How to Enable and Switch to 5G on Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO Phone
How to Enable and Switch to 5G on Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO Phone
Most Xiaomi phones launched after 2021 support 5G. Here's how to make sure it's enabled.
Step-by-Step: Enable 5G
On HyperOS (2024–2025 phones):
1. Open Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks.
2. Select your SIM (SIM 1 or SIM 2) if you use dual SIM.
3. Tap Preferred network type.
4. Select 5G/LTE/3G/2G (Auto) or 5G.
On MIUI 14:
1. Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → SIM card settings.
2. Tap your primary SIM → Preferred network type → 5G.
Why 5G Might Not Appear
| Reason | Solution |
|---|---|
| Phone doesn't support 5G | Check specs on mi.com — not all budget models have 5G |
| SIM card doesn't support 5G | Contact your carrier to upgrade to a 5G SIM |
| 5G not available in your area | Check carrier's 5G coverage map |
| Airplane mode was on | Toggle Airplane mode off |
| SIM is in slot 2 | Move SIM to slot 1 (some phones only support 5G on SIM 1) |
Dual SIM Note
On most Xiaomi dual-SIM phones, 5G is only available on SIM slot 1. SIM slot 2 typically supports up to 4G/LTE. Check your phone's spec sheet to confirm.
Battery Saving Tip
5G consumes more battery than 4G LTE. If you're in a weak 5G area:
- Switch to 4G preferred to avoid the phone constantly searching for 5G signal.
- Use 5G only when you need high-speed data (video streaming, large file downloads).
Quick Toggle via Notification Panel
Some HyperOS builds show a 5G/4G quick toggle in the notification panel drop-down. Long-press it to open network settings directly.
Pro Tips
- If you just inserted a new SIM, restart the phone before enabling 5G.
- In areas with poor 5G coverage, staying on LTE/4G often provides better real-world speeds than a weak 5G signal.
