Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a situation where the device itself switches to slower 3G or even 2G, despite having stable fourth-generation coverage. This can be due to the peculiarities of the operator’s towers in a particular location or software failures of the MIUI shell itself. Forced installation of only 4G mode allows you to significantly speed up the Internet and reduce ping, which is critical for online players.
However, before you start to change, it is worthwhile to understand that rigid fixation of the communication standard has its consequences. If you are in the zone of uncertain reception, the phone can simply lose the network, as it will not be able to switch to a longer-range, albeit slow 3G. Xiaomi by default hides the advanced settings of the radio module, but there are proven ways to circumvent these restrictions without obtaining root rights.
In this article, we will look at all the current methods, from standard menu settings to the use of engineering codes, you will learn how to fix LTE on different versions of firmware and what to do if standard methods do not work.
⚠️ Warning: Forced switching to "Only" mode 4G" This may result in a total loss of cellular connectivity and the ability to make calls if your carrier does not support VoLTE technology in your region or it is not activated on the tariff.
Why fix the 4G network on Xiaomi smartphones
The main reason why users tend to turn on only 4G lies in the instability of automatic network selection. modem algorithms in Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones sometimes too aggressively try to save battery power, switching to 3G at the slightest weakening of the LTE signal. As a result, the Internet speed drops significantly, and the pages in the browser stop loading.
Another important reason is gaming. For online games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty or World of Tanks Blitz, low ping is critical. Switching between communication standards (handover) causes sudden delay spikes, leading to lags and "teleportation" of the character. Fixing on LTE Only allows you to stabilize the connection and keep the ping in a narrow value corridor.
In addition, in some regions, 4G coverage may be wider than it seems, but the phone is clinging to the old 2G because of the older base station’s stronger signal strength. Forced 4G inclusion forces the modem to ignore weak but “prehensive” old towers and look for faster ones.
- 🚀 Increased average mobile internet speed and connection stability.
- 🎮 Reducing ping and eliminating jerks in online games.
- 📶 Forced tower search 4G border-covered.
- 🔋 Reduced battery consumption in some scenarios (no permanent reconnection).
Not all use cases require this setup, but if you move between the city and the countryside often, you'd better leave it automatic, otherwise you'll be left without communication when you leave 4G coverage until you manually return the settings back.
Standard Method through Settings SIM-map
The first and most secure way to change the preferred network type is to use the standard MIUI interface, which requires no third-party software installation and is suitable for most users. However, in newer versions of the shell, the option "Only 4G" can be hidden, leaving the choice between 5G/4G/3G/2G.
You have to go to the device settings menu first, and the path may vary slightly depending on the Android version and MIUI version, but the logic remains the same. You have to find the section that handles wireless networks and Internet connectivity.
Next, you should select a specific SIM-If you have two, look for "Network Type" or "Preferred Network Type" in the SIM settings menu. 4G (LTE), It's not a rigid fixation, but it's the standard that will be given priority.
→ SIM-maps and mobile networks → Selection SIM-maps → Network type → Preferably 4GIf the list does not contain the option "LTE Only" or similar, then the manufacturer has blocked this possibility at the level of the software interface, in which case the standard methods will not achieve the desired, and you will have to resort to more advanced methods.
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Before changing the network settings, it is recommended to restart the smartphone in normal mode to reset temporary registration errors in the operator’s network.
It's important to understand the difference between "preferably 4G" and "only 4G." In the first case, the phone will try to hold onto LTE, but if it's not there, it will switch to 3G so you can take the call. In the second case, the phone will ignore all other standards, which can lead to a "No Network" status.
Using the Engineering Menu for Forced 4G
The most effective method of enabling only 4G, even on devices where this option is hidden in the regular menu, is to use the engineering menu, which is a hidden part of the system, designed for testing equipment by engineers, accessed through a special set of commands in the "caller".
To enter the engineering menu on Xiaomi, a universal code is used. Open the Phone app and type the following combination: ##4636##. Once you enter the last star, the menu should open automatically. If this does not happen, your firmware version may block this code and you will need to use third-party activator applications.
In the menu that opens, select Phone Information, and we're interested in the drop-down list of Set Preferred Network Type, and in this list, you'll find the value that contains the phrase LTE Only. It's usually LTE Only or Prefere LTE Only.
⚠️ Attention: After the choice of the mode LTE Your phone will stop seeing your network. 2G and 3G. If there is no coverage in your area 4G, You will not be able to make or receive calls or send SMS, unless VoLTE is configured.
Once you select the menu item, you can close the engineering menu, the changes take effect instantly, the status bar should show a 4G or LTE icon, and if the icon is missing or a cross appears instead of the signal level, then there is no LTE coverage at this point.
Note that after a normal smartphone reboot, the engineering menu settings may be lost, and the phone will return to automatic network selection, in which case the procedure will have to be repeated every time the device is turned off.
Solving problems with returning network settings
One of the frequent problems Xiaomi users have is resetting LTE Only after rebooting or leaving coverage. Android seeks to return the phone to the most compatible mode, ignoring manual selection in the engineering menu.
One way is to use third-party utilities, such as Force LTE Only (4G/5G) from Google Play, which do not require root rights and work by emulating clicks on hidden menus, and automatically apply the desired setting when you start an application or by timer.
There is also a method using code ##86583##. Introducing this command in some versions of MIUI forcibly includes a hidden VoLTE carrier check key, which can help stabilize communication, but does not always guarantee only 4G fixation. The command #86583## is often used in conjunction with the main code of the engineering menu.
- 📲 Installation of a fixer application from the Play Market.
- 🔄 Using the Unlocking Code for Hidden Functions.
- ⚙️ Checking the developer's settings (ADB team).
- 🔌 Resetting network settings to factory (last resort).
If none of the software methods helps to keep the network, the problem may lie in the hardware or in the settings of the operator. SIM-cards for newer, supporting modern encryption and communication standards.
What to do if the engineering menu code doesn’t work?
Comparison of radio module operation modes
To better understand which mode to choose, let’s compare the main options for a network module, the difference between them is the balance between speed, stability and availability of voice services.
Auto mode is standard. The phone decides which network to use, prioritizing 4G/5G, but switching to 3G/2G for calls or when the signal is weak.
LTE Only (4G Only) disables all other standards, which gives you maximum speed where there is coverage, but makes it impossible to make regular voice calls without VoLTE technology. If VoLTE is not supported by the operator, incoming calls simply will not pass.
| Parameter | Auto (2G/3G/4G) | LTE Only (4G Only) | 3G/2G Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet speed | High/Mediocre | Maximum (stable) | Low. |
| Voice calls | Always working. | Only through VoLTE | Always working. |
| Battery consumption | Medium. | Low (at stable signal) | High (network search) |
| Stability in games | Medium (possible jumps) | Tall. | Low. |
When choosing a mode, always consider your current tasks. For a navigator or messenger on the road, it is better to leave automatic mode so as not to lose communication in the tunnel or outside the city. For stationary use of a smartphone as a modem or a game console, 4G fixation is ideal.
☑️ Pre-insertion check LTE Only
Frequent errors and ways to fix them
Users often face typical problems during the setup process, one of the most common being the appearance of a “No Service” or “Emergency Calls Only” label immediately after switching, which means that there is no LTE coverage at this point, and the phone cannot physically connect to 3G or 2G due to the selected mode.
Another mistake is choosing the wrong item on the engineering menu, and there are many similar names, such as: LTE/TD-SCDMA, LTE/GSM For Russia and CIS countries, the most suitable options are: LTE Only or LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM/WCDMA (If you want to leave the possibility of fallingback, although it is not pure LTE For clean. 4G pick strictly LTE Only.
Also worth mentioning is the problem with dual-symbol devices. on some Xiaomi models when turned on 4G first SIM-The second card automatically switches to the mode. 2G. This is the architectural limitation of the modem. 4G Both SIM cards for voice and the Internet are often impossible without support for technology. DSDS (Dual SIM Dual Standby is the next generation.
⚠️ Warning: Don't panic if the internet is lost after settings. Just return the settings to their original state via the engineering menu by selecting the item NR/LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM/WCDMA or similar to the prefix "Auto".
If you accidentally choose the wrong mode and can not return to the menu (for example, the phone freezes or the screen does not respond), a forced reboot will help. Press the power button for 10-15 seconds. Once you turn on, the network settings can be reset to standard ones, which will restore communication.
The impact of 4G on the autonomy of the device
There's a myth that 4G is a much faster way to land a battery, and it really depends on the quality of the signal, and if you're in a strong reception zone, the 4G module is economical, and it's even less expensive than if you're constantly looking for a network between 2G and 3G towers.
However, if the 4G signal is weak (1-2 fission), the phone starts to increase the transmitter power to connect.In this case, the LTE Only mode can lead to rapid discharge and heating of the case.
So using 4G fixation only makes sense where the signal level is consistently high, otherwise you will not only get fast Internet, but also quickly discharged Xiaomi.
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Use 4G Only mode only in areas where you can receive signals confidently for games and download large files. For normal conversations and trips, leave automatic mode.
Return to the factory network settings
If network experiments have led to unstable smartphone operation, it is recommended to perform a network reset.This will not delete your personal data, photos or contacts, but will return all the parameters of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile communication to factory values.
To do this, go to Settings → About → Settings → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile Internet and Bluetooth. After this operation, the phone will reboot and you will have to re-enter passwords from Wi-Fi networks, but the problems with registering on the network should disappear.
In extreme cases, if the software failure is deep, a full reset to the factory settings (Hard Reset) may be required, but this is an extreme measure that requires prior data backup.