What type of mobile network to choose in Xiaomi Redmi 9: 4G, 3G or 2G?

Why Network Choice Is Important for Redmi 9

Xiaomi Redmi Smartphone 9 Supports three generations of mobile networks: 2G (GSM/EDGE), 3G (WCDMA/UMTS) and 4G (LTE). But what mode to choose for everyday use? It depends not only on the speed of the Internet, but also on the battery life can vary. 15–25% depending on the mode and the stability of the connection in different conditions.

Many users mistakenly believe that 4G It's always better -- but it's not. In some scenarios, like when you're traveling or when you're signaling is weak, you can switch to a different one. 3G or 2G This gives you a gain in stability and saving charge:

• 📶 Pros and cons of each type of network for Redmi 9 (including hidden nuances)
• 🔋 How network choice affects battery consumption and phone heating
• 📍 When it makes sense to force a switch between 2G/3G/4G
• ⚙️ Step-by-step instructions for setting up a network in MIUI (picture-wise)

Redmi 9 features Dual support 4G VoLTE, which allows you to use two SIM-map-mode 4G. But it doesn't work in all regions, and it requires the right setup.

Technical characteristics of networks in Redmi 9: what supports the smartphone

Before choosing a network, it is important to understand what standards and frequencies your Xiaomi Redmi 9 supports. G80, which works with the following ranges:

Please note that Redmi 9 does not support 5G — This is a hardware limit. Also in some regions (for example, in Russia) there may be no support for range. B20 (800 MHz), which affects the coverage 4G rural.

An important nuance: the smartphone can work in VoLTE mode (voice calls on the phone) 4G), but it is necessary:

• 📱 Activate the option in the settings (by default can be disabled)
• 📡 Operator support (check with MTS, Beeline, MegaFon or Tele2)
• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI (In the old versions there were bugs with VoLTE)

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI missing 4G, Reset network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.This often solves the problem without completely resetting the phone.

Comparison 4G, 3G and 2G: speed vs autonomy

The big question is, which is more important, Internet speed or battery life?

The table shows that 4G It loses in autonomy, but it gains in speed:

• 🔋 Automatic switching mode (4G/3G/2G) phone spends 15% If you don't get online very often, you'd better lock in one mode.
• 📶 In subway or underground parking lots 4G Often missing, and the phone is constantly trying to connect to it, which drains the battery faster than a stable one. 2G.
• 💾 When downloading large files (for example, updates) MIUI) difference 3G and 4G It can be a multiple of: 1 GB by 4G It will run in 3-5 minutes and 3G — 20-30 minutes.

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If you travel frequently by train, turn on the "Only" mode. 3G" in settings. In motion. 4G constantly reconnects to the towers, which increases battery consumption by 20-30%.

When to choose 2G, 3G or 4G: case-case studies

The optimal network mode depends on your activity, here are specific recommendations for different situations:

🔹 Regime "Only" 2G" (GSM/EDGE)

• 📞 Calls and SMS: If you only need voice without internet, 2G The battery will last 30 to 40 percent longer.
• 🏞️ Traveling Outside the City: In Remote Areas 2G often more stable than 3G/4G cliff-cliffed.
• 🔋 Emergency battery saving: if the charge is running out, and the socket is not, switch to 2G — The phone will last 2-3 times longer.

🔹 Regime "Only" 3G" (WCDMA/UMTS)

• 📱 Social networks and instant messengers: for WhatsApp, Telegram or VK 3G It is enough with a reserve, and the battery sits down slower than on 4G.
• 🚗 Navigation (Yandex.Maps, Google Maps): 3G enough to load maps in real time without lags.
• 🎵 Music streaming: for Spotify or Yandex Music as "Normal" 3G perfect.

🔹 Regime "Only" 4G" (LTE)

• 🎥 Video Calls (Zoom, WhatsApp): No 4G There will be lags and low quality pictures.
• 🎮 Online games (PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty: High Ping in the World 3G/2G play-off.
• 📥 Downloading large files: updates MIUI, High-resolution movies, backups.
• 📺 Video streaming (YouTube, Twitch, Netflix): for permission 720p higher 4G.

Step-by-step: how to change the type of network on Xiaomi Redmi 9

The network setup in Redmi 9 takes less than a minute.

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to section. SIM-maps and mobile networks.
3. Choose. SIM-The card you want to change your settings for (if you have two) SIM, Repeat the steps for each).
4. Tap on Network Type (or Preferred Network Type in some versions) MIUI).
5. Choose one of the options: 🔄 Automatically (recommended for most users) 📶 Only 4G (maximum speed, but fast discharge) 📱 Only 3G (Balance of speed and autonomy) 📞 Only 2G (minimum)

Confirm your choice and restart your phone (optional, but recommended for stable operation).

Selected the desired type of network in the settings|Reloaded phone (optional)|Checked Internet speed (for example, via speedtest.net)|Make sure the calls work (especially in "Only" mode) 4G")|Background data disabled for unnecessary applications-->

If the Internet has disappeared after the change of settings:

• 🔄 Turn the phone into flight mode for 10 seconds, then turn it off.
• 📡 Check if the data transmission is enabled for SIM-card.
• 🔧 Update the operator profile (in settings) SIM-map).

⚠️ Attention: In some firmware MIUI for Redmi 9 There is no option "Only" 4G" — Maybe instead of her"4G/3G/2G (Auto" is a restriction of the operator, not the phone. To unlock hidden settings, use the engineering menu (##4636##), Beware – the wrong changes can disrupt the network.

Hidden network settings: engineering menus and codes

For power users who want to fine-tune the network, Redmi 9 has an engineering menu that allows you to:

• 📡 Block certain frequencies (for example, if the 4G It is not stable at a particular frequency).
• 🔍 View detailed information about the current connection (signal level, type of modulation, etc.).
• 🔧 Enable debugging modes for speed testing.

To open the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code: ##4636###.
3. Select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
4. In the Set preferred network type section, you can manually specify the network mode, including non-standard combinations (for example,"LTE only" or"WCDMA only").

Warning: Changes to the engineering menu can cause you to lose your network or not be able to make calls. If you're not sure, don't change the settings!

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Use the engineering menu only if the standard settings don’t solve the problem (e.g. the phone doesn’t catch). 4G, Although the operator supports it).

Useful codes for network diagnostics on Redmi 9:

• 📌 ##4636## - Engineering menu.
• 📌 *#06# - check IMEI (post-firmage).
• 📌 ##225## - Payment Calendar for some operators).
• 📌 *#99# - Diagnostics GPRS (shows the current IP, speed.).

How network choice affects traffic consumption and Internet cost

Many users are unaware that the type of network directly affects mobile traffic consumption.

• 📉 2G/EDGE: Most websites and apps automatically reduce the quality of content (e.g. YouTube will show videos in the video). 144p instead 720p). This reduces the traffic consumption of 30–50%.
• 📈 4G/LTE: High speeds can cause background updates to apps and autoplay videos on social networks. 200–300% compared 3G.
• 🔄 Automatic mode: the phone constantly switches between networks, which can lead to re-downloading of data (for example, a page in the browser will start loading again when changing). 3G → 4G).

Tips for saving traffic depending on the network:

If you have a limited rate (e.g. 5GB per month), it is best to use it. 3G And you can turn on the background data. For unlimited rates (like "All over 300" from Tele2), you can safely turn on the data. 4G — Be careful with fair use policy (operators can slow down after exceeding a certain limit).

Frequent problems and their solutions

If you change the network type to Redmi 9, you may have problems, and we'll look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

🔴 Problem: After switching to 4G missing calls

Reason: Not all operators support VoLTE (voice calls over the Internet) 4G). In this case, the phone is trying to make a call to 4G, but it cannot, and the connection is reset.

Decision:

• Include in the settings Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → VoLTE Challenges.
• If VoLTE is not supported, switch to mode 4G/3G/2G (Cars – the phone will use the car 3G/2G call-in.
• Update the firmware MIUI Up to the latest version (old versions had bugs with VoLTE).

🔴 Problem: 4G It works but the speed is very low (1-2 Mbps)

Reasons:

• The operator limits the speed (check the traffic limit).
• The phone is connected to an overloaded tower.
• In the settings selected non-optimal frequency 4G.

Decision:

• Restart your phone – sometimes changing the tower helps.
• In the engineering menu (#4636##) check the frequency of the phone. B3 (1800 MHz) or B7 (2600 MHz, try to force the selection B20 (800 MHz – it passes through walls better.
• Turn off and turn on the data transmission again.

🔴 The phone is constantly switching between 3G and 4G

Reason: Weak signal 4G. The phone tries to hold the connection, but due to the low signal level, it switches to the 3G, This leads to increased battery consumption.

Decision:

• Forced to establish a regimen only 3G — It stabilizes the connection.
• If 4G Try using a signal repeater or moving closer to the window.
• Check if the cover is blocking the antenna (especially metal covers).

⚠️ Note: If after the change of network type, the phone stopped catching any network (even if the phone is not connected to the network). 2G), Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network reset, it'll bring the settings back to factory without losing data.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions