How to Only Enable 4G on Xiaomi: An Expert Guide

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face situations where the device spontaneously switches from fast internet to outdated communication standards, especially in areas of unstable coverage, where the phone tries to “grab” a weak 3G or even 2G signal, instead of holding a more stable but long-range LTE. This behavior leads to connection breaks, long loading pages and the inability to make a VoLTE call.

The problem lies in the modem algorithms that prioritize signal strength over quality. To make the gadget work exclusively in a modern standard, you need to intervene in system settings. In this article, we will examine not only standard methods through the menu, but also the hidden capabilities of the engineering mode available to users of Android shells from the Chinese manufacturer.

Incorporation of the “Only” regime 4G" (LTE Only is not just a whim, but often a necessary measure to stabilize communication, but it is worth noting that forced bandwidth restriction can have side effects, such as the lack of voice communication in some regions. Next, we will consider in detail all the ways to activate this mode and the nuances of their application.

Why you need LTE Only and what are the risks

The switch to forced LTE Only solves a lot of problems with mobile internet quality. When a smartphone is at the edge of coverage, it starts to rush between towers, trying to find the best signal. Often this leads to a fall into a 3G (H+) network, where data rates are much lower. Fixing on 4G allows you to maintain high speed even at one or two divisions of the signal.

However, before making changes, it is important to be aware of the technical implications: voice communication in fourth-generation networks is implemented through Voice over LTE technology. If your operator or region does not support VoLTE, then when an incoming or outgoing call is made, the phone must switch to 3G or 2G. In 4G only mode, this switch will become impossible, and you simply will not be able to accept the call.

⚠️ Attention: Forced incorporation of the regime LTE Only can result in a complete loss of voice communication if your carrier does not support VoLTE technology or if it is not activated on your mobile phone. SIM-Use this mode with caution.

In addition, in some cases, obsessively searching for a 4G network where it is not physically available can lead to accelerated battery discharge, the modem will work with increased load, trying to hold a connection to a remote tower, so this method is best used stationary or in areas where you know for sure that 4G coverage is available, but the phone persistently resets it.

Standard method of switching through MIUI settings

The safest and easiest way to try to prioritize 4G is to use a regular settings menu. In recent versions of the MIUI and HyperOS shells, the interface may differ, but the logic remains the same. This method does not guarantee rigid fixation only on LTE, but it makes the system understand that this standard is preferable.

First, you need to open the device settings, find the partition that connects and transmits data, depending on the firmware version, it can be called "SIM-Maps and mobile networks" or simply "Mobile Network. " Here we'll look for the preferred type of network.

Choose. SIM-A map that you want to change your settings for if you have two. Find "Preferred network type." From the list that opens, select "Preferred" 4G" or "LTE". Please note that the option "Only 4G" The standard menu is usually not – it is hidden by the developers.

• 📱 Open the settings on your smartphone.
• 📡 Go to section. SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• 🔍 Find the preferred type of network.
• ✅ Select the option Preferably 4G (LTE).

If standard choice is not enough and the phone continues to “fly” on 3G, you will have to resort to more advanced methods, the standard settings only recommend priority, but do not prohibit switching to lower levels of communication when the reception conditions deteriorate.

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Before changing the network settings, be sure to restart the device after selecting a new type of network so that the communication module is fully reconnected to the tower with the new parameters.

Using the Engineering Menu for Hard 4G Fixing

There is a special service code to access the hidden functions of modem. The engineering menu allows you to directly interact with the device's radio module. This is the most efficient way, but it requires care. Code ##4636## is universal for most Android devices.

Once you have entered the code in the Phone app, the menu should open automatically, you don't need to press the call button. You'll see a list of test modes. We're interested in Phone Information. If you have a two-sim device, there can be two such points - choose the one that corresponds to the desired one. SIM-map.

Inside the section, find a drop-down list called "Set preferred network type" and the default will be "LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM" or something like that, and you'll scroll through the list and find an option that has the word ONLY in its name, like "LTE Only."

Call on your phone: ##4636##

Once you select "LTE Only," the screen can blink, and the network icon in the status bar will change, and from that point on, the phone will ignore all other communication standards, and to get it back to normal, you'll have to choose the option marked "Global" or the one you originally chose.

Alternative codes and applications for network management

Not all Xiaomi firmware versions have standard engineering menu code. In some cases, especially global versions with European regions, access to hidden menus may be blocked. USSD-team.

One of the popular codes that works on some Redmi and POCO models is ##3646633##. It opens up the extended MediaTek engineering menu (if you have a chipset from that manufacturer), and it's a bit harder to navigate to the Telephony tab, then Network Selecting, and manually select LTE Only mode.

If the codes don't work, you can use Google Play apps like "Force LTE Only (4G/5G)" or "NetMonster." They use system APIs to call the same menu that's not available through a standard dial, which is a great workaround for users who don't want to take risks.

Using third-party software requires permission to change the status of the phone, and be careful when installing such software and download it only from trusted sources so that you do not introduce malware to your device.

Solving problems with VoLTE and voice calls

As mentioned, the main side effect of LTE Only mode is the inability to make voice calls unless VoLTE technology is configured. In Russia and CIS countries, most major operators already support this feature, but it must be activated on the tariff side and in the phone settings.

You can check and enable VoLTE on Xiaomi from the same SIM card menu. Look for the "Use VoLTE" switch. If it's not on the standard menu, try activating it through the engineering menu: in the Phone Information section, find the Turn on VoLTE or Enable VoLTE switch and activate it.

⚠️ Attention: If, after activation of the "Only" mode 4G" lost audio in conversation or calls fail, immediately return the network type to the value of "Global" or "Auto" to restore the possibility of calls through the network. 2G/3G.

Also, it is worth considering that some operators require a special registration service. If VoLTE is enabled in the phone settings, the HD or VoLTE icon appears in the status bar, but calls still break when LTE Only is turned on, contact your operator for support for compatibility.

The effect of the regime on the battery and the stability of the operation

Many users mistakenly believe that the constant search for 4G network in the area of poor reception puts a lot of battery down. This is only partly true. If there is a 4G signal, but it is weak (1 division), the phone will spend more energy on maintaining the connection than when running in 3G. However, if the 4G signal is confident, then the power consumption will be optimal.

LTE Only eliminates the process of constant scanning of 2G and 3G frequencies, which in some scenarios can even save battery power. The device does not waste resources on assessing the quality of neighboring towers of another standard. However, if you leave the 4G coverage completely, the connection will disappear completely, and the phone will aggressively search for the network, which will quickly land the battery.

For stationary use, such as when a smartphone acts as a router or tracker, 4G fixation is the ideal solution. It provides stable ping for online gaming and video communication. But for active mobile use on road trips, it is better to leave automatic mode.

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LTE Only mode is ideal for stationary use or areas with unstable network switching, but requires mandatory VoLTE support for voice calls.

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