Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones are equipped with advanced communication modules that can work on fifth-generation networks. However, after buying a flagship model, many users find that the 5G icon never appears in the status bar. This does not always mean that the device malfunctions or there is no coverage in your region. Often the problem lies in software restrictions or inactive settings inside the MIUI or HyperOS system.
Before you start to manipulate the engineering menu, you need to make sure that your equipment is compatible. Operators are gradually expanding coverage, but stable operation requires not only a tower, but also the right data plan. In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to activate high-speed Internet, from simple menu switches to hidden codes for advanced users.
It's important to understand that turning on 5G can have a big impact on power consumption. If you're in a hot spot, the phone will be constantly searching for the network, which will drain the battery quickly. So if you're happy with 4G speeds and the new standard's icon doesn't burn, it's possible that the system correctly identified the current conditions and turned off the module to save resources.
Checking the compatibility of the smartphone and the tariff
The first step should always be to diagnose the hardware. Not all models, even those released in 2023-2026, have a radio module with support for the fifth generation. Usually these are the flagship Xiaomi series, Redmi Note (pro versions and above) and some POCO models. If your device specs only support LTE, software methods will not help.
The second critical factor is the SIM card and the tariff. Telecom operators often require replacing the old SIM card with a new one issued by the USIM standard, even if they are externally identical. Without this, the network simply does not authorize the device in high-speed mode. You also need to make sure that your plan includes the option of accessing 5G networks, since some carriers provide this service only in premium lines.
To quickly check the type of networks supported, you can use a hidden diagnostic menu, which is a reliable way to see if the phone sees the fifth-generation tower in principle.
- 📱 Open the Phone app and dial ##4636##.
- 📡 Select “Phone Information” or “Phone Information».
- 🔍 Find the line “Configure your preferred network type».
- ✅ The list must have a value. NR (New Radio or 5G.
⚠️ Note: If there is no option with an abbreviation in the drop-down list NR or 5G, This means that your region’s firmware or modem hardware does not support this standard.
Sometimes users forget the basic thing: the SIM card must be installed in the correct slot. On two-symbol models Xiaomi often only the first slot (SIM 1) supports the maximum speeds and technologies of the new generation. If the card is inserted in the second slot, the phone can force it to switch to 4G or 3G.
Basic settings through the smartphone menu
Most current versions of MIUI 13/14 and HyperOS have network type setups in the standard menu, the most secure and recommended configuration option that does not require superuser rights or special knowledge. The interface may vary slightly depending on the regional firmware version (Global, China, EEA).
To activate mode, you need to go to the mobile network settings section, where the system suggests you choose your preferred connection type. If you are in coverage, the phone will automatically switch to 5G if there is a free channel. However, if you prioritize 4G, the switch will not occur.
☑️ Network setup
And you have to keep in mind that in some regions, like China, you can have more detailed settings, and you can manage modes separately. SA (Standalone and NSA (Non-Standalone). SA — It's an independent network. 5G, the maximum speed of the system, and NSA kernelize 4G For the management of the connection. For Russia and CIS countries, the regime is relevant NSA, which is often switched on automatically.
If the standard path does not work, try temporarily disabling the second SIM card. In Single SIM mode, some Qualcomm and MediaTek modems are more stable and more willing to register on the new standard's networks.
Use of the Engineering Menu to Activate 5G
When standard settings don't work, the engineering menu comes to the rescue, and this is a hidden part of the system that's designed to be used for testing equipment by engineers, where you can force 5G support to be turned on even if it's hidden software, and be careful, changing unknown parameters can lead to unstable communication.
The universal code ##4636## that works on most Android devices is used to sign in, and if the code doesn't work, your firmware may be blocking access to this menu, so you can try installing a third-party application, like Force LTE Only, that allows you to access the same features through the system's API.
Inside the menu, you'll find a section called "Tune your preferred network type." The drop-down list will have a lot of options. You'll need to choose one that contains the NR marking. For example, NR/LTE/TD-SCDMA/CDMA/EvDo/GSM/WCDMA. Choosing "LTE only" will turn off 5G, and choosing "NR only" will leave only the fifth generation, which can lead to communication loss if coverage is interrupted.
What if the code doesn't work?
After changing the settings, be sure to reboot the device or turn on and off flight mode. This will force the modem to re-register on the network with new parameters. If after 2-3 minutes the 5G icon does not appear, then there is no coverage in your location or the operator blocks access for your tariff.
Impact of the firmware region on 5G work
One of the most common reasons for Xiaomi’s lack of 5G is the incompatibility of the firmware region and the region of use; Chinese versions of smartphones (China ROM) may have different frequency ranges from the global frequency ranges. Moreover, Chinese firmware often lacks some of the frequency bands used by European or Russian carriers.
If you purchased a device designed for the Chinese market and use it in Europe or Asia, you may need to flash it to the global version (Global ROM). Global firmware contains certificates and frequency settings that meet international standards. However, when you stream from China to Global, you may encounter a Widevine L1 lock (quality of video in streaming) and banking applications.
It’s also worth checking if China is included in the settings, and sometimes changing the region from the “Additional” –> “Region” menu to “India” or “Singapore” helps unlock hidden network features, as 5G is very active and prioritized in these countries.
| Type of firmware | 5G support in Russia/CIS | Risks. | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global (Global) | Complete. | Minimum | Recommended for all |
| China (Chinese) | Partial | Absence of certain frequencies | Only for the experienced. |
| EEA (Europe) | Complete. | Fewer pre-installed services | Good alternative. |
| India (India) | Complete. | Lots of advertising software. | Not recommended |
It is important to note that using firmware from other regions can cause the phone to operate at frequencies that are not licensed in your country, which can cause interference or reduced communication quality.
Problems with the operator and coverage
Even a perfectly tuned phone won’t show 5G unless the carrier is providing the service in your location. Coverage maps posted on carrier sites are often approximate. Inside buildings, especially with thick walls or energy-saving glass, 5G signals fade much faster than 4G, due to higher wave frequency.
In addition, operators can perform maintenance work or upgrade base station equipment, at which point the 5G network can temporarily disappear, and there is also the concept of “cell loading”: if too many 5G users are connected to one tower, the network can automatically reset some subscribers to 4G to balance the load.
Check if 5G is activated in the operator’s personal account. Some providers (e.g. Tele2, MTS, Beeline, Megafon) require separate consent to use next-generation networks or connect a special option, without which, in the core of the network, your phone will be limited to LTE speeds.
⚠️ Note: If you moved to another city or neighborhood, your network settings may have been confused (APN) up to factory values in the mobile network menu.
Sometimes manual operator selection helps, go to mobile network settings, turn off automatic selection, and wait for the list of available networks. If you see a network with a name "5G" or "Test", try to select it manually. If registration is successful, return the automatic selection.
Frequent errors and ways to fix them
Users often make mistakes trying to speed up the Internet. Installing accelerator apps that promise to enable 5G “magical” is usually useless. These programs simply duplicate the functions of the engineering menu or are a common marketing ploy. Moreover, they can contain advertising and collect location data.
Another common problem is using old or cropped SIM cards. If the SIM card was cut out of the Mini or Micro format in Nano with scissors, the contacts can be damaged or displaced. This leads to unstable connection and inability to work in high-speed modes. Replace the SIM card in the operator's cabin - it is free and takes 5 minutes.
Don't forget the cases. Metallic cases or magnetic ring cases for car holders can shield the antennas of your smartphone. Take off the case and check if the 5G icon has appeared. If so, the accessory was the reason for the accident.
If nothing works, do a full network reset.This won't delete your personal data (photos, contacts), but will return all Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and mobile settings to factory values. → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth.