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Xiaomi

Xiaomi: Change the Preferred Network Type

If your phone shows no or barely any 4G/LTE signal in certain spots, calls drop and data stalls even though older 3G or 2G networks are still available nearby. The Preferred network type setting decides which mobile network your SIM tries first, and the wrong choice can leave you stuck searching for a signal instead of connecting to one that actually works.

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Step 1 of 5: Tap on **Settings**

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Android 11 · MIUI
Change Preferred Network Type – MIUI: step 1 – Tap on Settings
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Xiaomi

Change Preferred Network Type auf Xiaomi

When your Xiaomi phone loses 4G/LTE signal in certain areas, it does not always fall back to another network technology on its own. The Preferred network type setting on your SIM card decides which standard the modem tries first, and if it is locked to LTE, the phone can keep searching for a signal instead of switching to a stable 3G or 2G connection.

Switching this setting manually helps in weak coverage spots because it forces the modem to accept older, more widely available network types instead of holding out for LTE.

Open SettingsSIM cards & mobile networks. On a dual-SIM phone, pick the SIM card that has reception issues. Tap Preferred network type and choose between Prefer LTE, Prefer 3G or 2G only.

Choosing Prefer 3G keeps calls and light data usage stable where LTE coverage is unreliable. 2G only is a last resort for remote areas with very weak reception, but it slows down or blocks most data-heavy apps.

Test each option with the Live-Simulator before relying on it, since the result depends on which network types your carrier still operates in that location.

Frequently asked questions

If your carrier has no 3G coverage in that specific location either, changing the preferred network type will not fix it. Check with your carrier whether 3G or 2G towers are active in your area before adjusting this setting again.