Can I turn 5G on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7? Full instructions with nuances

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 remains a popular smartphone even years after its release, but many users are wondering whether it supports 5G networks and how to turn them on? Unfortunately, the answer is not as clear as I would like. In this article, we will examine the technical limitations of the model, alternative ways to speed up the Internet and give clear instructions for those who still want to try to activate modern networks.

It's worth clarifying right away: Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender) doesn't officially support 5G — its Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset just doesn't have a modem, but there are myths about "hidden capabilities," firmware and engineering menus on the web, and we've tested all the methods available and are willing to share the results without cheating or overestimating.

If you're looking for a way to speed up the internet on your device, don't waste time on useless manipulation. Instead, look for 4G optimization (LTE), picking a carrier with better coverage, or using Wi-Fi 6 (if your router supports), but if you still want to get into the details, read on.

Redmi Note 7: Why is there no 5G?

To see if the Redmi Note 7 can be made to work on fifth-generation networks, you need to look at its “stuffing”: the smartphone was released in January 2019, when 5G was just beginning to be introduced, and the manufacturers of the economy segment were in no hurry to equip devices with support for the new technology.

Main limitations:

• 🔧 Chipset: Snapdragon 660 (model SDM660) is equipped with a modem X12 LTE that supports a maximum Cat. 12/13 (up to 600 Mbps downstream). This is pure 4G- modem without hardware support 5G.
• 📡 Antennas: The device physically lacks antenna modules for the n78 (3.5 GHz), n41 (2.5 GHz) bands and others used for 5G.
• 📱 Firmware: Even custom ROM (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) won’t add support for 5G — that’s an iron limit.

For comparison: the first 5G-smartphone Xiaomi (Mi Mix 3 5G and Mi 9 Pro 5G) came out in the second half of 2019 and used chipsets Snapdragon 855 with modem X50. Redmi Note 7 belongs to the budget line and did not receive such upgrades.

What the "gurus" from the Internet offer: an analysis of popular myths

You can find dozens of instructions on how to turn on 5G on the Redmi Note 7, and let’s take a look at the most common ones and explain why they don’t work (or even are dangerous).

Myth 1: “Update your firmware to the latest version of MIUI”

Some users claim that after upgrading to MIUI 12/13, a 5G switch appears in the settings.

• 🔄 Newer versions of MIUI may indeed display 5G in the Settings menu of → SIM- maps and mobile networks, but it will be inactive.
• 📵 Even if you turn on this switch, the smartphone will still work in 4G — just the system will display the icon "5G" in the status bar (this is an interface bug).

Myth 2: "Use the engineering menu (#4636##)"

In the Engineering Menu (Testing → Network Setting), you can manually select a network type, including LTE/NR auto (where NR is New Radio, that is 5G).

• 🚫 When you select this mode, the smartphone will either return to 4G or lose communication altogether.
• ⚠️ ⚠️ Attention: Changing the settings in the engineering menu without understanding the consequences can lead to loss of IMEI or problems with logging into the network. Without a backup of the EFS- folder, it will be difficult to restore the working capacity.

Myth 3: “Install custom firmware with 5G support”

Some custom ROMs (such as modified versions of Havoc-OS) may show a 5G option in settings.

• 🛠️ This is just a cosmetic interface change -- the iron stays the same.
• 🔧 To install custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader, which cancels the warranty and increases the risk of "bricking" the device.

How to speed up the Internet Redmi Note 7 without 5G: 5 working ways

While 5G on the Redmi Note 7 is impossible to turn on, there are several ways to improve the speed and stability of mobile internet.

1. Select optimal network mode Go to Settings → SIM- Cards and Mobile Networks → [your SIM] → Network type and install 4G (recommended) or 4G Only. 3G/2G/4G (auto) mode can be forced to switch to slow networks.
2. Activate VoLTE and VoWiFi These technologies improve communication quality and reduce delays. Include them in Settings → SIM- Cards and Mobile Networks → [your SIM] → Calls via 4G (VoLTE) and Calls over Wi-Fi.
3. Use aggregation of carriers (CA) Modern 4G-Networks support the integration of multiple frequency bands to increase speed. SIM-The card and tariff support this function (check with the operator).
4. Set up. APN manually Standard settings APN For example, for MTS, try to create a new one. APN with parameters: Name: MTS 4G APN: Internet.mts.ru Type of authentication: PAP Protocol APN: IPv4/IPv6
5. Many programs (especially social networks and instant messengers) consume traffic in the background. Limit their activity in Settings → Applications → Permissions → Auto Run.

Also worth paying attention to the tariff plan: many operators (for example, Tele2 or Yota) offer rates with unlimited 4G at a price lower than 5G- packets. Compare the offers:

5G Alternatives: How to Get High-Speed Internet on Redmi Note 7

If you are critically important high speed Internet, but you do not want to buy a new smartphone, consider these options:

1. Mobile Wi-Fi router with 5G support

The cost of 5G- routers (for example, Xiaomi Mi Router 5G or Huawei 5G CPE Pro 2) starts from 10,000 ₽, but they allow you to connect any device over Wi-Fi. Speed with good coverage can reach 1-2 Gbps.

2. USB- modem 5G + OTG-adapt

Some 5G- modems (e.g., ZTE MF286D) can be connected to the Redmi Note 7 via the OTG- cable.

• 🔌 Buy a USB-C → USB-A OTG- adapter (costs ~200 ₽).
• 📶 Insert the SIM- card into the modem and connect it to the smartphone.
• 🌐 In the phone settings, enable Data Transfer over USB.

The modem will drain the battery of the smartphone, so it is better to use the power bank.

3 Connect to 5G- Smartphone via Access Point

If your friends or relatives have a 5G smartphone (like the Redmi Note 11T 5G or POCO X5 Pro 5G), you can connect to its hotspot.

1. On the 5G- smartphone, turn on Modem Modem → Wi-Fi Access Point.
2. On the Redmi Note 7, connect to this network as if it were a regular Wi-Fi.
3. Now your phone is using the 5G- Internet of another device.

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If you use the hotspot frequently, install the NetMaster or NetGuard app on the 5G- Smartphone to limit background traffic and save battery life.

What to do if the Internet on the Redmi Note 7 is slow?

Even on 4G networks, the speed can be slowed by software or hardware problems.

1. Check the operator's coverage

Use apps like OpenSignal or NetMonster to see the real speed of the network in your area, and maybe the problem isn't the phone, it's the weak signal.

2. Reset the network settings

Go to Settings → System → Additional → Settings Reset → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings. This will remove the saved networks and APNs, after which they will be configured again.

3. Check out the SIM- card

Outdated SIM- cards (especially those released before the 2018) may not support modern communication standards. Contact the operator's cabin for a new USIM- card (free when replaced).

4. Turn off energy saving for mobile data

MIUI has a back-end traffic restriction feature to save charge, so you can turn it off.

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Energy Saving.
2. Select No Limits or add the required applications to the exceptions.

5. Test the speed in safe mode

Load the phone in safe mode (press the power button → turn off power → hold off “Switch off” until the prompt to go to safe mode appears). If the speed has increased, one of the installed applications is to blame.

💡

If the speed is low after all the manipulations, the problem may be in the operator’s overloaded tower, try using a different tariff or changing the operator (for example, on Yota, which often performs better on speed tests).

Redmi Note 7: Should we expect 5G support?

Xiaomi has officially stated that the Redmi Note 7 will never receive hardware support for 5G due to the limitations of the Snapdragon 660 chipset. Even if in the future there will be firmware with “emulation” 5G, they will not give a real increase in speed – it will only be a trick interface.

However, there are a few scenarios in which owners of the Redmi Note 7 should consider switching to 5G:

• 📅 If your tariff already includes 5G without additional payment (for example, MTS "Ultra" or Beeline "All unlimited"), but you can not use it.
• 🔄 If you plan to change your smartphone within a year, then it makes sense to wait and buy a model that supports 5G (e.g. POCO X5 5G or Redmi Note 12 5G).
• 🏠 If you have a 5G- router at home or work, but want to use mobile internet outside of your coverage.

For those who are not ready to part with the Redmi Note 7, the best way to do this is to optimize 4G, as described above. The smartphone still handles most tasks (social networks, instant messengers, 1080p video), and its performance will last for several more years.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about 5G on Redmi Note 7