How to Turn on 4G on Xiaomi Permanently: Expert Guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones running on the shell of MIUI or HyperOS often demonstrate excessive “independence” in choosing the type of network. The user expects a stable high-speed connection, but the device periodically switches to 3G or even 2G in areas of uncertain reception. This is annoying when you expect an important call or try to download a map in the navigator. Forced fixing LTE Only mode solves the problem of speed jumps.

In this article, we'll look at all the known ways to lock in a fourth generation network, and we'll look at both the standard methods through the settings, and the more advanced options through the engineering menu. It's important to understand that Android is a complex system, and every change in the parameters of the radio module requires caution, but if you want to get the most out of your tariff and carrier coverage, these adjustments are necessary.

Before we go to radical measures, we need to check the basics. Sometimes the problem is not a software failure, but a mis-priority of networks. Forced switching may be the only way out when a 3G tower is closer than a 4G tower and the phone is clinging to it tenaciously.

Why Xiaomi is dropping its network to 3G and H+

The main reason for the constant jumps between communication standards lies in the energy-saving algorithms and modem logic. MIUI seeks to keep the battery powered by switching to less energy-intensive but slow networks when the LTE signal becomes weaker than a certain threshold, a behavior that is embedded in the firmware device and often does not match the user's desires.

In addition, carriers use CSFB (Circuit Switched Fallback) technology for voice calls, which means that when a call is made or made, the phone can temporarily “fall through” 3G if VoLTE technology is not supported. Once the call is completed, the smartphone must return to 4G, but sometimes it does not, and it “stuck” at low speed.

⚠️ Note: Compulsory fixation only on 4G This can cause you to stop accepting incoming calls if your carrier or data plan does not support VoLTE technology. 2G/3G voice-over.

Another factor is the physical location of the base stations, and if you're at the boundary of coverage, the phone will be constantly scanning the air, at which point the radio module is under a high load, and fixing it to one standard helps stabilize the connection, eliminating the constant search for alternatives.

Basic configuration of the preferred network type

The easiest and safest method is to use the standard Android interface, which requires no root rights and no risk to the system, but you need to get into the network type selection menu, which is sometimes hidden in new versions of the shell.

Go to your device's settings. The path usually looks like this: Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choose yours. SIM-map → The preferred network type. Here you will be offered several options. For maximum speed, select the item that contains the labeling. LTE or 4G priority.

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If the standard menu doesn’t have the option “Only 4G”, try to switch the “Use 5G” slider (if available) to the off position to force the phone to leave on fourth-generation networks.

However, the standard menu often limits the user's choice, offering only combined modes, such as "LTE Preferably" which means the phone can still switch to 3G if it finds the 4G signal too weak.

• 📶 LTE/WCDMA/GSM — Automatic mode, the phone chooses the best network (by default).
• 🚀 LTE Only - a rigid fixation only on 4G (often hidden in the regular menu).
• 📉 WCDMA Only. 3G (It is useful for saving charge in areas without 4G).
• 📞 GSM Only. 2G (Extreme battery savings, but very slowly).

Using the Engineering Menu to Fix LTE

If standard settings don't work, the engineering menu comes to the rescue, a hidden part of the system designed to test equipment by engineers, and on Xiaomi smartphones, it is often accessed through special codes or applications.

Try dialing ##4636## in the phone book. If the menu opens, select Phone Information. Find the drop-down list for Set Preferred Network Type. In this list, you need to find the LTE Only value.

Once you select LTE Only, the network on your phone can disappear for a short time and reappear again. The status bar should have a 4G or LTE icon. If you move to a zone where there is no 4G, the connection simply disappears, and the phone will write "No Network." That's normal behavior for this mode.

⚠️ Note: In new versions of Android (11, 12, 13, 14) Access to the engineering menu through codes is often blocked by manufacturers.If the code doesn't work, use third-party apps from the Play Market, such as "Force" LTE Only (4G/5G)».

Hidden codes and commands for different processors

Xiaomi smartphones are available on different platforms, and access to hidden features depends on the processor. Snapdragon and MediaTek devices may have different mode activation pathways.

MediaTek processors often have code ##3646633##, which opens the full engineering menu, and you go to the Telephony → BandMode → SIM 1 tab, where you can uncheck GSM and WCDMA, leaving only LTE, and this is guaranteed to put the modem in the desired modem.

Note that code ##869434## is often used to unlock the VoLTE menu on global firmware versions, and when you enter it, you will see a notification “VoLTE carrier check was disabled,” and then you will see a LTE Calls switch in the normal settings menu.

VoLTE problems and their solution on Xiaomi

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology allows voice transmission in a 4G data packet without resetting the connection to 3G. On many global versions of Xiaomi smartphones, this feature is hidden, as it is not certified for operators of a particular region.

If you don't have VoLTE, the phone will reset the network when you call. Sometimes you just need to activate the hidden flag using the code ##86583#. SIM-The card should appear item "Use VoLTE».

In some cases, editing of the configuration file is required. carrier_policy.xml Or using activator applications such as VoLTE Enabler, however, this requires more knowledge and may require root rights, which is not always safe for the average user.

• 📱 Check if your carrier supports VoLTE in your area.
• 🔧 Activate the hidden menu with #86583##.
• ✅ Turn on the “Allow VoLTE” switch in the settings SIM.
• 🔄 Restart the device to apply changes.

Resetting network settings as a method of eliminating errors

Sometimes the problem is not the lack of configuration, but the accumulated software failure, the cache of network connections may contain erroneous data about base stations, in which case a complete reset of network settings helps.

To perform this operation, go to Settings → Connections & Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Network Settings and Bluetooth. Press Reset button. This action will not delete your personal files or contacts, but will clear saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairs.

Once the phone is restarted, it will re-register on the operator's network, often forcing the modem to choose the most relevant and fastest tower available, and if the problem was sticking software on the old standard, this method should help.

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Network resets are a secure procedure that often solves problems with an unstable internet without having to flash the device or reset to factory settings.

Impact of Flashing on the LTE Module

Users often change global firmware to Chinese (CN) or Indonesian (ID) for additional features. However, different regions have different frequencies and modem settings. Chinese firmware may not work correctly with European 4G frequencies (Band 7, Band 20).

If 4G is missing or is not running smoothly after flashing, the new firmware may not have a carrier for your carrier, such as manually adding APN or flashing the modem (basic RF part), but the latter is an operation for advanced users.

It is recommended to stay on the official Global or EEA firmware for maximum compatibility with local operators. If you do use custom builds, make sure that they include all the necessary band frequencies.