How to improve the 4G signal on Xiaomi smartphones: from simple settings to advanced solutions

Weak signal. 4G Xiaomi is a problem faced by owners of both budget Redmi and flagship Mi or POCO. What worked yesterday without any complaints today can turn into an excruciating wait for page loading, call interruptions or a drop in Internet speed to the level of the Internet. 2G. The reasons are both hardware limitations of the smartphone and the way mobile networks work, but the good news is that 90 percent of the time, the signal can be improved without having to replace the device or the device. SIM-map.

In this article, we’ll look at 10 proven ways, from basic (2 minutes) to advanced (requires hardware purchases or deep settings), how to choose the right network mode, what MIUI settings affect connection stability, and why changing operators sometimes helps. And for those who are willing to go further, instructions for using external antennas and signal repeaters. All methods are tested on Xiaomi 12T Pro, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and POCO X5 Pro models, but are suitable for most of the brand’s devices.

Before you start settings, check the obvious: is your smartphone in the coverage area of the 4G operator (coverage cards are available on the sites of MTS, Beeline, MegaFon and Tele2), is not enabled mode Save traffic in the settings, and are there physical barriers (concrete walls, metal structures).

1. Selection of optimal network mode

By default, Xiaomi often sets Auto mode, which doesn’t always provide the best signal. By manually choosing 4G priority (LTE), you can force your smartphone to “cling” to a more stable network, even if the signal strength is weaker than 3G.

How to change the regime:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• 🔄 Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
• 📶 Tap the network type and install only LTE (or 4G/3G/2G (vehicle) if the first option does not work).
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.

On some models (e.g. POCO F4), the path may be different: Settings → Connections → Mobile Network → Network Mode. If the Internet is completely lost after the change of mode, return the settings back and try another method.

⚠️ Note: On older smartphones (Redmi) 4X, Mi A1) forced choice Only LTE This can cause loss of communication in areas where 4G-There's no network. 4G/3G/2G (motor-car).

2. Update and modem firmware

Manufacturers regularly release updates that optimize the modem, the chip responsible for communication. If your Xiaomi has not been updated for a long time, this may be the reason for the weak signal.

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📥 Click Check Updates and install the latest version. MIUI.
• 🔧 If there are no updates, but the problem remains, try resetting your network settings (more on this below).

For advanced users, custom modem firmware sometimes helps (e.g., Xiaomi Mi 9 has modified versions to improve signal reception). However, it is risky - the wrong firmware can bring your smartphone down. If you decide, look for firmware on 4PDA or XDA Developers only for your model.

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Before updating your firmware, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will save your contacts and photos if something goes wrong.

3. Reset network and APN settings

Incorrect APN settings or conflicts in network settings can interfere with stable connectivity, resetting will return everything to factory values:

1. 📱 Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. 🔄 Choose yours. SIM-map → Access points (APN).
3. ⚙️ Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset to default values.
4. 🔄 Reboot the phone.

If the APN reset didn’t help, try a full network reset:

Settings → System → Additional → Resetting → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth

⚠️ Warning: Once reset, you'll have to re-enter your Wi-Fi passwords and pair your Bluetooth devices. Write them down in advance!

Make sure you know the Wi-Fi passwords

Save important SMS (they may be deleted)

Record VPN settings (if you use them)

Take a screenshot of the current APN (manually)-->

4.Verification SIM-card-slot

Sometimes the problem lies in the physical condition. SIM-- The card or the slot's contacts:

• 🔍 Contact contamination: Get out SIM-Check the card for scratches, contamination, or oxidation, wipe the contacts with a wipe or an alcohol wipe.
• 📶 Position in the slot: Make sure the card is inserted correctly (chip down, beveled corner to yourself). On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro), the slot is combined with a microSD tray - check if the memory card interferes with the memory card.
• 🔄 Testing in another device: Insert SIM If the signal is as bad as the phone, the operator has a problem.

If you have Xiaomi with Dual support SIM (two-way SIM-If you want to change the slots, sometimes one of the modules works worse because of hardware. POCO X3 The Pro main slot (Slot 1) often provides a more stable signal.

5. Use of external antennas and signal amplifiers

If all the software methods are exhausted and the signal is still weak, it's time to consider hardware solutions, which are relevant for cottages, country houses or offices with thick walls.

Enhancement options:

• 📡 Passive antenna: Connected via adapter to slot SIM-Suitable for Xiaomi with an external antenna connector (e.g. Redmi Power Bank or specialized models) Price: from 500 ₽.
• 🔋 Active Repeter: Installed indoors and broadcasts signal from an external antenna, requires settings and a power source. Price: from 3,000 ₽.
• 📶 MIMO-antenna: Uses multiple antennas to improve reception, is effective in areas with very low signal, Price: from 2,000 ₽.

Before buying, check:

1. Does your Xiaomi support external antennas (check the model specifications).
2. Does the amplifier work at your operator frequency (e.g., MTS uses 800/1800/2600 MHz).
3. Is there a license for the use of amplifiers in your region (in Russia registration with Roskomnadzor is required for powerful devices).

Alternative methods: from changing IMEI to changing operator

If standard methods don't work, you can try non-obvious solutions, but be careful, some of them may violate warranties or laws.

IMEI change (illegal in Russia!): On some Xiaomi (e.g. Redmi 4X), users change the IMEI to "clean" from another device to bypass operator restrictions.

• ⚠️ This violates Article 13.3 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation (final up to 50 000). ₽).
• 🔧 Requires root rights and can cause the phone to fail.
• 📵 It does not guarantee signal improvement.

Operator change: If one operator is better than others in your region, consider switching. For example, in the Moscow region Tele2 often shows a better 4G signal than Beeline, and in Siberia MegaFon leads.

1. Check the coverage map on the operator's website.
2. Take from friends SIM-cards of different operators and test the signal.
3. Check the rates – sometimes cheap fares limit the speed of 4G.

Unique lifehack for Xiaomi with Qualcomm Snapdragon: In the engineering menu (#4636##) you can manually select a network type (LTE-only) and even block certain frequencies that do not work well in your region. However, this method requires caution - the wrong settings can deprive you of communication completely.

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Before drastic measures (change IMEI, modem firmware) try all legal methods, 80% of the time the problem is solved by resetting the network or changing the APN.

7. Software utilities for signal monitoring

To objectively assess the quality of the signal, use specialized applications that will show not only the number of sticks on the indicator, but also the real parameters of the network:

• 📊 Network Cell Info Lite (Android): Shows the signal level in dBm, type of network (LTE, HSPA+), frequency and even neighboring towers.
• 📡 OpenSignal: Compares your internet speed to other users in the region.
• 🔍 NetMonster: Details of the cell you are connected to (including: PCI, TAC, RSRP).

How to interpret indicators:

If the values are worse than normal, try moving closer to the window or using an external antenna. Even if the Internet slows down, the problem may be on the operator's side (telephone overload).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's 4G signal