Smartphone owners Xiaomi Redmi often are faced with a situation where high-speed 4G network becomes not an advantage, but a problem. Unstable coverage in rural areas can result in constant connection dropouts, and in some cases, users need to force the device into 2G or 3G mode to save battery power. The standard LTE consumes significantly more energy when searching for a signal, which is critical in conditions of poor reception.
The shell interface MIUIon which all devices are based Redmihas its own network configuration features. Sometimes the required menu item is hidden deep in the settings or is completely absent from the standard list due to the settings of the telecom operator. In this article, we will look at all the possible methods, from simple switches to using the engineering menu, so that you can fully control the type of mobile network you use.
Understanding how switching between communication generations works will help you avoid mistakes. Incorrect configuration can lead to complete loss of signal if outdated standards are not supported in your area GSM or WCDMA. Therefore, before making changes, it is important to make sure that alternative networks are available from your mobile operator.
Why you may need to disable 4G on a smartphone
The main reason why users are looking for a way to deactivate LTEis the instability of the signal. In areas of poor reception, the phone is constantly trying to “catch” the 4G tower, which causes constant jumps between communication standards. This not only interrupts voice calls, but also quickly drains the battery due to the intensive work of the radio module.
Another factor is compatibility with older equipment or specific tariff plans. Some corporate SIM cards or IoT devices require operation exclusively on second or third generation networks. Also, when traveling abroad, 4G roaming may be disabled or unreasonably expensive, while 3G remains an accessible and cheap option.
It is worth considering that communication technologies are developing, and some operators have already begun to disable outdated 2G and 3G towers.
⚠️ Attention: Before forced When switching to 3G, check with your operator whether its network operates in your region without 4G support, otherwise you risk being left without connection.If in your area the operator has completely switched to LTE, then disabling this function will make the phone useless for calls and the Internet.
Standard method through SIM card settings
The simplest and safest method of changing the network type is available through the standard Android settings menu. The interface MIUI may differ slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same for all models Redmi. You won't need third-party applications or complex codes.
First, open the main menu and find the section Settings. Next, go to item SIM cards and mobile networks. Here you will see a list of installed SIM cards. Select the one for which you want to change the settings. Click on Network type or Preferred network type.
In the list that opens, the following options are usually available: “4G Preferred”, “3G Preferred” and “2G Only”. To disable LTE, you must select the option Preferably 3G. After this, the 4G or LTE icon in the status bar will disappear, and the phone will begin to use third-generation networks. If maximum energy savings are required, you can select the “2G Only” mode, but the Internet speed in this case will be extremely low.
☑️ Checking network settings
Using the engineering menu for advanced settings
If the standard menu does not give the desired result or item There is no network selection (often happens on devices with a single SIM card or specific firmware versions), you can use the engineering menu. This is a hidden section of the system, intended for testing equipment, but also accessible to ordinary users.
To enter the engineering menu, open the application Phone and enter the code ##4636##. Immediately after entering the last asterisk, the menu Testingshould open. Select Phone information (Phone Information). If you have a dual-SIM device, there will be two such items for each card.
Inside the section, find a drop-down list with the name Set your preferred network type (Set Preferred Network Type). There's a wide range of options here, from modern 5G to older standards. To disable LTE, select WCDMA Only (3G only) or GSM Only (2G only). Be careful: selecting the wrong option may temporarily disable the radio.
What to do if the code does not work?
On some versions of MIUI, entering the engineering menu through dialing is blocked. In this case, you can use the Activity Launcher application from Google Play to find the hidden "Testing" activity and launch it manually.
Changes take effect instantly. If the connection is lost, try turning Airplane Mode on and off for a couple of seconds so that the module reboots with the new parameters. You can return everything back by selecting a mode in the same list LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM or a similar one containing the word LTE.
Hidden settings through the Activity Launcher application
Sometimes developers Xiaomi hide certain menus depending on the region where the device is sold. If you cannot find the desired switch even in the engineering menu, a third-party utility will come to the rescue Activity Launcher. It allows you to launch any hidden activities of the Android system, including those that are removed from the interface.
Download the application from the store Google Play and run it. It will scan the system and show a list of all available actions. In the search bar, enter the word “network” or “networks.” You need to find an activity related to network selection, often called MobileNetworkSettings or PreferredNetworkType.
By running the found item, you will be taken to the same network type selection menu, which is usually available through engineering code. This method is especially useful if the code ##4636## on your device does not work or produces an error.
⚠️ Attention: Be extremely careful when launching unknown activities. Some system functions can lead to factory resets or unstable operation of the device if used incorrectly.
If the phone loses the network after changing the settings, simply restart the device. In 90% of cases, this restores normal operation of the modem.
The influence of the power saving mode on LTE operation
System MIUI equipped with aggressive energy saving algorithms, which can indirectly affect the operation of the communication module. In the “Ultra” or “Energy Saving” mode, the smartphone can independently limit background activity and the frequency of polling towers, which is sometimes perceived by the user as a 4G shutdown.
However, a full switching of the communication standard through the energy saving mode does not occur. The phone only updates data less frequently in the background. If your goal is to specifically prohibit the use of the protocol LTE, then the battery settings will not help. You will still have to change the network type manually through the menu described above.
However, the combination of turning off 4G and turning on the power saving mode gives the maximum result of autonomy. In conditions of a weak signal, when the phone is constantly searching for a network, this combination of actions allows you to extend the battery life by several hours.
Comparison of mobile network operating modes
So that you can consciously choose the appropriate mode, let's compare the main communication standards available on smartphones Redmi. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your current tasks and location.
| Network type | Internet speed | Call stability | Battery consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5G / LTE | High (up to 100+ Mbit/s) | Average (depending on coverage) | High |
| 3G (WCDMA) | Average (up to 42 Mbit/s) | High | Average |
| 2G (GSM) | Low (up to 0.3 Mbit/s) | Maximum | Minimum |
As can be seen from the table, the transition to 3G is the golden mean. You lose speed in downloading heavy files, but you get a more stable voice channel and significant energy savings compared to 4G. Mode 2G should be used only in emergency cases, when you need to preserve the phone's charge for several days, and the Internet is practically not needed.
Possible problems after disabling LTE
After a forced switch to 3G or 2G, users may encounter a number of specific problems. Firstly, some modern instant messengers and applications may not work correctly due to low data transfer speeds or high ping. Video calls in WhatsApp or Telegram may become impossible.
Secondly, VoLTE technology (voice over 4G) will become unavailable. If your operator only supports voice calls over LTE (called 2G/3G voice disabling), then selecting 3G Only mode will allow you to access the Internet, but will not be able to make calls. This is a critical point for subscribers of some virtual operators.
It is also worth remembering that settings are not always reset after a reboot. In some cases, especially when using the engineering menu, the phone may try to return to automatic network selection after a full reboot. In this case, the procedure will have to be repeated.
⚠️ Attention: If you use a smartphone to receive SMS with confirmation codes from banks, make sure that the 2G/3G network in your area is stable. The delay in message delivery on congested 3G networks can be significant.
Disabling LTE is a trade-off between connection stability/autonomy and Internet speed. Use this method only when really necessary.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why did the phone stop receiving the network at all after turning off 4G?
Most likely, there is no coverage of 3G and 2G networks in your current location. Many operators are phasing out older towers, leaving only LTE. Try returning to “4G Preferred” mode or moving to another location.
Are network settings reset when updating MIUI?
Yes, major firmware updates can reset your preferred network type settings to automatic. After updating the system, it is recommended to check the item Network type in the SIM card settings and, if necessary, set the desired value again.
Does disabling LTE affect the quality of voice calls?
Directly - no, and sometimes the quality even improves due to stability 3G. However, if you are used to VoLTE technology (high quality sound in 4G), then when you switch to 3G, the sound will become normal, like in a classic cellular connection.
Is it possible to disable 4G for only one SIM card on a dual-SIM Redmi?
Yes, it is possible. In the menu Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks you need to select a specific SIM card and change the network type only for it. The second SIM card can remain in 4G mode.