Xiaomi Engineering Menu: Which Network Type to Choose for Maximum Speed and Battery Savings

Xiaomi smartphones are among the most popular devices on the market due to their combination of price, performance and flexibility. However, not everyone knows that the hidden capabilities of the phone can be revealed through an engineering menu (or Engineer Mode), one of the key options here is choosing the type of network that directly affects Internet speed, communication stability and even battery consumption.

Many people face a dilemma: leave automatic mode (Auto), force to turn on 4G (LTE) return 3G/2G In this article, we will discuss which network mode to choose from Xiaomi’s engineering menu for different scenarios, from urban use to travel to regions with poor coverage. And we also explain why not always "maximum speed" equals "optimum performance" and how to avoid typical errors when manually setting up.

Spoiler: If you live in a metropolis with good coverage 5G/4G+, But the battery goes down in half a day, and it can be the wrong type of network, and vice versa, in a village with a single tower. 3G forced 4G only to make the connection worse.

Before you go to the engineering menu, make sure that the problem is in the settings of the network, and not in hardware malfunctions (for example, a damaged communication module).If the smartphone suddenly lost the network after falling or getting moisture, it is better to first check it at the service center.

What is an engineering menu on Xiaomi and how to get into it

The Engineering Menu (or Engineer Mode) is a hidden settings section where you can test the hardware components of a smartphone, including the communication module, display, battery and sensors. For Xiaomi, access to it is opened through code commands, and the methods vary depending on the version. MIUI device models.

Most modern smartphones Redmi, POCO and Mi (starting with MIUI 12) the engineering menu opens as follows:

1. Open the phone (caller) application.
2. Enter the combination: ##4636###.
3. In the window that appears, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
4. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block, which is the network type setting.

On older models (for example, Redmi Note) 4 or Mi A1) You may need another code: ##36446337## or ##4636## If none of the codes work, then the manufacturer has blocked access, which is typical for some firmware based on Android One (for example, Mi). A2/A3).

⚠️ Note: Not all options in the engineering menu are safe. RF Configuration without understanding the consequences can lead to loss of network or even damage to the communication module.

What types of network are available in the Xiaomi Engineering Menu

In the Set preferred network type section, you will see a list of available network modes, their names and number depending on the smartphone model and firmware version, but the following options are usually found:

• 🌐 LTE Only - the compulsory regime only 4G (drop-off 3G/2G).
• 📶 3G Only the third generation (UMTS/HSPA+).
• 📞 2G Only the second generation (GSM/EDGE).
• 🔄 LTE/3G/2G (Auto - Automatic selection (priority) 4G → 3G → 2G).
• 📡 LTE/3G — automatic choice 4G and 3G (without 2G).
• ⚡ NR/LTE/3G/2G — support 5G (module-model 5G, for example, Xiaomi 12 pro POCO F4 GT).

On some devices (especially on the POCO with global firmware) may meet additional modes:

• 🛡️ LTE (TD-SCDMA) — Chinese operators (e.g. China Mobile).
• 🌍 Global - universal mode for roaming.
• 🔧 Custom – Manual range setting (requires knowledge of your operator’s frequencies).

If it's not on the list. 5G, Your smartphone supports it (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro).+ 5G), Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI. Sometimes the option appears only after activation. SIM-card 5G.

Which network mode is better to choose: speed, battery and stability comparison

The choice of the optimal type of network depends on three key factors:

1. Quality of coverage in your area.
2. Smartphone model (support) 5G, antennae).
3. Your priorities: Internet speed vs. battery savings.

Below is a comparative table of network modes taking into account these parameters:

⚠️ Attention: If you choose LTE only in a region with poor coverage 4G, The smartphone will constantly try to “catch” the signal, which will lead to the:

• Increase battery consumption by 1.5-2 times.
• Overheating of the communication module (especially on budget models like Redmi) 9A).
• Losing calls and SMS (so 4G It does not support voice calls without VoLTE).

A critical nuance for Xiaomi owners: if your smartphone supports VoLTE (voice on the phone) 4G), But the operator did not activate it, the forced regime LTE only make regular calls impossible. Check VoLTE support in settings SIM-map!

Backup of important data

You know the password from Mi-account (in case of reset)

Network coverage in your area (e.g. via the operator’s website)

Experimental functions such as "Double" are disabled 4G" (if)

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Step-by-step: how to change the type of network in the engineering menu

If you have decided to manually configure the type of network, follow this instruction. All actions you perform at your own risk! Incorrect settings can lead to loss of communication.

Step 1. Open the engineering menu (see section above) and go to Phone Information.

Step 2. Scroll through the Set preferred network type block and tap it. A drop-down list of available modes will open.

Step 3: Select the desired mode (e.g, LTE only) and press OK. Some firmware changes apply immediately, others require a reboot.

Step 4: Check the network performance:

• Open your browser and load any page.
• Call another number (if it doesn’t work, turn it on). 3G/2G or activate VoLTE).
• Run a speed test (for example, through Speedtest).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) after a change in the type of network, the mobile Internet may disappear:

1. Reboot your smartphone.
2. Go back to the engineering menu and select Auto.
3. Check if data transfer is enabled in the settings SIM-map.

💡

If after the change of network mode, badges disappeared 4G/LTE In the status bar, but the Internet is working, don't panic, which is a feature of some firmware.

Optimal network settings for different scenarios

There is no universal answer to the question "what network mode is better" - it depends on your tasks. Below we have collected recommendations for typical situations.

1. A city with good coverage 4G/5G (Moscow, St. Petersburg, millionaires):

• 🏙️ Recommended treatment: LTE/3G/2G (Auto) or NR/LTE/3G/2G (if 5G).
• 🔋 Why: Automatic choice will provide a balance between speed and battery savings. LTE Only here is not needed – smartphone will hold 4G.
• ⚡ Exception: If you are critical of maximum speed (for example, for streaming in the Internet). 4K), try LTE Only, but watch the battery consumption.

2. Suburb, cottage, small town (poor coverage) 4G):

• 🏡 Recommended treatment: 3G only 3G/2G (Auto).
• 📶 Why: In these areas 4G Often "breaks", and the smartphone spends energy on constant search for a signal. 3G more stable and economical.
• 💬 Nuance: If you need the Internet for instant messengers (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram), enough and 2G — He hardly ever puts down the battery.

Travel abroad (roaming):

• ✈️ Recommended treatment: LTE/3G/2G (Auto or Global (if available).
• 💰 Why: In roaming, operators often block 4G Automatic mode will allow you to connect to the available network.
• 📲 Tip: Before traveling, check if your fare supports LTE in the country of visit (for example, MegaFon and Beeline have lists of countries with 4G roamingly).

4. Emergency battery saving (charge) < 10%):

• 🔋 Recommended treatment: 2G only.
• ⏳ Why: 2G consumes minimal energy, which will allow you to last on the last percent of the battery up to 2-3 days (on standby mode).
• ☎ Restriction: Calls and SMS The internet will be very slow (as with dial-up).

5. Online or streaming games (minimum delay required):

• 🎮 Recommended treatment: LTE (if the coverage is stable) or 5G (if maintained).
• 🕹️ Why: 4G and 5G Minimum ping is required, which is critical for PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty or Twitch broadcasts.
• 🔥 Risk: The battery will go down faster, and the smartphone can warm up. MIUI optimizing.

💡

If you’re not sure which mode to choose, leave Auto. In 90% of cases, automatic selection is better than manual settings, especially for beginners.

Frequent errors when setting up a network in the engineering menu

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to loss of communication or deterioration of the smartphone, the most common of which are:

1. Forced LTE only without VoLTE support

If your operator does not activate the VoLTE technology (voice on the Internet) 4G), then-on LTE Only you won't be able to call and receive SMS. Check VoLTE support in settings:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
3. Find the option of VoLTE Calls or Improved Calls.
4. If the option is not available or inactive, do not use it. LTE only!

2. Change of frequency ranges (Band Mode) without knowledge of cases

The engineering menu has a Band Mode option where you can manually select frequencies (for example, the band mode, B1/B3/B7/B20). Don't touch it unless you know what ranges your operator is using:

• Losing the net.
• Inability to connect to 4G even with good coverage.
• Necessity to reset network settings.

3. Ignoring regional specificities

For example, in Russia, the main operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) use for 4G ranges B3 (1800 MHz), B7 (2600 MHz) and B20 (800 MHz. If you manually turn off these frequencies, your smartphone won't be able to connect to the network. Before experimenting, check your carrier's coverage map.

4 Forgetting to return settings to Auto after tests

Many users try it out. LTE They only do the speed test, but they forget to return the automatic mode:

• In the subway or elevator (where not) 4G) The smartphone is completely losing contact.
• Increased battery consumption due to the constant search for the signal.

5. Network setup on two SIM-card

If you have a smartphone with two SIM-with cards (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro), changes to the engineering menu apply to all slots. SIM work 4G, And the second one is in 2G, You will have to choose a compromise or use separate settings for each SIM standard-menu MIUI.

1. Reboot the smartphone.

Activate/turn off flight mode.

3. Return network settings to factory through Settings → SIM-map → Resetting network settings.-->

How to check that the selected network mode is working correctly

After you change the type of network in the engineering menu, you need to make sure that everything works as planned.

1. Verification of the current communication standard

To find out which network the smartphone is connected to:

1. Open the engineering menu (#4636###).
2. Go to the phone information.
3. See the Set preferred network type bar, where the current active mode is displayed.
4. Check Network Type below – the actual standard will be listed here (e.g, LTE, HSPA+, EDGE).

2. Internet speed test

Use applications like Speedtest or OK Internet to measure:

• Load/return speed.
• Ping (delay).
• Stability of the connection (whether there are sharp speed drawdowns).

Compare the results with the standards for your standard:

• 📶 2G (EDGE/GPRS): before 0.3 Mbit/s.
• 📱 3G (HSPA+): 5-42 Mbps.
• ⚡ 4G (LTE): 10–100 Mbps (under ideal conditions up to 300 Mbps).
• 🚀 5G (NR): 100–1000 Mbps (in Russia only in test areas).

Verification of voice and SMS

If you choose LTE only, make sure that:

• You can make and receive calls (if not, turn on VoLTE or return to the phone). 3G/2G).
• They come. SMS (in some regions SMS not working 4G free-to-play).

4. Monitoring of battery consumption

After changing the network mode, watch the battery for 1-2 days:

1. Open the Settings. → Battery.
2. Look at the flow chart.
3. If the discharge accelerated by 20-30%, it is possible that the chosen mode is too energy-consuming.

💡

If, after switching over, 4G But the only thing that didn't get faster is that the Internet didn't get faster, and the battery went down faster -- bring Auto back. 4G It is unstable and the smartphone wastes energy on useless attempts to connect.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Network Setup in Xiaomi