4G+ speed allows you to watch high-quality videos, download large amounts of information, and open heavy websites. This is the improved fourth generation of mobile communications, called LTE Advanced. Now let’s find out how to enable frequency aggregation on Xiaomi and what it means.
Frequency aggregation – what it is
Carrier aggregation in LTE is the simultaneous connection to multiple communication channels for faster Internet. It combines the same or different bands into one stream. For example, band 7 + band 3 or band 7 + band 7.
Each operator provides mobile Internet on certain channels with a set band. Many users use them, and the channels are overloaded. Therefore, the smartphone connects two or three bands to increase the speed. This is called frequency aggregation. When you use frequency aggregation, a 4G+ (LTE+) icon appears in the status bar on your device, which means fast data transfer.
An important point: any smartphone has a maximum Internet speed that cannot be exceeded. This indicator is called LTE Cat. Aggregation is only possible on devices with LTE Cat.6 or higher. Then the speed will reach about 300 Mbps. The flagships have higher speeds, while the budget models have much lower speeds.
Not all phones support frequency aggregation. Older ultra-budget models do not have this function. How to check the presence of LTE–A – read in the next paragraph.
What are the frequency bands?
To better understand the topic, let’s take a closer look at the frequency bands, which are called bands. Band 7 gives out 2500 MHz when transmitting and 2600 MHz when receiving. This standard is used in densely populated and metropolitan areas, as is band 38 (2600 MHz). Band 3 (1800 MHz) is common in smaller cities.
Which models support
We figured out what frequency aggregation is for and how it works. Below will be a list of models that support LTE Advanced.
- All new models.
- Mi 5s;
- Mi 6;
- The entire Mi 8 lineup;
- Mi 9, Mi 9 Explorer Edition, Mi 9 Pro (5G), Mi 9 SE, Mi 9T, Mi 9T Pro;
- Mi 10, Mi 10 Pro, Mi 10 Ultra;
- Mi Note 10, Mi Note 10 Pro, Mi Note 10 Lite;
- Mi Note 3, Mi Note 2, Mi Note Pro;
- Mi Max 2;
- Mi A1, Mi A2, Mi A2 Lite, Mi A3;
- Mi CC9, Mi CC9 Pro, Mi 9 CC9e, Mi CC9 Meitu Edition;
- The entire Poco lineup;
- All Black Shark models;
- Mi Mix Alpha; Mi Mix 2S; Mi Mix 3 5G;
- The entire Redmi K30 line;
- The entire Redmi 9 and Redmi Note 9 lineup;
- Redmi Note 8, Redmi Note 8 Pro, Redmi Note 8T, Redmi 8, Redmi 8A;
- Redmi Note 7, Redmi Note 7 Pro, Redmi 7, Redmi 7A;
- Redmi 6A; Redmi Note 6 Pro;
- Redmi S2;
- Redmi 5 Plus;
- Redmi Note 4X; Redmi Note 4; Redmi 4 Prime; Redmi 4 (4X);
- Redmi Note 3.
As we can see, almost all Xiaomi smartphones have frequency aggregation. But the presence of such a possibility in the phone does not yet mean stable operation. Much depends on the operator and coverage.
4G, LTE, and 4G+
These designations are slightly different from each other. 4G is a full-fledged fourth-generation communication with 100 Mbps and above speeds. LTE was initially positioned as an improved version of 3G, but over time this standard has been equated with 4G. The best option is 4G+. This technology provides the fastest Internet, second only to 5G.
Pluses and minuses of using it with smartphones
With the help of frequency aggregation, the Internet on a cell phone is significantly accelerated. This is the main advantage. In practice, the difference with the usual fourth generation is quite noticeable. Web pages open much faster; video in 1080p and higher resolution does not slow down. LTE Advanced technology is especially relevant in crowded areas where channels are usually congested.
There is also a disadvantage – the rapid discharge of the phone. Because the device has to connect to several channels, the battery drains much faster. Also, not all operators can provide 4G+. In some regions, the service is not available.
Only you can decide whether you need frequency aggregation or you can do without this feature in favor of saving battery power.
How to enable and configure frequency aggregation on Xiaomi
In the settings menu on Xiaomi and Redmi, there is no item responsible for enabling carrier aggregation. Such a section is present only on Huawei phones. On Xiaomi, 4G+ starts automatically if the following conditions are met:
- availability of LTE-A function in the phone and a Cat.6 module or higher;
- the operator provides this service in your region.
How do I know whether there is frequency aggregation on your model? Look at the smartphone’s specifications on the relevant site (Gsmarena, forum XDA Developers, online store). In the item “Connectivity” you will see the Cat modem version, communication generation, and frequency aggregation if it is supported (indicated as LTE-A). An example is on the screenshot.
If the 4G+ icon does not appear, check with your operator to find out why. In the Xiaomi settings, turn on the preferred network type. To do this:
- Go to “SIM cards and mobile networks”. Click on the card’s name in the “SIM card settings” column.
- Go to the “Preferred network type” tab. Select “Preferably 4G (LTE)”.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to make frequency aggregation by default. LTE+ may occasionally stop working on your device despite good coverage. If frequency aggregation is lost, restart your phone and wait a while for the signal to improve.
Determining cellular frequency through Android apps
There are no apps to enable frequency aggregation. But you can determine the current cellular frequency. Most programs require root access. The exception is the CellMapper utility. You can download it from Google Play.
Install the application and run. Provide the requested permissions. Immediately all information is displayed, namely the station search, signal, coverage quality, etc. Pay attention to the band number and frequency range. In my case, it is band 3 with 1742 MHz. If carrier aggregation is being used, this will be displayed in the program.
Disabling unnecessary frequencies in MIUI
By turning off frequencies that are not used in the region, you will save battery power significantly. But be careful and check with your operator which frequencies are useless for your area.
You will need the app Qct Modem Capabilities, which with a few clicks, turns off bands. The program does not work without root rights! It can deactivate frequencies of 2G, 3G, and 4G networks.
- Download the apk file from XDA and install it according to the standard scheme.
- Launch the application and grant access to Super User rights.
- Click on the checkbox in the upper right corner of the screen, and mark the frequencies you want to turn off / on.
Also, via Qct Modem, you can find out what frequencies are supported on the phone. This information is displayed on the main screen of the utility.
We have discussed what frequency aggregation means on Xiaomi and how to use it. If you have more questions about this topic, you can always ask for help in the comments. Good luck!
