Modern Xiaomi smartphones offer users high-speed Internet, but in some situations LTE technology can work unstable or even interfere. Often users are faced with a situation where a device in the low coverage zone tries to hold 4G, which completely disappears voice communication or the Internet switches to EDGE. In such cases, the only right solution is forced switching to 3G or 2G.
The need to remove 4G on Redmi or Poco can also be driven by a desire to save battery power, as the communication module consumes more power when searching for a fourth-generation network.In addition, in some regions, 3G coverage is more stable and faster than congested LTE. In this article, we will look at all the proven ways to change the priority of networks, including the use of hidden engineering menus.
The procedure for disabling high-speed mode does not require root rights or complex software. It is enough to know the correct sequence of actions in the settings of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system. However, it is worth considering that the menu interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version and regional affiliation of your gadget.
Why you might need to shut down LTE
The main reason Xiaomi owners are looking for a way to turn off 4G is the instability of communication in remote locations. When the phone is at the edge of coverage, it starts to constantly switch between standards, which leads to connection breaks. Forced choice of 3G or 2G locks the device on the same frequency, providing a stable, albeit less fast, channel.
⚠️ Attention: Forced switching to 2G (GSM) It may completely deprive you of access to the mobile Internet if the operator does not support data transmission through this standard in your region.
Another important factor is power consumption. LTE is one of the most energy-intensive components of a smartphone. If you're in an area where the 4G signal is very weak, the phone increases the transmitter power to maintain the connection, leading to a rapid battery drain. Switching to 3G mode alone can extend battery life by up to 30% in poor reception conditions.
There are also scenarios for using old ones. SIM-In these cases, the phone may not display speed correctly or not connect to the network without manually interfering with the settings of the preferred network type.
- 📉 Unstable signal and permanent connection breaks in areas of poor coverage.
- 🔋 The need to maximize the time of the smartphone from one charge.
- 📶 Using devices that work better at frequencies 900/2100 MHz.
- 🚫 Voice problems (VoLTE is not supported by the operator).
Standard way through smartphone settings
The easiest and safest method to remove 4G It's built into the standard settings menu, it doesn't require any special code, it's available to anyone, and you have to open the main menu and go to Settings. SIM-maps and mobile networks, which are usually located at the top of the list or in the "Connections" category".
After you've chosen. SIM-If you have two cards, click on Network Type or Network Preferred. In the list that opens, you will see several options. LTE, You need to choose an option. 3G (preferably or only 3G. If you choose an option "3G/2G (The phone will try to find the car." 4G, Therefore, for a guaranteed result, it is better to choose the mode "Only" 3G".
☑️ Checking network settings
It is worth noting that on some global versions of MIUI firmware, the option "Only 3G" may not be in the standard menu, in which case the system offers a choice between 5G/4G/3G/2G (auto) and 3G/2G (auto).
Using an engineering menu to select a network
If the standard settings don't work, or if the item you want isn't on the list, the engineering menu comes to the rescue, and it's a hidden part of the system that's designed for testing by engineers, but it's also available to ordinary users. To get there, open the Phone app and type ##4636##.
Once you enter the last star, the menu should open automatically. Select Phone Information. Scroll down to Set Preferred Network Type. In the dropdown, find and select WCDMA Only (3G only) or GSM Only (2G only).
What if the code doesn't work?
This is normal behavior. You have to repeat the network selection procedure every time you turn off the device. There are specialized scripting applications to automate this process.
| Network mode | Description | Impact on the battery | Speed. |
|---|---|---|---|
| LTE Only | 4G only (web is available, calls may not be made) | High. | Maximum |
| WCDMA Only | 3G only (stable calls and internet) | Average. | Medium |
| GSM Only | 2G only (calls and SMS only) | Minimum | Very low. |
| NR/LTE/GSM | Auto (5G/4G/2G, 3G can be ignored) | Maximum. | Variable |
VoLTE problems and their solution
A common reason users want to remove 4G is because of the VoLTE (Voice over LTE) feature, which allows them to talk on the phone using a 4G network without switching to 3G. However, if the operator or smartphone does not support this feature correctly, the Internet may be turned off during an incoming call and the call itself may be reset.
In the settings Xiaomi can try to disable only VoLTE, leaving 4G For the Internet, go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks and find the switch Use VoLTE. If it doesn't work and the Internet still disappears during the conversation, you have to switch the network type to the 3G, As voice calls in this standard are carried out according to the classical scheme.
⚠️ Attention: Disconnection 4G This will result in the inability to use high-speed services such as video calls. HD-quality or mobile gaming.
On some models, such as the Redmi Note series, the VoLTE option may be hidden, and to activate or deactivate it, you sometimes need to enter special code in the engineering menu or use tweak apps that change the region of the phone (for example, India or Singapore), where this feature is enabled by default.
The Impact of Network Choice on Autonomy
LTE requires the smartphone modem to constantly process large amounts of data and exchange signals more frequently with the base station. Under good signal conditions, the difference in energy consumption between 3G and 4G is minimal. However, under low reception conditions (-110 dBm and below), the difference becomes enormous.
When the phone can't find a stable 4G signal, it starts scanning the airwaves constantly, trying to find the best frequency, and this "network search" process is one of the most energy-intensive, and switching to 3G Only mode in this situation not only stabilizes the communication, but also significantly reduces the heating of the device's housing.
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For maximum battery savings in standby mode, turn on Flight Mode overnight, but leave Wi-Fi on if you need notifications.
Tests show that in a 4G hot spot, a smartphone can run out in 6-8 hours of standby time, and when switching to 3G, that time increases to 15-20 hours, making forced network selection a great tool for tourists and people on the road.
Possible errors and ways to eliminate them
During the setup process, users may encounter a situation where, after selecting the mode, "Only" 3G" This could mean that your location is missing third-generation coverage, or SIM-The card does not support this frequency range. 2G/3G (motor-car).
Another common mistake is not being able to make outgoing calls after switching, which often happens if you choose mode "LTE Only." Clear. LTE-Many operators don't route voice calls without VoLTE enabled. WCDMA or GSM/WCDMA.
If the settings are not saved or the network type menu looks empty, the problem may be that the network type is not saved. SIM-Try to remove it, wipe the contacts and paste it again, and check for firmware updates as newer versions are also recommended. MIUI Manufacturers often fix bugs associated with the communication module.
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If after all the manipulations, the connection did not appear, reset the network settings: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.