How to Make Xiaomi Work Only in 4G: Hidden Settings and Codes

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face a situation where a device in the area of uncertain reception automatically switches to outdated 2G or 3G communication standards. This leads to a sharp drop in Internet speed and call interruptions, even if the 4G tower is nearby. The standard setting “Prefer LTE” in the menu does not always work correctly due to the features of Miui firmware or operator policy.

The solution to the problem is the forced transfer of the modem to the "Only" mode. 4G». This causes the radio module to ignore other frequencies and keep the connection exclusively with the radio. LTE-However, in the latest versions of the HyperOS and Miui shell, developers have hidden the direct possibility of choosing this mode, requiring the user to dive deeper into system settings or use special commands.

In this guide, we will explore all the current ways to fix the network, from simple codes in a call to advanced methods through a computer, and you will learn to bypass the limitations of the system to ensure stable high-speed Internet in all conditions.

Why Xiaomi is losing 4G and switching to 3G

The main reason for the instability is the energy-saving algorithms and the logic of the Qualcomm or MediaTek radio module. When the LTE signal becomes weaker than a certain threshold, the system automatically switches to a more “long-range” but slow 3G, so as not to lose communication completely, in some cases even at the normal signal level due to frequency conflict.

Another factor is the lack of support for certain bands in your smartphone for a particular carrier, and if the phone doesn’t see the native 4G frequency, it may misidentify network availability, and the forced fixation of the mode helps to bypass these software constraints and force the modem to search more persistently for the network.

⚠️ Attention: When activating the “only” mode 4G» Incoming voice calls may not be available if your carrier or phone does not support VoLTE technology, in which case the caller will receive a signal “busy” or “subscriber is unavailable».

It’s important to understand the difference between LTE and 4G. While these terms are used synonymously in everyday life, LTE is technically a transitional standard. However, the Android settings menu often combines them, and the forced choice of this mode disables the ability to “roll” to H+ or E, which is critical for navigation and video calls on the go.

Method 1: Using the Engineering Menu with Code

The fastest way to change network priority is to use a hidden engineering test menu, which requires no root rights and works on most devices with Qualcomm and MediaTek processors, so you have to open a standard caller and type in a special character combination.

For MediaTek processors (often found in budget Redmis), use the code ##3646633##. For Qualcomm (flagships and mid-segment), it often runs ##4636##. If the code is entered correctly, the system menu with technical data will open.

Once you enter the menu, you need to find the telephony section, and the path may vary depending on the Android version:

• 📱 For MediaTek: Go to the Telephony tab → BandMode → select a SIM card.
• 📡 For Qualcomm: Select Phone Information → Scroll down to Set Preferred Network Type.
• 🔒 In some cases, you need to select Select. SIM press OK.

In the list that opens, find LTE Only or LTE/TD-SCDMA. Once selected, the connection may briefly disappear, and then recover with the 4G or LTE icon. Remember that this reset does not persist after the phone is restarted, the procedure will have to be repeated.

Method 2: Configure via the debugging menu (No codes)

If the engineering codes are locked, you can use the standard Android debugging menu, which is hidden by default. This method is more secure and does not require you to enter complex combinations.

Go to Settings → About your phone and quickly click 7-10 times on the field version of MIUI (or OS version). will appear notification "You became a developer." After that, the menu will appear a new option "Additional" or "Extended settings", where you need to find for developers.

Inside the developer menu, scroll down to the bottom of the list. We're interested in Show Network Selection Menu (or "Select Network Type"). Activate this switch. Now, every time you turn on your phone or turn off flight mode, you'll have a network type system window.

In the window that appears, select LTE Only. This action will force the modem to switch. If there is no such item in the developer menu, try to find the Standby network type and change its value to LTE.

Comparison of network mode switching methods

Each of these has its advantages and disadvantages: the engineering menu gives you deeper access, but it can be blocked; the developer menu is safer, but less functional; to understand the differences, let's look at the comparison table.

As you can see from the table, codes are better suited for one-time use, and for permanent work, you should consider the option with ADB or specialized applications if you have Root rights. ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to send system commands directly, bypassing the graphical interface.

Keep in mind that running continuously in LTE Only mode can increase battery consumption, as the phone will spend more energy searching for and holding a 4G signal in areas of poor coverage, instead of switching to energy-efficient 2G.

Using applications for fixing 4G

For users who don't want to mess with codes every time, there are special utilities in Google Play, the most popular of which are Force LTE Only (4G/5G) or NetCut. These apps are actually shells for the same engineering menus, but have a user-friendly interface.

After installing such an app, you need to open it and click on the “Method A” button (for Android 11 and below) or “Method B” (for Android 12).+). The application will try to open the desired hidden menu, where you only have to choose. LTE Only.

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If Force LTE Only doesn’t open the menu, try changing the Method to an alternative one, often by switching between options for different versions of Android.

Importantly, on newer versions of Android (12, 13, 14), Google has stepped up protection, and many apps have stopped working without special permissions, in which case you may need a one-time connection to the computer to issue permission via the adb command:

adb shell pm grant com.android.phone com.android.phone.permission.READ_PRECISE_PHONE_STATE

However, even without root rights, these apps often allow you to create a desktop widget to quickly switch between 5G/4G/3G/2G and LTE Only modes, which is much more convenient than climbing into hidden menus each time.

Problems with calls and VoLTE

The main side effect of 4G Only is voice, and fourth generation networks were originally designed to transmit data, not voice, and to talk on a 4G phone, you need VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology, and if it's not on or on the phone, you can't make calls.

On Xiaomi smartphones for Russia and CIS, VoLTE is often turned on by default, but can be hidden in the menu. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → select a SIM card → Use VoLTE. If the switch is active and the icon is on. HD VoLTE in the status bar – calls will work.

⚠️ Attention: In mode «LTE Only" without VoLTE running, you can't take incoming calls and make outgoing ones. SMS can also not come. Use this mode only where you want a stable Internet, and turn it off before important calls.

If VoLTE doesn't work, you have two options: either put up with no calls, or use LTE/3G/2G (auto connect) mode, which allows the phone to switch to 3G for a conversation, and you can use WhatsApp messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) to communicate over the Internet.

Advanced Level: ADB Teams for Experienced

For users who want to achieve a guaranteed result and have access to a PC, the best solution is to use the command line. ADB. This method works even when all menus are hidden. You will need to install Xiaomi drivers and the platform. SDK Platform Tools on your computer.

Connect the phone with a cable, enable debugging over USB, and enter the command to check the connection: adb devices. If the device is determined, you can enter a command to change the preferred network type.

adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode 9

Here, the 9 corresponds to LTE Only. To return to automatic mode (LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM), use the number 0 or 1 (depending on region and modem), this change is stored in the system more reliably than switching through the menu.

It's worth noting that once you reset your phone or update your firmware, these settings can go off, and then you'll have to do it again through ADB, which is the cleanest way to do it, and you don't have to install third-party software on your smartphone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Compulsory 4G on Xiaomi is an effective way to improve internet speeds in areas of unstable reception, but requires control over the operation of VoLTE to not be left without communication.