In an era of ubiquitous high-speed 4G and 5G internet, it may seem odd to want to limit your Xiaomi smartphone to a third-generation standard. However, for many users, especially those living in remote regions or traveling frequently in rural areas, this becomes the only way to stay connected. LTE signals are often unstable, constantly “jumping” to EDGE or disappearing, while 3G provides a more confident, albeit slow, reception in difficult conditions.
Forced switching to 3G also helps to save battery power significantly, as the communication module stops constantly scanning the air for fourth-generation towers. In addition, in some cases, it solves problems with overheating of the device and “landing” in standby mode, owners of Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the need for such a setup due to the peculiarities of the MIUI and HyperOS firmware with certain carriers.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the available network fixing methods, we will look at standard settings, hidden engineering menus and third-party utilities, you will learn how to choose the right (frequency range) and what to do if standard methods do not work. It is important to understand that the choice of a particular network mode depends not only on your smartphone, but also on the frequencies supported by your carrier in a given area.
Why Xiaomi’s smartphone won’t have a 4G network
Before we get into technical manipulation, it’s worth figuring out the reasons for LTE’s unstable performance. Often the problem lies not in Xiaomi’s hardware, but in the carrier’s infrastructure. If you’re at the edge of coverage, the phone starts frantically switching between 4G, 3G and 2G, trying to find the best signal, a process called handover that causes connection breaks and high power consumption.
Another reason may be congested cell towers: During peak hours in densely populated areas, LTE bandwidth drops, and voice quality via VoLTE can become unsatisfactory. In such situations, forced reming of WCDMA (the 3G standard) often makes voice calls clearer and more stable, eliminating conversational voices and delays.
Old SIM cards, released many years ago, may not work properly with modern encryption standards in 4G networks. In this case, the speed limit to 3G becomes a temporary solution before replacing plastic from the operator.
⚠️ Warning: Forced switching to “Only” mode 3G» This can lead to the inability to make outgoing calls if in your area the operator completely disables voice support in third-generation networks in favor of VoLTE.
Basic configuration through the system menu
The easiest and safest way to change the type of network is to use the standard Android interface adapted by the MIUI shell, which is a non-special rights method that is available to everyone, but it is worth noting that in recent firmware versions developers often hide the option of choosing 3G only, leaving only combined modes.
First, you have to open your device's settings, and the path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS, but the logic remains the same. You have to find the partition that connects to the cellular network, which is usually at the top of the settings menu or in the advanced settings.
The sequence of actions is as follows:
- 📱 Open the Settings app on the main screen.
- 📡 Go to section «SIM-maps and mobile networks».
- 📶 Select the SIM card for which you need to change the settings (if there are two of them).
- 🔧 Click on “Network Type” or “Preferred Network Type».
In the list that opens, try to find the option “3G Only” or “WCDMA only.” If such option is present, just activate it. If you see only “4G Preferred” or “3G Preferred”, this means that the manufacturer has limited the choice through the standard menu, and you will have to use the more advanced methods described below.
Using an engineering menu to fix the network
The engineering menu is a hidden part of the operating system, designed to test hardware and deep tune communication parameters, and this is where you find the hard binding to the WCDMA standard, which is often not available in the normal interface, and access this menu through special codes entered into the dialer (the Phone app).
For Xiaomi devices with MediaTek and Qualcomm processors, there are different access codes, the most common is the code # # #4636#. After dialing it, the menu should open automatically. If this does not happen, your firmware version may block this input and you will need to install a special activator application.
Inside the engineering menu, the algorithm of actions is as follows:
- 🛠 Select the "Phone Information" option).
- 📉 Find the drop-down list “Set Preferred Network Type).
- 🔒 Select the value «WCDMA Only" for compulsory 3G.
- ✅ Make sure the “Enable the radio module” slider is active.
⚠️ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose. Incorrect setting of frequencies or protocols can lead to a complete loss of communication, which can only be restored by resetting the settings to the factory.
Importantly, after the smartphone is rebooted, the settings in the engineering menu may reset to default values, in which case you will either need to repeat the procedure after each turn on, or use automation applications that will apply these settings when the system starts.
What if the code doesn't work?
Application of third-party applications for network management
When regular funds and engineering menus do not give the desired result, specialized applications from the Google Play store come to the rescue. They allow you to control the smartphone modem more flexibly, bypassing the restrictions imposed by the manufacturer in the MIUI shell. One of the most popular and reliable tools is the Force LTE Only application (4G/5G).
Despite the name, the app allows you to choose any modes of operation of the communication module, including “3G Only”. The principle of operation is based on calling the same system functions of Android, but through a more convenient and accessible interface. Some functions may require root rights to work, but the basic functionality is often available without them.
Instructions for use:
- Download and install Force LTE Only.
- Start the program and select a method of operation (usually Method 1 or Method 2).
- Press the “Open Phone Testing” button or similar.
- In the menu, select “WCDMA Only”.
Another useful tool is the NetMonster app, which not only allows you to switch network modes, but also provides detailed information about which tower you are connected to and how fast you are transferring data, which helps you understand whether it makes sense to switch to 3G in your current location.
☑️ Checking before changing the network mode
Comparison of modes of operation of the communication module
Understanding the differences between network modes helps make informed choices. Each standard has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the operating conditions. Below is a table comparing the main features of the modes of operation available in the Xiaomi menu.
| Network mode | Data transfer speed | Stability of voice | Battery consumption | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5G / NR | Very high. | High (VoNR) | Very tall. | Only the big cities. |
| 4G / LTE | Tall. | Medium (depending on VoLTE) | Medium. | Wide-ranging |
| 3G / WCDMA | Low/Mediocre | Tall. | Low. | Very wide. |
| 2G / EDGE | Very low. | Medium | Minimum | Pervasive. |
As you can see from the table, 3G is the middle ground between speed and coverage, and it's much faster than EDGE, which allows you to use messengers and a navigator comfortably, but it has better penetration through walls and in remote areas than LTE.
By choosing 3G Only, you sacrifice the speed of loading heavy pages and videos, but you get a stable channel for voice communication, especially for truck drivers, tourists and residents of private sectors, where the density of buildings or terrain is extinguished by high-frequency 4G signal.
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If you use a navigator in a car, 3G mode often works more stable than 4G on the tracks, as 3G towers are less frequent but have a longer range, which reduces the number of switches between base stations.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
After switching Xiaomi smartphone to 3G Only mode, users may face a number of specific problems, the most common of which is the lack of incoming calls, this happens if the carrier uses CSFB technology (return to 2G/3G for voice) incorrectly, or if in your locality 3G is used only for data, and voice is transmitted exclusively via 4G (VoLTE).
In such a situation, you need to check the VoLTE settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks and try to turn on or off the "Use VoLTE" option. Sometimes it helps to reset the access point settings. APN To do this, in the mobile menu, look for "Access Points (APN)» and press the reset button in the menu.
Another problem is the dead zone, and if you have forced 3G to work, and there is no coverage of this standard in the current location (only 2G and 4G), the phone will lose the network completely, in which case the screen will display an icon of the crossed-out antenna or the inscription "No service", to get back to the service, you will have to urgently find a way to switch back to automatic mode.
⚠️ Warning: In an emergency (call 112 or 101), the phone may try to ignore your settings and switch to any available network, but don't rely on it.
If after all the manipulations, the phone stopped seeing the network at all, try resetting the network settings. This will not delete your personal data (photos, contacts), but will return all the connection parameters to the factory. → The phone. → Reset the settings → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile internet and Bluetooth settings.
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The main problem with 3G is the possible loss of incoming voice communication if the operator does not support voice calls on third-generation networks in your region.