How to turn on LTE on Xiaomi smartphones: all ways + problem solving

You bought a new Xiaomi, inserted it. SIM-support-card 4G, But the phone only works hard. 3G Or an E? Or after the update? MIUI This problem is familiar to many owners of smartphones Redmi, Poco and Mi - even flagship models sometimes "forget" to include LTE automatically.

90% of the time, it's not hardware faults, but network misconfigurations, operator errors, or software failures. In this article, we'll look at all the ways Xiaomi can turn on LTE, from basic settings to hidden engineering menus, and if nothing works, you'll learn how to diagnose the problem and what to do next.

Warning: Some methods (e.g. manual network selection or resetting) APN) They can temporarily interrupt communication. On Xiaomi smartphones with two SIM-settings LTE They are tied to each slot separately – you need to change them for each slot. SIM turn-on.

1. Basic LTE settings in MIUI

To start with, it's simple: checking standard network settings, which works on all Xiaomi models, from the Redmi 9A to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and doesn't require root rights or special knowledge.

Open the Settings app (cog icon) and go to the section: SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM-map] → Type of network.

Here you will see a few options:

• 📶 4G (preferably, the best choice for most users, the phone will automatically switch between the two. 4G and 3G/2G low-signal.
• 📶 Only 4G — compulsory regime LTE. It can be useful if the phone is stuck on 3G. Minus: in roaming or a zone of weak coverage, communication may disappear.
• 📶 3G/2G (Auto) — is set by default on some models. It is because of this mode that many users can not connect to the device. LTE.

If there is no 4G option on the menu, it could mean:

• 🔄 Yours. SIM-card does not support LTE (check with the operator).
• 🔄 The phone has firmware without support for the desired frequencies (relevant for “gray” devices).
• 🔄 Hardware malfunction of the modem (rarely, but it happens).

2. Verification of support LTE yours SIM-map-and-operator

Before digging into the phone's settings, make sure the issue isn't on the carrier's side.Even if your fare involves 4G, there may be nuances:

If the carrier has confirmed 4G support, but the phone still does not catch the network, try:

1. Reboot your smartphone (sometimes resetting the connection to the base station helps).
2. Take it out and insert it. SIM-card back (contacts could have oxidized).
3. Try another one. SIM-card in the same slot (to eliminate card problem).

💡

If you have recently changed operators, wait for the activation of the service. LTE — It can take up to 24 hours, even if SIM-The card is already ringing and working in 3G.

3. Manual scanning and network selection

Sometimes the phone forgets to connect to LTE because of a failure in the database of available networks, in which case the forced search will help:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Choice of network.
2. Turn off the option Automatically and wait until the phone finds all available networks.
3. In the list, find your carrier name marked LTE or 4G (e.g., “MTS-RU LTE”).
4. Select this network manually and wait for the connection.

If there are no LTE-marked networks in the list:

• 📡 Check if your phone supports the frequency. LTE your operator (see the model specifications for the GSM Arena).
• 📡 You may be out of the coverage area. 4G (Check the coverage map on the operator’s website).

Is the flight mode on? (should be turned off)

Is there a network signal (at least one stick on the indicator)?

Does your plan support LTE?

-->

Attention! After manually selecting the network, the phone can connect to the Internet longer when moving between towers. To return automatic mode, turn on the option Automatically in the settings again.

4. Reset APN settings (Access Points)

Incorrect APN (Access Point Name) settings are one of the most common causes of LTE absence, which can happen after a MIUI update, operator change, or settings reset.

To reset the APN:

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

If the reset didn't help or the APN list is blank:

• 🔧 Manually add a new one. APN (settings can be found on the operator's website).
• 🔧 Make sure that the selected APN ticked (active).

Some MIUI firmware may lose the Internet after an APN is reset.

⚠️ Note: If after discharge APN Mobile Internet stopped working, check if the mode is activated 2G» In the network settings, also try to create a new one manually. APN with your operator's parameters.

5. Check LTE frequencies and phone compatibility

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support all LTE bands used by Russian carriers, for example, Redmi 9A does not work with the Band 20 (800 MHz) frequency that Beeline actively uses in rural areas.

To find out what frequencies your phone supports:

1. Find the model on the website FrequencyCheck or Kimovil.
2. Compare the supported bands with your operator’s frequencies (information is available on their official websites).

If the phone does not support the required frequencies:

• 📵 Try using it. SIM-Card of another operator (for example, MegaFon often works on Band 3 and Band 7, which supports most devices).
• 📵 Enable the network settings mode 3G/4G (Cars – the phone will use the car LTE Where possible, and switch to 3G, where 4G idle.

Xiaomi smartphones for the Chinese market (with China ROM firmware) may not support Russian LTE frequencies even in flagship models, in which case only flashing on the global version of MIUI will help.

6. Hidden settings and engineering menu

If standard methods don't work, you can try to turn on LTE through an engineering menu, which is suitable for advanced users, since careless actions can disrupt the network.

To open the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##4636###.
3. Select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
4. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
5. Select LTE only or LTE/WCDMA/GSM auto.

On some models (like the Poco F3 or Redmi K50), the engineering menu may look different.

• 🔍 Try the combination ##2263## (BandMode menu).
• 🔍 On old firmware. MIUI You may need to enter the command #36446337## (EngineerMode).

⚠️ Warning: Changing the settings in the engineering menu without understanding the consequences can lead to network loss or inability to make calls!

💡

If after changes in the engineering menu, the sound disappeared or calls stopped working, return the settings to the original state or reset the network in the main settings.

7. Network reset and extreme measures

If none of these things work, there are radical methods, and let's start with the safest one, which is resetting the network.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Network Reset (not to be confused with a full reset!).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

After discharge:

• 🔄 You will have to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords.
• 🔄 You may need to re-configure. APN (see section 4).
• 🔄 Bluetooth devices (headphones, watches) need to be connected again.

If that doesn’t work, there are two options:

1. Update MIUI. Check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update. Sometimes LTE bugs are fixed in new firmware versions.
2. Factory reset. This is an extreme measure to resort to if all other methods are exhausted. Remember to back up the data!

If the problem persists even after a complete reset, it may indicate:

• 🛠️ Hardware malfunction of the modem (diagnosis is required in the service center).
• 🛠️ Software failure at the firmware level (will help flashing through Fastboot or Recovery).

FAQ: Frequent questions about LTE on Xiaomi