Modern smartphones are able to automatically switch between communication standards, choosing the best available signal. However, it often happens that the device “sticks” to an outdated standard 3G, even when a high-speed one is reliably available nearby. This leads to slow loading of pages, interruptions in the video stream and, importantly, faster battery drain. 4G LTE. This leads to slow loading pages, interruptions in the video stream and, importantly, faster battery drain.
The problem is relevant for many users, especially in areas of unstable reception or when using budget phone models. Forcing a switch to 4G Only mode can dramatically change your mobile data experience. In this article we will analyze all the available ways to solve this problem: from standard system settings to hidden engineering menu.
You don't have to be a techie to perform these steps. We have prepared step-by-step guide that are suitable for most popular brands, including Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme and others. Let's take a look at how to make your gadget work at maximum speed.
Why you need to turn off 3G and switch to LTE
The main reason why users tend to turn off communication lies in the difference in data transfer speeds. Standard 3G (UMTS/HSPA) physically cannot provide stable viewing of high-definition videos or fast loading of “heavy” applications. While 4G LTE offers speeds comparable to home Wi-Fi, 3G often struggles with messengers.
In addition, there are situations when the phone itself cannot select the correct priority. For example, if you're at the edge of a coverage area, your device might cling to a longer-range but slower 3G signal while ignoring the faster but slightly weaker LTE signal. In such cases, manual configuration becomes the only option.
It is also worth mentioning the impact on autonomy. Constantly searching for a network and switching between standardizes the battery charge. If you lock the modem mode, the phone will stop wasting energy constantly trying to find the best signal, which will extend the operating time on a single charge.
- 🚀 Speed: LTE provides data transfer many times faster than outdated standards.
- 🔋 Savings: Stable connection without constant jumps between 2G/3G/4G saves battery.
- 📶 Stability: Eliminates disconnections during important calls via instant messengers or video conferences.
Standard method through the settings menu
The safest and simplest method, which does not require root access or installing third-party software, is using the built-in Android interface. The path to the settings may differ slightly depending on the version of the operating system and the manufacturer's shell, but the logic remains the same.
You need to find the section responsible for connecting to the network. It is usually called "Connections", "Mobile Network" or "SIM Cards and Mobile Networks". This is where the key parameter is hidden “Preferred network type”. By changing it, you will directly command the modem to ignore certain frequency ranges.
☑️ Algorithm of actions in the settings
Please note that in some shells, for example, on older versions MIUI or OneUI, the item may be hidden inside the menu for selecting a specific SIM card, if you have two of them. Don't forget to check the settings for each active SIM card separately if you want to ensure the same behavior for both.
⚠️ Attention: After changing the network type, the connection may be interrupted for a short time. This is normal behavior, as the communication module is rebooted to operate in a new mode.
Using the engineering menu to select a network
If the standard menu does not have the necessary options or they are blocked by the operator, the Android engineering menu comes to the rescue. This is a hidden interface for diagnosing and fine-tuning equipment. It is accessed through a special code in the dialer.
Dial the command ##4636##. If your smartphone supports this function (which is true for most devices running pure Android and many custom firmware), a menu will open Testing. Select the item Phone Information (Phone information).
In the list that opens, find the drop-down menu Set Preferred Network Type. Here is a complete list of modes supported by your modem. You need to select an option whose name contains LTE and does not include 3G or UMTS, for example, LTE Only or LTE/TD-SCDMA.
| Mode (Network Type) | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
LTE Only |
Only 4G networks | Ideal for stable Internet, but calls (VoLTE) may not work |
LTE/UMTS auto |
Priority 4G, fallback to 3G | Balance between speed and coverage |
UMTS Only |
Only 3G networks | Use only if 4G is not available or to save traffic |
GSM Only |
Only 2G networks | Only for emergencies or maximum energy saving |
What to do if the code does not work?
Some manufacturers (for example, Huawei, Honor, some Xiaomi models) block access to the engineering menu through standard dialing. In this case, install the Activity Launcher application from Google Play, find “Settings” -> “Mobile Network” in the list and launch the desired component directly.
Settings for different smartphone manufacturers
Chinese manufacturers often make their own changes to the Android menu structure, hiding important functions deeper. Let's look at the features for the most popular brands. On devices Xiaomi (Redmi, POCO) with the MIUI shell, the path may look like this: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Network type. Here you need to select “Preferably LTE.”
In smartphones Samsung with the One UI shell, the algorithm is slightly different. Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile network → Network mode. If you have a dual-SIM device, first select the desired SIM card. Samsung often uses the term 5G/4G/3G/2G (auto), which means automatic selection, but without the possibility of hard fixing only 4G without an engineering menu.
Device Realme and Oppo (ColorOS shell) have similar logic. Go to Settings → Mobile network → SIM card → Preferred network type. Here you can also choose between automatic mode and forced LTE. If you do not see these items, they may be hidden in the “Simple Interface” mode.
Before changing network settings, take a screenshot of the current settings. This will help you quickly return everything to the way it was if, after the changes, SMS or calls stop coming.
Problems with voice calls and VoLTE
The transition to the “4G Only” (LTE Only) mode carries one important nuance that not everyone knows about. Voice communication in fourth generation networks is implemented through technology VoLTE (Voice over LTE). If your carrier or data plan does not support this feature, or it is not enabled in your phone settings, incoming and outgoing calls may not be possible.
In normal mode, when you make a call, the phone temporarily switches from fast 4G to longer-range 3G or even 2G to allow voice communication. If 3G is blocked, this fallback mechanism will not work. As a result, the subscriber will hear beeps, but the call will not go through, or will immediately receive a busy signal.
To avoid this situation, make sure that the VoLTE function is activated. Usually it is located there, in the mobile networks menu, and is indicated by a switch Allow calls via LTE. Also, the support status should be lit in the status bar next to the 4G icon.
⚠️ Attention: In some regions and for some operators, VoLTE technology may be unstable or require special activation of the service. If calls are lost after turning on 4G Only, return to the “LTE/3G/2G (auto)” mode.
Alternative methods and applications
If standard methods do not produce results, you can resort to the help of specialized software from Google Play. Applications like Force LTE Only (4G/5G) or NetMonster allow you to manage modem settings via the system API, essentially doing the same thing as the engineering menu, but in a more convenient interface.
Such apps are especially useful on new versions of Android (11, 12, 13 and higher), where access to hidden menus is often closed for purposes security. They may request permission to use accessibility features, which is necessary to emulate clicks in system windows.
However, it is worth remembering that using third-party software to manage hardware always carries minimal risks. Always check the reviews of the app and its developer. In addition, some antiviruses may respond to such apps as potentially unwanted, since they interfere with the operation of system services.
- 📱 Force LTE Only: A popular application with a simple interface for quickly changing modes.
- 🔍 NetMonster: A powerful diagnostic tool that shows which base station you are connected to.
- ⚙️ Activity Launcher: Allows you to run hidden system activities, including the old network settings menu.
Using assistant applications is a compromise solution when standard Android tools do not allow you to strictly fix the network type.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to always keep the “4G Only” mode?
Yes, it is safe for the hardware of your smartphone. The modem is designed to operate in various modes. The only risk is the possible lack of voice communication in areas where there is no 4G coverage if VoLTE is not configured.
Why are the network settings reset after a reboot?
Some telecom operators prescribe their own configurations that force the phone to return to automatic mode every time it is turned on. This could also be a firmware feature. In such cases, only the use of automated applications helps, which change the setting every time you start it.
Does turning off 3G affect the quality of reception as a whole?
In areas of reliable 4G reception, the quality will improve. However, if you go to a remote village where only 2G/3G is available, the phone will simply lose the network (“No signal”), since it will be prohibited from switching to available frequencies.
Is it possible to speed up the Internet on old phones in this way?
Yes, if the phone technically supports 4G (LTE), but by default clings to 3G due to the weak signal, manual fixation may help. But if the phone does not support 4G in hardware, no settings will add this function.
What to do if the Internet is lost after switching?
Most likely, there is no 4G coverage in the selected location, or the access point (APN) settings are lost. Try returning to automatic mode or checking the APN settings with your operator.