr_enable=1

Where 9 is LTE only mode.

Save the file, set the rights to 644 (rw-r--r---) and restart the device.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI EU) Editing build.prop can cause a signature error. In this case, use the Magisk Module to make changes.

Challenges and solutions

Even after you have successfully configured only 4G, you may encounter problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📶 Coverage 4G your operator (use coverage cards on the sites of MTS, Beeline, MegaFon).
• 🔄 Updates to the firmware - in new versions MIUI There may be network bugs.
• 🔧 Hardware problems – if the smartphone fell or got wet, the modem could get damaged.

💡

On devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro), a forced 4G mode can block VoLTE. The solution is to use LTE/3G mode or disable VoLTE in settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions