How to enable only 4G on Xiaomi: all ways to MIUI

Are you tired of constantly switching between 3G and 4G on your Xiaomi, which leads to communication interruptions or slow Internet? In today’s world, when LTE coverage has become ubiquitous, the forced use of only 4G can significantly improve connection stability. However, manufacturers often hide this option deep in the settings or remove it from the interface. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to make your Redmi, POCO or Mi work exclusively on the fourth generation network, from standard settings to engineering menus and editing configuration files.

It is important to understand that only 4G is forced to turn on, and there are both pros and cons. On the one hand, you get higher speed and stability of the Internet (with good coverage), on the other hand, in areas of low LTE signal, the phone can completely lose communication, while 3G/2G could still work. We will look at all the nuances, including the differences between models with and without VoLTE, and give recommendations for choosing the optimal network mode for your region.

Why Xiaomi is automatically switching between 3G and 4G

By default, Xiaomi smartphones are in Auto mode (or LTE/WCDMA/GSME), which allows the device to dynamically select the type of network depending on the available signal. This feature is laid down at the MIUI firmware level and has a logical rationale:

• 📶 Savings in battery charge: 4G The module consumes more energy than 3G or 2G. Automatic switching to more "economical" networks extends the time of operation.
• 🏙️ Stability of communication: in densely populated areas or on the outskirts of cities coverage 4G It can be unstable. 3G prevents call interruptions.
• 📞 Support for voice calls: on older models without VoLTE (voices on the Internet) LTE) call requires switching to 3G/2G.
• 🌍 Roaming and international standards: operators are still actively using the Internet in some countries 3G voice-over.

But this smart algorithm often works poorly, such as in central Moscow or St. Petersburg, where 4G coverage is stable, a phone may unnecessarily switch to 3G, losing internet speed, or in suburbs sticking to a weak LTE signal rather than switching to a more stable, albeit slower, connection.

⚠️ Note: On models without VoLTE support (e.g. Redmi Note 5 or Mi) A1) compulsory inclusion only 4G In such cases, use messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) or turn on VoWiFi (Wi-Fi calls) if your carrier supports this feature.

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (for new versions)

Starting with MIUI 12 and up, most Xiaomi models have a simplified network management interface, to enable only 4G through standard settings:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to SIM cards and mobile networks (or Mobile network on some models).
3. Choose yours. SIM-card (if two of them).
4. Tap on the network type (or preferred network type).
5. In the list that appears, select LTE only (or 4G only).

If your menu doesn’t have LTE-only options, it could mean:

• 📱 You've got an old version. MIUI (12th).
• 📡 Your carrier does not support VoLTE, and the system hides this item to avoid problems with calls.
• 🔧 Firmware modified (castom or regional version).

On some models (e.g., POCO X3 Pro or Redmi Note 10 Pro), instead of LTE Only, there may be an LTE/4G option without mentioning 3G/2G. In this case, the system will still try to connect to older networks when the signal is bad. To disable this logic completely, move on to the following methods.

Method 2: Engineering menu (for advanced users)

If standard settings don’t work, you can use the Engineering Mode, which works on most Xiaomi devices, but you need to be careful that incorrect changes can disrupt the communication module.

Instructions for enabling only 4G through the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app and type in the combination: ##4636## Some models may require input: ##36446337###
2. You will be taken to the Testing menu. Select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
4. In the list that appears, select LTE only (or) NR/LTE only 5G-model).
5. Press OK and restart the phone.

After the reboot, check the network type in the status bar – there should be a 4G (or LTE) icon displayed without switching to H+ (3G) or E (2G).

⚠️ Note: Some models with Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (e.g., Qualcomm Snapdragon, POCO X3 NFC) post-choice LTE Only mobile communication may be lost, in which case return the setting to Automatic and use alternative methods (see Method 3).

Method 3: Edit the build.prop file (for power users)

If previous methods did not work, you can manually change the system settings by editing the build.prop file. This method requires root rights and data backup, since careless changes can lead to a system failure.

Instructions for editing build.prop:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/build.prop.
3. Find a line: ro.telephony.default_network=9 (or similar default_network).
4. Change the value to: ro.telephony.default_network=13 (where 13 It is in compliance with the regimen only LTE).
5. Save the file, reboot the phone.

Values for other network modes:

• 🔢 9 — Automatic choice (LTE/3G/2G)
• 🔢 10 - Only 3G
• 🔢 13 - Only LTE (4G)
• 🔢 20 — LTE/3G (without 2G)

Create a backup copy of the build.prop file

Ensure that root rights are available

Use a text editor with support for Unix format (not Notepad!)

Check the syntax after the changes (are there any extra gaps)

Prepare for possible resetting of network settings-->

On models with a Mediatek processor (Helio G), the string may be called ro.mtk.band.support or persist.radio.lte_on. In this case, add a line to the end of the file. persist.radio.force_lte=1 and reboot the device.

Method 4: Applications for Forced 4G Enablement

If you don't want to go through system files, you can use third-party apps that allow you to change your network settings without root permissions, but require you to unlock the bootloader Unlock on some models.

Top.-3 Applications for managing network types on Xiaomi:

• 📱 Network Signal Guru, which shows detailed information about the network and allows you to block certain frequencies. MIUI 12-14.
• 🔧 4G Only Mode – a simple toul for forced inclusion LTE. It works on most smartphones with Qualcomm.
• 🌐 NetMonster is a professional tool for analyzing and managing the network.

Instructions for using Network Signal Guru:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and provide all the permissions requested.
3. Go to the Network Mode tab.
4. Select LTE Only and confirm the change.
5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Apps like MTK Engineering Mode (for Mediatek) may contain malicious code. Download them only from official sources and check reviews. Some Xiaomi firmware has these programs blocked by security.

Method 5: Use ADB-commands without root)

If you don’t have root rights but you have a computer, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to change your network settings, which works on most Xiaomi devices with the bootloader unlocked.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC.
2. Turn on Debugging. USB on the phone: Settings → The phone. → 7 times to tap on "Version" MIUI" → Back in "Additional" → Debugging by USB.
3. Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
4. Open the command prompt (or PowerShell) in the folder with ADB and type: adb shell
5. Execute the command to turn on only LTE: settings put global preferred_network_mode 9 (where 9 — mode LTE/3G/2G auto, but only for 4G Use settings put global preferred_network_mode 13).
6. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

To return automatic mode, use the command:

settings put global preferred_network_mode 9

💡

If the command does not apply, try first entering settings list global and find the current value. preferred_network_mode. Sometimes manufacturers use other identifiers, for example preferred_network_mode1 first SIM-map.

Problems and Solutions After Only 4G

Once you force LTE Only to work, you may encounter a number of problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

If after all the manipulations the network is not stable, check the following points:

• 📡 Operator coverage: Use applications like OpenSignal or NetMonster to gauge signal strength. 4G your neighborhood.
• 📱 Settings APN: Sometimes operators require special parameters for work. LTE. Check them on the official website (for example, for MTS, Beeline, MegaFon or Tele2).
• 🔄 Update of the firmware: in new versions MIUI Frequently correct errors with the operation of the communication module. → The phone. → Updating the system.

💡

If after activating "Only 4G" mobile Internet is lost, but the LTE icon is displayed - the problem is most likely in the APN settings. Delete the current APN profile and create it again manually.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the “4G only” mode on Xiaomi