Mobile Internet on Xiaomi Redmi is slow, constantly breaks off or shows low speed even at full signal level? The problem is familiar to many owners of smartphones of this line – from the budget Redmi 9A to the flagship Redmi Note 12 Pro+. The reasons can lie in hardware limitations (weak communication module, outdated firmware) and in software settings that MIUI by default optimizes not for maximum speed, but for battery savings.
In this article, we’ll look at 10 proven ways to improve mobile internet quality, from basic actions like changing the operator to deep-setting Engineer Mode and modifying configuration files. All methods have been tested on current versions of MIUI 14/15 and work independently of the Redmi model (unless otherwise noted).
Before you start settings, check the obvious: the signal level in the status bar (if it is below 2-3 divisions, the problem may be in the coverage area of the operator), the presence of an active tariff with traffic and the absence of restrictions on the part of the provider (sometimes the speed is artificially reduced after exhaustion of the high-speed package).
1.Selection of optimal network mode: 4G vs 5G vs LTE Only
By default, Xiaomi Redmi uses Auto mode, which automatically switches between 2G/3G/4G/5G depending on the networks available.This is not always optimal: old standards (2G/3G) slow down speeds, and 5G can be unstable in your region. Manual setting will help avoid unnecessary "jumping" between generations of networks.
How to change the network mode:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- 🔄 Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
- 📶 Tap the network type and install: "Only" LTE» — maximum stability 4G (recommended for most regions of Russia and CIS). «4G/3G/2G (Auto” if there is a weak signal in your area 4G, good 3G. «5G/4G/3G/2G» — Only if your operator is providing you with a stable 5G (Check the coverage map on the provider’s website).
Important: Mode Only LTE shut off 2G/3G, but on Redmi with VoLTE support (voice via voice) 4G) If you've lost your calls after the change of mode, return the Auto or activate VoLTE in the settings. SIM-map.
2.APN setup: why standard settings can slow down the internet
APN (Access Point Name) is the gateway through which your smartphone connects to the carrier’s Internet. Incorrect APN settings can limit speed, cause cliffs or completely block access to the network. Operators often update these settings, but MIUI does not always tighten up current values automatically.
How to check and update your APN:
- Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Access points (APN).
- If there are several profiles, choose the one that matches your operator (for example, Internet.beeline.ru for Beeline).
- Compare the settings with the official settings on the operator's website. For example, for MTS in 2026, the current name is: MTS INTERNET APN: Internet.mts.ru Proxy: Port not installed: Username not installed: mts Password: mts Authentication type: PAP or CHAP Type APN: default,supl
- If you don’t have a profile, create a new one (Add APN) and enter the settings manually.
What to do if the APN is not saved?
Critical error: Many users copy APNs from forums without checking relevance. For example, for Tele2 in 2023, the type of authentication changed from PAP to CHAP, which led to connection breaks on old settings.
3. Optimization of the communication module through Engineer Mode (engineering menu)
Engineer Mode is a hidden menu for diagnosing and fine-tuning smartphone hardware components, including the communications module. Here you can manually select 4G/5G frequencies, disable unnecessary bands (which cause interference), and even increase signal power.
How to open Engineer Mode:
- 📞 Open the phone application.
- 🔢 Enter the code ##4636##.
- 📊 Select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
The main settings for improving the Internet:
| Parameter | Recommended value | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Set preferred network type | LTE only or NR/LTE | Forced choice of 4G or 5G+4G (if supported) |
| Enable LTE only | Included. | Disables switching to 3G/2G, improves the stability of 4G. |
| LTE Band | Manually select (see below) | Only use the frequencies that your operator uses. |
| VoLTE | Included. | It is necessary for 4G calls (otherwise there will be a drop on 3G). |
For manual frequency selection (LTE Band), find out what bands your operator uses in your area. For example, in Moscow, MTS operates on B3 (1800 MHz), B7 (2600 MHz) and B20 (800 MHz), leaving only them, disabling the rest - this will reduce network search time and improve stability.
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Before changing the frequencies, write down your current settings (take a screen picture) If the Internet is lost after editing, return the standard values or reset the network.
4. Update firmware and modems: why it's critical for speed
Manufacturers regularly release updates for the modem firmware that runs mobile communications. These updates rarely come through standard OTA-apats, but can significantly improve the speed and stability of the Internet. For example, in Redmi Note 11 Pro+, after updating modems from V13.0.4.0 to V13.0.9.0, users reported a 30-40% increase in speed.
How to update the modem firmware:
- Check the current modem version: adb shell getprop gsm.version.baseband (ADB required).
- Download the latest firmware for your model from the Xiaomi.eu or 4PDA forum (look for themes marked [Modem]).
- Fastboot: fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn
Warning: Firmware modems via Fastboot can cause IMEI loss or total network failure if the files are not selected correctly.
Make a backup. IMEI (Adb shell su -c 'cat /data/nvram/md/NVRAM/NVD_IMEI/MP0B_001')
Download firmware from a trusted source (Xiaomi.eu, 4PDA)
Charge your phone at least 50%
Connect the original USB-cable-->
5.DNS Optimization: Why Standard Servers Are Slowing Downloads
System system DNS (Domain Name System converts site addresses (e.g., google.com) to IP-Standard addresses. DNS-ISPs (usually your mobile carrier's servers) often work slowly, which increases page load times. DNS It can speed up the internet. 10-20%.
The best alternative DNS for Xiaomi Redmi:
- 🌍 Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 (the fastest for Russia and Europe).
- 🛡️ Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (stable but may be blocked by some operators).
- 🔒 AdGuard DNS: 94.140.14.14 and 94.140.15.15 (blocks advertising and trackers).
How to change DNS to Xiaomi:
- Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Private DNS.
- Select the host name of the private DNS provider.
- Enter the address (e.g. dns.google for Google DNS or 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com for Cloudflare).
- Save and restart your smartphone.
To check the speed of DNS use the application DNS Changer – it tests delays (ping) for different providers and selects the best option automatically.
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Changing the DNS does not increase the download speed of files, but it reduces the time to open sites and reduces delays in online games.
6. Disabling background processes and optimizing MIUI
MIUI is known for aggressive optimization of background processes, which sometimes interferes not only with applications but also with the stability of the mobile Internet. For example, the system can “sleep” the system services responsible for connection when the screen is turned off.
How to reduce background activity:
- 🚫 Turn off autoloading of unnecessary apps: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Auto-start.
- 🔋 Limit background activity: Settings → Battery and productivity → Battery consumption management → Select Limit Background Activity for Unnecessary Applications.
- 📵 Turn off Mobile Data in the background for individual applications: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data → Background data transmission.
For advanced users: Engineer Mode (#4636##) allows you to disable Mobile Data Always Active (constantly active mobile data), which will reduce battery consumption, but can lead to delays when you wake up the phone (the Internet will not connect instantly, but with a delay of 1-2 seconds).
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If notifications (for example, from messengers) have disappeared after limiting background processes, add these applications to the exceptions in the battery settings.
7 Hardware methods: antenna, cover and position of the telephone
Even the perfect settings won’t help if the signal is blocked by physical obstacles.The communication module in Xiaomi Redmi is usually located at the top of the phone (near the camera), and it can be shielded:
- 📱 Metal covers or magnet covers (deteriorate the signal on the 10-30%).
- 🖐️ Closing the antenna with your hand (hold the phone so that the top part does not touch the palm of your hand).
- 🏢 Thick walls or metal structures (e.g. elevators, cellars).
How to improve signal reception:
- 🔄 Use plastic or thin silicone covers.
- 📡 If the signal is weak, try an external antenna (e.g. Xiaomi Mi WiFi Amplifier 2 or universal antenna). 4G-It's connected to an antenna with a magnetic attachment. TS9 or CRC9 (Check the connector on your Redmi model).
- 📍 Move closer to the window or balcony, even 2-3 Meters can significantly improve the signal.
Warning: Some AliExpress “signal amplifiers” (especially cheap models without certification) may not only help, but also burn the communication module due to unstable power supply. 4G/5G (check with the seller).
8. Network settings reset and extreme measures
If none of the above has worked, the problem may be system files or configuration conflicts, in which case a complete reset of network settings or even a hard reset (reset to factory settings) will help.
How to reset your network settings:
- Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
- Select Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth settings.
- Confirm the action (you will need to enter a pattern lock or PIN-code).
After discharge:
- APN-Profiles will return to standard (they will need to be reconfigured).
- Saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords will be deleted.
- Bluetooth devices will break the pairing.
If the reset didn't work, try updating your firmware through Fastboot (even if you have the latest version of MIUI). Sometimes the system files get corrupted and a clean flashing restores the communication module to work.
- Download the official firmware for your model.
- Unblock the file and run it. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac).
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the phone is off).
⚠️ Note: If after all the manipulations, the mobile Internet has not worked, the problem may be a hardware malfunction (damaged communication module, antenna or SIM-slot). 500-1000 RUB, and the replacement of the module - from 2000 RUB (depending on the Redmi model).