How to enable 4G on Android: complete guide

The modern pace of life requires constant access to the Internet, and previous generation technologies, such as 3G or E, can no longer cope with streaming video, online games and fast page loading. If your smartphone suddenly switches to a slow connection standard, it can seriously hinder your work and entertainment in your free time. Most often, the problem is solved by simply changing the settings in the device menu, but sometimes deeper intervention in the network parameters is required.

In this article we will look in detail at how to force high-speed mode to be activated 4G LTE on devices with an operating system Android. We will look at standard paths through settings, hidden engineering menus for advanced users, as well as the nuances of setting up access points, which are often the real reason for low speed. Understanding these processes will allow you to always stay connected at the maximum available speed. APN, which are often the real cause of low speed. Understanding these processes will allow you to always stay connected at the fastest speed available.

Checking technical feasibility and network coverage

Before changing settings in the menu, you need to make sure that your equipment and location generally support operation in fourth-generation networks. The smartphone must have an appropriate radio module, and the SIM card must be replaced with a new model if it was released more than 5-7 years ago. Older cards may not physically support the encryption protocols and frequencies used by modern cell towers.

Availability of coverage in your specific location is also critical. Even the most powerful flagship will not be able to catch a 4G signal if the nearest operator tower only works in the 3G standard or is too far away. Telecom operators are constantly upgrading their infrastructure, but in remote areas or inside buildings with thick walls, the signal may be lost.

To quickly check whether your device supports standards, you can use special applications or enter a service code. Enter the command ##4636##on your phone to get to the testing menu. Here you will see information about the network type and connection status. If LTE is not in the list of available networks, your device may not support this standard in hardware.

⚠️ Attention: Network coverage changes dynamically. What worked yesterday may not work today due to maintenance work on the tower or weather conditions. Always check your operator's coverage map in the official application.

Make sure that your operator's tariff plan includes access to high-speed Internet. Some budget tariffs may artificially limit speed or provide access only to second and third generation networks. You can check these conditions in your personal account or by calling support.

Standard activation through system settings

The easiest and safest way to enable high-speed mode is to use the standard settings menu Android. The interface may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS), but the logic of action remains the same for the entire ecosystem. You will not need superuser rights or installation of third-party software.

Go to the section Settings and find the item related to the connection. It is usually called "Connections", "Network and Internet" or "Other Networks". Next, select the “Mobile network” or “SIM cards and mobile networks” section. This is where the key switches responsible for the type of signal used are hidden.

• 📱 Open the “Network type” or “Preferred network type” item.
• 🚀 Select the option "4G/LTE (recommended)" or "5G/4G/3G/2G (auto)".
• 🔄 If the network does not appear immediately, turn on and off "Airplane mode" to reboot the module.
• 📶 Make sure the "Mobile" switch data" is in the active position.

After selecting the desired item, the system will begin searching for available towers with LTE support. The marking LTE or 4Gshould appear in the status bar next to the signal level. If the icon has changed, but the Internet does not work, perhaps the problem lies in the settings of the access point, which we will look at below.

In some cases, the system can automatically switch to 3G when the 4G signal is weak to preserve battery power or stability of voice communication. This is normal behavior unless the VoLTEfeature is enabled. This technology allows you to transmit voice over 4G channels without dropping the connection to 3G during a call.

Configuring APN access points for stable operation

It often happens that the network type is selected correctly, but the Internet either does not work at all or is unstable. In 90% of such cases, incorrect access point settings are to blame APN (Access Point Name). These parameters tell the phone through which gateway to connect to the operator’s Internet.

Usually the settings are sent automatically with an SMS message when you first install the SIM card. However, if you reset your network settings or changed your region, the profile may have been deleted. You will have to create it manually using the details of your telecom operator.

Operator	Point name (Name)	APN (Access Point)	Authentication type
MTS	mts internet	internet.mts.ru	PAP or CHAP
MegaFon	megafon	internet	Not specified
Beeline	Beeline Internet	internet.beeline.ru	PAP or CHAP
Tele2	Tele2	internet.tele2.ru	Not specified

To make changes, follow the path Settings → Mobile network → Access points (APN). Click the add button (usually a plus in the corner of the screen) and enter the data from the table above. Pay special attention to the field APN —it must be filled in accurately, without unnecessary spaces and with the correct case of letters, although most often the system is not case sensitive.

After entering all the parameters, be sure to save the profile by clicking on the menu (three dots) and selecting “Save”. Then activate the new hotspot by clicking on the circle next to it. Without this step, the phone will continue to use the old, possibly non-working profile.

Using the engineering menu to force LTE

If the standard settings do not produce results or the phone constantly resets the network to 3G, you can use the hidden engineering menu. This method allows you to force the operating mode of the radio module, ignoring automatic network selection algorithms.

Enter the code in the dialer ##4636##. The Test menu will open. Select "Phone Information". Scroll down to the Set your preferred network type section. Here you will see a drop-down list with many technical symbols.

Select the option containing the abbreviation LTE. For example, LTE Only or LTE/WCDMA/GSM. Be careful when selecting LTE Only mode. In this mode, the phone may not receive incoming calls if the operator does not support VoLTE technology, since voice communication requires a drop in 3G or 2G.

⚠️ Attention: The “LTE Only” mode may lead to a complete loss of connection in areas where 4G coverage is unstable. Use this mode only for testing or in places with an ideal signal.

On smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco the path to these settings may be hidden deeper. First you need to activate the developer menu, but the code ##4636## usually works universally. On devices Samsung access to the engineering menu may be limited, and you will need to use an application Samsung Band Selection or analogues from the store Galaxy Store.

What to do if the code does not work?

On some modern versions of Android, access to the engineering menu via the USSD code is blocked by the manufacturer. In this case, installing the “Force LTE Only (4G/5G)” application from Google Play will help, which creates a shortcut to this hidden menu.

Solving problems with dual-SIM devices

Owners of smartphones with two SIM cards are often faced with a situation where 4G works only on one of them. This is a technical limitation of many modems, which cannot simultaneously support high-speed data transmission on two channels. Typically, the second card in this mode only works for voice communications in the 2G or 3G standard.

In the mobile network settings you will find the item “SIM card for data transfer”. Make sure that you select the card on which you have an unlimited or high-speed tariff. If you try to enable 4G on both cards at the same time, the system will either give an error or automatically disable one of them.

• 🔀 Go to the SIM card management settings.
• 📡 In the "mobile data" item, select the main SIM card.
• 📞 For the second SIM card make sure that data roaming is enabled if you are abroad.
• ⚙️ Check if the “Data Saver” mode is enabled for background applications.

Some modern flagships support technology DSDS (Dual SIM Dual Standby) with an improved architecture that allows you to keep both cards in mode 4G, but active traffic still goes through only one. If you need to quickly switch the Internet to the second card, this can be done through the quick settings panel without going into the deep menu.

Impact of system updates and factory reset

Sometimes a connection problem occurs after updating the operating system. New versions Android may change the logic of network drivers or override previously saved configurations. If you no longer see 4G after the update, the first thing to do is try resetting your network settings.

This procedure will not delete your photos, contacts, or apps, but it will clear all saved Wi-Fi passwords, paired Bluetooth devices, and cellular settings. Go to Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings.

Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset networks

After the reset, the phone will reboot and re-register on the network operator by requesting the current APN parameters. This often solves problems when the phone is stuck on an old connection profile or incorrectly detected the network type after an update.

If even a full reset did not help, perhaps the problem is hardware in nature. This could be a malfunction of the antenna, oxidation of the SIM reader contacts, or damage to the radio module after a fall or moisture. In such cases, software methods are powerless, and a visit to the service center is required.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting the network settings will delete all saved Bluetooth pairs. You will have to re-pair the watch, headphones and car system.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Why does the 4G icon appear, but the Internet does not work?

Most likely, the APN access point is configured incorrectly or on the account has run out of funds. Also check if there is a restriction on background data transfer for specific applications in the battery settings.

Is it harmful to keep LTE mode turned on all the time?

The mode itself is not harmful, but it consumes more energy than 3G, especially in areas of poor reception. The phone will search for the tower more often, which will quickly drain the battery. In rooms with a poor signal, it is better to switch to 3G.

Is it possible to enable 4G on a phone that only supports 3G?

No, this is a hardware limitation. If the characteristics of your smartphone do not indicate supported LTE frequencies (Band 3, 7, 20, etc.), it is impossible to enable this standard programmatically. The device will need to be replaced.

Why does the Internet switch to E or 3G during a call?

This happens if your operator or phone does not support VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology. Without it, for a voice call the network is forced to switch the channel to an older standard. Enable VoLTE in settings if this option is available.

Will resetting network settings delete my photos and applications?

No, resetting network settings only affects connection settings: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile communications. Your personal files, media and installed apps will remain completely safe.