Why Xiaomi is slowing down the Internet with MegaFon and what to do about it
Have you noticed that pages in the browser load for eternity, videos on YouTube are constantly buffered, and messengers send messages with a delay? Problems with slow Internet on Xiaomi with a MegaFon SIM card is one of the most common complaints of users. There are dozens of reasons, from incorrect smartphone settings to overloaded operator towers in your area.
In this article, we will look at all the possible ways to speed up mobile Internet, from basic (reboot phone) to advanced (manual setting of APN and changing the type of network). It is important to understand that some methods require superuser rights (root), but most solutions are available without them, we will also analyze when MegaFon is to blame, and what to do if the problem is on the operator’s side.
Do not rush to the service center or change the tariff 80% In some cases, the speed can be increased independently. 10-15 Let's start with the simplest!
1. Basic actions: reset and coverage check
Before digging deep into the settings, follow three must-do steps that often solve the problem:
- 🔄 Reboot the phone. Yeah, it's trivial, but it works: once you reboot, the cache of the communication module is cleared, and the phone reconnects to the nearest tower.
- 📶 Check the signal level. 1-2 division of the antenna, even 4G It's going to work slowly. Try moving closer to the window or going outside.
- 📱 Activate flight mode for 30 seconds, then turn it off, which will reset the network connection and make the phone look for the best tower.
If you've not moved up after this manipulation, move on to the next section, but first make sure that the tariff isn't the problem.
Important! On some MegaFon tariffs, after exhausting high-speed traffic, the speed drops to 64-128 Kbps. To check the rest of the traffic, send it to the Internet. USSD-request *105# or use the My MegaFon app.
2. Optimization of mobile network settings on Xiaomi
Xiaomi smartphones (especially on MIUI) often have suboptimal default network settings. Let's fix this:
- Select the right network type: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM MegaFon] → Type of network. 4G (preferably 5G/4G/3G (If you have a car, you have a car. 5G, but the speed is lower than 4G, Forced to choose Only 4G — Sometimes it gives you stability.
- Turn off VoLTE (if not): In the same menu, find the 4G Call option (VoLTE) and turn it off. This feature sometimes conflicts with data, especially on older Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi 9T).
- Set up. APN manually: Incorrect parameters APN — One of the main reasons for slow internet is to delete all existing profiles. APN And create a new one: 📝 Name: MegaFon Internet 🔗 APN: internet 🔒 Type of authentication: PAP or CHAP 🌐 Type APN: default,supl
Leave the remaining fields empty or by default. Save and restart the phone.
Install a 4G network type (preferably)
Disable VoLTE (if not required)
Remove Old APN Profiles
Create a new APN with MegaFon parameters
Reboot the phone-->
A critical mistake many users make is to leave multiple APN profiles active at the same time, which leads to conflict and a drop in speed to 2G. Make sure that only one profile is enabled, the one you created manually.
3. Problems on the side of MegaFon: how to check and what to do
Sometimes slow internet isn't the fault of the phone, it's the operator's problem.
- 📡 Check the coverage map. Go to MegaFon and enter your address. If there's a maintenance or weak signal in your area. 4G, Please contact us for support at 0500.
- 📉 Test your speed in different places. If the Internet is slowing down at home, but at work or in a cafe it is not, the problem is in the coverage area. Solutions: Use a repeater (signal amplifier). Switch to Wi-Fi if possible. Try a SIM card from another operator (for example, Tele2 or MTS) on the same phone.
- 🔄 Reset the network settings. Sometimes the operator updates the connection settings, but the phone doesn't get them. → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting mobile network settings.
If you suspect that MegaFon artificially limits speed (trottling), test on the Speedtest website and compare the results with the stated tariff. For example, on the All-Inclusive tariff, the speed should be at least 50 Mbit / s in the 4G+ coverage area.
⚠️ If the Internet is completely gone after resetting the network, check if the profile has gone off. APN. If necessary, recreate it as described in the previous section.
4.Software Solutions: Cache Cleaning and MIUI Optimization
MIUI is known for being clogged with background processes that can slow down not only the internet, but the entire phone.
- Clear the system app cache: Go to Settings → Apps → App management. Find Google Play Services, Telephony Services and Settings, open each and click Clear cache.
- Turn off app auto-update: In Play Store → Settings → App auto-update, select Do Not Update Automatically.Frontline updates eat up traffic and can slow down the network.
- Use Performance Mode: In Settings → Special Options → Performance Mode, enable this option. It limits background activity, freeing up resources for the network.
- Check for viruses: Some malware (especially advertising SDKs) can intercept traffic.Scan your phone through Google Play Protection or Malwarebytes.
Xiaomi also has a hidden feature ##4636## (introduced as a phone number) that opens the test menu, where you can see the real connection speed, network type and even force to switch to another tower (phone information tab).
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If after cleaning the cache, the Internet began to work better, but after a day it slows down again - install the SD Maid application for automatic cleaning of garbage on a schedule.
5. Hardware causes: antenna, SIM card and communication module
If the software methods didn't work, the problem could be the hardware.
| Problem. | Signs. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Damaged SIM card. | The Internet works in jerks, often the signal disappears, the phone asks for a PIN code | Replace the SIM card in the MegaFon salon (free). Ask for USIM (rather than the regular SIM) - it works better with 4G/5G. |
| Weak antenna of the phone | The signal is constantly floating, even if other operators are fine. | Try using your phone without a cover (metal cases shield the signal) and if it doesn't work, take it to the service to diagnose the antenna. |
| Overheating of the communication module | Internet slows down with prolonged use or charging | If the problem recurs, check the heatpaste (in the service) or turn off the fast charging. |
| Faulty modem | Phone doesn't catch 4G/5G at all, though SIM card works | Replacement of the communication module (expensive, but sometimes helps modem firmware). |
Some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro) have an antenna bug that shows up after the phone falls, and if you drop your device and then you start having network problems, that’s a good reason to contact the service.
⚠️ If you're going to take your phone apart to check your antenna, remember that most Xiaomi models have antennas soldered to the motherboard. Careless handling can completely disable the communication module!
6. Alternative methods: VPN, DNS modification and root methods
If standard methods don't work, try advanced solutions that require more effort, but can give you a significant boost in speed.
- 🔒 Use it. VPN. Paradoxically, but sometimes VPN (For example, Cloudflare WARP or 1.1.1.1) speeds up the Internet by optimizing routes, which works if MegaFon artificially slows down traffic.
- 🌐 Change it. DNS. By default, MegaFon uses its own DNS-servers that may be overloaded. Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Access points (APN), Choose your profile and in the field DNS enter: 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1 or 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4 (DNS Cloudflare and Google respectively).
- 🛠️ Root methods (experienced only!): Remove Carrier Services and Google Play Services (sometimes they conflict with the network) and use Xposed modules like Network Speed Tweaks to optimize your system. TCP/IP. Sweep through the modem part (radio firmware) with a newer version MIUI.
Warning: changing system files without root rights or through unofficial firmware can lead to loss of warranty and "brick" of the phone. If you are not sure, you should consult a specialist.
What is a radio firmware (radio firmware)?
7.If nothing helps: extreme measures
You've tried everything, but the Xiaomi MegaFon Internet still slows down?
- Reset the phone to factory settings. This will delete all the data, but it will return the phone to "clean" state. Before reset, back up! Way: Settings → About the phone → Settings → Resetting → Reset all settings.
- Change your SIM card or operator. If MegaFon is always lagging in your region, try Tele2 (cheap, well-covered fare) or MTS (best 4G speed in most cities). For the test, buy a SIM card from another operator and check the speed on the same phone.
- Update or reflash your phone. Older versions of MIUI (like MIUI 11 or lower) may have modem bugs. Update your firmware through Settings → System Update. If there are no updates, install custom firmware (like Pixel Experience or LineageOS), but this requires unlocking the bootloader.
Important nuance: on some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) after the reset to the factory settings fly IMEI, This leads to total loss of the network. Before reset, check if it's saved. IMEI (Enter *#06#).
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If the speed hasn't increased after all the manipulations, the problem may be a hardware malfunction of the communication module, in which case it will cost 30-70% of the cost of the phone, and sometimes it is cheaper to buy a new device.