How to turn on 5G on Xiaomi phone: full instructions with photo

Why Xiaomi may not be running 5G

Did you buy a new Xiaomi with 5G support, but the fifth generation network never appeared in the status bar? Or did the 5G icon disappear after the MIUI update? The problem most often lies not in the device, but in the wrong settings or software restrictions. Even flagship models like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+ sometimes require manual network activation.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible causes of 5G’s absence, from basic settings to hidden engineering menu options, how to check hardware support, set network priorities, and even circumvent operator restrictions, and if your Xiaomi still persists in not catching 5G, there’s a checklist at the end of this article to diagnose malfunctions.

Step 1: Check 5G support for your Xiaomi model

Before digging into the settings, make sure your smartphone is physically capable of working with fifth-generation networks.Not all Xiaomi models support 5G - especially for the Redmi and POCO budget lines through 2020.

Here’s how to check compatibility:

• 🔍 Look at the database. GSM Arena — type in your Xiaomi model and find the Network section. 5G: NSA/SA or 5G bands.
• 📄 Check the box or documentation of the device – there should be a mark on the sticker or specs 5G Ready.
• 🛠️ Use the app. CPU-Z (Device section: if there is no mention in Network Type 5G, Your phone doesn't support it.

Important: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) 10T Lite) have different versions for different regions - European can support 5G, a global not.Clarify the exact name of your modification in the settings (Settings) → The phone. → Model).

Step 2: Activate 5G in standard MIUI settings

If your Xiaomi supports 5G but the network is not activated, check the basic settings first. In the latest versions of MIUI 14/15, the path to mobile network options has changed - use this instruction:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to SIM cards and mobile networks (or Mobile Network on older versions).
3. Choose yours. SIM-card (if two of them).
4. Tap on the network type or preferred network type.
5. Set the 5G (recommended) or LTE/5G value.

If 5G is not on the list, it means:

• 📵 Your operator does not provide 5G in your area (check the coverage on the operator's website).
• 🔄 A firmware update is required (more on this below).
• 🔧 You need to activate hidden settings (see Step 4).

Make sure you're supported. 5G model|Update MIUI last-minute|Check the balance and tariff of the operator|Reboot your phone after the changes-->

Note: on some models (e.g., the POCO F4 GT) after selecting 5G, communication may disappear, in which case select LTE/5G, which will allow the phone to automatically switch between networks.

Step 3: Update the firmware and modems

Manufacturers regularly release updates to improve their work 5G-If your Xiaomi isn't catching the network, though it should, the first thing is to update the firmware:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Slip on MIUI Update.
3. Click Check Updates and install the latest version.

If there are no updates, but the problem remains, try updating the modem manually:

• 📲 Download the latest fastboot firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website.
• 🔧 Use the Mi Flash Tool to only run the modem part of the firmware (files with the.mbn extension in the firmware archive).
• ⚠️ Warning: Don’t stitch through the full image without experience – this can lead to a device blink!

For models on Snapdragon (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro) sometimes helps to reset the modem settings:

#4636## → Phone information → Radio reset

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After the update 5G I lost it, try to revert to the previous version. MIUI You can search the forum for instructions. 4PDA for your model.

Step 4: Hidden settings of the engineering menu

If the standard methods don't work, you'll have to dig into the engineering menu, which is suitable for power users and requires caution.

Here’s how to enable 5G through hidden settings:

1. Open the phone app and enter the code: ##4636##
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type section.
4. Select NR/LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM/WCDMA (or similar to NR—that’s 5G).
5. Save the changes and restart the phone.

Models on MediaTek (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G) may require different code:

##36446337##

Warning: Incorrect changes to the engineering menu can lead to network loss or unstable modem operation. If you are not sure, you should contact the service center.

Step 5: Check the operator’s tariff and settings

Even if the phone supports 5G and the settings are correct, the network may not work due to operator limitations.

• 💳 Make sure your tariff includes 5G. Some operators (e.g. Tele2) 5G available only at expensive rates.
• 📡 Check the cover. 5G in your region on the operator's map (for example, Beeline or MTS).
• 🔄 Restart your phone after installing a new one SIM-Cards – sometimes the operator needs up to 24 hours to activate the card 5G.
• 📞 Call the operator and ask for manual activation 5G Your number (sometimes you need to send it to your room) USSD-teams, for example, *111*55# for MegaFon).

If you use a virtual carrier (like Yota or Tinkoff Mobile), note that they often rent networks from large providers and may not provide 5G.

Step 6: Fault diagnosis and alternative solutions

If 5G hasn't worked after all the manipulations, maybe it's deeper than that.

Check the physical condition SIM-maps (whether there are cracks)|Make sure the antenna is in place. 5G not damaged (check the signal in different places)|Test the other one. SIM-map 5G-tariff|Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM cards. → Resetting network settings)|Check if battery saving applications are installed that block 5G-->

If nothing helps, consider alternative options:

• 🔄 Firmware rollback: sometimes new versions MIUI Find stable firmware on Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
• 🛠️ Modem replacement: on some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi 10) 5G-The modem may fail. The diagnosis is worth it. ~500-1000 rubles in the service center.
• 📶 Use of external modem: if 5G critically important, you can buy USB-modem (e.g. Huawei) E3372) and distribute the Internet over Wi-Fi.

Note: If your Xiaomi is bought in China, it may have hardware restrictions on working with Russian 5G frequencies (for example, there is no support for the n78 band that MegaFon uses), in which case only replacing the phone with a global version will help.

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If 5G doesn't appear after all the attempts, but the phone supports it, most likely the problem is on the operator's side. Contact support and request a fault log - sometimes you need to reconfigure the subscriber profile on the server.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions