Modern smartphones from Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco are equipped with advanced communication modules, but users often face a situation when the device does not switch to high-speed Internet. Instead of the expected 4G or LTE icon on the screen, outdated 3G or even E. This can occur for a variety of reasons: from a banal failure in the operator’s settings to deep system limitations of the selected region.
Understanding how to turn on LTE In this article, we will discuss all possible methods of activating high-speed connections, from standard menus to engineering mode. SIM-cards, which is a critical aspect for the correct operation of the communication module.
Often, the problem is solved by simply reconfiguring the access point or changing the priority of the network. However, in some cases, deeper intervention is required. It is important to act consistently, checking each stage to determine exactly why fast Internet is not available. Below are proven ways to help you regain full access to the fourth generation network.
Checking physical compatibility and SIM-map
Before you go into the deepest settings of the system, you need to make sure that your SIM-The card technically supports the standards 4G. Communications operators are gradually withdrawing old cards that worked only in networks. 2G and 3G. If you use it SIM-a card issued many years ago and never changed in the cabin of the operator, it is likely that it simply does not know how to work with the operator. LTE.
It’s also worth checking which slot the card is installed in.On many Xiaomi models, the first slot may be a priority for data transfer, especially on dual-slot devices. SIM-Make sure that the main channel of data transmission is the slot where your physical location is selected in the settings. SIM-support-card 4G.
Pay attention to the integrity of the chip. SIM-The card has been hand-cut or has visible contact damage, the communication module may not correctly determine its capabilities, in which case the phone may forcibly reset the connection before the phone can be used to reset the connection. 3G Ensuring the stability of voice communication.
- 📱 Contact the operator’s office for a free replacement SIM-new card with support USIM and 4G.
- 🔄 Change it. SIM-cards in places in the tray, if you have a two-sim device, and check the result.
- 🧹 Wipe your contacts. SIM-soft cloth cards to exclude oxidation or contamination.
- 📶 Make sure that in your location current, the operator confidently catches the signal 4G (You can check it on another phone).
⚠️ Note: If after replacement SIM-The phone still can’t see the card in the same place. 4G, The problem may be in the absence of network coverage in this particular location or in the malfunction of the antenna of the smartphone.
The physical factor is often overlooked by focusing on software solutions. SIM-The maps, the menu settings, you can't make the phone run faster, and once you've made sure the map is working properly and up to date, you can move on to the software part.
Basic network settings in the MIUI and HyperOS menu
The standard way to activate high-speed Internet is hidden in the settings menu. The interface of the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS may be slightly different visually, but the logic remains the same. The first thing you need to do is log into the section responsible for connecting to the cellular network.
Go to Settings, then select the item SIM-You have to pick a particular SIM card if there are two, and then you have to find the section that tells you what type of network you want, usually called "Preferred Network Type" or "Network Type».
In the list that opens, you need to select an option that contains the designation 4G or LTE. Often the default is a combined mode, such as “Prefer LTE.” If you select “3G Only” or “2G/3G” mode, the phone will not physically be able to connect to the fourth generation towers, even if they are nearby.
☑️ Checking network settings
After changing the network type, it is recommended to perform a short restart of the device, which is necessary in order for the modem to re-enter the operator's network with updated parameters, sometimes the system does not apply changes on the fly without restarting the radio module.
If the 4G/LTE option is not available in the network type selection menu, it may indicate that the region of the phone is not set correctly. Some regions (e.g. India or Indonesia) have restrictions on displaying certain frequencies or types of networks in the standard menu, which we will discuss in the following sections.
Changing the region to unlock LTE
One of the most common reasons for the lack of 4G on global versions of Xiaomi smartphones is the wrong region.The company sometimes software restricts certain frequencies or types of networks depending on the geographic location of the device.Region is a secure procedure that does not delete your data.
To change your region, go to Settings and find Additional Settings (or just scroll down the main settings menu). Select Region. In the country list that opens, try to select India, Singapore or the UK, which often have the most comprehensive network support profiles.
Once you change region, the phone can lose the network for a few seconds. That's normal behavior. Wait about a minute until the device registers again. Check the status bar icon: if 4G or LTE comes along, the problem is solved.
Why does the change of region help?
It's important to understand that region change also affects system applications like Explorer, Music, and Themes, which in some regions may be limited or have different content, but without a trace for communication functionality.
If the region change didn’t help, your carrier may be using specific frequencies that aren’t supported by the phone model, so check the specifications of your device on the manufacturer’s website and compare them with the operator’s frequencies.
Setting up APN access points
An APN is the gateway through which your phone connects to the carrier’s Internet. If the access point settings are downed or incorrectly specified, the phone may only operate in 2G/3G mode or may not have access to the data network at all, despite the signal being present.
To set up, go along the way: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choose yours. SIM-map → Access points (APN). In the upper right corner, click the menu button (three dots or plus) and select New Access Point or Reset Settings.
The easiest and most reliable way is to click Reset (or Restore by Default) button. The phone will automatically download the current settings from the operator, including the correct APN addresses for 4G. After reset, be sure to select the created access point by placing a marker next to it.
| Parameter | Value (example for large operators) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Name (Name) | Internet (anything) | arbitrary name |
| Access Point (APN) | internet | Key parameter, often "internet" |
| Type APN | default,supl | Necessary to work with data and GPS |
| Protocol APN | IPv4/IPv6 | Double protocol recommended |
In some cases, you need to manually prescribe the settings if the automatic reset did not help. You can find the exact settings for your operator on the official website or in the service center. Pay special attention to the field "APN type", where default,supl should be written.
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After creating or resetting the access point, be sure to turn on and off "Flight Mode" to force reconnect to the network with new parameters.
Using an engineering menu for forced LTE
If standard methods don't work, you can use the Android hidden engineering menu, which allows you to directly interact with the modem and force the radio to switch modes. Be careful: changing unknown parameters can lead to unstable communication.
To enter the menu, open the Phone app (caller) and dial the combination:
##4636##From the menu that opens, select Phone Information. Find the drop-down list for Set Preferred Network Type. You can select the option that contains LTE Only or LTE/TD-SCDMA.
⚠️ Attention: When choosing a regime «LTE Only" your phone will stop accepting and making regular voice calls unless the carrier supports VoLTE technology. Use this mode only for Internet distribution or speed testing.
Once the mode is selected, the network must reboot. If the 4G icon appears and is stable, then the module is correct, but the system previously could not correctly determine the priority. Remember to return the settings to the original state (usually LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM/WCDMA) after checking to restore normal operation of the phone.
This method is especially useful in areas with unstable surfaces, where the phone constantly “jumps” between 3G and 4G, draining the battery and interrupting the connection. Forced fixation on LTE allows you to maintain the connection, albeit at a slower speed, but without breaks.
Problems with Chinese versions of smartphones
Owners of devices imported from China (CN Version) often face a lack of support for some 4G frequencies used in Europe and the CIS. Chinese versions of Xiaomi may not support the 20th frequency (B20), which is critical for LTE out of town and in buildings for many operators.
Frequency check is the first step, so you can find out your CPU and modem model, and then you can find the specification on the Internet, and if the modem doesn't physically "see" the tower frequency, no settings will help, and then the phone will only work in 3G.
However, if the frequencies are the same but 4G is not, the problem may be firmware. Global Stables usually contain full driver suites for all regions. China ROMs can only be optimized for local operators.
The solution is to flash the device to a global version, a more complex procedure that requires unlocking the bootloader, and once the global firmware is installed, the phone starts to work correctly with European and Russian LTE frequencies.
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Chinese versions of smartphones may not physically support the B20 (800 MHz) frequency, making it impossible to take 4G in rural areas, regardless of settings.
It’s also worth noting that the Chinese versions may not have some of the switches available on the global ones on the engineering menu, another argument for installing global firmware for users outside of China.