How to improve mobile Internet on Xiaomi: from settings to hardware

Have you noticed that the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 suddenly started to “slow down” on the mobile Internet, when everything used to work steadily? Or the Xiaomi 13T stubbornly clings to 3G instead of 4G, even though the roommates are quietly surfing at top speed? The problem with slow mobile Internet on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most common, but its causes rarely lie on the surface. 80% of cases are not the carriers, but the fault of network settings, outdated software or even hardware limitations of a particular model.

In this article, we will discuss 10 proven ways to improve mobile Internet speed on Xiaomi, from basic (network mode switching) to advanced (manual change of module parameters via the engineering menu). All methods are tested on models from 2020 to 2026 and work independently of the version of MIUI. Importantly, some tricks require root or unlocked bootloader rights - we will note them separately.

Before you start, check the obvious: the signal level in the status bar (if it is below 2-3 sticks, the problem may be in the coverage area), the account balance (sometimes operators limit the speed at zero balance) and the presence of active VPN-We're going to have connections (they often cut speeds). If everything's okay, we're going to keep going.

1. Choosing the right network mode: 4G, 5G or “Auto”?

Xiaomi defaults to Auto mode, but that’s not always optimal. For example, in densely populated areas with congested towers, a smartphone can stick to 3G instead of switching to 4G. Or vice versa: in an unstable 5G zone, a device spends time trying to connect to it endlessly, instead of running on stable 4G.

To manually prioritize:

  1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
  3. Go to Network Type (or Preferred Network Type).
  4. Install: 📶 Only 4G (LTE) — if 5G in your region is unstable. 📶 4G/3G/2G (Auto) – a universal option for travel. 📶 Only 5G — if you are in the zone of confident coverage (for example, in the center of Moscow or St. Petersburg).

Important! Some models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3) may not have 5G options due to hardware constraints. Also note that a forced 4G Only option will disable VoLTE calls, which will have to be made over 3G.

📊 What network mode do you use?
Automatic (4G/3G/2G)
Only 4G (LTE)
Only 5G.
I don't know what it is.

2. Update firmware and modems: why it is critical

More than 30% of mobile internet problems on Xiaomi are solved by firmware updates, especially when it comes to new models (2023-2026) or newer versions of MIUI. The manufacturer regularly releases patches for modems (radio modules) that are responsible for communication stability. For example, MIUI 14 for Xiaomi 13 Pro was fixed "whilt" speed when switching between 4G/5G towers.

How to update:

  1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
  2. Click Check for updates.
  3. If a new version is available, download it and install it.

If there are no updates, but the problem persists, try forcefully reinstall the current firmware via Fastboot or Recovery, which will reset the modem settings to factory ones.

fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin


fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn

⚠️ Warning: Fastboot modem flashing can lead to loss IMEI, If the files are not selected correctly, use only official firmware from the Xiaomi site for your model.

3. Network Settings Reset: When It Works

If the Internet speed has dropped after updating or installing a new application, the conflicting APN settings (Access Points) may be to blame.

How to reset:

  1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Select Network Settings Reset (or Mobile Internet Settings Reset).
  3. Confirm the action.
  4. ⚡ Flight mode: sometimes a short-term flight mode switching on/off (10-15 seconds) resets the connection and improves speed.

Risks: loss of warranty, phone "brick", problems with OTA-We recommend that you try all methods without root first.

Why does the speed drop when you talk on the phone?
This is normal behavior for networks without VoLTE support (voice over the Internet). 4G). When you call, the phone switches to 3G/2G, where the Internet speed is lower: 📞 Activate VoLTE in settings (Settings) → SIM-map → VoLTE). 📞 If VoLTE is not available, use messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) for calls. 📞 Check if your carrier supports VoLTE (for example, MTS and Beeline support, and some virtual operators do not).
How to check what exactly is stopping: the phone or the operator?
Do the following: Check the speed on another phone with the same SIM-If it's slow, it's the operator's fault. SIM-card to your Xiaomi (if the speed has increased - the problem is in the tariff or SIM). Run a speed test in different places (like your home and your street), if it's slow everywhere, it's a problem with your phone, unless it's in certain places, it's the coating.