How to enable LTE on Xiaomi Redmi: a step-by-step algorithm

Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often face a situation where the device does not switch to high-speed Internet, remaining in 3G or even 2G mode. This can occur for various reasons: from the banal lack of operator coverage to downed settings of the APN access point. Modern communication standards require the correct configuration for stable operation of messengers and navigation.

Before you sound the alarm, make sure your SIM card supports fourth generation communication and the tariff plan is active. Operators periodically change the parameters of networks, which may require manual adjustment of the configuration in the phone menu. In this article, we will discuss all possible solutions to the problem, from simple switches to hidden engineering menus.

It's worth noting that the MIUI or HyperOS shell interface may vary depending on the Android version and the firmware region, but the logic of the communication modules remains the same for all devices of the brand.

Checking the physical installation of the SIM card and coverage

The first step should always be to diagnose the physical layer. If the SIM card is installed incorrectly or has contacts damaged, the phone will not be able to register with the LTE network. Take out the tray and make sure that the chip is flat and the golden contacts are free of scratches or oxidation.

It’s also important to check which slot the card is installed in. On many Redmi models, only the first slot (SIM 1) supports high-speed data transfer in certain configurations. If you have a dual-sim device, try repositioning the card to another connector and restarting the device.

In basements, elevators, or remote areas, the fourth generation signal can be unstable, in which case the smartphone automatically switches to lower frequencies to maintain the connection, check the signal level at the top of the screen or in the settings.

⚠️ Note: If the SIM card is very old (issued more than one) 5-7 years ago, it may not physically support the standards 4G. In this case, only replacing the card in the cabin of the operator without changing the number will help.

Make sure that your mobile network settings don’t limit to just 2G/3G. Sometimes, after you upgrade or reset your phone, it can get stuck with old communication standards.

Basic network type setting in the smartphone menu

The main communication standards switch is in the system settings section, and this is where the user can force prioritization. LTE. Open the settings and go to the section SIM-Select an active SIM card if there are several.

In the menu that opens, find Network Type or Network Type Preferred, and you should choose LTE or 4G/3G/2G (auto) if you only choose 3G, your phone will never turn on fast internet, even if the coverage is excellent.

Once the setting is changed, the phone may lose the network for re-registration at the base station for a short time, which is normal behavior, and if a 4G or LTE icon appears next to the operator's indicator, then the setup has been successful.

In some cases, it helps to temporarily turn on and off flight mode, which causes the modem to re-scan the airwaves and look for available towers with the best signal. Click on the icon of the aircraft in the notification curtain, wait 10 seconds and turn off mode.

Manual configuration of APN access points

If the network type is correct, but the Internet is not working or the speed is low, the problem lies in the APN access points, which are the gateways through which the device connects to the operator's Internet, and often they are set up automatically, but failures occur regularly.

For manual settings go to the Settings menu → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Select a SIM card. → Access points (APN). In the lower right corner, press the button. + You'll need to enter data that can be found on your operator's official website.

Usually fill in the fields Name (any) and APN (for example, the Internet for many operators). The remaining fields should be left empty or by default, unless the operator has indicated otherwise. After entering the data, be sure to click the save menu (three dots or button "More" → Save) and activate the new point.

There is a common mistake when users enter data with errors or unnecessary spaces. There should be no unnecessary characters in the APN field. If you are not sure about the correct input, you should use the function of resetting the APN settings to the factory.

Once you save your settings, be sure to restart your smartphone, which is a critical step, as the changes only take effect after the full initialization of the communication module. If the Internet does not appear, repeat the procedure by carefully checking the characters entered.

Using an engineering menu for forced LTE

When standard methods fail, you can use hidden modem settings through an engineering menu, which allows you to force your phone to only work in LTE mode, ignoring other standards. Be careful, changing some parameters can temporarily disrupt communication.

Open the Phone app and dial ##4636##. If the code fits, the Testing menu will open. Select Phone Information. From the list, find the drop-down menu Set your preferred network type.

⚠️ Warning: Do not select modes that contain the word "Only" if you are in a poor coverage area. LTE. In this case, when the signal is lost. 4G You will lose your connection and call will be impossible.

It is recommended to choose LTE/TD-SCDMA/CDMA/EvDo/GSM/WCDMA or similar mode, where LTE is first, but other standards are present.This will ensure the priority of the high-speed network, but will allow the phone to switch to 3G for voice calls if VoLTE technology is not supported.

Once you select the mode, the network can blink. Check the status at the top row. If there's a 4G/LTE icon on and the Internet is on, the problem is solved at the software priority level. You can go back to the standard settings by selecting the option to select automatically from the same menu.

Impact of the firmware region and MIUI version

Xiaomi smartphone owners know that there are different firmware versions: Global, China, Europe, Russia. Chinese versions (China ROM) may have restrictions on working with LTE frequencies used in other countries, or not support some bands (Bands).

For example, if in your area the operator uses the Band 20 (800 MHz) band for coverage in buildings, and in the firmware it is not activated or blocked, indoors you will only have 3G.

You can check supported ranges on the same engineering menu or with apps like Cellular-Z or Network Cell Info. If you see a phone connecting to a tower but the speed is low, it may be running at an overloaded frequency, ignoring the free one.

💡

Before flashing the device to expand LTE frequencies, make sure that your phone model hardware supports the desired ranges. Software to enable what is not in the hardware modem, it is impossible.

Also worth checking for system updates. With newer versions of MIUI and HyperOS, manufacturers often fix communication module bugs and add support for new carriers. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and check for updates.

Resetting network settings as a radical method

If nothing works, there may be software errors in the system that prevent the radio from working properly, resetting the network settings will return all connection settings to factory values, and this will not delete your personal photos or contacts, but will forget Wi-Fi passwords and associated Bluetooth devices.

Resets can be done via Settings menu → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Confirm and wait for the reboot. Once you turn on the phone, re-enter your Wi-Fi password and check the mobile Internet.

This method often helps when the internal configurations of the operator “fly” after updating the firmware, and the phone begins to behave like a new device, re-registering on the network and requesting current settings.

⚠️ Before resetting, make sure you remember passwords from important Wi-Fi networks, as it will be impossible to recover them from your phone’s memory after this procedure.

In rare cases, the problem may be due to a physical malfunction of the antenna module. If none of the software methods have failed, and the SIM card and coverage are guaranteed to be working, you should contact an authorized service center for diagnosis.

💡

Integrated approach: most often the problem is solved by a combination of the correct APN access point and the choice of “Preferred LTE” mode in the settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)