Modern Xiaomi Redmi smartphones have powerful modems that can provide high data transfer speeds, but users often face a situation where the device automatically switches to a slower 3G standard or even Edge. This can happen for various reasons, from a weak signal in a particular location to a misplaced setting of the preferred type of network in the Android system. Understanding how to force activate LTE mode is necessary for every owner who wants to get a stable video stream and fast page loading.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods for activating high-speed Internet, from the standard settings menu to the use of an engineering menu for advanced users. You will learn why your phone may not see a 4G network, how to choose the right SIM card for data transfer and what hidden codes will help diagnose the problem. It is critical to understand that support for LTE depends not only on the software settings, but also on the physical characteristics of the antenna and frequencies supported by the specific communication module of your Redmi.
Before we get to the complex manipulations, it is worth noting that most problems are solved by a competent configuration in the section "Mobile Networks". SIM-maps, the impact of regional settings and firmware features MIUI If you want to enjoy the maximum speed, follow our recommendations consistently, checking the result after each step.
Basic configuration of the preferred network type
The first and most obvious step is to check the standard settings of the system. In the MIUI shell, the path to the desired parameters may vary slightly depending on the version of Android, but the logic remains the same. You need to go to the SIM management menu, where the priority communication standard is selected. Often the default is automatic selection, which does not always work correctly in areas of unstable reception.
To perform the settings go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks: Select the SIM card that connects to the Internet (usually this is the SIM card). SIM 1, You can find the item "Preferred network type" or "Network type" and you can select the option that contains the acronym from the list that opens. LTE, For example, “Prefer to LTE» or «4G/LTE This will give the modem a signal to prioritize the fourth generation towers.
It should be noted that after changing the settings, the phone can lose the network for a few seconds to reconnect to the base station of a new type. If there is no mention of 4G or LTE in the list of available types of network, this may indicate that the operator’s SIM card does not support this standard or there is no coverage in the current location, in which case forced inclusion through the menu will not help, and you will need to check the tariff conditions with the provider.
⚠️ Note: Forced choice is only LTE (supportless 3G/2G) This could cause a total loss of communication in places where fourth-generation coverage is not available.
Use of the Engineering Menu to Activate LTE
If the standard settings do not give the desired result or the choice point of the network is hidden, the Android engineering menu comes to the rescue. It is a hidden diagnostic interface designed for technicians, but accessible to ordinary users through special devices. USSD-Xiaomi smartphones most commonly use code ##4636##, which opens the testing menu.
Once you enter the code, the Phone app will open a hidden menu. Select Phone Information. Scroll down to Set Preferred Network Type. The drop-down list will find an option that includes LTE. The best choice is usually LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM or LTE/WCDMA/GSM, which will provide 4G networks with 3G and 2G rollbacks for voice calls.
What if the code doesn't work?
If you have completely lost the Internet after selecting the right option, you may not have LTE towers in your area and the phone can not connect to anything. Return the settings to automatic mode ("NR/LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM" or similar) to restore communication. Be careful when changing other parameters in this menu, as incorrect settings can affect the operation of the radio module.
Configuration of APN access points for stable 4G
Even with the right network type, incorrect access point (APN) settings can interfere with LTE or significantly slow down. Communication operators require specific parameters to log in to the data network. On Xiaomi Redmi, these settings usually come automatically with a SIM card, but sometimes they have to be manually prescribed.
To check and edit, go on the Settings path → SIM-maps and mobile networks → (Choose. SIM) → Access points (APN). At the top of the screen, click on the menu (three dots) and select Reset to default settings. If that doesn't work, create a new access point by entering data relevant to your operator (name, APN, Authentication type. After saving, be sure to activate the created point by placing a marker next to it.
| Operator. | APN name | Access Point (APN) | Type APN |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | mts internet | internet.mts.ru | default,supl |
| Beeline | Beeline internet | internet.beeline.ru | default,supl |
| Megaphone | MF | internet | default,supl |
| Tele2 | Tele2 Internet | internet.tele2.ru | default,supl |
After making changes, be sure to turn on and off the Flight mode or restart the device so that the new settings take effect. APN» the default value,supl, which means that the point is used for the normal Internet and auxiliary GPS-In most modern tariffs, errors in writing the address of the access point (for example, unnecessary spaces) will lead to the inability to connect.
Problems with two. SIM-maps and modem selection
Owners of Redmi smartphones often use two SIM cards, which makes its own adjustments to the work. LTE. The communication module in most budget and medium-sized Xiaomi models is able to maintain high speed. 4G And then you have to do it on one SIM card at a time, and then the second card automatically goes into mode. 2G/3G for receiving calls and SMS.
To make the Internet work at its maximum speed, you need to set the priority correctly. SIM-There's a default option for data transfers for cards and mobile networks, and make sure that the SIM card that activates the packet tariff is selected there. LTE-If you try to run a heavy app while the second SIM card is active, the system may try to use it, which will lead to slow loading.
☑️ Checking Dual Settings SIM
There is a caveat to VoLTE, which is that if it's enabled for both cards and is supported by the operator, both SIM cards can be on a 4G network, but the data will still only go through one of them. If VoLTE is not supported, the first SIM card may temporarily disappear or switch to Edge, which is normal for many modems used in Redmi.
The influence of the region and firmware versions on the network
Global versions of MIUI firmware and Chinese versions may work differently with LTE frequencies. Chinese versions of smartphones (CN Version) that have fallen into other countries may not support some Bands used by local operators. For example, if your region's main LTE runs on Band 7 or Band 20 frequency, and they are not declared in the phone, turning on 4G mode will not work.
Also, the region in the phone settings affects the availability of certain features. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Region. Installing India or Nepal will sometimes unlock additional options for calling via WhatsApp or recording conversations, but can also change the algorithms of energy saving, which indirectly affects the aggressiveness of LTE network search.
⚠️ Warning: Reflashing the smartphone from the Chinese version to the global (Global) ROM) This is a complex procedure that erases all data and can lead to a loss of warranty, so only perform it if you have experience.
Updating to the latest available version can also fix modem errors. Xiaomi developers regularly release security patches and improve communication stability. Check for updates in the About Phone menu by clicking on the MIUI version. Sometimes after a major update, you need to reset network settings to properly work all communication standards.
Diagnostics and reset network settings
If none of the methods helped turn on LTE, there may have been a build-up of software errors in the system, in which case the effective solution is to reset the network settings, which will not delete your personal files, photos or applications, but will return all the parameters of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile communication to factory values.
You can reset via Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed. After that, the phone will reboot and you will need to re-enter passwords from Wi-Fi networks. Often this action shakes up the communication module and forces it to correctly register on the 4G network.
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Network resets are a safe and often the only way to fix modem software conflicts when other methods are powerless.
In extreme cases, if the problem is only in one location and LTE is working well elsewhere, the carrier coverage is the reason. You can check the signal strength and frequency used through applications like Network Cell Info Lite. They will show the exact technical parameters of the connection, which will help you understand why the phone does not see the 4G tower. If the application shows that the phone is connected to 4G, but the Internet does not work, the problem may be on the side of the operator's servers or in locks.