How to improve the signal on the phone Xiaomi

The problem of unstable connection is familiar to every smartphone owner, but on Xiaomi devices it can manifest itself especially annoying due to the features of the MIUI and HyperOS shell. Often users are faced with a situation where the indicator shows the presence of a network, but the pages in the browser do not load or the video is constantly buffered. This can be due to both software failures in the radio module and incorrect operator settings.

Before you go to the service center, you should try a set of software methods to restore the stability of communication. In most cases, the problem lies in accumulated cache errors of network services or the wrong choice of access point. The frequency range on which your phone operates also plays a critical role, especially in dense urban areas.

The next steps will require careful consideration, as we will change the system parameters that control the device’s communication with the cell towers. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the settings, as all changes are reversible and will not lead to loss of personal data if you follow the instructions.

Diagnostics and analysis of the current state of the network

The first step should always be to make a thorough diagnosis of where the connection breaks occur. Unlike standard indicators, hidden Android menus provide access to real-world signal power in decibel-milliwatts (dBm). The closer to zero, the better the reception, with scores below -110 dBm considered critical.

To get accurate data, you need to activate the engineering menu that is built into the Android operating system. This does not require root rights and is available on most Redmi and Poco models. Type ##4636## in the dialer, and you will see a hidden test menu.

⚠️ Warning: Don't change the unsure values on the engineering menu. Changing the network type to unsupported may temporarily make it impossible for your phone to make calls.

We are interested in the section "Phone Information". Pay attention to the "Connection Status" parameter. If it says "Disconnected" if you have a SIM card, the problem is hardware-related or carrier-related. In normal condition, you will see the network type (LTE, HSPA+) and signal level.

Frequency analysis helps us understand why the phone is catching the network but not loading the content. In big cities, base stations are overloaded, and switching to a less busy range can make a difference. Frequency range is the band of radio frequencies allocated for data transmission.

Setting up APN access points to speed up the internet

Often, the cause of slow Internet is outdated or incorrect access point settings (APNs). Operators periodically change the parameters of their gateways, and automatic configuration may not work properly. Manually editing these parameters allows you to bypass some restrictions and choose the optimal data protocol.

To enter the settings, go along the Settings path → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choose yours. SIM → Access points (APN). Here you'll see a list of existing profiles. Don't delete the standard settings, but create a new point by clicking on the plus in the corner of the screen.

In the "Name" field, enter any convenient name, for example, "Fast Internet." The "APN" field (the name of the access point) is the key - for most operators this is the word Internet, but some tariffs may require specific values that can be found on the provider's website. It is important to check the "APN type" option, where the default,supl standard should be written.

Pay special attention to the field "APN Protocol." The default is often IPv4, but modern carrier networks work better in mixed mode. Choose IPv4/IPv6, which will allow the phone to automatically select the most efficient protocol for the current connection.

After making all the changes, be sure to click the "More" button (three dots) and select "Save." Then activate the profile you created by ticking next to it. Rebooting the device after this procedure is mandatory for applying new traffic routing parameters.

Resetting network settings and radio module

If the software settings are lost or the system has accumulated errors of communication drivers, the most effective solution is a complete reset network settings, which does not affect your personal files, photos or contacts, but deletes stored Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth settings and mobile network settings.

You can reset via the recovery menu. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. The system will alert you to the consequences, then require you to enter a password to unlock the screen.

There is an alternative, deeper way to reboot the radio module through hidden commands. In the dialer, type ##72786## (code may vary depending on the model and version of the MIUI), this command initiates the SCMB (Service Center Manual Boot) process, which forcibly restarts all network services.

⚠️ Warning: Once the network resets, the phone will behave like a new connection, you will have to re-enter your home Wi-Fi passwords and re-enter your Bluetooth headphones.

The effect of this procedure is often instantaneous: the phone re-registers on the operator's network, choosing the nearest and least busy base station, which is especially useful if you have recently moved or traveled and the phone is stuck on the settings of the previous region.

Working with network modes and preferred type

Modern Xiaomi smartphones are set to automatically select the type of network (2G/3G/4G/5G) by default. However, in areas of uncertain reception, constant jumps between communication standards (for example, from 4G to 3G and back) lead to a complete disconnection.

To fix the network mode, again use the engineering menu ##4636##. In the "Phone Information" section, find "Install Network Type." The default item is "LTE/TD-SCDMA/WCDMA."

If you're in a zone where 4G is weak but stable, and 3G is coming and going, it makes sense to go with LTE only, which will make the phone ignore the 3G and 2G towers, which will remove the micro-cliffs when you switch, but remember that this mode may not be able to handle incoming calls if the carrier doesn't support VoLTE.

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Use LTE only only to distribute the Internet or download files. For everyday use, it is better to leave mixed mode so that you do not miss an important call.

The reverse is when the phone clings to EDGE (2G), even though there is 4G nearby. In this case, choosing WCDMA only or LTE only will force the device to higher speeds. Network priority is the setting that dictates which towers to look for first.

Impact of system updates and MIUI reset

The MIUI shell and the new HyperOS regularly receive updates that often contain security patches and modem improvements, but the opposite happens: after a firmware update, users complain about a drop in Internet speed, which may be due to a conflict between old configuration files and a new version of the system.

If the problems started immediately after the update, try clearing the cache of system services. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, click on the three dots at the top and select Show Systems. Find the Google Play Services and Settings app, then clear their cache.

In more complex cases, you need to completely reset your settings to factory settings, which is a radical measure, but it is guaranteed to eliminate software conflicts. Before you do this, make sure to back up your data to the Xiaomi Cloud or your computer.

It is worth noting that on global versions of firmware, sometimes there are errors in antenna drivers that are fixed only in beta versions or Chinese firmware. Installing Chinese firmware on a global phone without unlocking the bootloader is impossible and can lead to a “brick” of the device.

Hardware constraints and external factors

Physical factors can't be discounted either: cases with metal inserts or magnetic holders can shield the signal, especially in models where antennas are located around the perimeter of the housing. Take off the case and check if the signal level changes.

Also, you should consider the overheating of the device. At high temperatures, the processor can reduce frequencies, and the communication module can reduce the radiation power to protect the components. If the phone is hot, let it cool down, the Internet speed can recover by itself.

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In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by resetting network settings or setting up APN correctly, and only 20% of cases require hardware intervention or a SIM card replacement.

If nothing helps, the SIM card itself may have degraded. Old cards that have been used for years may have oxidized contacts or a damaged chip. Replacing a SIM card with a new one in the operator's cabin is a free and quick procedure that often works wonders.