How to enable only 4G on Xiaomi Redmi 9: a detailed guide

Modern smartphones, including the popular Xiaomi Redmi 9, are set to automatically select the type of network by default, which means that the device switches between 2G, 3G and 4G depending on the quality of the operator’s signal. However, in unstable coverage or when roaming, this logic can cause connection breaks during calls or a sharp drop in Internet speed.

Many users are faced with a situation where the phone “clings” to weak 3G, deflecting faster LTE, or constantly jumps between communication standards, which leads to increased battery consumption. Forced installation of only 4G mode allows you to lock the connection to the fastest available standard, ensuring the stability of messengers and navigation. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods for setting network priority on your device.

It is important to understand that the MIUI shell interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version (Global, EU or CN).However, the basic principles of customizing the engineering menu and hidden parameters remain unchanged for the entire Redmi line.

Why Smartphones Are Constantly Switching Between 3G and 4G

The main reason for the unstable operation of the mobile Internet is the modem algorithm, which tries to find the “best” network, but often fails in estimates. If you are on the edge of the tower coverage, Redmi 9 can constantly search for a 4G signal, find it too weak for stable data transfer and reset the connection to 3G. After a few seconds, the process repeats, creating the effect of “blinking” the network.

Physical wear should also be taken into account. SIM-Older cards issued several years ago may not work properly with protocols. LTE, This is what causes the system to favor older but more reliable communication standards, and in some cases, the problem is that the communication module fails software after the system is updated.

⚠️ Attention: Forced incorporation of the “Only” regime 4G» This may cause you to stop receiving incoming calls if your carrier does not support VoLTE (Voice over) technology. LTE). In this case, the caller will hear “the subscriber is not available».

You have to manually prioritize, and this is especially true in places where there's a 4G signal, but it's weaker than 3G, and the phone mistakenly chooses the latter, and fixing it on LTE will allow you to use the Internet, even at the boundary level of the signal, but without constant reconnection.

Standard way to switch through settings

The easiest and safest method, which does not require root rights or third-party software installation, is to use the standard Android settings menu, which is suitable for most users who want to simply improve connection stability without deep interference.

You need to go to the settings section for SIM cards and mobile networks, where the system suggests you choose your preferred network type. However, in some versions of MIUI, the option “Only 4G” can be hidden or replaced with “Prefer to 4G.” The difference between them is significant: the first mode rigidly blocks other standards, the second only recommends their use.

Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choose. SIM-map → Preferred type of network

In the list that opens, select Prefer LTE or 4G (recommended). If there is an LTE or Only 4G option on the list, choose it. Then the phone will reconnect to the network. If the 4G or LTE icon is gone and changed to E or 3G, then there is no fourth-generation signal in your coverage area and the locking mode has caused communication to be lost.

⚠️ Note: If, after switching to "only" mode 4G» the voice call is missing, immediately return the settings to Automatic or «3G/4G». This means that your operator in this location does not provide voice transmission through the LTE.

This is a regular method that doesn't violate the device warranty, and it allows you to quickly check if fixing the communication standard will help in your particular case, and if the standard settings don't work and the phone still flies to 3G, you will need to use an engineering menu.

Using the Engineering Menu to Fix 4G

The Engineering Mode is a hidden part of the system designed to test hardware and fine-tune the radio module. This is where you find a hard 4G lock that you can't always activate through normal settings. This menu is accessed using special codes on the Xiaomi Redmi 9.

Open the Phone app and type in the combination ##4636##. If the code is right for your firmware version, the Testing menu will open, where you can select Phone Information. If the menu doesn't open, try the ##3646633##, which often runs on MediaTek processors installed in Redmi 9.

In the Phone Information section, find the drop-down list of Set Preferred Network Type. There are many options in this list, but we are interested in those that contain the word LTE Only or TD-LTE. Choose the option that has "LTE Only" in its name. Communication can be briefly interrupted and then restored exclusively in 4G.

It is not intended for permanent use in everyday life, as it can lead to problems with incoming calls and SMS. Use this method temporarily to check the quality of coverage or download the necessary files.

Application of third-party applications for network management

If the built-in tools don't allow you to lock in the desired mode or access to the engineering menu is closed, specialized applications from the Google Play Store come to the rescue, and they act as an intermediary, sending system commands to change network priorities without the need to manually enter codes.

One of the most popular and effective tools is Force LTE Only (4G/5G), which has a simple interface and allows you to switch modems in one click. Once you install the application, launch it and select the method "Method 1: Android 10+" or "Method 2" if the first one does not work.

In the program interface, you'll see the current status and switch button. By clicking on "Work", you'll go to the familiar "Phone Information" menu, but with the option of a quick return. Select from the LTE Only list. The main advantage of these applications is the presence of an "Update" or "Refresh" button, which allows you to quickly return the settings to the original state if the signal is lost.

There are other analogues, like NetCut or Network Mode LTE Only, which are similar in principle: they provide a user-friendly interface for system commands, but be careful not to give applications unnecessary permissions other than those necessary for network management.

Comparison of Network Configuration Methods

The choice of how to fix 4G depends on your goals and technical background. The standard settings are safe but limited to functionality. The engineering menu gives you full control but requires caution. Third-party applications are convenient but can contain advertising. Below is a comparison table of methods.

As you can see from the table, for most users, the optimal balance is to use the codes of the engineering menu or proven applications. Getting Root rights for this task is redundant and not recommended unless you have other reasons to modify the system.

If none of the methods are helpful 4G, The problem may lie on the operator's side or in the hardware of the smartphone (antenna), in which case it is worth checking. SIM-card in another device or contact the service center.

4G-only Effects on Battery and Communication

The transition to forced 4G mode has its implications for the Redmi 9's autonomy.The LTE module consumes more power than 3G or 2G, especially in the area of uncertain reception.If the phone is at the boundary of coverage, it will run at maximum transmitter power, trying to hold the connection, which will lead to a rapid battery drain.

On the other hand, if the 4G signal is stable and strong, the constant handover switching will stop, which may even save charge, as the modem will operate in quiet mode without the constant voltage surges needed to reconnect to different types of towers.

Also worth mentioning is the impact on voice quality: Without VoLTE, voice is transmitted over 2G/3G networks. If you turn on 4G only, the incoming call may simply not pass. Modern operators are gradually adopting VoLTE, but coverage of this technology is not yet ubiquitous, especially in rural areas.

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Tip: Before making important calls, always check if you have LTE Only mode. It is best to use Prefer 4G mode, which will automatically switch to 3G for incoming calls if VoLTE is not supported.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Forced 4G fixation on the Xiaomi Redmi 9 is an effective way to combat unstable internet, but requires control over VoLTE mode to maintain voice calling capability.