Owning a modern smartphone from Xiaomi involves not only the use of its multimedia capabilities, but also the competent configuration of communication modules. Often users are faced with a situation where the speed of mobile Internet does not meet the declared operator, or the device constantly switches between communication standards, wasting battery power.
Discover what exactly lies behind these settings and how changing them can affect everyday use of the gadget. The choice between 5G/4G/3G/2G (Auto) and fixed modes depends on many factors: from your device model to the tariff plan and coverage in a particular area. Incorrect configuration can lead to the fact that the phone will “clung” to a weak signal where you could get stable LTE.
In this article, we will look in detail at the algorithms of the MIUI and HyperOS communication modules, and also find out when to force change settings, and when to trust automation. Understanding these processes will allow you to optimize the operation of your smartphone and avoid typical problems with coverage.
The basic standards of mobile communication in Xiaomi
Modern Xiaomi smartphones support a wide range of frequencies and data protocols. In the settings menu, the user can see the acronyms GSM, WCDMA, LTE and NR (New Radio). Each of them corresponds to a specific generation of communication. GSM is the basic 2G standard that provides only voice and very slow Internet (EDGE/GPRS). WCDMA belongs to the third generation (3G), providing a more acceptable speed for loading pages.
The most popular standard today is LTE (4G), which provides high data rates sufficient for streaming HD-quality video and fast messengers. However, the latest flagship models, such as Xiaomi 14 or Xiaomi 13 Ultra, already have modems with support for the fifth generation — 5G. This standard promises speeds comparable to fiber-optic home Internet, but requires appropriate coverage and tariff.
⚠️ Attention: Forced incorporation of the “Only” regime 5G» In regions without coverage will lead to a complete loss of communication, the phone will not be able to receive calls and SMS, Because they can’t move to lower standards.
It's important to understand that choosing "preferred network type" on the menu is not a magic "speed up the internet" button. It's a modem instruction that the network should try to find first. If you choose LTE Only, the phone will ignore 3G and 2G towers even if the 4G signal is barely warm. This can be useful in confident reception zones to save energy, but is disastrous at the coverage boundary.
Where to find the preferred network type settings
In the new versions of the shell MIUI And especially in HyperOS, Xiaomi has slightly repositioned the key parameters to make the interface easier for the average user, but access to the advanced network settings has remained. SIM-maps and mobile networks.
Here you will see a list of installed SIM cards. Click on the one you want to configure (e.g. Sim 1). Next, you will find the preferred network type. This is where the switch to select the priority standard is located. The standard menu usually offers options: "5G/4G/3G/2G (auto)", "4G/3G/2G (auto)" and sometimes "3G/2G (auto)".
Access to hidden engineering menus, where you can select LTE Only or WCDMA Only, often requires you to enter special codes into the phone book. The most common code for devices based on Qualcomm and MediaTek processors: ##4636##. After typing this code, you will open the Testing information menu where you want to select Phone. The dropdown list of Set Preferred Network Type contains a complete list of all possible modes of operation of the radio module.
What if the code doesn't work?
Mode comparison: 5G vs. 4G vs. 3G
Choosing between generations of communication is always a compromise between speed, power consumption and stability. 5G (NR) mode provides maximum bandwidth, but the modem in this mode operates at high intensity, which drains the battery much faster. In addition, 5G signal has less penetration through walls compared to 4G.
LTE (4G) is the middle ground, it delivers excellent speeds for 99 percent of the modern user's tasks, and it has good coverage in cities and on highways, and it uses moderately, and 3G (WCDMA) mode is only relevant today in remote villages or when there is a very bad signal, when 4G is no longer catching and you need to call urgently.
Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of network modes on Xiaomi devices:
| Parameter | 5G (NR) | 4G (LTE) | 3G (WCDMA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max. Speed (theor) | up to 10 Gbps | up to 1 Gbps | up to 42 Mbps |
| Energy consumption | High. | Average. | Low. |
| Stability in the room | Low. | Tall. | Medium |
| Delay (Ping) | 1-10 ms | 20-50 ms. | 100+ ms. |
If you’re in a 5G-ready zone and need top speed to download large files, it makes sense to switch to this standard, but for everyday use, including navigation and social media, LTE will be a more sustainable choice in terms of autonomy.
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For maximum autonomy in conditions of weak signal, it is better to force the smartphone to 3G or 4G mode, eliminating constant searches for 5G networks.
The impact of network choice on autonomy and speed
Many users are unaware that setting “Preferred Network Type” is one of the main factors affecting battery life. The mechanism is simple: if the phone is set up to search for 5G and you don’t have it (or the signal is very weak), the radio module is constantly running at high power, scanning the airwaves for an available tower, a phenomenon called “network search”.
In unstable coverage, when the phone is constantly jumping between 4G and 3G (or 5G and 4G), the energy consumption increases significantly. Each reconnection requires energy. If you notice that Xiaomi is quickly discharged in (standby mode), try to lock the network. For example, if 5G catches poorly, the forced transition to LTE Only through the engineering menu can significantly extend the life of the device.
On the other hand, fixing on the old standard can artificially understate speed. If you lock a 3G phone in the center of a metropolis, you won't be able to take advantage of fast internet even if the 4G tower is in the next house. So adaptability is the key rule: in the city, use 4G/5G-priority auto mode, and on trips on the highway where the signal floats, you can experiment with 4G fixation.
When using a navigator or online games in 5G mode, a smartphone can heat up more than usual. This is normal for high frequencies, but in hot weather it is better to switch to 4G to prevent trolling (decreased processor performance due to overheating).
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Use the Battery widget in your settings to track the percentage of charge consumed by the Mobile Network, which is more than 15-20% per day in moderate use, and it is time to change the network settings.