Xiaomi smartphones today have powerful communication modules that can run on fourth-generation networks. However, users often face a situation where the default device does not use the maximum available Internet speed, this can be due to region settings, firmware features or SIM card parameters. Owners of budget models and flagships alike sometimes see the status bar only an H+ or 3G icon, although the carrier’s coverage allows for a faster standard.
LTE is not just about wanting to get faster page loading speeds, it's also about being able to make high-quality video calls through the VoLTE standard if the operator supports it. The activation process can vary depending on the version of the MIUI operating system or the new HyperOS. In some cases, it's just enough to switch the switch switch switch, in others, you'll need to have a deeper setup through the engineering menu or change region.
In this article, we will take a look at all the possible ways to activate high-speed Internet. We will look at standard methods through the settings menu, working with the choice of a region that often blocks certain frequencies, and more complex options for advanced users. Understanding these processes will help you get the most out of your smartphone.
Verification of standard support and SIM card
Before you go to software settings, you need to make sure that the device is physically able to work on fourth-generation networks. Not all Xiaomi models, especially those released a few years ago or designed for specific markets, have a built-in 4G LTE module. In addition, the SIM card itself must be of the appropriate format. If the card was issued by the operator more than 5-7 years ago, it may not support modern encryption protocols and speeds.
First check the specifications of your device, go to the official website of the manufacturer or use specialized applications to collect information about the system, such as: AIDA64 or CPU-Z. In the "Network" or "Network" section, you will find the standard you support. GSM/WCDMA, plug in LTE It will not work – you need to replace the device.
⚠️ Note: If you have replaced the SIM card with a new one with support 4G, But the speed hasn't increased, so try restarting your smartphone, and the device needs to re-register and get the current access settings.
Also, you need to consider frequency bands. Operators in different countries use different frequencies (B3, B7, B20, B38 Global versions of Xiaomi usually support full spectrum, while Chinese versions support full spectrum (CN Version may not work with frequency B20 (800 MHz, which is critical to coverage LTE In rural areas and in buildings in Europe and Russia, the lack of support for this frequency can lead to a constant switching to the Internet. 3G.
Basic settings through the smartphone menu
The easiest and most obvious way to activate high-speed Internet is with a standard settings menu, and in most cases, the system itself determines the optimal mode of operation, but manual control allows you to force the priority standard to be selected. To do this, go to the Settings section, then select the item SIM-maps and mobile networks.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- 📱 Click on the SIM card you plan to use to access the Internet (Sim 1 or Sim 2).
- 📡 Find the preferred type of network.
- 🚀 Choose the option Preferably LTE or 4G (recommended).
- ✅ Make sure the “Use Data” slider is active.
☑️ Checking network settings
If there is no mention of 4G or LTE in the list of available network types, this may indicate a software restriction, this item may be hidden in some regions or under certain regional settings, and it is worth checking whether traffic saving or energy saving mode is included, which can aggressively limit background activity and switch the network to a more economical but slow 2G/3G mode.
Sometimes it helps to simply reset the settings of the access point (APN). Same menu. SIM-Maps and mobile networks find the access point (APN). Press the menu button (three dots or "More") and select Reset. After that, the phone will download the current settings from your carrier, which often solves the problem with an unstable connection.
The Impact of the Region on 4G Availability
One of the most common reasons Xiaomi doesn’t have 4G is because of the wrong choice of region, and Xiaomi strictly enforces laws in different countries, including restrictions on the use of certain Wi-Fi and cellular frequencies, for example, in some regions, the frequencies used for LTE may be reserved for the military or intelligence services, and are software-locked in firmware.
To change the region, do the following:
- 🌍 Open the Settings. → Additionally. → Region.
- 🇮🇳 Choose a country with a developed infrastructure 4G, For example, India, Indonesia or Singapore.
- 🔄 Restart the device to apply changes.
- 📶 Check for the badge. 4G/LTE status-bar. 📊 Russia/CIS ChinaEurope (Germany, Poland)India/IndonesiaI Do not know After changing the region, the phone may offer to update some system applications or change the time zone. This is a normal reaction of the system. It is important to understand that changing the region does not affect the interface language or the operation of basic functions, but can unlock hidden frequency bands, especially often this method helps owners of Chinese versions of smartphones that use them in other countries. ⚠️ Note: If you change region to India or Indonesia, you may see additional ads in standard apps, which is a localization feature for those markets, and you can turn it off by using the "Receive recommendations" settings in each application separately. Using an engineering menu for forced LTE For advanced users who have not been helped by standard methods, there is an engineering menu, a hidden section of the system that is designed to be used by engineers to test equipment, where you can force the radio module to operate. Incorrect changes can cause signal loss or unstable communication. To enter the engineering menu, open the Phone app and dial the combination: ##4636##. If the menu doesn't open, you may have your firmware version blocking that access, or you may need to activate it through Activity Launcher by finding the Testing process there. From the menu that opens, select Phone Information. Find the dropdown list Set Preferred Network Type. There will be a long list of options. You need to choose the one that contains LTE. Best options: 📶 LTE Only. 4G (Internet will be available, but incoming/outgoing calls may not work if VoLTE is not available). 📶 LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM — priority 4G rollback 3G/2G. 📶 LTE/WCDMA/GSM — Universal mode for most operators. What to do if the code doesn't work ##4636## It doesn’t work, try installing the app "4G LTE Switcher from Google Play, which gives you access to similar settings without entering codes, but requires permission to access telephony ##3646633## (MediaTek) or ##8378## (Qualcomm, but they don't work on all Xiaomi models. Once you've selected the mode, the network can briefly disappear and reappear. LTE Remember that in areas without coverage 4G junction is completely lost. So for everyday use, it's better to choose combination modes, where LTE is at the top of the list of priorities. Comparing network modes and their impact on the battery Constantly searching the network and switching between communication standards is one of the main consumers of energy in a smartphone. Understanding the difference between modem modems will help not only stabilize the Internet, but also extend the battery life of your Xiaomi. Below is a table showing the main differences. Ryem Network Data speed Energy consumption Stability of voice communication 2G (GSM/EDGE) Very low (< 0.5 Mbit/s) Minimum High (basic) 3G (WCDMA/HSPA) Medium (up to) 42 Mbit/s) Medium High 4G (LTE) High (up to) 300+ Mbit/s) High Depends on VoLTE 5G Extremely extreme (1+ Gbps: Very high needs support LTE Only, which was mentioned earlier, really saves battery in a stable signal, since the phone does not need to constantly scan the air for networks. 2G and 3G. However, in poor coverage, it can, on the contrary, discharge the battery faster, trying to hold the weak signal of the base station. 4G. For most users, automatic mode is optimal. LTE. If you are in a zone of insecure reception, where the phone is constantly "jumping" between the two. 3G and 4G, The battery will go down very quickly. It makes sense to manually switch the network to mode. 3G preferably through an engineering menu or standard settings to lock the connection to a single standard. 💡Automated network mode is the best choice for balancing speed and autonomy. Forced switching is only used if there are specific coverage problems. VoLTE setting for quality calls VoLTE (Voice over) Technology LTE) It allows you to transmit voice in a format HD directly through the network 4G, non-switching 3G or 2G This provides faster connectivity and the ability to talk and use high-speed internet at the same time. On Xiaomi smartphones, this feature is often hidden by default, especially in global firmware for regions where operators have not yet certified the service. Activating VoLTE often requires not only operator support, but also the inclusion of the feature in the menu. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → If you have a SIM card, you can activate it. If you don't have a SIM card, you can try activating it via the hidden menu: ##86583## Entering this command in dialer mode should trigger a notification "VoLTE carrier was check carrier was check" DISABLED" (or ENABLED). This means that the operator’s software check is disabled and the phone will try to use VoLTE if the SIM card and base station allow. ⚠️ Warning: Turning on VoLTE on an unsupported carrier or tariff may result in you not being able to make outbound calls even though the internet will work. In this case, return the settings to the original state via the same menu or reset network settings. After the function is enabled in the status bar, the corresponding icon VoLTE or HD may appear. The sound quality in the tube will become noticeably better, the characteristic noises and interruptions characteristic of second and third generation networks will disappear. Frequent problems and their solution Even after correct setting, users may encounter periodic network resets or the absence of a 4G icon. One of the common reasons is the physical wear or contamination of the SIM card. Contacts can oxidize, which leads to an unstable connection. It is recommended to remove the tray, wipe the SIM contacts with an outdated fabric and reset the radio base. If you haven't updated in a long time MIUI Or HyperOS, you should check for updates in the About Phone section, sometimes flashing the modem through your computer helps, but it requires skill. 💡If nothing works, reset your network settings. This won't delete your photos or contacts, but will return all your Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile internet settings to factory values. → Connection and sharing → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. In rare cases, the problem lies in the hardware, such as the antenna or plume, especially if the smartphone fell or was exposed to moisture. 4G Ideally, you might need a diagnostic at a service center. 4G, though the internet is fast? Sometimes the 4G/LTE icon in the status bar may not show due to a bug in the design theme or the firmware itself, although the phone actually works on the fourth generation network. Check the real speed test. If the speed is high (over 10-20 Mbps), then LTE is working, just the indicator is hidden. Try changing the theme to the standard. Can IMEI change the theme to help turn on LTE? No, changing the IMEI is not a way to turn on LTE and is illegal in many countries. Network problems are solved by setting up the APN, selecting the region and checking the SIM card, then LTE is working, so that the unique LTE ID can not interfere with the security device. However, cheap glass with a metal edging or thick glue layer can shield antennas that are often located around the perimeter of the case. If you notice a signal deterioration after changing the glass, try removing it for verification. What to do if 4G catches only in certain places? This is a normal situation, depending on your operator's coverage map. In buildings with thick walls, 4G signal (especially high frequencies) passes worse than 3G. In such cases, the phone must automatically switch to 3G. If it "hangs" on EDGE, use forced 3G mode for stability or go out into the open space.