How to enable 4G (LTE) on Android: a complete guide with solutions to problems

You just bought a new smartphone on Android or noticed that the Internet is slower than usual? Your device may be using an outdated standard 3G instead of a modern one 4G (LTE). Switching to the fourth generation of mobile communications will not only speed up loading pages and videos, but also improve the quality of calls via VoLTE. However, not all users know where to look for these settings - especially if the menu interface is different from the usual one.

In this article we will analyze all possible ways to activate 4G on smartphones Android - from standard settings to hidden commands for experienced users. You'll learn how to check your device's network support, what SIM card settings affect speed, and what to do if your operator limits access to LTE. And if after the switch the Internet disappears completely, we have solutions for this problem as well.

Why the smartphone does not switch to 4G automatically

Many users mistakenly think that 4G is turned on by default on all modern smartphones. In practice, there are several reasons why the device may be stuck on 3G or even 2G:

• 📱 The network settings have been reset After updating the firmware or changing the SIM card.
• 📡 The operator limits LTE for your tariff (for example, with some providers 4G is available only in “unlimited” packages).
• 🔧 Power saving mode turns off high-speed Internet to extend operating time.
• 🛠️ Software failure in the communication module (often found after unsuccessful firmware updates).
• 📶 Weak signal — if you are on the border of the coverage area, the smartphone can forcefully switch to 3G for stability.

Before changing settings, make sure that your device technically supports 4G. For example, budget models Samsung Galaxy A03 or Xiaomi Redmi 9A can only work on 3G networks, despite modern firmware. You can check this on the manufacturer's website or in the specifications of the model.

Method 1: Standard Android settings menu

The easiest way to enable 4G is through basic network settings. The interface may differ slightly depending on the version Android and the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS etc.), but the general algorithm is the same:

1. Open the application Settings (gear on the main screen or in the menu applications).
2. Go to section Network and Internet (on some devices - Connections or SIM cards and mobile networks).
3. Select your SIM card (if there are several).
4. Click Network type, Preferred network type or Network mode.
5. Set the value 4G (LTE), LTE/3G/2G (auto) or similar.

On some smartphones (for example Samsung or Huawei) an additional step may be required: activation options VoLTE (voice over LTE) in the same menu. Without it, calls will go through 3G, even if the Internet is on 4G.

Make sure that the SIM card supports 4G (USIM)

Check the balance and activity of the tariff with LTE

Disable the “Traffic Saving” mode in the settings

Reboot your smartphone after the changes-->

⚠️ Attention: If there is no item 4G or LTEin the list of available network modes, this may mean that your smartphone does not support this standard. Check the model specifications on the official website.

Method 2: Engineering menu codes (for experienced users)

If the standard settings do not produce results, you can try Force enable 4G through the engineering menu. This method requires caution, as incorrect actions can disrupt the network. We recommend it only for devices that do not have an LTE option in the regular interface.

Enter in the application Phone one of the following codes (depending on the manufacturer):

• 📞 For most smartphones: ##4636## → go to Phone information → Set preferred type networks → select LTE only or LTE/WCDMA.
• 📞 For Samsung: *#2263# → Band Selection → enable all LTE frequencies.
• 📞 For Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: ##4636## → Phone information → in the drop-down menu select LTE only.

After changing parameters be sure to restart the device. If after this the Internet is lost, return the settings to their original state or reset the network settings in the menu Settings → System → Reset → Reset mobile network.

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.MAIN -n com.android.settings/.TestingSettings

Method 3: Setting up APN for stable 4G

Even if 4G is enabled in the settings, incorrect APN settings (access points) can limit the speed or even block access to LTE. This is relevant if you recently changed the SIM card or reset the network settings.

To configure the APN:

1. Go to Settings → Network and Internet → Mobile network → Advanced → Access points (APN).
2. Click on the current APN profile (usually it is called by the name of the operator, for example, MTS Internet).
3. Check the following parameters (we give an example for MTS):

After saving the settings restart your smartphone and check your Internet speed. If the APN profile is missing or not saved, try creating it manually by clicking “+” or “Add APN.”

⚠️ Attention: APN settings may vary depending on the region or tariff. Current settings can always be found on your operator’s website in the “Internet Settings” section.

Problems after switching to 4G and their solutions

Sometimes after activating 4G, users encounter new problems: the Internet disappears, the speed is lower than expected, or the smartphone constantly switches between 3G and 4G. Let's consider the most common malfunctions and ways to eliminate them.

1. 4G turns on, but the Internet does not work

Reasons:

• 📵 No 4G coverage in your area (check the operator's coverage map).
• 💳 Out of money or traffic has expired (even if the tariff is “unlimited”, some operators limit LTE if exceeded FUP).
• 🔄 Failure of the communication module (rebooting or resetting the network settings helps).

2. 4G speed is lower than 3G

This is a paradoxical but common situation. Possible reasons:

• 📶 Base station overload —if too many devices are connected to one tower, the speed drops.
• 🔧 Limitation operator —some tariffs “cut” the LTE speed after the high-speed traffic is exhausted.
• 📱 Smartphone hardware limitations —for example, Redmi Note 8 supports 4G, but only at 1800 MHz frequencies, which may be occupied in your region.

3. The smartphone constantly switches between 3G and 4G

This happens due to:

• 🔋 Energy saving mode — turn it off in the battery settings.
• 📡 Weak 4G signal — check the network level in the engineering menu (##4636## → Information about the phone).
• 🔄 Incorrect switching settings —in the engineering menu, find the parameter LTE RRC Release Timer and set the value 30 (the default may be 5, which causes frequent switching).

Checking 4G support on your smartphone

If you followed all the instructions, but 4G still does not work, perhaps your device does not support the required LTE frequenciesThis is relevant for:

• 📱 Old smartphones (released before 2016).
• 🌍 Imported models (for example, Xiaomi for the Chinese market may not support Russian 4G frequencies).
• 📶 Devices with a damaged communication module (after being dropped or exposed to moisture).

To check compatibility:

1. Find the model of your smartphone in the database Kimovil or GSMArena (in the specifications, look for the section Network).
2. Compare the supported frequencies with those used by your operator (information is available on its website).
3. For accurate diagnostics, install the application NetMonster or LTE Discovery —they will show what frequencies your smartphone connects to.

Critical: if your smartphone supports 4G only on the frequency 800 MHz (Band 20), and the operator in your region uses 1800 MHz (Band 3) or 2600 MHz (Band 7), then LTE will not work, despite the technical support of the standard.

Alternative solutions: VoLTE, 5G and external modules

If 4G is still not available or is unstable, consider additional options:

1. Activating VoLTE (voice over LTE)

VoLTE allows you to make calls over a 4G network without switching to 3G. This improves communication quality and reduces connection time. To enable:

• 📞 Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → [Your SIM] → VoLTE.
• 📞 Or enter the code ##86583## (for some models Samsung).
• 📞 Make sure that the operator supports VoLTE for your tariff.

2. Switch to 5G (if supported)

If your smartphone is compatible with 5G (for example, Samsung Galaxy S22, Xiaomi 12 Pro), try turning on this mode:

• 📶 Settings → Mobile network → Network type → 5G/LTE/3G/2G.
• 📶 Please note that 5G is not available in all regions and may drain the battery faster.

3. 4G modules

For old smartphones or tablets without LTE, you can use:

• 📶 4G router (for example, Huawei E5577) with Wi-Fi distribution.
• 📱 USB modem (connected via OTG cable).
• 🔄 Modem mode** function on the second smartphone with 4G support.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about 4G on Android