Permanent 4G on Android: how to fix the network and disable auto-switching

mobile data on a smartphone is often unstable: the speed suddenly drops, or the connection switches to an outdated one 3G or even 2G, although there is one nearby tower 4G (LTE). The reason lies in the network settings - by default, Android automatically selects the connection type based on signal strength, not speed. As a result, you lose stability where you could use maximum bandwidth.

You can enable Permanent 4G on Android in several ways: through standard settings, the engineering menu or third-party applications. However, it is important to understand that forced fixation on LTE has a downside: in areas of poor coverage, the smartphone may completely lose connection instead of switching to a more stable (albeit slower) 3G. In this article, we will analyze all the working methods, their pros and cons, and also give recommendations for specific brands - Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and others.

⚠️ Attention: Forced mode 4G Only may lead to problems with voice calls on some operators (for example, if they use VoLTE not in all regions). Before changing the settings, check whether your tariff supports calls by LTE.

1. Standard method: Android settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in system options. It is suitable for most smartphones Android 8.0 and newer, but the path to the menu may differ depending on the manufacturer's shell.

Open the application Settings and go to the section Network and Internet (or Mobile network/SIM cards and mobile networks). Next, select your SIM card and find the item Preferred network type (sometimes it is hidden in the submenu Additional). Here you need to select one of the options:

• 📶 4G (LTE) only — forced mode, the smartphone will not switch to 3G/2G.
• 📶 4G/3G/2G (auto) — standard mode (recommended for stability).
• 📶 3G only —if 4G does not catch, but you need a stable connection for calls.

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy s One UI) this item may be called Network mode and be in Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network mode. If the option 4G Only is not in the list, then the manufacturer has blocked it - proceed to the following methods.

2. Engineering menu: hidden settings for advanced users

If there is no option in the standard settings 4G Only, it can be activated through engineering menu (Engineer Mode). This method works on most devices, but requires caution - incorrect changes can disrupt the operation of the communication module.

Instructions for MediaTek i Qualcomm:

1. Open the application Phone and enter the combination:

   ##4636##

   Some devices (for example, Xiaomi) may require a code ##36446337##.

2. In the menu that opens, select Phone information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to Set preferred network type and select LTE only.
4. Click Update (or Update) and restart your smartphone.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with a processor Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, OnePlus, Google Pixel), the engineering menu may not contain the option LTE only. In this case, try the method with USSD codes (see the next section).

What to do if the engineering menu does not open?

If nothing happens after entering the code, then the manufacturer has blocked access. Alternative methods:

- Use applications. like MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek).

- Try entering the code through the app Secret Codes from Google Play.

- On some Samsung the code works *#0011# for network diagnostics.

3. USSD codes to force 4G on

Some operators and manufacturers support special USSD codesthat allow you to manage network settings directly. These commands are not universal, but can work where other methods are powerless.

Try the following combinations (enter in the application Phone as a regular number):

Code	Description	For which devices
##4636##	Opens the engineering menu (see previous section)	Most Android
*#2263#	Shows information about the network (including the current mode)	Samsung, LG
##36446337##	Alternative code for the engineering menu	Xiaomi, Redmi
*#0011#	Network diagnostics (shows 4G signal strength)	Samsung Galaxy

If after entering the code a menu appears with an option LTE Only, select it and save the settings. On some devices (for example Huawei), you may need to enter an unlock code - usually it 1234 or 0000.

4. Applications for fixing 4G: top 3 utilities

If the built-in methods do not work, third-party applications will come to the rescue. They allow you not only to force turn on 4G, but also monitor signal quality, block switching to 3G, and also test Internet speed.

The best apps for this task:

• 📱 4G Only Mode - a simple one-click utility for activation LTE Only. Works without root, but requires permission to change network settings.
• 📱 Network Signal Guru —shows detailed information about the network (signal level, connection type, neighboring towers) and allows you to manually select LTE.
• 📱 MTK Engineering Mode —a full engineering menu for devices on MediaTek. Allows you to fine-tune the parameters of the communication module.

⚠️ Attention: Applications like 4G Only Mode may conflict with system services. If after using them the mobile data is lost, restart your smartphone or reset the network settings in Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings.

Check reviews of the app on Google Play|Download only from the official store|Provide everything requested permissions|Make a backup of your network settings|Prepare for a possible reboot-->

5. Features for different brands

Smartphone manufacturers often modify Android to suit their needs, so the path to network settings may vary. Below are current instructions for popular brands.

Samsung Galaxy (One UI)

Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network mode. Here select LTE/3G/2G (auto) or LTE only (if the option is available). On new models (Galaxy S22, S23), you may need to disable VoLTE in Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Voice over LTE.

Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (MIUI)

V Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → [Your SIM] → Preferred network type select 4G. If there is no option, enter the code in the engineering menu ##36446337## and activate LTE Only.

Huawei/Honor (EMUI)

Path: Settings → Wireless networks → Mobile network → Preferred network type. The options available here are 4G preferred or Only 4G. On some models (Huawei P40, Mate 40) the option is hidden - use the USSD code ##2846579## (ProjectMenu).

Google Pixel (Stock Android)

V Settings → Network and Internet → Mobile network → Preferred network type select LTE. If the option is not there, activate Developer mode (7 taps on Build number v About phone) and in Settings → System → For developers enable LTE Settings only.

6. Problems and solutions: what to do if 4G does not turn on

Even after all the manipulations, the smartphone may stubbornly not hold 4G. Let's look at typical causes and ways to eliminate them.

• 🔄 Reset network settings: Go to Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings. This will delete saved Wi-Fi networks and mobile data settings, but often solves the problem with "stuck" on 3G.
• 📡 Software update: Check for updates in Settings → System → System update. Manufacturers regularly fix bugs with the communication module.
• 🔧 Checking the SIM card: Make sure your SIM supports 4G (especially true for old cards). Try inserting it into another smartphone.
• 📶 Manual network selection: Select Settings → Mobile network → Network operators and connect to your operator. Sometimes the automatic mode selects a non-optimal tower. Manual selection and connect to your operator. Sometimes the automatic mode selects a non-optimal tower.

If all else fails, the problem may be on the operator's side. Contact support to find out if maintenance is ongoing in your region. Also check your balance - some operators block 4G if the balance is negative.

How to check if your tariff supports 4G?

Send a USSD request *100# (for MTS), *110*09# (for Beeline) or *105# (for MegaFon). The answer will indicate the available network type. If 4G is not specified, contact the communication store to change the tariff.

7. Alternative methods: root and custom firmware

If all of the above methods did not work, radical measures remain - getting root access or installing custom firmware. These methods give full control over the communication module, but void the warranty and can lead to unstable operation of the device.

With root access you can:

• 🛠️ Change the configuration files of the communication module (for example, /system/etc/rild/libril.so).
• 📲 Use applications like Network Signal Guru Pro with advanced functions.
• 🔧 Install a modified radio (modem) for better 4G support.

For custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience) advanced network settings are usually available, including 4G Only. However, before flashing the firmware, make sure that your operator's tower is compatible with the new software. LTE your operator is compatible with the new software.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrectly changing system files with root access can lead to loss of IMEI or “bricking” the smartphone. Before experiments. make a full backup via TWRP.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about permanent 4G on Android

Can I enable 4G Only without root?

Yes, on most devices this is possible through standard settings, engineering menu or USSD codes. Root is required only for deep configuration of the communication module (for example, changing frequencies LTE).

Why did calls disappear after turning on 4G Only?

This happens if your operator does not support VoLTE (voice calls over 4G) in your region. Return the settings to 4G/3G/2G (auto) or contact your operator to activate VoLTE.

How to check that the smartphone really works in 4G?

Install the application NetMonster or LTE Discovery —they show the current network type, frequency and speed Also. you can see the indicator in the status bar: the icon 4G or LTE should be constantly on.

Will the Internet work faster in 4G Only mode?

Not always if there is no tower nearby 4G with a good signal, the smartphone may lose connection completely. In the city, the speed usually increases, but in rural areas 3G sometimes it is more stable.

Is it possible to fix 4G on a smartphone with two SIM cards?

Yes, but the settings will have to be applied separately for each SIM. Some devices (for example, Xiaomi With Dual 4G) allow you to use 4G on both cards simultaneously, but this depends on hardware support.