Owning a modern smartphone from Xiaomi opens up access to high-speed Internet, but the presence of a fourth-generation network is not always an advantage. In areas with unstable coverage or when using old tariff plans, users often face the need to force the device to switch to 3G or 2G mode. This avoids constant signal surges that quickly land the battery and interrupt voice calls.
The process of deactivating high-speed mode on Miui devices may not be obvious to a beginner, since manufacturers often hide these settings in the deep menu of engineering diagnostics or hide them depending on the region of the firmware. Disabling LTE does not require obtaining superuser rights or flashing the gadget, just know the exact path to hidden options. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to solve the problem.
Before we get into technical manipulation, it is worth understanding that a complete abandonment of 4G can reduce data transfer speeds, but significantly improve the quality of voice communication in basements or remote areas. Xiaomi smartphones have a flexible radio module management system that allows you to fine-tune connection priorities. Let’s look at the basic methods available to the user.
Why you might need to turn off 4G on your smartphone
The main reason Xiaomi owners are looking for a way to turn off LTE is signal instability in a particular region. When the phone is at the edge of coverage, it starts to frantically switch between communication standards, which leads to a sharp increase in power consumption, and battery discharge in such conditions can occur twice as fast as usual, which is critical on long trips.
Another important aspect is the quality of voice calls: Despite the development of VoLTE technology, in many regions it is not working correctly or is not supported by the operator, as a result, the subscriber can hear interruptions or lose communication while the phone tries to hold a high-speed connection, switching to 3G often solves the problem of “failure” of voice.
Also worth mentioning are the old models. SIM-Cards that do not physically support the current encryption protocols used in fourth-generation networks, in which case the forced speed limit of the network avoids login errors and the constant search for an available server. This is especially true for corporate SIM cards or cards issued more than 10 years ago.
⚠️ Warning: After forced switching to mode 2G/3G Mobile Internet speeds will be significantly reduced, high-resolution video and heavy pages can take a long time to load.
Standard Method through Settings SIM-map
The easiest and safest way to change the type of network on Xiaomi is to use a regular settings menu, which requires no secret code input and is available on all current versions of the MIUI and HyperOS shell. However, it is worth considering that in some global firmware, the choice of network type may be hidden, and then you will have to resort to alternative options.
First, you need to open the main menu of the device and go to the Settings section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks, which are usually at the top of the list or in the Connections category. Select an active SIM card that you plan to change if you have two.
In the menu that opens, look for Network Type or Preferred Network Type. Click on it and you will see a list of available options. Select Preferably 3G or 2G Only (GSM) to completely eliminate the possibility of connecting to LTE. The system will automatically reconnect to the base station of the selected standard.
☑️ Checking network settings
If the settings menu does not have a network type selection option, it means that your carrier or firmware provider has hidden this option, in which case the standard method will not work, and you will need to use an engineering menu or special applications to control the device's radio module.
Using an engineering menu to select a network
The engineering menu is a hidden section of the Android operating system, designed for testing hardware by developers. This is where you can find advanced radio settings that are not displayed in the normal interface. USSD-code or command via the application "Phone".
Open the call app and dial ##4636##. If the code is correct, the test menu will instantly open on the screen. You need to select Phone Information. In the list that opens, find the drop-down menu Set preferred network type.
This list contains many options, including various combinations of standards. To turn off LTE, select GSM only (2G only) or WCDMA only (3G only). Beware: choosing GSM only will completely turn off mobile Internet, leaving only calls and SMS.
Popular commands for choosing a network:
GSM only – 2G only (calls, SMS, slow GPRS/EDGE)
WCDMA only – 3G only (calls, 3G Internet)
LTE only – 4G only (voice communication may not work without VoLTE)
GSM/WCDMA/LTE auto – Automatic mode (by default)⚠️ Warning: Changes to the engineering menu take effect instantly if you choose a mode that is not supported by your own. SIM-by a map or operator in the area, the communication may be completely lost.
What if the code doesn't work?
Configure with Force LTE Only app
If standard methods fail or the engineering menu interface seems too complicated, you can use specialized utilities. Force LTE Only (4G/5G) is available on Google Play and allows you to control the type of network through the GUI using the same system resolutions as the engineering menu.
After installing the app, launch it and press Method 1: Android 10+ or Method 2: Android 11+, depending on the version of your operating system. The app will automatically go to the system settings menu, where you will select Phone Information and install the desired network type, as described in the previous section.
The main advantage of this approach is the availability of convenient widgets and fast buttons for switching modes. You can create a label on the desktop "Only 2G" and activate it with a single touch when you are in the area of poor reception, without going through the deep settings menu every time.
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Force LTE Only does not require root rights, but it requires permission to access the phone, which is requested when you first start.
Comparison of network modes
Understanding the differences between communication standards will help you choose the optimal balance between voice quality and Internet speed. Below is a table showing the key characteristics of the different modes of operation of the radio module on Xiaomi devices.
| Network mode | Internet speed | Quality of communication | Battery consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| LTE (4G) | High (up to 100+ Mbps) | Depends on VoLTE. | High-pitched |
| 3G (WCDMA) | Medium (up to 42 Mbps) | Stable. | Medium. |
| 2G (GSM) | Low (up to 0.3 Mbps) | Maximum. | Minimum |
| 5G | Very high. | Experimental | Very tall. |
As you can see from the table, switching to 2G or 3G significantly reduces power consumption, because the phone doesn’t need to constantly scan the airwaves for high-frequency LTE signals, which have a shorter range and require a more powerful transmitter.
However, if you are actively using messengers, navigator or streaming services, limiting the network to 2G will make using these applications almost impossible. 2G mode is suitable exclusively for voice calls and receiving SMS in emergency situations. 3G is better for constant background work of messengers.
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The choice of network mode is always a compromise between data transfer speed, voice quality and device autonomy.
Return to the factory network settings
Once the need for network restriction is gone, it is important to return all settings to their original state. If you forgot to do this, the phone can remain in 2G mode even in the zone of confident 4G reception, which will lead to the inability to use fast Internet.
You can return to the standard mode via the same menu where you made the changes, in the engineering menu or settings. SIM-Select the option Set the preferred network type and specify the value LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM (auto connect) or similar, containing the word Auto or LTE.
If the Internet does not appear after changing the settings, it is recommended to restart the device or turn on and off the flight mode.This will force the Xiaomi radio module to re-register in the operator's network with updated parameters.
⚠️ Warning: Resetting network settings will delete saved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth device passwords.Make sure you remember passwords from important wireless networks.