How to enable 5G on Xiaomi Redmi 9: a complete guide to solving typical problems

Xiaomi Redmi 9 remains a popular choice among users who value the balance of price and functionality. However, many owners face confusion around 5G support in this model. Unlike flagship devices, the Redmi 9 has hardware limitations, but even then, you can optimize network settings for maximum speed.

In this article, we’ll look at whether your Redmi 9 supports fifth-generation networks (spoiler: most likely not, but there are nuances), how to properly configure existing 4G/LTE networks to achieve better performance, and what to do if your smartphone does not catch even 4G. You will also learn about hidden MIUI settings that will help speed up the Internet, and about common mistakes that users mistakenly think that their device supports 5G.

Does Xiaomi Redmi 9 support 5G networks?

Xiaomi Redmi 9 (model M2004J19C) does not support 5G networks at the hardware level, this is due to the MediaTek Helio G80 chipset used, which is not physically equipped with a modem for working with fifth-generation frequencies, and even if you upgrade to the latest version of the firmware or try to “enable 5G” through the engineering menu, the smartphone will not be able to connect to such networks.

However, many users confuse the status bar “5G” icon (which may appear due to firmware errors or custom themes) with the actual technology support. To make things clear, check the specifications of your device:

  • 📱 Chipset model: MediaTek Helio G80 (supports 4G LTE)
  • 📡 Maximum download speed: up to 600 Mbps (theoretically, in practice – 150-300 Mbps)
  • 🔍 Xiaomi official data: in the specifications of the Redmi 9 no mention 5G

If you see a 5G option or an icon in the notification panel in your settings, it's either an interface error or a result of installing an informal firmware.

  1. Go to Settings → About the phone → All the characteristics.
  2. Check the Model line – if it’s M2004J19C, then 5G is not exactly supported.
  3. Install the CPU-Z app from Google Play and open the SOC tab – there will be a chipset.
📊 You knew Redmi 9 didn't support it. 5G?
Yeah, that's obvious.
No, I thought I was supporting you.
I only found out now.
I don't care.

Why does the 5G option appear in the settings?

Some users of Xiaomi Redmi 9 are faced with a paradoxical situation: in the Settings menu → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Type of network appears as a point 5G, It's not supported by the device, but it's for a number of reasons:

  1. Firmware error: in some versions of MIUI (especially custom) developers do not remove unnecessary menu items to unify the interface on different models.
  2. Regional settings: Firmware for some countries (e.g. India or China) may contain options that are not relevant for the Russian or European versions.
  3. Modified themes: Some MIUI themes change the display of icons, including the network indicator.

To hide the unnecessary option, follow the following steps:

Reset network settings in Settings → SIM-map → Resetting network settings

Update MIUI to the latest stable version

Set a standard design theme in Topics → My Topics → Standard

Reset to factory settings (if the problem persists)-->

If the 5G option still appears, but nothing happens when you select, it confirms that there is no hardware support, in which case it is better to leave the 4G setting (preferably) for stable operation.

How to speed up the Internet on Redmi 9 (alternative to 5G)

While Redmi 9 doesn’t support 5G, it’s possible to optimize 4G/LTE performance to achieve top speeds.

MethodAction.The effect
Manual selection of the networkSettings → SIM → Network type Select LTE onlyAvoids switching to slow 3G/2G
Activation of VoLTEEnable the call to LTE customized SIM-mapImproves the quality of calls and Internet speed
APN resetReset the access points in Settings → Mobile network → Names of access points → ⋮ → ResetResolves operator configuration errors
Disabling traffic savingsTurn off data savings in settings SIM-mapIncreases speed over savings

It is further recommended that:

  • 📶 Use it. SIM-LTE-Advanced card (check with the operator).
  • 📍 Stay in the coverage area LTE 1800 MHz (the most stable range in Russia).
  • 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — New versions improve networking.

💡

If the internet speed has dropped dramatically, try restarting your smartphone in safe mode (press the power button → Safe Mode) and this will help to determine whether some application interferes with the network.

Checking the real speed of the Internet and diagnosing problems

To understand how efficient your network is, run a speed test using Speedtest by Ookla or nPerf.

  • 📉 Ping: Must be below 50ms (above - latency issues).
  • 📈 Loading speed: in 4G The norm is considered 30-100 Mbit / s.
  • 📤 Return speed: usually 2-3 times lower than loading.

If the results are significantly lower than expected, perform a diagnosis:

  1. Check the signal level in Settings → SIM-cards → Network signal (should be at least -100 dBm).
  2. Make sure that the APN settings are correct for your operator (you can find them on the official website).
  3. Try inserting. SIM-card to another smartphone – if the problem persists, contact the operator.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Mobile Internet is missing, check if the settings are lost APN. Often, firmware drops them to standard ones, which may not be suitable for your operator.

Hidden MIUI settings to improve communication

Xiaomi Redmi 9 has hidden features that help optimize the mobile network.

  1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
  2. Go to the phone information menu.
  3. Scroll down to the Network Settings block.

Here you can:

  • 🔄 Manually select the type of network (for example, LTE only).
  • 📡 View current signal strength and communication standard (GSM, WCDMA, LTE).
  • 🔧 Enable/disable data roaming (useful when traveling).

Careful: Don't change settings unless you're sure they're intended, for example, choosing the wrong network standard can lead to a total loss of communication.

What if the signal is lost after the changes in the engineering menu?
If you accidentally changed your settings and lost your network, reset via Settings → System → Settings → Network Reset. If that doesn’t work, go back to the engineering menu (#4636##) and select Preferred Network Type under Network Settings: LTE/WCDMA/auto.

Frequent 5G Mistakes and Myths on Redmi 9

There are many myths surrounding the topic of 5G on Xiaomi budget smartphones.

  1. "After the firmware will be 5G": It's impossible. 5G support depends on the hardware (modem in the chipset), not the software. No firmware will add support for new frequencies.
  2. “5G status bar sign means real connection”: This is often a display error, especially if you use custom themes or informal firmware.
  3. "Can you turn on 5G through the engineering menu": There are no options in the engineering menu (#4636##) to activate a non-existent module. All changes there are only for supported standards (2G/3G/4G).

Another popular myth is that the Redmi Note 9 (not to be confused with Redmi 9!) supports 5G. It is not: the Redmi Note 9 (model M2003J15SS) also works only with 4G. The first Redmi with 5G support was the Redmi Note 9T (released in 2021).

⚠️ Please note: If you are asked to “sweep” 5G-Money modem is a fraud. No firmware can add hardware to new networks.

💡

Xiaomi Redmi 9 doesn’t physically support 5G because of the MediaTek Helio G80 chipset.All mentions of 5G in the interface are bugs or deception.

My Redmi 9 shows the 5G icon in the status bar. Is that a mistake?
Yes, it's a display error. Your smartphone doesn't support 5G The icon may appear due to a firmware failure, custom theme, or a communication module malfunction. To remove it, try: Reset network settings in Settings → SIM-map → Reset network settings. Set a standard theme MIUI. Update your firmware to the latest version. If nothing helps, ignore the icon, because it doesn't affect functionality.
Is it possible to modify Redmi 9 to support 5G?
No, it's not possible. 5G support depends on the modem built into the MediaTek Helio G80 chipset. Neither the antenna replacement, nor the firmware, nor the engineering settings will add support for new frequencies. The only way to get 5G is to buy a smartphone with the appropriate chipset (for example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G or later).
Why is my Redmi 9 slow to 4G, even though the carrier promises high speed?
There could be several reasons: 📶 Weak signal: check the level in Settings → SIM-map → Network signal (optimum: higher) -100 dB). 📵 Base station congestion: during rush hour, speed can drop even with a good signal. 📱 Operator restrictions: Some tariffs artificially limit speed after high-speed traffic has run out. 🔧 Wrong settings APN: Reset them in Settings. → Mobile network → APN → ⋮ → Reset. Also try to disable Data Savings in the settings SIM-maps and activate call on LTE (VoLTE).
Which 5G-enabled Xiaomi smartphone is a replacement for the Redmi 9?
If you need a budget smartphone Xiaomi with support for 5G, pay attention to the following models (in increasing price): Redmi Note 11SE 5G is the most affordable option with MediaTek Dimensity 700. Poco M4 Pro 5G is a good balance of price and performance. Redmi Note 12 5G is a more modern chipset Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE is a thin and light smartphone with Snapdragon 778G. All these models support 5G networks in the ranges used by Russian operators (n1, n3, n7, n28, n78).
Could MIUI Update Improve 4G Speeds on Redmi 9?
Yes, but not much. MIUI updates sometimes optimize modem performance, fix protocol errors, and add support for new 4G+ standards (LTE-Advanced). However, you shouldn’t expect a dramatic increase in speed, since the maximum capabilities of the Helio G80 chipset are limited to 600 Mbps (theoretically), and in practice rarely exceed 200-300 Mbps. To check if the speed has improved after the upgrade, test in Speedtest before and after installing a new firmware. Usually the difference is 10-20%.