Why does Xiaomi display an LTE icon and can it be removed?
The LTE (or 4G) icon in Xiaomiβs status bar appears automatically when you connect to a fourth-generation mobile network. For most users, this icon is useful β it signals high Internet speed. However, some owners of Redmi, POCO or Mi smartphones want to hide it: some people think it is superfluous, some people find it in the interface, and some people have it duplicated with other indicators (for example, with active Wi-Fi).
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to remove the icon LTE on Xiaomi phones under control MIUI 12β15, including methods without root rights and with them. 4G-network (transition to 3G/2G) β It's not a solution, because it's going to slow down the Internet, and our job is to hide only the visual indicator, and keep the functionality.
Before you start, check your firmware version: Settings path β About phone β MIUI version. This depends on the availability of some methods. Also note that on Android One models (such as Mi A1/A2), some methods may not work due to βcleanβ Android.
Method 1: Hiding through status bar settings (without root)
The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI options to customize the notification bar. Unfortunately, it doesn't work on all firmware versions, but it's worth a try:
- Open the Settings β Screen β Status Line.
- Find Show Network Type (or Network Indicator in older versions).
- Turn off the switch next to the option.
- Restart your phone to apply the changes.
If there is no such item, then your version of MIUI does not support this function, in which case move on to the next method.
β οΈ Note: On some models (Redmi Note) 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) after disabling this option, the indicator of all network types (including 3G/2G). Check the mobile internet after the changes.
Method 2: Using Developer Mode (Hidden System Icons)
If the standard settings didnβt work, you can try hiding the icon through developer mode, which works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires carefulness:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version (you will receive a notification "You became a developer").
Settings β Additional β For Developers
Debugging
Enable debugging over USB
Status line
Hide network indicators
Show network indicators
Some firmware (MIUI 14+) may call this item differently, such as: Indicator settings β Network type. If you don't have an option, try updating your firmware or use the following method.
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Before activating the developer mode, make sure that the phone has a password or graphical key installed.This is a MIUI security requirement to access advanced settings.
Method 3: Applications for customization (without root)
If the system methods don't work, you can use third-party applications, which don't require root rights, but they're limited.
- π± Nacho Notch β allows you to hide system icons, including LTE. It works by overlaying on top of the standard interface.
- π§ Energy Bar - originally designed to display the charge band, but has the function of hiding individual indicators. Requires settings resolution Overlay over other applications.
- π¨ Hex Installer is for power users, and it allows you to modify your system. APK-files, for example, SystemUI.apk), But it requires backup and precision.
Warning: applications like Hex Installer can crash SystemUI (constant interface reboots) only if you are confident in your actions and have made a backup.
| Annex | Root is required. | Risk to the system | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nacho Notch | β No. | Low. | Medium (may not work on new MIUIs) |
| Energy Bar | β No. | Low. | Low (cosmetic solution) |
| Hex Installer | β No, but you need knowledge) | High-pitched | High (when used correctly) |
Method 4: Edit SystemUI with ADB (without root)
This method is suitable for users who do not want to get root rights, but are ready to work with ADB. It allows you to disable the display of the LTE icon through commands:
βοΈ Preparation for work with ADB
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices (should display the serial number of the device).
- Follow the command to hide the icon LTE: adb shell settings put global icon_blacklist "signal_strength_lte"
- Reboot your phone: adb reboot
If the icon has not disappeared, try an alternative command:
adb shell settings put global icon_blacklist "data_connection_lte"β οΈ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause a malfunction in the interface. MIUI 15 This method blocks all network indicators, including Wi-Fi, from being displayed. Create a backup using adb backup before experimenting.
Method 5: Complete removal with root rights (for experienced)
If you're ready to get root rights, you can delete the LTE icon at the system file level, which is 100% effective, but requires unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk or SuperSU.
- π Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires waiting 7-14 days for new Mi accounts).
- π± Install custom restoration (TWRP) Get root rights through Magisk.
- π οΈ Use Root Explorer or Mixplorer to edit a file /system/system/build.prop: ro.config.nocellicon=True (Add this line to the end of the file).
- π Reboot the phone.
An alternative is to remove the icon through a modification of SystemUI.apk using tools like Apktool. However, this requires knowledge of APK decompilation and can lead to a bootloop when an error occurs.
What if the phone is not turned on after editing SystemUI?
Frequent problems and solutions
When trying to remove the LTE icon, users often face the following difficulties:
- π The icon returns after the reboot, meaning that the changes have not been applied at the system level. ADB-Try adding a command to the autoboot via Tasker or MacroDroid.
- π΅ Mobile network disappears β you probably turned off not only the icon, but also the module itself. LTE. Restore network settings in Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Access point (APN).
- βοΈ System settings are not working, and this may be a conflict after installing Magisk custom modules.
If none of the methods worked, check:
- Update the firmware (update the MIUI to the latest version).
- Custom themes β Some design themes (MIUI Themes) redefine system icons.
- Safe Mode (press the power button β Safe Mode) If the icon is lost, the third-party app is to blame.
FAQ: Answers to popular questions
Can I remove the LTE icon without losing the speed of the Internet?
Why did the LTE icon reappear after the MIUI update?
Will the ADB work on the POCO F5?
Can I hide the LTE icon only on the home screen, but leave it in the curtain?
How to return the LTE icon if it disappeared after experiments?
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The safest and most reliable way is to use ADB-It doesn't require root rights, it's reversible, and it works on most versions. MIUI (Except for highly customized firmware from telecom operators).