Is the network on Xiaomi bad? 10 proven ways to improve mobile communication

Why Xiaomi is bad at catching the network and how to fix it

Have you noticed that your Xiaomi smartphone has become worse at catching the mobile network? Calls are interrupted, the Internet slows down, and the signal indicator shows 1-2 divisions instead of the usual 3-4? The problem is familiar to many owners of the brand’s devices, from budget Redmi to flagship Xiaomi 13/14. The reasons can lie in hardware malfunctions and software failures.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can improve mobile connectivity, from basic checks to hidden engineering menu settings, how to choose the right operator, configure network settings, update firmware, and even physically amplify the signal, and at the end, you’ll find an FAQ with answers to frequent questions and a table of compatibility of Xiaomi models with 5G networks.

Important: some methods require root rights or special knowledge, and if you're not sure about your abilities, skip those sections or go to the service center. Let's start with the simplest one!

1.Verification SIM-Cards and slots: the basics that are forgotten

Up to 30% of Xiaomi’s connectivity issues are related to physical defects SIM-Before digging into the settings, make sure that you have a map or a misset:

• 🔹 SIM-card has no chips, scratches or traces of oxidation (check contacts under the magnifying glass)
• 🔹 The card is properly cropped to nano-SIM (even a microscopic gap can cause poor contact)
• 🔹 Slot for SIM Clean – dust and debris often cause a bad signal
• 🔹 The card is inserted into slot 1 (on most Xiaomi it catches the net better than slot 2)

If you use dual-SIM, try swapping cards or leaving just one.Some models (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro) prioritize slot 1 for 4G/5G, and slot 2 can only work in 2G mode.

⚠️ Note: If after removal SIM-The smartphone has stopped seeing it at all, the problem is the slot or the controller. Self-repair can damage the motherboard.

2. Operator Selection and APN Settings: Hidden Options

Even on the same Xiaomi smartphone, the speed of the Internet and the quality of communication can differ dramatically from operator to operator, for example, in Moscow Tele2 often shows better 5G coverage than MTS, and in the regions the leader may be MegaFon.

How to check which operator is best in your area:

1. Download NetMonster or CellMapper from Google Play.
2. Walk your route (home-work) and record signal metrics for each operator.
3. Compare the results. If the difference is greater than 10 dBm, you should change the tariff or operator.

If you've already picked an operator, but the Internet is slow, check the APN settings, which often get lost after updating the firmware.

Settings → SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks → [Select SIM] → Access Points (APN)

For most Russian operators, use these parameters (unless they are loaded automatically):

After changing the settings, be sure to restart your smartphone. If the settings are not saved, reset your network settings to Settings → System → Reset your settings → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.

3. Network mode setup: 4G vs 5G vs Auto

Many Xiaomi users are unaware that a smartphone can automatically switch to 2G/3G, even if there is 4G/5G in the coverage area. This is due to energy-saving algorithms or firmware errors.

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Choose. SIM] → Type of network.
2. Choose 4G (preferably) or 5G (if supported).
3. Turn off the auto-connection option to 2G (if any).

For supported models 5G (Xiaomi 12/13/14, Redmi K50/60) There is a nuance: some firmware hides the settings 5G, if SIM-The card doesn't support this standard:

Enter the dialer in ##4636##


Select "Phone Information" → "Install preferred network type"




Select NR/LTE/UMTS or NR/LTE (for 5G)

⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G and other models of forced selection 5G If your smartphone gets hot, return the settings to Auto.

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If the signal indicator is gone after the network change, don't panic. Wait 1-2 minutes or restart your smartphone. Sometimes the modem needs time to re-register.

4. Update firmware and modem: why it's critical

More than 40 percent of Xiaomi's communication problems are solved by updating the firmware modem or the firmware. The manufacturer regularly releases patches to improve carrier compatibility and fix bugs. For example, MIUI 14 had a bug that caused the Redmi Note 10 to lose its network after it left the aircraft mode.

How to update the firmware correctly:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔄 Click "Check Updates" and install the latest version. MIUI.
• 📡 If there are no updates but problems remain, check the firmware modem version through the engineering menu (#4636## → "Phone information").

For advanced users, if your model supports custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or PixelExperience), they often contain updated modem drivers.

⚠️ Warning: Installing unofficial firmware will void the warranty and may result in loss IMEI. Make a backup before experimenting!

5. Engineering menu: hidden settings for experienced

If standard methods don't work, you should check the Engineering Mode, where you can manually adjust modem settings, antennas, and even force the problem frequencies to lock, and be careful that the wrong changes can lead to network loss.

How to open the engineering menu:

1. Enter in the dialer: ##4636##


2. Select "Phone Information" (Phone Information)




3. Pay attention to the fields:




- "Set preferred network type" (network type)




- "Signal strength" (signal level in dBm)




- "Mobile network type" (current standard: LTE, NR, UMTS, etc.)

What can be customized:

• 📶 Forced frequency selection (if you know which bands work best in your area) For example, for MTS in Moscow, Band 3 (1800 MHz) and Band 7 (2600 MHz) are optimal).
• 🔧 Disabling unused modulations (e.g, TD-SCDMA, which is not used in Russia).
• 📡 Tune in the transmission power (increasing can improve signal but reduce battery life).

For models with Qualcomm Snapdragon (most Xiaomi), an extended menu is available via the code ##36446337##. Here you can test antennas, reset your modem settings and even change the IMEI (not recommended!).

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If the "Signal Strength" field in the engineering menu shows a worse value -110 dBm is more of a hardware problem (antenna, modem). -90 dBm or better – look for the reason in the settings or SIM-map.

6. Physical methods of signal amplification

If software methods are exhausted and communication is still poor, try hardware solutions, which are especially relevant for Xiaomi owners living in remote areas or in homes with thick walls.

Signal amplification options:

• 📶 External antenna with magnetic mounting (connected via adapter to the slot) SIM-Suitable for Xiaomi with a connector TS-9 or CRC-9.
• 🏠 Signal amplifier - installed at home and relays the tower signal. Cost from 3,000 ₽.
• 📱 Case with antenna (for example, WaveCatcher) - passive solution for improving reception on the 10-15%.
• 🔋 Replacement of the antenna module – if the diagnosis showed its malfunction (frequent problem after falls).

Before buying an amplifier, check what frequencies it supports. For example, 5G requires the bands n1 (2100 MHz), n3 (1800 MHz) and n7 (2600 MHz).

If you are often in places with poor signal (metro, basements), consider alternative ways of communicating:

• 📡 Wi-Fi Calling (Wi-Fi calls) is enabled in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Choose. SIM] → Wi-Fi call.
• 💬 Call-supported messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber).

7. Diagnostics of hardware malfunctions

If none of these methods worked, the problem could be the iron, and the typical malfunctions that affect communication are:

How to check the antenna yourself:

1. Enter ##4636## and go to Phone Information.
2. Check the Signal Strength (DBM) value.
3. Turn your smartphone in your hands. If the signal drops sharply at a certain position, the antenna is the problem.

Xiaomi models with a metal body (Mi 5/6, Mi Mix 2) are characterized by wear of antenna lines on the board, in which case only repairs in the service will help.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions