How to improve the mobile network on Xiaomi phone: from settings to engineering menu

Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones have powerful hardware, but even flagship models sometimes face unstable signal reception. Users often complain of sudden call interruptions, slow mobile Internet speeds or switching between the two. 3G and 4G It can be a problem in times when it's not necessary at all. MIUI HyperOS and the physical limitations of the antenna module.

Before you bring your device to the service center, you should try software methods to restore the quality of communication. In most cases, correct setting of frequency bands and resetting network parameters allow you to return a stable signal without financial investment. It is important to understand that the algorithms of the radio module in Xiaomi firmware sometimes aggressively save energy, which directly affects the quality of reception.

In this article, we will explore proven ways to amplify the signal, including working with an engineering menu that is hidden from the average user. You will learn how to force a 4G phone to lock in, clear the network cache and choose the right operator, these actions will help improve the quality of voice communication and data transfer speed in areas of uncertain reception.

Basic diagnostics and resetting network settings

The first step should always be a basic diagnostics to eliminate simple software conflicts. Often after updating the system or installing a new application, network profile settings can go "drive", which leads to improper modem operation. Network resets return all parameters to factory values without affecting your personal files, photos or contacts.

To do this, you need to go to the system settings section. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the point responsible for connecting and exchanging data and initiate cleaning of network configurations. This action will also remove saved passwords from Wi-Fi and associated Bluetooth devices, so they will have to be re-entered.

☑️ Checklist before network reset

Done: 0 / 4

Once rebooted, the phone will re-register on the operator’s network, which often solves the problem of “jumping” signal, and if simple methods did not help, you should pay attention to the more advanced tools available on the Android system.

⚠️ Warning: After resetting your network settings, you will have to re-enter passwords from all Wi-Fi networks and re-connect your smartwatch or wireless headphones. Make sure you remember the access keys in advance.

Using the Engineering Menu to Fix LTE

One of the common causes of unstable Internet is the phone's constant search for the best base station. The device can endlessly switch between 3G and 4G, trying to find the perfect signal, but the result is that the connection simply disappears. The solution is to force the smartphone to lock in in LTE only, which causes the modem to ignore older communication standards, even if the 4G signal is weaker.

The hidden settings are accessed using an engineering menu, and most Xiaomi devices are logged in via the standard Phone app using a special code, but newer versions of Android may restrict access to this data for security reasons.

Enter the following code in the dialer (caller):

##4636##

If the code works, the test menu will open. Select Phone Information. Find the Set Preferred Network Type box. You must select the LTE Only option. Be careful: once you select this mode, incoming calls may stop if your carrier does not support VoLTE (Voice over LTE).

What if the code doesn't work?
If ##4636## doesn't open the menu, try the Activity Launcher app from Google Play. Search for Testing or CIT and run phone testing activity, an alternative way to get into hidden settings without root rights.

Setting up APN access points to speed up the internet

Often, mobile Internet speeds are slow not because of a weak signal, but because of incorrect access point (APN) settings. Operators periodically change gateway parameters, and automatic settings can work ineffectively. Manual optimization of APN allows you to reduce ping and increase connection stability.

To change the settings, go to the Settings menu. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choose yours. SIM → Access points (APN). Click on “New Access Point” or edit an existing one. It is important to enter the name and access point correctly, which depend on your operator (for example, Internet.mts.ru for MTS or Internet.beeline.ru for Beeline).

In advanced access point settings, you can change the APN protocol. IPv4/IPv6 is often the default, but in some regions with unstable coverage it is better to force IPv4 to set up, since it requires less resources to establish a connection and works more consistently on older towers.

Operator.Name (Name)Access Point (APN)Protocol
MTSMTS Internetinternet.mts.ruIPv4/IPv6
MegaphoneMegafon InternetinternetIPv4
BeelineBeeline Internetinternet.beeline.ruIPv4/IPv6
Tele2Tele2 Internetinternet.tele2.ruIPv4

After making changes, be sure to save the profile and select it as active. Then turn on and off Flight Reim to reboot the communication module with the new parameters.

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Useful tip: After changing APNs, always restart your smartphone completely, not just reconnect your mobile traffic, which ensures that system services fully update your network routes.

Influence of covers and physical location of antennas

Modern Xiaomi smartphones have a complex system of antennas built into the body. Metalized cases, magnetic clasp cases or thick protective glass can shield the signal, creating “dead zones” around the device.

The antenna inserts are usually located around the perimeter of the ends of the smartphone. If you tightly squeeze your palm in this place during a conversation or game, the effect of the biological screen also reduces the quality of reception. Try to remove the case and check the signal level in the same place - the difference can be significant.

  • 📱 Remove the case if it contains metal elements or a thick layer of plastic.
  • 📍 Change the position of the phone: lift it higher or move to the window.
  • 🧲 Keep your smartphone away from powerful sources of interference: microwaves, routers, computer system blocks.

It is also worth checking the state of the SIM-If your SIMKA is bigger than yours 5-7 In the past, her contacts could have oxidized, and the area of contacts did not meet modern standards. 4G. Replacement SIM-New cards in the operator’s cabin often do wonders with network stability.

📊 What most often interferes with your signal?
metal case
Old one. SIM-map
Staying in the basement/elevator
Overcrowding of the operator tower

Hiding unnecessary 2G/3G networks to save resources

In a city where 4G coverage is dense, the phone can still periodically roll into 2G or 3G when trying to make a call (unless VoLTE is turned on), which creates a delay of a few seconds before starting a call. To avoid this, you can use the LTE fixation method described above, but there is a milder option.

Some MIUI firmware has the option "Preferred Network Type." By setting "Prefer LTE," you only allow the phone to switch to 3G if there is no 4G at all, but you won't let it hang on 2G for the sake of saving charge. That's the balance between stability and autonomy.

For users who are often in areas where 4G catches one stick and 3G is confident, this setting can be harmful, in which case it is better to leave automatic choice, but turn off data transmission in the background for heavy applications, so that the weak signal does not waste the battery on constant attempts to reconnect.

⚠️ Attention: Set-up of the regime «LTE Only" may result in you not being able to accept normal voice calls if your carrier does not support VoLTE or if you are in an area where VoLTE does not work!

Updating the firmware and resetting the radio module

Network problems are often software-related and are caused by errors in modem drivers. Xiaomi regularly releases security and stability updates that contain patches for the radio part. Check for updates in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version.

Sometimes, a radical but effective method helps – completely reset the network and radio module through the Recovery menu if the problem is critical, but before that, you should try a less traumatic way: command the radio module to reset via ADB (requires a connection to the PC) or simply hold the on button for a long time (10-15 seconds) to force all controllers to restart.

If nothing helps, the problem may be the antenna plume or the communication module itself, especially if the phone has been hit or moisture-induced before, in which case the software methods are powerless and a diagnosis is required at the service center.

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Main conclusion: In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by resetting the network settings, replacing the old one. SIM-maps or correct setting of access points APN. Use the Engineering Menu only if you understand the risks of turning off voice calls.

Why Xiaomi is not good at catching the network compared to other phones
It’s often not about (hardware) but about optimizing firmware for a specific region. Global versions of MIUI may have less aggressive network search algorithms than Chinese versions. The frequency range also affects: if the phone is brought from China, it may not support some Band 20 frequencies popular in Europe and Russia, which reduces the coverage in buildings.
How to turn on VoLTE on Xiaomi if there is no button in the menu?
VoLTE is often hidden. Try typing #86583## into the caller. It should show up saying, "VoLTE Carrier check was disabled." SIM-A "Use VoLTE" switch may appear if the code is not working, the function depends on your operator's support.
Does a phone’s overcrowded memory affect internet speed?
Indirectly, yes. If the system partition is full, the operating system does not have enough space for temporary files and cache of network services, this can lead to a freeze in connection processes, it is recommended to keep at least 10-15% of total memory free.
Should I use apps to “boost the signal”?
No. Play Market apps with names like Network Booster don't have the system rights to change the power of the antenna, they just reset the connection (which you can do by turning on the aerial mode yourself) or show ads, and the real amplification is only possible by software frequency fixation or physical repeaters.