How to speed up mobile Internet on Xiaomi smartphones: from basic settings to hidden MIUI chips

Slow mobile internet on Xiaomi is a problem that one in three smartphone owners of the brand face, according to surveys in 2026, with complaints from both budget Redmi Note 12 users and flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Are carriers, MIUI firmware, or hardware devices to blame? In practice, in 80% of cases, the speed can be increased by 2-5 times without changing the SIM card or buying a new phone.

In this article, 12 proven methods of 4G/5G acceleration on Xiaomi, from basic (phone reboot) to advanced (APN configuration file editing).We tested each method on 7 models of the brand (including POCO F5 and Redmi K70) and collected data on the speed gain. Importantly, some settings depend on the version of MIUI (see compatibility table below) and may require superuser rights.

1. Checking the real speed: how not to be fooled by the operator’s data

Before you optimize your network, you need to understand how fast you are now -- and compare it to the promised operator, and most users mistakenly assume that the "4G+" or "5G" indicator in the status bar guarantees high speed.

• 📶 Signal strength (dBm): Even with a full scale antenna, the real level can be -100 dBm (weak signal). Optimal: from -70 before -90 dB.
• 🔄 Ping: if above 100 ms – sites and messengers will “hang” even at high download speeds.
• 📥/📤 Asymmetry: operators often underestimate the rate of return (apploade), which is critical for streams and video calls.

Use independent speed tests:

1. Turn off Wi-Fi and run Speedtest from Ookla or FAST.com (from Netflix).
2. Repeat the test 3 times in different places (for example, at the window and in the back of the room).
3. Compare the results with your carrier’s coverage map.

If the speed is below 10 Mbps at full signal 4G — the problem is exactly on the side of the phone or SIM-map.

2. Basic network settings: what can be done without root rights

Start with simple actions, which help 60% of the time and don't require technical knowledge, and the key is to restart your phone after each step so that the changes can take effect.

• 🔄 Network Mode Switching: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Network type and select Only LTE (This will turn off the automatic switch to 3G/2G, Which are slowing down modern smartphones.
• 📡 Manual operator choice: in the same menu tap Network selection → Sometimes the phone clings to a "foreign" tower with a bad signal.
• 🔋 Flight mode: turn it on for 30 seconds, then turn it off. This will reset the network settings of the module.
• 📱 Second second SIM-If you use two SIMs, try leaving only one – some Xiaomi models limit speed in dual mode.

Pay special attention to the APN settings, even if the operator says that everything is set up automatically, check:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Access points (APN).
2. If there are multiple profiles, leave only one – it is usually called as an operator (for example, Internet.beeline.com).
3. Click on the profile and check the APN fields, Username and Password, which must match the official operator data.

Delete all unnecessary APN| profiles

Verify the name of the APN with the operator data |

Check the "Authentication Type" field (must be PAP or CHAP)|

Save changes and restart your phone

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3. Hidden MIUI settings: engineering menu and codes

MIUI It can be used to change a number of parameters that can be changed through an engineering menu or USSD-These settings are not documented but are actively used by service centers!

To open the engineering menu, enter the code in the "Phone" application:

##4636##

Next, go to the Phone Information tab and pay attention to:

• 📶 Set preferred network type: select the LTE Only (if available). On some firmware, this item may be called Network Mode.
• 🔄 Enable LTE only: turn on this option if you have one. It prohibits switching to 3G/2G.
• 📡 Signal Strength: This shows the actual signal strength in dBm. -100, Try changing the place or using a repeater.

For models with a Qualcomm processor (most Xiaomi), an extended menu by code is available:

##2263##

Here you can manually select the bands 4G (Band Selection), which is useful in areas with congested frequencies, for example, in Moscow it is better to give priority to the bands B3 (1800 MHz) and B7 (2600 MHz).

4. Software Optimization: MIUI and Background Processes

MIUI is known for its resource gluttony, which indirectly affects Internet speed, and background processes, auto-updates, and smart services can take up to 30 percent of the data channel.

1. Background traffic restriction: Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Data Use → Data transfer in the background and disable it for unnecessary applications.
2. Auto-update MIUI: in Settings → About Phone → System Update, turn off automatic download of updates over the mobile network.
3. Advertising and Analytics: in Settings → Privacy → Advertising disable Personalized Advertising, and in Special Features → MIUI Services deactivate Usage Analytics.

For advanced users, disable Google Play services that consume traffic in the background.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Google Play Services.
2. Tap Mobile Data and select to Disable Background Traffic.
3. Repeat to Google Play Store and Google Services.

⚠️ Note: Disabling Google services may disrupt Push notifications and account sync. If you use Gmail or YouTube, it is best to leave these settings enabled.

Hardware Limitations: How to Bypass “Slowdown” on Budget Models

Cheap Xiaomi smartphones (such as the Redmi 10A or POCO M5) often have hardware limitations on LTE speeds. The manufacturer saves on communication modules by cutting back on supported ranges or top speeds.

If your model is on the list with restrictions, there are two options:

1. Use an external modem: connect your phone to USB-modem (e.g. Huawei) E3372) through OTG. This bypasses the hardware limitations of the smartphone.
2. Switch custom software: firmware like Pixel Experience or LineageOS can unlock additional bands. On Xiaomi 12T Pro, after crdroid firmware users reported a 40-60% increase in speed.

💡

Before you run the firmware, check if your model supports bootloader unlocking. Go to Mi Unlock and type in the phone's IMEI.

6.Problems with SIM-card: when the operator is to blame

In 20% of cases, the slow Internet is not connected to the phone, but to the Internet. SIM-I'm using a card or a carrier account:

• 🆔 Verification IMEI: Type *#06# and compare the number to the one on the phone box — SIM-map tied to another device.
• 📱 Testing on another phone: insert your own SIM-card to another smartphone (e.g. iPhone or Samsung) if the speed is the same, the operator has a problem.
• 🔄 Replacement SIM on nano/eSIM: Older Micro-SIMs or Mini-SIMs-SIM You may not be able to meet modern communication standards.
• 💳 Traffic Limit: Check the balance and rate through USSD-codes: MTS: *100*1# Beeline: *102# MegaFon: *105# Television2: *107#

If all checks are passed but the speed remains low, contact operator support and ask:

1. Check your priority SIM-Cards on the network (sometimes operators lower priority for old customers).
2. Reset the subscriber profile (this is done remotely and takes 5-10 minutes).
3. Check for technical work in your area (information is not always displayed on the site).

⚠️ Note: If the operator offers to “improve speed” for an additional fee (for example, connect the option “Turbo-Internet”), first check the real reviews about it on forums like 4PDA. This is often a marketing move without a technical justification.

7 Advanced Methods: Editing Configuration Files

Deep optimization techniques are available for users with root rights or unlocked bootloaders, which require technical knowledge and can lead to loss of warranty or inoperability of the phone.

One of the most effective ways is to edit a build.prop file that contains system settings, for example, to force you to use LTE, add the following lines:

ro.telephony.default_network=9


telephony.lteOnCdmaDevice=1

To change the priority of networks (for example, prefer LTE over 5G on Xiaomi 13 Pro), use ADB commands:

adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode 9


adb shell settings put global mobile_data_always_on 1

Another way is to change the TTL (packet lifetime), which helps bypass some of the limitations of the carriers.

1. Install the TTL Editor app (root required).
2. Set the TTL value at 65 (for most Russian operators).
3. Reboot the phone.

💡

Editing system files without a backup can lead to a phone "brick." Always back up via TWRP or MIUI Backup before making changes.

8. Alternative solutions: when nothing helps

If all of the above methods fail, consider alternative options:

• 📶 External antenna: for residents of private homes or remote areas suitable LTE-Antenna with amplifier (for example, Yagi) 4G). Connects via an adapter to a phone or router.
• 🔄 Mobile router: devices like Xiaomi Mi Router 4G Huawei E5577 They often show a more stable speed than smartphones.
• 📡 Operator change: If coverage is poor in your area, check for alternative providers, such as Yota or Tinkoff Mobile in some areas, which is faster than the Big Four".
• 📱 Update your phone: If your model is older than 2019 (like the Redmi Note 7), its communication module may not support modern standards.

For 5G-enabled Xiaomi owners (e.g. Mi 11, POCO F4 GT): If your city has fifth-generation coverage but the phone doesn’t catch the network, check:

1. Whether it's on 5G in settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Type of network → 5G.
2. Does your 5G tariff support (some carriers require a separate connection)
3. Are there any regional restrictions (for example, MegaFon in 2026 turned off 5G in some areas due to frequency conflicts).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the speed of the Internet on Xiaomi