Previous articleBad Internet on Xiaomi? 10 proven ways to boost 4G, 5G and Wi-Fi signal

Have you noticed that Xiaomi has become worse at catching mobile Internet or Wi-Fi? The signal constantly β€œjumps” between 3G and 4G, pages load for eternity, and videos on YouTube or TikTok slow down even at maximum quality? The problem is familiar to many owners of Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Mi 11 smartphones – especially in conditions of weak carrier coverage or densely populated areas with overloaded networks.

In this article, we will analyze all possible causes of poor Internet on Xiaomi – from basic settings to basic settings. MIUI to the hardware features of models with Qualcomm and MediaTek processors. 4G, streamline SIM-We'll use hidden engineering menus, and even physically amplify the signal without buying a repeaterΒ» 5G New Xiaomi 14 and Redmi smartphones K70 β€” The solution requires a non-standard approach.

1. Checking the baseline parameters: SIM-map, operator and coverage areas

Before digging into your smartphone settings, make sure the issue is not on the operator’s side or on the phone’s side. SIM-Tele2 and Iota, for example, often limit speeds at "old" rates, and MTS and Beeline can artificially strangle rush hour traffic:

  • πŸ“± Reboot the smartphone – banal, but in 30% of cases helps to reset the β€œhanged” communication modules.
  • πŸ”„ Replace it. SIM-On some Xiaomi models, the main slot (Slot 1) has the best antenna.
  • πŸ“‘ Check the coverage area on the operator's map (e.g., MTS map). You may be in a gray area where the network is congested.
  • πŸ’³ Make sure that the "economic" fare is not activated. MegaFon, for example, has the "Turbo" option.-ButtonΒ», limiting the speed to 64 Kbit/s after exhaustion of traffic.

If after these manipulations the speed has not increased, go to the settings MIUI. Please note: on smartphones with MediaTek Helio G99 (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro) can trigger a bug with β€œsticking” on 3G - it is treated by resetting network settings (more on this below).

⚠️ Note: If you use a virtual operator (such as Tinkoff Mobile or SberMobil), check if it supports VoLTE and 4G+. Many MVNO They work through Tele2 networks and do not provide access to full-fledged services. 4G.

2. Optimization of mobile network settings in MIUI

MIUI It hides some of the important parameters under the developers or the engineering menus, but even in the standard settings, there's a lot to tweak. β†’ SIM-Maps and mobile networks and do the following:

  1. Enable "Enhanced 4G" (VoLTE):

This will not only improve the quality of calls, but also stabilize the 4G connection.

Select the priority type of network:

  • 🌐 B Settings β†’ Mobile network β†’ Network type set up 4G (preferably 5G (if maintained).
  • ❌ Remove the tick from Automatically – this often leads to β€œjumping” between 3G and 4G.

For models with Qualcomm Snapdragon (such as POCO F5 or Xiaomi 13T), there is an additional menu ##4636## where you can manually lock 2G/3G. Enter this code in the Phone app, then select Phone Information β†’ Install your preferred network type and install LTE only.

πŸ“Š What type of network do you use most often on Xiaomi?
Only 4G.
5G (where there is coverage)
Automatic choice
3G (no 4G in the region)

3. Reset network settings and update firmware

If the settings didn't work, the next thing to try is resetting the network settings, which will delete all the stored Wi-Fi, passwords and APN settings, but often solves problems with the "hang" of the communication module.

  • βš™οΈ Go to Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.
  • πŸ”„ Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.
  • πŸ“Ά After restarting manually adjust APN (access points) for your operator, the settings can be found on the provider's website.

Also update MIUI to the latest version – new firmware often fix bugs with Qualcomm X60 (5G) or MediaTek Dimensity modules. Check the updates in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update. If the update is β€œhanging” on the download, try:

  • πŸ“₯ Download the full firmware package from the official website and install through System Update β†’ Three points. β†’ Select a firmware file.
  • πŸ”Œ Connect to another Wi-Fi network or use mobile internet (sometimes operators block the download of large files).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi) 10C) VoLTE option may be lost after resetting. To return it, go to the engineering menu (#36446337##), select BandMode and manually activate VoLTE.

Make sure you remember your Wi-Fi passwords

Save the APN settings (take a screen picture)

Check the balance SIM-cards (sometimes the reset will drop) USSD-team)

Disable two-factor authentication by SMS (temporarily)-->

4. Engineering menus and hidden functions to amplify the signal

For advanced users, Xiaomi offers engineering menus where you can manually configure the settings of the communication module. Careful: incorrect changes can lead to network loss!

Code.DescriptionFor which models?
##4636##Phone and network information: Allows you to select a network type (LTE only), see the signal strength in dBm.All models on Qualcomm
##36446337##BandMode menu for manually selecting 4G/5G frequencies. Useful if the smartphone β€œcan’t see” some ranges.Models with MediaTek (Redmi 9, POCO M4)
##2263##If your carrier uses, for example, Band 7 (2600 MHz), and it is not on the list, there is a problem in the hardware.All models.
##7262626##GPS and network test helps diagnose problems with the communications module.Models with Qualcomm (Xiaomi 12, POCO F4)

For example, if your Redmi Note 11 is not catching 4G well, go to ##36446337##, select BandMode β†’ LTE Band and manually activate the ranges your carrier uses (you can find them on the provider’s website or in the NetMonster app).

How do you know what frequencies your operator is using?
Download the NetMonster or CellMapper app from Google Play. They show the current cell, its Band, the signal strength in dBm, and even the coordinates of the tower. For example, if you see a Band 3 (1800 MHz) with a signal level of -105 dBm, this means weak coverage - you should try to switch to Band 7 (2600 MHz), which is better through obstacles.

5. Hardware methods: antenna, case and position of the smartphone

Even if the settings are correct, physical obstacles can block the signal, like a metal case or a holder in a car shielding the antenna.

  • πŸ“Ά Hold your smartphone vertically β€” Xiaomi antennas are usually located in the upper and lower parts of the case. 20-30%.
  • πŸš— Avoid dead zones in your car, for example, if you put your phone in the glove compartment or under the seat, the signal level will drop. 50-70%. It is better to use a magnetic holder on a torpedo.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Remove the case with metal elements – this is especially true for models with a plastic case (Redmi). 9A, POCO C50).
  • πŸ“‘ Use an external antenna (for extreme cases). for example, Xiaomi Mi Router 4G You can connect to the smartphone through USB-cable and use as a modem with an external antenna.

Some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra) have antennas asymmetrically arranged β€” if you hold your phone with your left hand, the signal may be weaker.

πŸ’‘

If you drive a lot, buy a 4G/LTE magnetic antenna with an SMA connector and connect it to your smartphone via an adapter, which will boost the signal by 2-3 times, especially on the highways.

5G Issues: Why Xiaomi is Losing the Fifth Generation

Owners of new Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70 or POCO F6 smartphones often face the fact that 5G appears and disappears.

  • πŸ“Ά Weak coverage 5G β€” Even if the indicator shows Β«5GΒ», The actual speed may be lower than the 4G.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery savings β€” MIUI default-off 5G low charge (less than 20%).
  • πŸ“± Bug with Qualcomm module X70 β€” firmware MIUI 14.0.5 was an error, which caused the smartphone to β€œforget” the settings 5G post-boot.

To make 5G work in a stable way:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Power modes and turn off Charge Saving.
  2. In the engineering menu (#4636###), select NR/LTE as your preferred network type.
  3. Update the firmware to the latest version (in) MIUI 14.0.6+ Fixed the bug with Qualcomm X70).

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with MediaTek Dimensity 9000 (e.g. Redmi) K60) It may be a problem that causes a bug 5G It only works with the first SIM-If you have two. SIM, Try to change them.

7. Alternative methods: Wi-Fi Calling and VPN

If the mobile Internet stubbornly does not want to work, you can go roundabouts:

  • πŸ“ž Wi-Fi Calling – Calling and Calling SMS Wi-Fi. Included in Settings. β†’ SIM-map β†’ Wi-Fi calls, even with zero cellular signal.
  • 🌍 VPN Some providers (e.g. Yota) limit speeds for certain services. VPN (For example, ProtonVPN or Warp will help you get around this.
  • πŸ”„ On the plane modeΒ» + Wi-Fi. Turn on flight mode, then manually activate Wi-Fi. Sometimes this resets the "hang" communication modules.

For eSIM-enabled models (e.g., Xiaomi 13 Lite), you can try activating a virtual SIM from another carrier (e.g., Tinkoff Mobile) and use it as a backup channel.

πŸ’‘

Wi-Fi Calling is a rescue in areas with poor coverage, but requires operator support. Check with the provider if this option is included in your tariff.

8. When to contact the service: hardware malfunctions

If none of these methods worked, the problem could be in the hardware:

  • πŸ“‘ An antenna is damaged, often after falls or moisture is ingested, and symptoms: the signal disappears when you press the body or when the smartphone is positioned.
  • πŸ”Œ The communication module is defective, for example, after a failed repair or flashing, and is diagnosed via the engineering menu (#4636##): if there is no network data in the Phone Information section, the module does not work.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery wear - at low voltage (below) 3.5V) Smartphones can artificially limit signal transmission power.

The cost of repairing the antenna in the service center Xiaomi β€” from 1,500 to 3 000 rubles. If the smartphone is warranty, do not try to disassemble it yourself! Otherwise, you can use the services of third-party workshops, but make sure they use original parts.

Before visiting the service, do the following:

  1. Reset your network settings (Settings β†’ Resetting β†’ Network Reset).
  2. Check your smartphone with another SIM-card (preferably another operator).
  3. Install alternative firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu) – sometimes the problem lies in the bugs of official software.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the signal on Xiaomi

πŸ” Why Xiaomi is Showing Why 4G, But the internet doesn't work?
This may be due to: Incorrect APN settings (access points). Delete your current profile and create a new one manually. Traffic blocking by the operator (for example, with zero balance or activated option "Economic Internet"). Firmware bug (especially relevant for MediaTek). Try to update MIUI or roll back to the previous version. Also check if Data Saver mode is activated in Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ Traffic Saving.
πŸ“Ά How to Check Real Internet Speed on Xiaomi?
Use Speedtest by Ookla or nPerf. Important: Test your operator's server speed (for example, for MTS, choose a server in Moscow or your region); disable all background applications (especially YouTube, TikTok, messengers); Repeat the test 3-5 times in different places - the signal can vary greatly even within one room. Normal indicators for 4G: ping less than 50 ms, download speeds from 20 Mbit / s. For 5G: ping to 30 ms, speeds from 100 Mbit / s.
πŸ”„ Can I return the old firmware if the signal has disappeared after the update?
Yes, but it requires unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware. Instructions: Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (you need a Mi Account and a linked phone number). MIUI From the Xiaomi Firmware Updater. Install firmware via Fastboot or Recovery (instructions are available on the forum) 4PDA). ⚠️ Warning: Firmware rollback will reset all data and may result in a lock IMEI. Do this only if you are confident in your actions!
πŸ“± Why Xiaomi Signals Are Worse Than iPhones or Samsungs?
This is due to several factors: antenna quality – Xiaomi often uses cheaper antenna modules, especially in budget models (Redmi 10, POCO M5). Software optimization – MIUI aggressively saves energy by disabling background processes, including those associated with the communication module. Frequency support – some Xiaomi models do not support all the 4G/5G bands that Russian carriers use. For example, the Redmi Note 11 does not work with the Band 20 (800 MHz), which is actively used by Tele2 in regions. To compare your smartphone antennas with other models, use the GSMArena service (partition in the Network).
πŸ› οΈ Can I replace the antenna on Xiaomi?
Technically, yes, but it's a complex process that requires: a special tool (suction cup, mediator, tweezers); experience with small parts (antennas are attached to glue and can break); original parts (Chinese counterparts are often worse in quality); the cost of an antenna for popular models (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3) is from 300 to 800 rubles. If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact the service.