How to turn on 5G on Xiaomi smartphones: full instructions for all models

5G promises lightning-fast internet, minimal latency, and stable connectivity even in crowded places. But what if your Xiaomi doesn’t catch the fifth generation, even though the carrier has already deployed coverage in your city? The problem may lie in both the smartphone settings and the model’s hardware limitations. In this article, we’ll look at all the official and hidden ways to activate 5G on Xiaomi devices, including Redmi, POCO, and the Mi series, and explain why some phones don’t physically support this technology.

Before you go into settings, make sure your Xiaomi is theoretically capable of working with the same. 5G. Even flagship models until 2019 (e.g. Mi 9 or Redmi) K20 Pro) equipped only 4G-And here's the Redmi Note 10 Pro. 5G, POCO F3 Xiaomi 11T They already support the new network, but you need to set it up properly. Next, you'll find step-by-step instructions, a compatibility table, and answers to frequent questions.

5G Support Checker: Is Your Xiaomi Model Compatible?

The first and most important step is to make sure your smartphone is hardware-enabled for 5G. Even if the specs indicate a module, some regional versions (e.g. India or Europe) may have a stripped-down capability.

• 🔍 Xiaomi official website: find your model in the "Specifications" section and see the "Network standards" line. SA/NSA 5G.
• 📱 Phone Settings: Go to Settings → The phone. → Full specifications → If there's no mention of it. 5G, The model does not support technology.
• 🛠️ Service codes: type in the phone keyboard ##4636##, select Phone Information and check supported networks.

If your Xiaomi is released before 2020, it’s likely to only work with 4G. For example, the Redmi Note 9 Pro (not to be confused with the Note 9 Pro 5G!) doesn’t have a fifth-generation module, despite the similar name.

Some models (such as the POCO X3 NFC) have the letter “5G” in their name, but in fact only support 4G. Always check the specifications on the official website or in the documents to the phone.

2. Basic settings: how to enable 5G in the Xiaomi menu

If your smartphone is 5G compatible but the network is not activated, check the standard settings first. In most cases, the problem is solved in 2 minutes:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (or mobile networks) MIUI 13+).
3. Choose yours. SIM-card (if two of them).
4. Click Network Type or Preferred Network Type.
5. Set the 5G (recommended) or LTE/5G value.

When you change your settings, restart your phone. If you don't have 5G on the menu, it could mean:

• 🚫 Yours. SIM-card does not support 5G (need to be replaced USIM operator).
• 📶 There is no coverage in your area. 5G (Check the operator's card).
• 🔄 The phone has an outdated firmware installed (update) MIUI).

Important: On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10) 5G) option 5G It only appears after insertion USIM-- Normal cards. SIM (even 4G) Does not activate this menu item.

Make sure that 5G support Xiaomi|

Update MIUI to the latest version|

Replace SIM-map USIM operator|

Check 5G coverage in your area |

3. Hidden settings: engineering menu and codes for 5G

If standard settings don’t work, you can try activating 5G through an engineering menu or service code, which is suitable for advanced users and requires caution – wrong actions can disrupt the network.

Method 1: Code for Forced 5G Enablement

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##4636###.
3. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
4. Scroll down to the Set your preferred network type block.
5. Select NR/LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM or LTE/NR (where NR is 5G).

Method 2: MTK Engineering Menu (for MediaTek processors)

Enter the code ##36446337## (EngineerMode MTK).


2. Go to Connectivity → BandMode.




3. Select the SIM- card and activate all bands 5G (n1, n3, n7, n28, n78, etc.).




4. Save settings and restart the phone.

⚠️ Attention! Change of settings in the engineering menu can lead to loss of communication or unstable network operation. If after manipulation the signal is lost, reset the network settings in Settings. → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

4.Firmware issues: why 5G doesn't work after MIUI update

One of the common reasons Xiaomi doesn’t have 5G is that it doesn’t have the right firmware or regional restrictions, for example, if you installed a global version of MIUI on a phone originally designed for China, the 5G module can be software-disabled.

How to fix it:

• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest stable version via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🌍 Check the firmware region: if you have a Chinese version (with suffix) CN in the model number, install EEA (Europe) or Global firmware.
• 🛠️ Install custom software (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) where 5G default.

To check the current firmware, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If the end of the name is CN, IN (India) or RU (Russia), this may limit 5G support. For example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G in the Indian version (IN) often does not catch the European ranges n78.

Important: Flashing your phone will void the warranty and may result in a brick.If you are unsure of your skills, contact the service center.

💡

Before flashing backup, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will save contacts, photos and app settings.

5.Operator problems: why 5G isn't catching, even though the phone supports

Even if your Xiaomi is 5G compatible and the settings are correct, the network may not work due to carrier restrictions.

• 📱 Type SIM-maps: 5G required USIM (updated SIM). Normal. 4G-map won't fit.
• 📡 Coverage in your area: even in Moscow 5G Check the coverage map on the operator's website (for example, MTS, Beeline, MegaFon or Tele2).
• 💰 Tariff Plan: Not all tariffs include 5G. Check with the operator if your tariff supports the new network.
• 🔒 Lockdown IMEI: If you have purchased your phone abroad, IMEI It can be blocked in Russian networks.

To clarify whether your tariff supports 5G, send USSD-request:

• MTS: *111*59#
• Beeline: *102# (check the tariff information)
• MegaFon: *105*500#
• Tele2: *155*1#

⚠️ Attention! If you use a virtual operator (e.g. Yota, Tinkoff Mobile or SberMobile), 5G It might be inaccessible because of the limitations of their infrastructure, and then only a change of operator would help.

6.Alternative ways: how to speed up the Internet if 5G is not available

If your Xiaomi doesn’t support 5G, but you need fast internet, you can optimize 4G (LTE) performance.

• 📶 Forced network selection: in the engineering menu (##4636##) set up LTE Only – this will eliminate the switch to slow 3G/2G.
• 🔄 Range shifts LTE: Some operators use less loaded frequencies (for example, Band 20 at MegaFon.
• 📡 Use of external antenna: for models with support MIMO (For example, Xiaomi 12 Pro can connect an external antenna via an adapter.
• 🔗 Linking: If your router supports LTE-A (Advanced, connect your phone to it via Wi-Fi with a 5GHz priority.

It's also worth checking the APN settings, sometimes when operators update them to improve speed, to reset the APNs:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access point (APN).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset to default values.
3. Reboot the phone.

Tip: If 4G speeds are poor, try network monitoring apps like NetMonster or CellMapper to show you what towers and ranges are available in your area.

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If your Xiaomi doesn’t support 5G, 4G optimization (LTE) can give you up to 30-50% speed boost through forced band selection and APN reset.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When setting up 5G on Xiaomi, users face typical problems, and we have collected the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., a damaged communication module) in which case, contact Xiaomi’s service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions