How to improve the signal on Xiaomi: from weak 4G to stable 5G

Weak communication signals on Xiaomi smartphones are one of the most common problems faced by users of the Redmi, Poco and Mi lines. Mobile Internet disappears in the subway, calls are interrupted on the street, GPS loses satellites in the city. The reasons can be due to hardware limitations of the device and incorrect software settings. In this article, we will discuss 12 proven ways to improve the 4G/5G signal, Wi-Fi and GPS – from basic to advanced, including hidden engineering menus and alternative firmware.

It's important to understand that the quality of communication is not just a smartphone. Cellular carrier, base station load, weather conditions, even the body of the phone (metal models are worse at transmitting signals) play a role. However, it's possible to optimize the operation of communication modules for everyone. Let's start with simple methods that do not require root rights, and gradually move to more complex solutions for power users.

1. Checking the current signal level

Before you can improve your signal, you need to understand how weak it is. Android has hidden diagnostic tools.

To see the exact numbers:

1. Open the dialer and enter the code: ##4636##
2. Select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Note the lines: Signal Strength is the signal strength in dBm (decibels). Optimal: from -70 dBm to -90 dBm. If the value is worse than -100 dBm, the signal is very weak. Network Type is the network type (LTE, HSPA, GSM). If HSPA+ is displayed instead of LTE, your phone has forced to switch to 3G.

You can also use third-party applications like Network Cell Info Lite or NetMonster, which show not only the signal strength, but also the base station ID (Cell ID), which will help determine whether you are connected to an overloaded tower.

2. Optimization of network settings

Often the signal is degraded by incorrect network settings, and MIUI has hidden settings that can be adjusted.

Follow the instructions:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map and open the network type.
3. Prioritize 4G/5G: For 4G: Select LTE Only (if the carrier supports VoLTE, calls will go over the Internet). For 5G: Select 5G/4G/3G/2G (auto), but note that 5G drains the battery faster.

Improved 4G coverage

If your operator supports VoLTE (voice to your phone) LTE), Include it in Settings → SIM-map → Calling VoLTE, it'll improve call quality and speed up Internet connectivity.

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If the Internet is gone after the change in the type of network, restart the phone, and sometimes the communication module freezes when the modes change.

3. Update of firmware and modems

Manufacturers regularly release updates that optimize the operation of communication modules, and this is especially important at Xiaomi, since MIUI often contains bugs in network management.

How to update firmware:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates and install the latest version.
3. If there are no updates, check the firmware region. Sometimes the global versions (MIUI Global) lag behind the Chinese (MIUI China) in optimizing communication.

For advanced users, you can update the modem (radio module) separately from the firmware. This helps if the signal deteriorates after the Android upgrade.

Important: An unsolicited modem can lead to total network loss, and only do so if you are confident in your actions.

4. Network resetting

If the signal deteriorates after the update or change SIM-This will help reset the network settings, which will remove the stored Wi-Fi networks, passwords and settings. APN, But often solves connection problems.

How to reset:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Network Resetting.
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

After reset, manual adjustment may be required APN (Check the parameters with your operator or find them on the official website, for example, for MTS. APN looks like:

5.Use of the Engineering Menu (MTK/Qualcomm)

Xiaomi smartphones on Qualcomm and MediaTek chips have hidden engineering menus where you can manually adjust communication settings. This is a method for power users!

For Qualcomm:

1. Enter the dialer: ##4636###
2. Go to the phone information.
3. In the Set preferred network type, select LTE only (if you want to force 4G on).

For MediaTek:

1. Enter the code ##36446337##
2. Go to Engineer Mode → MTK Settings → BandMode.
3. Select the frequencies supported by your operator (for example, for MTS in Russia it is B3 (1800 MHz), B7 (2600 MHz), B20 (800 MHz)).

You can also install a custom core, such as FrancoKernel or ElementalX, that optimizes the radio module, but it will require:

1. Unlock bootloader (official instructions on the Xiaomi website).
2. Install TWRP or other custom recovery.
3. Swipe the firmware or kernel through recovery.

Example of commands to unlock bootloader:

fastboot oem unlock


fastboot flash recovery twrp.img




fastboot boot twrp.img

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware resets warranty and can lead to a "brick" of the device. TWRP before-fixing.

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Custom firmware can improve signal performance significantly, but it requires technical skills, and novice users should be limited to standard methods.

External antennas and signal amplifiers

If the software methods did not help, you can use hardware solutions:

• 📡 Signal amplifier (repiter) - installed at home or in the office, repeats the signal of the nearest tower, suitable for areas with very weak surfaces.
• 📶 External antenna – connects via adapter to the smartphone (requires support) MIMO or antenna connector).
• 🔌 4G/5G-router SIM-Card – distributes the Internet over Wi-Fi, often catches a signal better than a phone.

Xiaomi will be suited to amplifiers from Huawei, TP-Link or Netgear, for example, Huawei B535 supports 4G LTE and can distribute Internet to multiple devices.

Cost of decisions:

8. Checking hardware faults

If none of the methods worked, the problem may be a physical breakdown:

• 🔌 Damaged connector SIM-cards – contacts may have oxidized or bent.
• 📡 Faulty communication module – often fails after falls or moisture.
• 🔋 Worn-out battery - with a low charge, the phone can forcibly turn off LTE energy-saving.

How to diagnose:

1. Try inserting. SIM-If the signal comes up, there's a problem with your Xiaomi.
2. Check if the phone is heating up in the antenna area (top of the case), and overheating may indicate a module malfunction.
3. Run the hardware component test through the Engineering Menu or Phone Doctor Plus app.

If you have a problem, contact the service center.

• Replacement of the connector SIM-maps: 1,000 to 2,500 ₽.
• Replacement of communication module: 3,000 – 8,000 ₽ (model-wise).

FAQ: Frequent questions about signal improvement on Xiaomi