Modern smartphones Xiaomiworking on an operating system Androidare by default configured to use the fastest available networks. This means that if there is a signal 4G or LTEin the coverage area, the device will automatically switch to it. However, in some situations, such automation becomes a problem rather than an advantage. Users are often faced with the need to forcefully restrict the network type to older standards.
The reasons for such actions can be very different. For example, in an area of uncertain reception, the communication module begins to constantly jump between standards, which leads to rapid battery discharge and overheating of the case. Sometimes telecom operators in certain locations provide unstable high-speed Internet, which works worse than stable but slow Internet. In such cases, manual configuration becomes the only way out for comfortable use of the gadget. 3G. In such cases, manual configuration becomes the only way out for comfortable use of the gadget.
In this article we will look at all the available methods to disable the technology LTE on brand devices Redmi i Poco. We will analyze both standard system settings and more advanced methods using the engineering menu. You will learn how to choose the optimal modem operation mode to ensure stable communication or save battery power in a critical situation.
Standard settings in the SIM card menu
The easiest and safest way to change the type of preferred network is in the basic system settings. The shell interface MIUI or the new HyperOS may differ slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same. You won't need to install third-party apps or enter complex codes. Just go to the appropriate section of the menu.
Go to the section Settings and find the 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 settings. Pay attention to item Preferred network type. This is where the required switch is hidden. By default, there is usually the value "Preferred 4G" or similar.
⚠️ Attention: After changing the network type to "3G Only" or "2G only" Internet connection speed will decrease significantly. High-definition videos may buffer and pages may load slower.
Click on this item and the system will offer a list of available options. You need to select the option 3G Preferred or 3G Only. If you select the "Only" option, the phone completely ignores the fourth generation towers. If you select “Preferred”, the device will try to catch 4G, but if the signal is bad, it will remain on 3G, without switching to EDGE/GPRS unless absolutely necessary.
If you have a dual-SIM smartphone, network settings are applied individually for each SIM card. Make sure that you change the settings specifically for the card through which you use the mobile data.
Sometimes after updating the firmware, the network type selection item may disappear from the visible menu. This is a common practice of operators and manufacturers who want to hide the possibility of using outdated networks from the average user. In this case, the standard path will not work, and you will have to resort to more cunning methods, which we will discuss below.
Using the CIT engineering menu
If the standard menu does not give the desired result, the hidden engineering menu CITcomes to the rescue. This is a special diagnostic interface pre-installed on all smartphones Xiaomi. It is intended for testing equipment, but also allows you to control many parameters of the radio module that are hidden from the average user.
To enter this menu you need to open the application Phone (dialer) and enter a special code. Dial the combination ##6484##. The device will automatically recognize the command and open a list of tests. You don't need to confirm anything or press the call button. The interface is a long list of items in English.
- 📱 Find the item SIM Card Information or Radio Info.
- 📶 Select the desired SIM card (SIM 1 or SIM 2) if you have two of them.
- 🔧 In the menu that opens, find the line
Set Preferred Network Type. - 📉 Click on it and select a value containing only
WCDMA(for 3G) orGSM(for 2G).
It is important to understand that the values in this menu can be encrypted with abbreviations. WCDMA corresponds to the third generation of communication, and LTE corresponds to the fourth. You need to select an option that does not have the word LTE in its name. Often these are lines like WCDMA Only or GSM/WCDMA Auto. After selection, the setting is applied instantly, the icon in the status bar should change from 4G to 3G or H+.
☑️ Checking the operation of the engineering menu
It is worth noting that in some new versions firmware, access to changing the network type via CIT can be blocked by software. If the item Set Preferred Network Type is inactive or missing, this means that the manufacturer has restricted access at the system level. In such a situation, proceed to the next method, which is considered the most universal.
Secret code for selecting the network type
There is another hidden mechanism for managing network settings, built directly into the framework Android. This method often works even when other methods fail. It calls up the system window for selecting the network type, which is usually hidden deep in the depths of the operating system.
Open the standard dialer and enter the code ##4636##. Immediately after entering the last asterisk, a menu called Phone information (Testing) should appear on the screen. If the menu does not open, your version of the shell may block this code, and then you will need to install a special activator application.
In the window that opens, find the section Phone information. Scroll down the screen to Set up your preferred network type. Click on the drop-down list. You will see many options, including combinations of different communication standards. You need to find and select an option that excludes LTE.
⚠️ Attention: Do not select options marked "NR" (New Radio), as this is a 5G standard that may not be supported by your device or operator, which will result in complete loss of connection.
The optimal choice for disabling 4G would be line WCDMA Only (3G only) or GSM Only (2G only). If you want the phone to switch between 2G and 3G on its own, but not switch to 4G, select WCDMA/GSM Auto. After selecting, the phone may lose the network for a second and reconnect in a new mode.
What to do if the code does not work?
If entering the code ##4636## doesn’t work, download the “Force LTE Only (4G/5G)” application from the Play Market. It is a shortcut that programmatically calls the same system window, bypassing the code entry lock.
This method is good for its flexibility. You can return to this menu at any time and restore the setting LTE/TD-SCDMA/CDMA/WCDMA/GSMto gain access to high-speed Internet again. Changes are saved until the next reboot of the device or until you manually return the settings.
Network management applications
When the built-in system tools fail or seem too complicated, third-party utilities from the store come to the rescue. Google Play. Developers create special wrapper applications that make it easier to access hidden Android functions. They are ideal for users who do not want to understand engineering codes.
One of the most popular solutions is the application Force LTE Only. It does not require root access and works on most devices Xiaomi. The principle of its operation is simple: the app creates a shortcut on the desktop, which, when clicked, opens the same system menu 4636that we talked about above. This is convenient as it allows you to quickly switch modes without re-entering codes.
Another option is to use applications like NetMonster or G-NetTrack. These utilities are primarily designed for diagnostics and signal monitoring, but often have network type control functions. They provide more detailed information about which tower the phone is connected to, and allow you to force the connection to a certain standard.
| Application name | Main function | Root required | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Force LTE Only | Quick access to the network menu | No | Low |
| NetMonster | Signal monitoring and analysis | No | Medium |
| Mobile Network Type | Switching 2G/3G/4G modes | Yes (often) | High |
| BetterNet | Fine-tuning modem parameters | No | Average |
When using third-party software, you should be careful with permissions. Such applications require access to the phone and network status, which is normal for their functionality. However, download utilities only from the official store to avoid malware that can intercept your data.
The effect of disabling LTE on the operation of the smartphone
Forced switching to third or second generation networks entails a number of consequences that you need to know about in advance. The most obvious change is the data transfer speed. Technologies 3G (UMTS/HSPA) provide speeds from 2 to 14 Mbit/s, which is enough for messengers and navigation, but not enough for streaming video in 4K.
On the other hand, disabling LTE can have a positive effect on the autonomy of the device. The communication module spends less energy maintaining a connection with a stable 3G tower than constantly searching for and maintaining an unstable 4G signal in an area of poor coverage. This is especially true when traveling outside the city or in rooms with thick walls.
Disabling LTE is a compromise between Internet speed and connection stability. In areas of poor reception, 3G often works more reliably than “falling” 4G.
It is also worth considering the quality of voice communication. 4G networks use VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology, which provides high-quality sound. When switching to 3G, the sound may become less rich, and when switching to 2G (GSM) - monophonic. However, in some cases, older networks provide a more stable connection without interruptions during a call.
Another important aspect is the operation of applications that require constant ping. Online games may become less responsive due to increased latency (ping). Video calls in WhatsApp or Telegram may freeze or reduce picture quality. If your work depends on Internet speed, you should disable LTE only in extreme cases.
Solving possible problems after changing settings
Sometimes after changing the network type, the phone may “freeze” in search mode or stop seeing the network altogether. This happens if the selected standard is not supported by this SIM card in the current location. For example, if you set “Only 3G”, and in this area the operator uses only 2G and 4G, there will be no connection.
First of all, try simply rebooting the device. This will reset the radio and force it to re-register with the network according to the new settings. In most cases, this solves the "No network" or endless searching problem. If the reboot does not help, return to the settings menu and select the "Preferably 4G" or "Auto" mode.
⚠️ Attention: If after all the manipulations the phone does not see the network, check if the "Flight" mode is activated. Sometimes changing network settings conflicts with this mode, and you need to turn it off and on again.
In rare cases, resetting the network settings helps. To do this, go to Settings → About phone → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings. This action will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords and APN access point settings, but often restores the correct operation of the communication module.
Remember that network settings may reset after system update. If after installing the new version MIUI The Internet has started working again via 4G, you will have to repeat the procedure for selecting the network type. This is normal behavior of the system, which seeks to return the configuration to factory settings.
Frequently asked questions
Why, after turning off LTE, does the phone show the E icon instead of 3G?
The E (EDGE) icon means that the phone has connected to the second network generation (2G). This happens if there is no 3G coverage in your area, or you have selected the “GSM Only” mode in the settings. Try changing the setting to "WCDMA/GSM Auto" so that the phone can switch between 2G and 3G.
Does turning off 4G affect the quality of voice calls?
Yes, it can. 4G networks use VoLTE technology, which provides HD audio. On 3G the sound will be normal, but on 2G it will be even worse. However, if the 4G signal is very weak, calls may be dropped, and then switching to stable 3G, on the contrary, will improve the quality of communication.
Is it possible to disable LTE for only one SIM card on a dual-SIM Xiaomi?
Yes, this is possible. In the settings SIM cards and mobile networks you select a specific SIM card and change the network type specifically for it. The second SIM card will remain in the same operating mode, for example, on 4G.
Will mobile banking and applications work on a 3G network?
Absolutely all modern applications, including banking clients, instant messengers and browsers, work correctly in networks 3G. The only limitation is that the content loading speed will be lower, but the functionality will not be affected.
Are network settings reset when you reboot the phone?
Usually the network type settings are saved after a reboot. However, in some cases, especially after a firmware update or system crash, the phone may revert to automatic selection (4G/5G). In this case, the setup must be done again.