How to turn on LTE only on Xiaomi: all the ways for MIUI 14/15 and old firmware

Are you tired of constantly switching between 3G and 4G on your Xiaomi, which leads to communication interruptions, slow Internet or inability to make a call? Forced on only LTE (4G) can solve these problems — especially for regions with poor 2G/3G coverage or when using VoLTE. However, standard MIUI settings do not often have such an option, and hidden menus of engineering mode frighten users.

In this article, we’ll look at all the working ways to activate LTE Only on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, from official settings to hidden commands and apps from developers. You’ll learn how to bypass firmware limitations, which models support this feature out of the box, and what to do if mobile internet is lost after changes, and why in some cases forced LTE can worsen communication quality instead of improving.

Why Xiaomi doesn’t let you choose “LTE only” in the settings?

The manufacturer deliberately hides this option in most MIUI firmware for three reasons:

• 📡 Compatibility with operators: In some countries (for example, in Russia) operators still use the same system. 2G/3G voice-over (CSFB), forced LTE It can disrupt the call.
• 🔋 Saving battery power: Constant network search 4G It consumes more energy than the automatic switching. 3G low-signal.
• 🛠️ Technical limitations of chipsets: Budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C31) They do not physically support VoLTE on all bands.

However, you can get around these restrictions — and we’ll show you how to do it safely — but first check if your smartphone supports VoLTE (Founded 4G), or you won’t be able to call after you turn off 2G/3G!

Method 1: Official MIUI settings (for new models)

If you have a MIUI 14/15 smartphone (released after 2022), try the standard path:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
3. Go to Network Type (or Preferred Network Type).
4. If you have LTE Only (or 4G only) on the list, select it.

⚠️ Note: Most of the Redmi models and POCO (For example, the Redmi Note 10, POCO X3 Pro) this option will not be available. In this case, proceed to the following methods.

Check the balance. SIM-Cards (some operators are blocking) LTE zero-balance)

Make sure that VoLTE is enabled (Settings) → SIM-map → VoLTE challenge)

Remember the current APN settings (may need a reset)

Check the 4G signal level in your region (NetMonster app)

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Method 2: Hidden Engineering Menu (codes ##)

For models without the official LTE Only option, use the engineering menu, which works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, but you need to be careful:

1. Open the phone app and type in: ##4636###
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
4. Choose «LTE only"** NR/LTE for 5G-model).
5. Press OK and restart your smartphone.

Important: Some firmware will then lose mobile communications.

• 🔄 Return the setting to LTE/WCDMA/GSM (auto).
• 📱 Check if VoLTE mode is enabled in the settings SIM-map.
• 🌐 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI.

Method 3: Applications for forced LTE (without root)

If the engineering menu didn’t help, install one of these apps:

Instructions for Network Signal Guru:

1. Install and open the application.
2. Go to the Network tab.
3. Press Preferred Network Type.
4. Select "LTE only" and save it.

⚠️ Note: After using such applications, manual adjustment may be required APN (especially on MegaFon and Tele2). If the internet is gone, go to Settings → Mobile network → Access points (APN) Choose your operator profile.

Method 4: Editing Configuration Files (for Advanced)

If previous methods failed, you can manually change the system files that control your network settings, which requires an unlocked bootloader and root rights (or temporary root via Magisk).

Instructions:

1. Install Root Explorer or FX File Explorer with access to the root folder.
2. Go to /system/etc/telephony/db/
3. Find the file. network_setting.conf (or telephony.db on new firmware).
4. Open the file in the text editor and find the line: preferred_network_mode=9 (where 9 — automatic, 11 — only LTE).
5. Replace the value with 11, save the file and reboot the smartphone.

Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to network loss or cyclical reboot.Before changes, back up the file!

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If the network is gone after editing the file, try resetting the network settings to Settings → System → Settings Reset → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.

Problems after enabling LTE Only and their solutions

Even if you have managed to activate LTE only, the following problems may occur:

If after all the manipulations the network has not appeared, check:

• 📶 Signal level in the NetMonster app (possibly no coverage in your location) 4G).
• 🔧 Updates to the firmware - in new versions MIUI The bugs can be corrected with LTE.
• 📱 SIM card – some carriers (e.g. Yota) require replacement SIM on USIM work-in LTE.

Xiaomi models that don’t support LTE only

Some Xiaomi smartphones cannot physically operate in LTE only mode due to chipset or modem limitations, including:

• 📱 Redmi 9A, Redmi 9C, Redmi 8A — budget models with a stripped-down modem.
• 📱 POCO C31, POCO C3 — There is no support for VoLTE on some bands.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi A1/A2 (Android One – Google’s firmware restrictions.
• 📱 Old flagships (Mi) 5, Mi 6) — Qualcomm Snapdragon Modems 820/821.

For these models, the only way out is to use automatic mode (LTE/WCDMA/GSM) or applications for forced 4G retention (for example, Network Signal Guru with Lock 4G option).

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If your smartphone does not support VoLTE, the forced LTE Only mode will make normal calls impossible, in which case use WhatsApp (WhatsApp, Telegram) for voice communication or return automatic network mode.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi’s “LTE Only” mode