Flagship smartphone owners often face a situation where the device does not use the maximum speed of mobile Internet, remaining in the networks of the fourth generation. Xiaomi 11 is equipped with an advanced modem that can work in the ranges of the fifth generation, but this requires the right configuration. Often the problem lies not in the hardware, but in the software limitations or regional settings of the MIUI operating system.
Before you start changing your settings, you need to make sure that your carrier does provide 5G services in your area. Even if the phone is technically ready to go, without proper pricing and coverage from the provider, activation is impossible. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of the configuration, including hidden engineering menus that may be required in specific situations.
It’s worth noting that the menu interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, whether it’s a global version or a Chinese build. However, the overall customization logic remains the same for the entire Xiaomi ecosystem.
Verification of the operator's compatibility and conditions
The first and most important step is to verify the terms of your plan. Not all SIM cards have access to high-speed networks by default, even if the device supports them. You need to contact your carrier's technical support or check your personal account to make sure that the 5G service is connected.
It is also critically important that you SIM-The map was quite new. USIM, The first ones released a few years ago may not support the necessary encryption and authentication protocols for the fifth generation of communications, which would require replacing plastic in the operator’s cabin, which usually takes a few minutes.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure there are towers in your area 5G. In some countries, the frequencies can be blocked at the software level depending on the region in which the smartphone is “stitched.
Also, check the bands list of your device and match them to the carrier frequencies. Xiaomi 11 supports a wide range of bands, but the global version may differ from the Chinese version in frequency set. If the operator uses a rare range, such as n78 or n41, make sure that your particular device “sees it”.
Basic activation through settings SIM-map
The main method for enabling high-speed mode is in the standard Android settings menu. MIUI provides a user-friendly interface to manage network preferences. First, go to the settings section and select the item responsible for connecting and transferring data.
In the menu you need to find control. SIM-So here you have the prioritized network type for each card you have installed. If you have two SIM cards, remember that mode is the first type of network. 5G Often available only for one of them, which is selected as the main data transfer.
☑️ Network setup
After choosing the right one SIM-Click on "Preferred network type" in the list that opens, select the option that contains the designation 5G. It usually looks like "preferred." 5G» or «5G/3G/2G (After that, an indicator should appear in the status bar if the coating allows.
- 📱 Open the Settings app on the main screen.
- 📡 Go to section «SIM-maps and mobile networks».
- 🔢 Click on the name you want. SIM-map (SIM 1 SIM 2).
- 🚀 Select “Preferred Network Type” and set “Preferred Network Type” 5G».
Sometimes the system can automatically switch to 4G to save battery power if the 5G signal is unstable. This is normal behavior of Android algorithms to optimize power consumption. However, you can lock the mode manually if speed is more important than autonomy.
Manually configuring the preferred type of network
In some cases, a standard switch is not enough, especially if the phone is stuck on 4G despite the availability of coverage. Then check the additional settings. Go to the Mobile Network menu and make sure that the 5G Enable slider is activated if it is placed in a separate item.
If the automatic network selection is not working properly, you can try to manually select the operator. Go to the operator selection menu and wait for the search for available networks to end. If your 5G carrier appears on the list, force it.
⚠️ Warning: Forced network selection can cause signal loss in areas with unstable coverage as the phone stops switching to more reliable 4G.
You should also pay attention to modem modem mode, and you can prioritize NR (New Radio) on the engineering menus or through special commands. However, for the average user, settings in the standard interface are enough. If the phone persistently does not see 5G, try restarting the device after changing the settings.
What if 5G is not on the menu?
Using the Engineering Menu for Diagnostics
For advanced users who want to understand the reason 5G is missing, there is an engineering menu, which is a hidden part of the system that allows you to test the radio module. To get there, open the Phone app and type in the combination ##4636##.
In the menu that opens, select Phone Information. Here you'll see a lot of technical options. Find the drop-down list "Configure preferred network type." In this list, you can find codes that contain NR, which means 5G support.
NR Preferred
NR Only
LTE/NR PreferredChoosing the NR Only option will make the phone look exclusively for fifth-generation networks, ignoring 4G and 3G. This is useful for checking for towers, but not recommended for everyday use, as you will be left without communication in a 5G zone.
- 🔍 Enter the code ##4636### in the dialer.
- 📱 Select "Phone Information».
- ⚙️ Find the option “Configure your preferred network type».
- 📡 Select a marked mode NR.
Be careful when changing the settings in this menu. Incorrect settings can lead to temporary loss of communication. At any time, you can return the settings to the original state by selecting the standard LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM mode.
Comparison of network modes
Understanding the differences between network modes will help you choose the optimal balance between speed and stability. Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of the various communication standards available on Xiaomi 11.
| Parameter | 2G (GPRS/EDGE) | 3G (UMTS/HSPA) | 4G (LTE) | 5G (NR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max, speed. | up to 0.4 Mbps | up to 42 Mbps | up to 1 Gbps | up to 20 Gbps |
| Delay (Ping) | Tall. | Medium | Low. | Ultra-low. |
| Energy consumption | Low. | Average. | Optimal. | High. |
| Stability | Tall. | Tall. | Very high. | Depends on the coverage |
As you can see from the table, the transition to 5G gives a huge increase in speed, but requires more power. If you are in the zone of weak signal, the phone will constantly search for the best tower, which will quickly drain the Xiaomi 11 battery.
Therefore, in everyday use, when ultra-high speeds are not required (for example, for messengers or navigation), it is wiser to leave automatic mode. 5G When downloading heavy files or streaming in high resolution.
💡
To save charge at night or in areas with poor reception, it is better to manually switch to mode 4G/LTE customized SIM-map.
Impact of firmware and region on 5G
One of the common causes of connectivity problems is a mismatch between the firmware and SIM region. Global versions of MIUI may have restrictions on the use of certain 5G frequencies that are active in China or the United States.
If you use the Chinese version of a smartphone with global firmware (or vice versa), there may be conflicts, in some cases, resetting the network settings to factory helps. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting network settings will remove all stored Wi-Fi passwords and associated Bluetooth devices. Make sure to remember passwords from important networks. It's also worth checking for system updates. Xiaomi engineers regularly release patches that improve modem performance and carrier compatibility. Go to Settings. → About the phone and click on the version MIUI check out. 💡Up-to-date firmware version is a key factor in stable operation 5G, Because updates often contain fixes for the radio module (FAQ) Why Xiaomi 11 doesn’t have an icon 5G, Chances are, your current location doesn't have fifth-generation coverage, or your phone is set to prioritize. 4G. Check the operator coverage map and make sure that the settings SIM-The cards are selected "Prefer to" 5G». Also try to reboot the device in flight mode. Hardly. 5G Does the battery use up on the Xiaomi 11? 5G consumes more energy than 4G, Especially in areas of insecure reception, when the phone is constantly looking for a signal. However, the Xiaomi 11 has a 4600 mAh battery, which allows you to comfortably use the network during the day. 5G If necessary, can I turn it on? 5G Dual Standby technology allows you to keep two SIM cards active, but high-speed Internet 5G It usually only works on one card selected as the primary data transfer card. 4G or 3G for voice calls and SMS. Should I change? SIM-work-card 5G? In most cases, modern SIM-card 5G. However, if your card is more than 3-4 years old, the operator may recommend replacing it with a new one with USIM support to ensure that the next generation of security protocols work correctly.