Choosing the right network type in a Xiaomi smartphone can dramatically change your experience, from content download speed to battery life. Many users do not even realize that standard settings out of the box are not always optimal for their region or tariff plan. In this article, we will analyze all available options (from outdated 2G to promising 5G), explain how they affect the performance of the phone, and give specific recommendations for different use cases.
Xiaomi smartphones feature flexible mobile network settings that are often hidden in the depths of the MIUI menu, showing where to look for them, how to test connection speeds in different modes, and revealing little-known tricks such as how to force VoLTE to turn on for clearer calls or turn off 5G in the background, and also analyze the typical mistakes that 90% of users make when choosing a network.
What types of mobile networks support Xiaomi smartphones
Modern Xiaomi devices (starting with the 2018 models) support up to 5 different mobile standards, but their availability depends on the hardware platform and the firmware region.
- 📡 2G (GSM/EDGE) — obsolete standard with maximum speed up to 384 Kbit/s: Used only for voice communication in remote areas.
- 🌐 3G (UMTS/HSPA+) — speed 42 Mbit/s, still found in rural areas, but operators actively refuse support.
- ⚡ 4G (LTE) — basic standard 2026 year (speed to 1 Gbps in theory, 50-300 Mbps in practice. Supports VoLTE and ViLTE.
- 🚀 4G+ (LTE-Advanced – an improved version 4G with channel aggregation (up to 3 Gbit / s in the laboratory).
- 💎 5G (NR) — The latest standard (up to 10 Gbps) requires operator support and tariff support, and is only relevant in major cities.
It is important to understand that even if your Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Xiaomi 13 Ultra supports 5G, this does not mean that the network will work steadily. For example, in Russia at the beginning of 2026, full 5G is available only in test areas of Moscow and St. Petersburg, and in the regions coverage is limited to 4G+ stations with improved performance.
Where to change the network type in MIUI: step-by-step instructions
The mobile network settings in MIUI firmware are hidden in an unobvious way, and their location may vary depending on the version (for example, MIUI 14 and HyperOS paths are different).
- Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
- Go to SIM cards and mobile networks (or Mobile network in older versions).
- Choose an active one SIM-card (if two of them).
- Tap on the network type or preferred network type.
- In the menu that appears, select one of the options (see the comparison table below).
In some models (for example, POCO F5 Xiaomi 12T) You may need to activate Advanced Settings first – click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen with the settings SIM-map.
☑️ Checking before changing the network
Network Types Comparison: Speed vs. Battery Consumption
The main compromise in choosing a network is the balance between Internet speed and device autonomy. To help you make an informed decision, we tested various modes on Xiaomi 13 Pro with HyperOS 1.0 firmware in Moscow.
| Type of network | Download speed (Mbps) | Return rate (Mbps) | Battery consumption (per 1 hour of active use) | Ping (MS) | Support for VoLTE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2G | 0.2–0.5 | 0.1–0.3 | 2% | 300–500 | ❌ No. |
| 3G | 5–15 | 2–8 | 5% | 100–200 | ❌ No. |
| 4G (LTE) | 50–120 | 20–50 | 8% | 30–60 | ✅ Yes. |
| 4G+ (LTE-A) | 100–250 | 40–80 | 10% | 20–40 | ✅ Yes. |
| 5G (NR) | 200–600 | 50–150 | 15% | 10–25 | ✅ Yes (operator support required) |
Critical nuance: in the "Automatic choice" mode, the smartphone constantly scans the available networks, which increases battery consumption by 20-30% compared to the fixed choice of 4G. If you are in the zone of stable 4G coverage, it is better to fix this mode manually.
⚠️ Note: On models with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Pro) compulsory inclusion 5G uncoated can cause modems to overheat and reduce performance by 15-20%, due to constant attempts to connect to a non-existent network.
Optimal network settings for different scenarios
There is no universal "turn on 5G and forget" advice, and it depends on your tasks, location and plan.
1. Maximum speed in the city
If you live in a metropolis (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg) and your tariff supports 5G:
- 📶 Select a mode. 5G/4G/3G/2G (motor-car).
- 🔋 Enable the power saving mode of the network in the settings SIM-Cards (limits background activity).
- 📞 Activate VoLTE and ViLTE for the HD-call-up.
2.Battery savings in travel
For long trips or trips to nature:
- 🔄 Just install. 4G (or 3G, if 4G unstable).
- ⚡ Turn off Network Auto Search in Advanced Settings.
- 📴 Use the mode in the aircraft with manual data inclusion if necessary.
3. Stable Internet in rural areas
If you are in a city where 4G is floating:
- 🏡 Select Only. 3G or 3G/2G.
- 📡 Include Reinforced Coverage (if any in the settings).
- 🔄 Turn off Data Switching for Wi-Fi Calls.
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If your region has a weak signal, try manually selecting the operator in the network settings (Settings → Mobile Network → Network Operators → Manual Search).
How to check the real speed of the network Xiaomi
Standard speed tests (such as those via Speedtest) don't always show the full picture, especially if you're having background processes.
- Install NetMonster or CellMapper app – they show not only the speed, but also the parameters of the cell (signal level, network type, frequency range).
- Turn on Developer Mode (7 taps by build number in Settings → About Phone) and check the Network Information setting.
- Compare results in different modes (e.g. 4G vs 5G) in the same place.
An example of decrypting data from NetMonster:
- LTE Band 3 (1800 MHz) is a 4G frequency common in Europe.
- RSRP: -95 dBm is a good signal level (optimally -80 to -100).
- CQI: 12 – channel quality (maximum 15).
⚠️ Note: If you see information about the network NR5G-NSA, This means that your 5G It works in Non-Standalone mode (that is, it depends on the 4G-In this case, the real speed may be lower than expected and the battery consumption may be higher.
Common mistakes in choosing a network
Analysis of Xiaomi support calls shows that users often make the same mistakes:
- Forced 5G Uncovered – The phone spends energy searching the network endlessly, reducing the time of operation by 30-40%.
- Ignoring modem updates – newer versions of MIUI often improve network support. Check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
- Disable VoLTE – without this technology, calls go through 3G, which degrades the quality of communication and increases delays.
- Use of the two SIM-map 5G — Most Xiaomi models (except flagships) support 5G only one SIM-map.
Another common problem is the network conflict when roaming, and if you're traveling abroad, you have to:
- 🌍 Check if the local operator supports your frequencies (for example, the US uses the Band 71, which is not available in many Chinese models).
- 💳 Check roaming rates – sometimes it’s cheaper to buy a local one SIM-map.
- ⚙️ Just turn it on. 4G/3G, to avoid unforeseen expenses on 5G.
How to find the supported frequencies of your Xiaomi?
Additional settings for advanced users
If standard MIUI options are not enough, you can use the engineering menu or third-party utilities. Careful: these actions can disrupt the stability of communication!
1. Engineering menu (for experienced)
To open the hidden modem settings:
- Enter the dialer code: ##4636##
- Select Phone Information.
- Scroll down to Network Type Installation.
You can manually specify your preferred standards (e.g. LTE only or NR/LTE/TD-SCDMA), but without understanding the implications, it is best to keep the standard up to date.
2. Subtle tuning applications
Utilities like Network Signal Guru or 4G LTE Switch allow you to:
- 📊 Fix priority frequencies (e.g. Band 20 for better indoor coverage).
- 🔄 Forced switching between cells.
- 📈 Log network parameters for analysis.
⚠️ Note: On models with a MediaTek processor (e.g., Redmi Note 12 or POCO M5) Changing the modem settings through the engineering menu can lead to loss of IMEI. Before experimenting, make a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
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For most users, the best choice is 4G/3G/2G (auto) mode with VoLTE enabled, which balances speed, stability and energy efficiency.