Xiaomi 5G Slower Than 4G on UK Networks

Quick Answer:
If 5G is slower than 4G on your Xiaomi in the UK, first identify your symptom using the decision tree below. Then follow the corresponding fix. Most cases are caused by 5G Standalone (SA) mode (Type B), carrier throttling (Type C), or network congestion on n78 band (Type A).

Diagnostic Decision Tree – Identify Your Problem in 4 Steps

  1. Run speed tests on both 5G and 4G (Speedtest.net for general speed, Fast.com for video speed)
  2. Identify your symptom and root cause:
    • Type A – 5G slow but stable (10-30Mbps): Root cause: network congestion on n78 band, or carrier QoS shaping (throttling after data limit). Fix: Test at 6am vs 6pm. If faster at 6am → congestion. If same → check data allowance.
    • Type B – 5G constantly switching between 5G and 4G: Root cause: 5G Standalone (SA) mode instability, band hopping, or weak n78 coverage forcing fallback. Fix: Disable SA mode via Developer options (see Fix 1).
    • Type C – 4G consistently faster than 5G: Root cause: carrier throttling (video or general), missing n78 band on your phone, or carrier scheduler preferring 4G for your traffic type. Fix: Check carrier policy (Fix 3) and band support (Fix 5).
  3. Test at different times (6am vs 6pm): If faster at 6am, network congestion is the primary cause (Type A). No phone setting fixes congestion.
  4. Test your SIM in another 5G phone: If the other phone has fast 5G, the problem is your Xiaomi. If also slow, the problem is your carrier.

Why This Happens – 5G Slower Than 4G on Xiaomi (Root Cause Analysis)

When your Xiaomi shows a 5G icon but speeds are slower than 4G, the root cause depends on your symptom type:

Type A Root Cause – Network Congestion or QoS Shaping

  • n78 congestion: The fast 5G band (3500MHz) gets overloaded in busy areas (city centres, train stations, events). 4G on less congested bands (n28, Band 20) can then be faster.
  • Carrier QoS shaping: Some carriers throttle 5G speeds after you exceed a monthly data threshold, or during peak hours.

Type B Root Cause – SA Mode Instability or Band Hopping

  • 5G Standalone (SA) mode: SA 5G has weaker coverage than NSA (which uses 4G for control). When SA signal weakens, your phone constantly switches between 5G and 4G.
  • Band hopping: Your phone may be jumping between n78 (fast but weak) and n28 (slow but stable), causing inconsistent speeds.

Type C Root Cause – Carrier Throttling or Missing Bands

  • Video throttling: Three and SMARTY throttle video streaming to 2-4Mbps on 5G. Speed tests show fast, but actual video is slow.
  • Missing n78 band: If your imported Xiaomi lacks n78 (3500MHz), 5G may be slower than 4G because you're stuck on slower bands (n28).
  • Carrier scheduler preference: Some carriers prioritise 4G for certain traffic types (VoIP, video calls), making 5G appear slower.

Check Your Carrier's 5G Speed Policy and Congestion Patterns

Before troubleshooting your phone, understand your carrier's behaviour:

  • EE: Full 5G speeds. No throttling. Congestion is the main cause of slow 5G (Type A). Peak congestion: weekdays 5pm-9pm, weekend afternoons.
  • O2: Some plans have speed caps (e.g., 100Mbps). Check your plan. Also known for n78 congestion in London.
  • Vodafone: Full 5G speeds. Throttling only after data allowance exceeded. Peak congestion: weekday commuter hours (7am-9am, 5pm-7pm).
  • Three: Video throttling on 5G (2-4Mbps for YouTube, Netflix). Speed tests show fast, but video is slow. Peak congestion: late evenings (9pm-2am) when video throttling is most aggressive.
  • Giffgaff (O2): 5G speeds capped at ~100Mbps. Same congestion patterns as O2.
  • SMARTY (Three): Same video throttling as Three. Peak congestion: 9pm-2am.

Fix 1 – Disable 5G Standalone (SA) Mode (For Type B Symptoms)

If your 5G constantly switches between 5G and 4G (Type B), SA mode is likely the cause. Disabling SA forces "NSA only" mode.

Method 1 – Developer options (works on many devices, but not guaranteed):

  • Settings → Additional settings → Developer options → 5G network mode → Select "NSA only"
  • If Developer options is hidden: Settings → About phone → Tap "MIUI/HyperOS version" 7 times
  • Note: This setting is not available on all Xiaomi models or HyperOS versions. Some carriers (especially Three) may override this setting at the network level.

Method 2 – Hidden code (may not work on all devices): Dial *#*#726633#*#* → If a menu appears, select "NSA only". If nothing happens, your device does not support this code.

What if disabling SA doesn't help? If Type B symptoms persist, the issue may be weak n78 coverage in your area – no phone setting can fix this. You may need to force 4G only (preferred network type → 4G/3G/2G auto).

Fix 2 – Check Network Mode (5G/4G/3G Auto)

Your phone may be set to "5G only" mode, which fails to fall back to 4G when 5G is weak.

Navigation: Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → [Your carrier] SIM → Preferred network type → Select 5G/4G/3G auto (not "5G only" or "5G SA only")

Fix 3 – Differentiate Between General Throttling and Video Throttling (Type C)

If 4G is consistently faster than 5G (Type C), use this two-step test to identify the root cause:

Step 1 – Test general speed: Use Speedtest.net (Ookla). This measures raw download speed.

Step 2 – Test video speed: Use Fast.com (Netflix). This measures speed to Netflix's CDN, which is often throttled separately.

Interpretation:

  • If Speedtest is fast (50Mbps+) but Fast.com is slow (2-5Mbps): Your carrier is throttling video traffic specifically. Three and SMARTY do this. No phone setting will fix it.
  • If both Speedtest and Fast.com are slow (under 20Mbps): Your carrier may be throttling all 5G traffic (data allowance exceeded or plan cap), or you have network congestion (Type A).
  • If both are fast but 4G is still faster: Check if your phone is missing n78 band (Fix 5).

Fix 4 – Check Data Allowance and Plan Caps

If Speedtest and Fast.com are both slow, check your data allowance:

  • EE: EE app – check data usage
  • O2: My O2 app – check if your plan has a speed cap
  • Vodafone: My Vodafone app – check remaining data
  • Three: Three app – check for any restrictions

If you have exceeded your allowance, you need to add more data or wait for next billing cycle. No phone setting will fix this.

Fix 5 – Disable Battery Saver for 5G Performance

HyperOS battery saver can limit 5G modem performance, causing Type A symptoms.

Disable battery saver: Settings → Battery → Battery saver → Turn OFF

Remove restrictions: Settings → Battery → Additional features → Turn OFF "Clear cache when device is locked"

Fix 6 – Check 5G Bands on Your Xiaomi Model (Hardware Check)

If Type C symptoms persist and carrier throttling is ruled out, your phone may lack the fast n78 band.

UK 5G bands:

  • n78 (3500MHz): Fast speeds (300Mbps+), weak indoors. Used by all carriers. Most important band for speed.
  • n28 (700MHz): Slower (50-150Mbps), good indoors. Used by all carriers.
  • n1/n3 (2100/1800MHz): Mid-range speeds (100-200Mbps). Used by EE and others.

Check your phone's bands: Settings → About phone → Model number → Search online for "[model number] 5G bands".

  • If n78 is missing: 5G may be slower than 4G, especially in cities where n78 is the primary fast band. However, carrier aggregation (combining n28 + n1) can sometimes compensate – actual speeds vary by location.
  • If only n28 is missing: 5G may work fine outdoors but be weak indoors.

UK models with full 5G bands: Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G, Redmi Note 13 5G, POCO F6, POCO X6 Pro, Xiaomi 14, Xiaomi 15. Imported Chinese models may lack n78 or n28.

Fix 7 – Reset Network Settings (Last Resort) – With After-Reset Interpretation

Only reset network settings if:

  • You've tried Fixes 1-5 with no improvement
  • Your SIM works fine in another 5G phone (proving the problem is your Xiaomi)
  • You've confirmed your carrier is not throttling (Fix 3) and your phone has n78 band (Fix 6)

Do NOT reset network settings if:

  • Your carrier is throttling video (Fix 3) – resetting won't help
  • Your phone lacks n78 band (Fix 6) – resetting won't add hardware
  • Network congestion is the cause (test at 6am vs 6pm) – resetting won't fix congestion

Path: Settings → Connection & sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and Bluetooth

⚠️ Removes saved Wi-Fi passwords and paired Bluetooth devices. Does not delete photos or contacts.

After reset – interpret the result:

  • If 5G speeds improve: The problem was corrupted network settings. Fixed.
  • If 5G speeds remain slow: The problem is carrier-side (congestion, throttling, coverage) or hardware (missing bands). No further phone settings will help.

Test Your SIM in Another 5G Phone

Step 1 – Remove your SIM from your Xiaomi

Step 2 – Insert it into another 5G phone

Step 3 – Run speed tests on both 5G and 4G

  • If the other phone also has slow 5G: The problem is your carrier (congestion, throttling, or coverage). Call your carrier.
  • If the other phone has fast 5G: The problem is your Xiaomi – reset network settings (Fix 7).

Contact Your Carrier – When Required

Call your carrier if:

  • The other phone also has slow 5G (proving carrier issue)
  • You've confirmed your phone has n78 band but 5G is still slow
  • You suspect your plan has a speed cap or throttling

Carrier numbers: EE (150), O2 (202), Vodafone (191), Three (333)

Request them to check if your plan includes full 5G speeds, and send a new SIM profile if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my 5G slower than 4G on Xiaomi in the UK?

Use the decision tree above. Most common causes: (Type A) network congestion on n78 – test at 6am. (Type B) SA mode instability – disable SA. (Type C) carrier throttling – test Speedtest vs Fast.com.

How do I disable 5G Standalone (SA) mode on Xiaomi?

Settings → Additional settings → Developer options → 5G network mode → "NSA only". If Developer options is hidden, tap "MIUI/HyperOS version" 7 times in About phone. Note: This setting is not available on all devices and carriers may override it.

Does Three UK throttle 5G video speeds on Xiaomi?

Yes. Three throttles video streaming to 2-4Mbps on 5G. Test with Fast.com (video) vs Speedtest.net (general). If Fast.com is much slower, Three is throttling – this is normal for Three and SMARTY.

What does "after reset – still slow" mean?

If 5G remains slow after resetting network settings, the problem is not your phone settings. It's either carrier-side (congestion, throttling, coverage) or hardware (missing n78 band). Call your carrier or check your phone's band support.

Which 5G bands does my Xiaomi need for UK carriers?

n78 (3500MHz) is the most important for speed. If your imported Xiaomi lacks n78, 5G may be slower than 4G. Check your model's specifications online.

Related Guides

Xiaomi 5G Slower Than 4G on UK Networks

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Guides at UK Xiaomi

Xiaomi WiFi Calling Stops Working After HyperOS Update

Xiaomi WiFi Calling Stops Working After HyperOS Update – UK Fix This guide helps if your Xiaomi WiFi Calling (VoWiFi) stopped working or disappeared completely after a HyperOS update, even though it worked before the update. Quick Answer: If WiFi Calling stopped working after a HyperOS update, first check whether the WiFi Calling toggle is still present in Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → [Your carrier] SIM → WiFi Calling. If the toggle is missing, try dialling *#*#869434#*#* (VoWiFi carrier check disable) and restarting – this restores the toggle on many Xiaomi devices. If the toggle is greyed out or doesn't work, contact your carrier to check WiFi Calling is still enabled on your account. Applies to Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi Phones This guide applies to Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices running MIUI or HyperOS on all UK carriers – EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, and their MVNOs. 🔍 Quick Diagnostic – Toggle vs Function ...
Read more

Xiaomi Calls Going Straight to Voicemail on O2

Xiaomi Calls Going Straight to Voicemail on O2 – UK Fix This guide also helps if your Xiaomi is not receiving calls on O2 even though signal appears normal. Quick Answer: If your Xiaomi calls go straight to voicemail on O2, first check Do Not Disturb is OFF – swipe down the notification shade and tap the DND icon to disable it. Then check Call Forwarding: Phone app → three dots → Settings → Calling accounts → O2 → Call forwarding → ensure "Always forward" is OFF. Also check Blocked numbers and enable VoLTE. If the problem only happens in certain locations, it may be coverage-related. Applies to Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi Phones This guide applies to Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices running MIUI or HyperOS on the O2 UK network, including MVNOs like Giffgaff, Sky Mobile, and Tesco Mobile. 🔍 Quick Start – Find Your Path Symptom Most Likely Cause Go To All calls go strai...
Read more

Xiaomi Audio Problems on HyperOS Devices Explained

Xiaomi Audio Problems on HyperOS Devices Explained – UK Guide HyperOS audio problems can affect the phone speaker, wired headphones, USB-C earphones, Bluetooth devices, microphones and car audio systems. Although many issues look similar, they usually have different causes. This guide helps you identify the symptom first, then directs you to the appropriate troubleshooting guide. Quick Answer: Most HyperOS audio issues are caused by incorrect volume settings, Bluetooth routing, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth codec selection, equalizer settings, microphone permissions or hardware faults. Use the diagnostic table below to identify the correct troubleshooting guide. Start Here – Find Your Problem No sound at all → Go to Speaker & Headphone Audio Problems Bluetooth connected but silent → Go to Bluetooth Connected But No Sound Speaker too quiet → Go to Speaker Volume Low Bluetooth audio sounds poor → Go t...
Read more

Xiaomi Bluetooth Connected But No Sound Issue Fix

Xiaomi Bluetooth Connected But No Sound Issue Fix – UK Guide If your Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO device shows as connected to a Bluetooth speaker, headphones, or car system but no sound comes out, this guide covers the most common causes and how to fix them. Quick Answer: If your Xiaomi is connected to Bluetooth but no sound plays, first check that the media volume is turned up on your phone. Then check the Bluetooth device settings: Settings → Connection & sharing → Bluetooth → tap the gear icon next to your device → ensure Media audio is enabled. Also check that the Bluetooth device itself is turned on and not muted. Restart your phone and re-pair the device if the issue persists. 🔍 Quick Diagnostic Table What you see What it usually means Device shows as connected but no sound Media audio disabled or volume issue Music plays but no sound Bluetooth device muted or vo...
Read more

Xiaomi Internet Stops Working After Midnight

Xiaomi Internet Stops Working After Midnight – UK Fix If your Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO device loses internet connection at night—whether it's WiFi dropping, mobile data disconnecting, or both—this guide explains the most common causes and how to fix them. Quick Answer: If your internet stops working after midnight, first check whether other devices on the same network are also affected. Then, if available on your device, go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Additional settings (if available) → set "Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep" to Always. If that doesn't help, check Settings → Battery → Additional features → turn OFF "Clear cache when device is locked" (if available). Also check your router for scheduled reboots—some routers are configured to restart automatically overnight. 🔍 Quick Diagnostic Table What happens What it usually means Go To WiFi disconnects at night, rec...
Read more

Xiaomi Sound Quality Worse After Update

Xiaomi Sound Quality Worse After Update – UK Fix If your Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO device started sounding worse after a system update—tinny, muffled, distorted, or lacking bass—this guide explains why it happened and how to fix it. Quick Answer: If sound quality dropped after an update, first check that your settings haven't been reset. Updates can affect Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth codecs, equalizer settings, accessibility audio, media output routing, Bluetooth profiles, app permissions, or audio effects. Try toggling Dolby Atmos off temporarily: Settings → Sound & vibration → Dolby Atmos → toggle OFF. Restart your phone. If the issue is a known bug, a system patch may be coming—check for updates regularly. 🔍 Quick Diagnostic Table What you hear What it usually means Sound tinny, lacking bass after update Dolby Atmos clash or codec reset Muffled or distorted sound Do...
Read more

Xiaomi WiFi Calling Stops Working After HyperOS Update

Quick Answer: If WiFi Calling (VoWiFi) is not working or missing on your Xiaomi after a HyperOS update, first dial *#*#869434#*#* (disables carrier check on some devices), restart, then check Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → [Your UK carrier] SIM → WiFi Calling. If still missing, toggle Airplane mode on/off and re-enable WiFi Calling. How to Fix Xiaomi WiFi Calling After HyperOS – 5 Quick Steps Disable VoWiFi carrier check (if available) – Dial *#*#869434#*#* , then restart Toggle WiFi Calling off/on – Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → [Carrier] SIM → WiFi Calling → OFF → wait 10 seconds → ON Toggle Airplane mode – ON for 30 seconds, then OFF Check carrier provisioning – Contact your carrier to confirm WiFi Calling is enabled on your account Reset network settings – Settings → Connection & sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and Bluetooth Why This Happens ...
Read more

Xiaomi Equalizer Settings: Best Sound for Headphones & Earbuds (UK 2026)

How to Boost Headphone Bass on Xiaomi Phones (MIUI Guide for UK Users) Music is closely tied to emotions, and for many UK users, headphones are a constant companion throughout the day—whether commuting in London , relaxing in a Manchester flat, or catching up on podcasts in Birmingham . Naturally, everyone wants the best possible sound quality from their Xiaomi device, without relying on third-party apps that take up storage space. Why Bass Matters Before boosting headphone bass, it’s worth understanding the basics. Humans can hear frequencies from 20Hz to 20kHz. The lower end, below 250Hz, represents bass sounds. Within this range, the lowest frequencies contribute to deep bass, while slightly higher frequencies provide “punchy” bass. MIUI’s equaliser allows you to tweak these frequencies, regardless of the headphone model—be it Mi AirDots , Redmi AirDots S, or higher-end wired headphones. Setting up the equaliser properly is crucial for achieving the richest sound experience...
Read more

Xiaomi Sound Not Working After HyperOS Update

Xiaomi Sound Not Working After HyperOS Update – UK Fix If your Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO device has lost all sound after a HyperOS update—no ringtone, no media audio, no notification sounds—this guide helps you diagnose and fix the issue. Although this guide focuses on HyperOS, many of the same troubleshooting steps also apply to devices running recent MIUI versions. Quick Answer: If sound stopped working after a HyperOS update, first check your volume settings, Do Not Disturb, and Bluetooth connections. Restart your phone and check for available updates. Some HyperOS releases have introduced audio issues on specific Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models—a software issue introduced by a recent update may be the cause. If other users report the same behaviour on the same software version, check for a newer OTA update before assuming the speaker is faulty. 🔍 Quick Diagnostic Table What you see What it usually means Go To ...
Read more

Xiaomi Equalizer Missing in Settings (HyperOS)

Xiaomi Equalizer Missing in Settings (HyperOS) – UK Fix If the graphic equalizer has disappeared from your Xiaomi's Sound settings after a HyperOS update, you're not alone. This guide explains where to find it, why it may be missing, and how to restore advanced audio controls. Quick Answer: If the equalizer is missing, first connect headphones – the equalizer is often hidden without them. Then check Settings → Sound & vibration → Sound effects → Graphic equalizer. If you only see Dolby Atmos presets, the equalizer may have been integrated into that menu. Applies to Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi Phones This guide applies to Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices running MIUI or HyperOS, including Redmi Note series, POCO X/F series, and Xiaomi flagships. 🔍 Quick Diagnostic Table What you see What it usually means Equalizer missing from Sound settings Hidden without headphones...
Read more