A multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) mode configuration method is applied to a terminal, and includes: determining a triggering factor, the triggering factor including terminal information that triggers MIMO mode adjustment; sending a first instruction, the first instruction being used for requesting a network device to configure an MIMO mode matched with the triggering factor for the terminal; and obtaining a second instruction, the second instruction being used for representing the MIMO mode configured by the network device for the terminal.