Set up your preferred network type on Xiaomi: what to choose — 4G, 5G or LTE?

Choosing the right type of mobile network on a Xiaomi smartphone can significantly affect internet speed, battery life, and even connection stability. Many users are unaware that standard default settings are not always optimal for their region or plan. 5G in a low-coated area will lead to a quick discharge of the battery, and the choice of 3G It will prevent you from watching high-resolution videos.

In this article, we will understand how to configure the preferred network type on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO, Compare all available modes (including hidden modes), and give recommendations for choosing depending on your operator, location and tasks. We will pay special attention to nuances that are not written in the standard instructions – for example, how to circumvent firmware restrictions or why some Xiaomi models do not have manual range selection. 5G, Even if the chips support them.

Why it is important to set up the right type of network on Xiaomi

Modern Xiaomi smartphones support several standards of mobile communication: from outdated 2G (GSM/EDGE) new 5G NR. But automatic mode ("Best") doesn't always make the best choice. Here are the key reasons why you should set up your network manually:

• 🔋 Battery savings: Constant network search 5G In the low-cost zone, energy consumption increases 15–30%. Switch to 4G/LTE may extend the working time 2–4 hour.
• ⚡ Internet speed: in densely populated cities 5G It increases to 1-2 Gbps, but often works slower in the suburbs. 4G+ overloading of base stations.
• 📶 Connection stability: some operators (e.g, Tele2) It is not easy to optimize the transition between 4G and 5G, This causes communication interruptions during calls.
• 💰 Saving traffic: with a weak signal 5G Smartphones can consume up to 20% more data to maintain a connection (due to repeated packets).

In addition, some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ Xiaomi 13 Ultra has hidden range settings that allow you to manually disable problem frequencies (e.g, n78 or n28), dystopian.

Where is the network type setup on Xiaomi

The path to the network selection menu depends on the shell version MIUI Here's the general guide for most devices (relevant to the standard). MIUI 12–14):

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (or mobile networks on some models).
3. Choose. SIM-The card you want to change your settings for (if you have dual-SIM).
4. Tap on the network type or preferred network type.

On certain devices (e.g, POCO F5 Xiaomi 12T) The path may be slightly different:

Settings → Connections and Sharing → Mobile Network → [Select SIM] → Network Type

If the network type item is not on the menu, it could mean:

• 📱 You have a firmware installed for a specific operator (for example, from MTS or Beeline), which blocks manual settings.
• 🔧 Your model doesn't support you. 5G (Like Redmi. 9A or POCO M3).
• 🛠️ You need to activate the developer mode to access hidden settings.

Comparison of all types of network: 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G combinations

In the network selection menu on Xiaomi, you'll see several options, and we'll look at each of them, including the hidden combinations that appear after the developer mode is activated.

Special attention should be paid to the combined modes that appear in the advanced settings:

• LTE/UMTS auto (PRL) — priority 4G, but with a fall on 3G It's good for battery savings.
• NR/LTE/TD-SCDMA — forced-mode 5G standby 4G. It might help if 5G break off.
• LTE only (no VoLTE) - pure 4G callless LTE. It is useful if the operator has not implemented VoLTE well.

1. Is it activated? 5G operator-rate.

2. whether the firmware has been updated to the latest version (in older versions) MIUI 5G Could have been turned off software).

Are there any regional restrictions (e.g. in some countries ranges) n78 locked).-->

What type of network to choose on Xiaomi in 2026: recommendations for models and operators

There is no universal advice – the optimal mode depends on your operator, location and smartphone model.

1. for maximum Internet speed

If you are in a large city (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, etc.) and your operator is actively developing the company. 5G:

• 📶 MTS/MegaFon: Choose from 5G (NR) or NR/LTE. These operators have the widest coverage. 5G Russia.
• 📶 Beeline/Tele2: better stop 4G (LTE), so 5G-Networks are unstable.
• 📱 For models: Xiaomi 13/14 series, Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 Pro – these smartphones support all current ranges 5G.

2.To save battery life

If you are more interested in battery life than speed:

• 🔋 In town: 4G (LTE) — balance-sheet.
• 🔋 Traveling/suburban: 3G (WCDMA) or LTE/UMTS auto.
• 🔋 Roaming: Only 2G (If you don't need the internet).

💡

On models with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro), you can further disable the scanning of ranges. n258 (This will save up to 10% of the charge, since mmWave antennas consume a lot of energy, but in Russia they are not used.

3. For stable calls

If you have problems with VoLTE (calls are interrupted or not):

• 📞 Turn off VoLTE in the settings SIM-maps and select 3G (WCDMA) or LTE/UMTS auto.
• 📞 For Tele2 Sometimes the regimen helps. 2G — The network is not working well with modern standards.

4. For devices without 5G

If you have a budget model (e.g. Redmi) 10A, POCO M4 Pro):

• 📱 Choose. 4G (LTE) — This is the highest possible standard.
• 📱 In the weak signal zone, switch to 3G, avoiding constant reconnection.

Make sure you take into account all the factors:

☑ Coverage 5G in your area (check the operator’s website)

☑ Support 5G Your Xiaomi model (see specifications on the 4PDA)

☑ Activated? 5G in the tariff (sometimes additional payment is required)

☑ Battery status (5G quicker)

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Hidden network settings: how to unlock additional options

In some firmware MIUI The manufacturer hides the advanced network settings to make the interface "simplified," but they can be returned using an engineering menu or a computer interface. ADB-team.

Method 1: Engineering menu (for experienced users)

Open the phone application and enter:

##4636##

In the menu that appears, select Phone Information, then scroll down to Network Type Installation. You can manually specify standards here, such as:

• LTE only - compulsory 4G.
• NR/LTE/TD-SCDMA — priority 5G fall-on 4G/3G.
• GSM auto (PRL) — automatic choice 2G/3G.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect settings in the engineering menu can lead to loss of network. TD-SCDMA only disable all other standards, and the smartphone will stop catching the network before resetting.

Method 2: ADB-commands (to unlock) 5G)

If there is no option on the menu 5G, The chipset supports it (for example, on the Redmi Note 11 Pro).+), Try to unlock it through ADB:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and activate Debugging over USB in the developer settings.
2. Enter in command line: adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode 13 (where 13 — mode NR/LTE/TD-SCDMA).
3. Reset the device.

Other regime codes for ADB:

• 9 — 4G/3G/2G (LTE/WCDMA/GSM)
• 10 — 5G/4G/3G (NR/LTE/WCDMA)
• 14 - Only 5G (NR only)

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you manually set up a network on Xiaomi, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1. After the choice 5G The network is broken or is not operating properly.

Causes and solutions:

• 📡 Weak signal. 5G: Go back to 4G (LTE) or choose NR/LTE switch-over.
• 📱 Incompatible range: Some operators 5G It only works in the range n78 (3.5 GHz, which is not well caught indoors. Try turning it off in the engineering menu.
• 🔄 Firmware failure: Reset network settings to factory (Settings) → Reset → Resetting network settings).

2. Calls don't go through mode. 4G/5G

This is a typical problem with VoLTE (voice on the Internet). LTE). Decisions:

• 📞 Turn off VoLTE in the settings SIM-maps and switch to 3G.
• 📞 Update the firmware - in new versions MIUI Fixed errors with VoLTE for Tele2 yota.
• 📞 Check if your operator supports VoLTE (for example, MegaFon requires a special tariff).

3.The battery goes down quickly in "Best of All" mode

Automated mode continuously scans all available networks, which increases power consumption.

• 🔋 Select a fixed mode (4G or 3G) auto.
• 🔋 Turn off network search in roaming (Settings) → Mobile network → Data roaming).
• 🔋 Activate the battery saving mode in MIUI — It limits the background activity of the communication module.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note) 10 Pro) when choosing Only 2G The signal level indicator may go missing. It's not a mistake -- the network is working, but the level display is only supported for the signal level. 3G/4G/5G.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions