The move to fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks opens up new horizons for Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners, but simply buying a modern device doesn’t always give users instant access to ultra-fast internet. Often default settings leave older but stable 4G or LTE standards before requiring manual intervention to activate the new protocol.
For successful activation 5G You must comply with several conditions: support for the standard by your device, the availability of appropriate SIM-Xiaomi Redmi owners often have to not only switch the slider in the settings, but also manually prescribe access points or change the region of the device, as software restrictions can hide this option.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at all the nuances of customization, from basic menu switches to more complex engineering menu manipulations, and learn why the right item may not be on the list and how to bypass software locks to enjoy the maximum data transfer speed your gadget is capable of.
Verification of equipment compatibility and tariff
The first step before any manipulation in the settings is hardware verification. Not all Xiaomi and Redmi models, even recently released, are equipped with modems that support 5G frequencies. This is usually present in mid-range and flagship devices based on Qualcomm Snapdragon 7- and 8-series processors or similar solutions MediaTek Dimensity.
It is also critical to make sure that your SIM-The card physically supports the new standard, and older cards released a few years ago may not have the profile required to run on fifth-generation networks. Communications operators often require a new plastic carrier to be replaced, even if the number remains the same, since the chip must be able to log in to the core of the network. 5G.
- 📱 Check the specifications of your model on the official website of the manufacturer, making sure that the module is available. 5G.
- 📞 Contact the operator to clarify tariff support and need for replacement SIM-map.
- 🌍 Make sure that the operator has already deployed the towers of the new communication standard in your location.
- 🔋 Make sure the battery is at least 30% charged, as finding a new network can be a quick energy drain.
⚠️ Attention: Use of networks 5G If the autonomy of the smartphone is more important to you than speed, it makes sense to leave this mode off in everyday use.
It is worth noting that even with all the components, the phone software can limit functionality depending on the region for which the firmware is released. Global versions of MIUI or HyperOS can have hidden settings that need to be activated manually.
Basic activation through the settings menu
The standard way to enable high-speed mode is in the mobile phone settings menu. Xiaomi's interface may vary slightly depending on the shell version, but the logic remains the same. SIM-maps and mobile networks.
Find the Settings item in the main menu and select SIM-You have to choose a specific SIM card if you have two, because the settings are individual for each slot.
In the menu that opens, find the preferred network type line. When you click on it, you will see a list of available modes. To activate, you must select an option that contains the 5G designation, for example, "Prefer 5G" or "5G/4G/3G/2G (auto)". After selecting, the system will begin to search for available next-generation towers.
☑️ Incorporation algorithm 5G
If the 5G icon doesn't appear in the status bar after selecting this item, try restarting the device, and sometimes the system takes time to re-register on the operator's network with updated priority settings.
Configure APN Access Points for 5G
Often, a network-type switch is activated, but the speed remains low, corresponding to 4G. In this case, the problem may lie in the incorrect settings of the APN (Access Point Name) access point.
For manual adjustment, go back to the menu. SIM-Maps and mobile networks, select your SIM-Map and find the access point (APN). There may be multiple profiles in the list that opens, and you need to either select an active profile and edit it, or create a new one by clicking on the plus in the corner of the screen.
| Parameter | Value for adjustment | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Name (Name) | 5G Internet | arbitrary name |
| APN | internet | Depends on the operator. |
| Type APN | default,supl,xcap | I'll have to do it in comma. |
| Protocol APN | IPv4/IPv6 | Recommended option |
| roaming protocol | IPv4/IPv6 | For stability. |
Once you make the changes, be sure to click the More button (three dots in the corner) and select Save. Then activate the profile you created by ticking next to it. Without saving, the changes won't take effect, and the phone will continue to use the old settings.
What to do if the APN is not saved?
Change of region and hidden settings MIUI
Owners of devices purchased in China or using global firmware with restrictions may face a lack of 5G choice. This is due to the fact that in some countries 5G standards are not yet licensed or limited by law, so Xiaomi hides this option software.
The easiest way to get around this limitation is to change the region of the device. Go to Settings -> Additional -> Region and select a country where 5G is well developed, such as India, Indonesia or Singapore. After changing region, the phone will restart network services, and the desired item may appear on the menu.
A more advanced method involves using a hidden engineering menu. To call it, open the Phone app and enter the code ##4636##. If the code works, the testing menu will open. Select Phone Information.
Establish a preferred network type:
NR/LTE/GSM/WCDMA (automatically)In the list that opens, Select the NR (New Radio is 5G) option that opens, and often NR/LTE/GSM/WCDMA (automatically) is the option that you want. Once you select, the phone will instantly reconnect to the network with the new settings.
⚠️ Warning: Be careful in the engineering menu. Do not change other settings unless you are sure of their purpose, as this can lead to unstable operation of the communication module or complete disappearance of the signal.
Dual SIM and Primary Card Selection
Use of the two SIM-On many Redmi and Xiaomi models, only one slot (usually the first) or only one active card can work in the mode. 5G. The second card is often forced to switch to mode. 2G/3G/4G voice-over.
If you have two SIM cards from different carriers, and only one of them supports SIM cards. 5G, Make sure that it is the default card you choose. Go to Settings -> SIM-maps and mobile networks -> Mobile Internet and specify the desired SIM card.
- 📶 Check which slots are physically supported 5G In your model (often it is only Slot 1).
- 🔄 Try to change it. SIM-cards in places, if the first slot does not have access to the network of the new generation.
- 📵 Temporarily turn off the second. SIM-card in settings to check if it creates a conflict when registering on the network 5G.
- 📞 Make sure that the VoLTE service is enabled as it is on networks 5G This is often done through this protocol.
Also, it should be noted that in active 5G mode, the second SIM card may temporarily lose the network during an incoming or outgoing call if the operator does not support simultaneous voice and data transmission technology in new frequency bands.
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For maximum speed downloads, turn off the second one. SIM-This will free up the modem's radio resources and allow the device to aggregate more frequencies for the main map.
Diagnostics and troubleshooting
If all settings are correct, but the 5G icon never appeared, or the speed does not match the stated, you need to conduct a deep diagnosis. First of all, check whether the traffic saving or energy saving mode is activated, which can block the operation of high-speed protocols.
Try resetting your network settings. This action will bring all mobile, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings back to factory values, but it won't delete your personal data (photos, contacts -> Connection and sharing -> Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.
In some cases, the problem lies with the modem chip or antenna itself, especially if the phone has been mechanically impacted, but most often it's the operator's software, and make sure that the operator's settings are updated.
⚠️ Warning: Resetting your network settings will remove all saved passwords from Wi-Fi networks and a pair of Bluetooth devices. Write down important passwords in advance or be prepared to re-enter them.
It also makes sense to check for system updates. Xiaomi regularly releases patches that improve compatibility with carrier networks in different countries. Go to Settings -> About Phone and click on MIUI/HyperOS to check for updates.
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If you don’t reset your network settings and change your 5G region, you’re likely to have a carrier-side problem or a lack of coverage in your specific location.