How to enable permanent 4G on Xiaomi: a guide to setting up a network

Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones have powerful modems that can provide high data rates. However, in some regions, network coverage is unstable, and the device constantly “jumps” between 3G, 2G and LTE standards, which leads to connection breaks during calls or games. Users often look for a way to force a connection to a fourth-generation standard to avoid these switches.

The problem is relevant not only for older models, but also for new devices running on the shell of MIUI or HyperOS. Standard menu settings do not always provide sufficient functionality for rigid fixation of the network type. In this article, we will discuss all legal and safe methods, including the use of engineering menus and system commands.

It is important to understand that forced activation of 4G Only mode can have side effects. For example, in some configurations, this can block incoming voice calls if the operator does not support VoLTE technology.

Standard methods for choosing a network type in MIUI

The first step should always be to check the basic system settings. Xiaomi shell offers several options for choosing the preferred network type, although they do not always guarantee 100% no rollbacks to the network. 3G. To access these settings, you need to go to the Settings menu → SIM-maps and mobile networks.

You should choose an active one here. SIM-map and find "Preferred network type" and select "Preferred" from the list of available options LTE". This commands the system to use the high-speed channel as often as possible, but if the signal is lost, the modem can still switch to the channel. 3G or 2G to ensure continuity of communication.

⚠️ Note: If there is no item in the list LTE or 4G, that might mean that SIM-The card is outdated, the plan doesn’t support this standard, or there’s simply no coverage of fourth-generation networks in your area.

Sometimes it helps to just reboot the communication module, turn on the flight mode for 10-15 seconds, and then turn it off, which causes the modem to re-register on the network and choose the most suitable tower, and if standard methods do not give the desired result, you will have to resort to deeper system settings.

• 📱 Go to the settings. SIM-maps through the main settings screen.
• 📡 Make sure that the mobile internet slider is activated.
• 🔄 Select the option "Preferred". LTE" network-type.
• 📶 Check the signal indicator in the status bar after applying the settings.

Using the Engineering Menu to Fix LTE

The most effective way to include a permanent 4g In the case of Xiaomi, it's a hidden engineering menu, and it's an interface that's designed for testing by the plant's engineers, but it's also available to the general public. USSD-code.

If the device supports this command, the "Verify" menu will open. If the code does not work, your firmware version or region may block this input, in which case you can install the Activity Launcher application from Google Play, which allows you to run hidden activity of the system.

In the menu that opens, select "Phone Information" and scroll down to "Set Preferred Network Type" and you'll need to find and select an option that contains the phrase "LTE Only" in the dropdown list, which will force the modem to ignore other communication standards.

The path in the system:


Settings → About phone → (multiple click on the "Kornel Version" for some versions)




Or code: ##4636## → Phone information → LTE Only

After selecting LTE Only mode, the network indicator can disappear for a second and then reappear again with the designation 4G or LTE. Now the smartphone will not switch to 3G, even if the 4G signal becomes very weak. This ensures a stable Internet, but requires caution when moving between coverage areas.

Problems with voice calls and VoLTE

The main risk of switching to LTE Only mode is the loss of the ability to make regular voice calls. Traditional voice calls work over 2G and 3G networks (GSM and UMTS technologies). If you have forced 4G on, and VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology is not activated or supported by the operator, incoming calls may not arrive, and outgoing ones may not connect.

VoLTE technology allows voice to be streamed as data over a 4G network, bypassing the switch to old standards. On Xiaomi smartphones, VoLTE is often hidden by default depending on the firmware region (Global, Russia, China). Check for an icon "HD" or "VoLTE" in the status bar next to the network indicator.

⚠️ Attention: If after the activation of the mode LTE Only incoming calls are missing, immediately return network settings to Preferably mode LTE" Or "Auto" or you'll be out of touch.

To activate VoLTE on some models requires additional commands through the menu of engineering settings or use the application MIUI Hidden Settings. Without this feature, using 4G only as the main method of communication is impractical, since the phone will turn into a tablet with Internet access only.

• 🗣️ VoLTE technology provides high quality sound when calling.
• 🔌 For the operation of voice calls in mode 4G Support by the operator is required.
• ⚙️ Hidden VoLTE settings can be activated via the engineering menu.
• 📵 No VoLTE in mode LTE Only incoming calls will not work.

Change of region and hidden settings

Often, the limitation of network type or lack of VoLTE is due to the software limitations of the region. the setting of the region in the Xiaomi smartphone affects the list of available frequencies and operators. Changing the region can open access to additional network functions without the need to flash the device.

To change your region, go to Settings → Settings → Region. Try selecting countries with advanced 4G infrastructure, such as India, Indonesia or Singapore. After changing region, reboot your device and check the network type selection menu again. Sometimes this action automatically activates hidden menu items for LTE.

There is also a method of activating hidden functions through the Service and Feedback app (or Services and Feedback) and go to the app, click on the menu icon (three dots or gear) in the top corner and select "Additional Features." Here you can find the "Show Hidden VoLTE Settings" switch or similar.

Resetting network settings and updating configurations

If software methods don’t help, network profile configuration errors may have accumulated in the system. Network reset will return all connection settings to factory values by removing stored Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but this often solves the problem of “sticking” on 3G.

To perform the reset, go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Confirm and wait for the reset of communication modules. Once turned on, the phone will again request settings from the carrier (the SMS with the configuration will come).

Also worth checking for system updates. Xiaomi regularly releases patches that improve modem performance and compatibility with the frequency ranges of Russian operators. Check the updates in the About Phone → MIUI version.

💡

Before resetting your network settings, be sure to write down passwords from important Wi-Fi networks, as they will be deleted from the device’s memory.

In some cases, manually configuring APN access points helps. Go to mobile network settings, select "APN" and create a new point with the parameters recommended by your operator. Sometimes automatic settings contain errors that interfere with the stable operation of 4G.

Alternative solutions and frequency management

For advanced users, there is the ability to control specific frequencies (Band Locking). Smartphone modems support different frequency ranges (Band 3, Band 7, Band 20, etc.). If your home does not catch Band 20, but Band 3 is great, you can try to turn off excess bands through the engineering menu, if this option is available in your model.

However, frequency blocking is a complex process that requires a precise knowledge of the tower coverage map in your area. Incorrect settings can lead to complete signal loss. For most users, it is enough to simply fix the network type on LTE without going into the ranges.

⚠️ Note: Band Locking experiments can cause your phone to stop seeing the network at all, and only use this feature if you understand what frequencies your tower is using.

If none of the software methods worked, the problem could be a damaged antenna, an oxidized connector of the antenna module, or a malfunction of the modem itself, in which case software crutches will not help, and you will need a diagnosis in the service center.

• 🛠️ Hardware problems are solved only in the service center.
• 📡 Knowing tower frequencies helps to set up a more stable reception.
• 🔄 Reset APN Often solves problems with slow Internet.
• 📱 Updating the firmware can correct modem errors.

💡

Fixing 4G through the LTE Only is the most effective method, but it requires the operator to support VoLTE for making calls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)