How to put a password on SIM-Xiaomi card: protection against unauthorized access

Protection SIM-Password Cards – An Important Step to Prevent Unauthorized Access to Your Calls, SMS On Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and mobile Internet) POCO) This function is implemented through standard Android settings, but taking into account the proprietary shell MIUI. Many users do not know that the default SIM-The card is not password protected, even if the phone has a pattern lock or PIN-lock-screen.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions for activation. PIN-code SIM-maps, tips on choosing a strong password and answers to frequent questions.We will also discuss what to do if you forget PIN The instructions are valid for all modern Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and other devices based on MIUI 12–14.

Why put a password on SIM-map?

Most users limit themselves to unlocking the screen without thinking about security. SIM-But not the maps. PIN-The attacker may have:

  • πŸ“ž Call from your number (including paid services).
  • πŸ’¬ Read and send SMS, including messages with confirmation codes.
  • 🌐 Use the mobile internet if you SIM-card inserted into another phone.
  • πŸ”„ Move the number to another SIM-card through the operator (when the phone is lost).

According to Kaspersky, more than 30% of phone thefts are associated with fraud. SIM-map. PIN-The code doesn't provide 100% protection, but it makes it much harder for attackers to live without it:

  • πŸ”“ Unlock. SIM-card after rebooting the phone.
  • πŸ“± Use the card in another device (if you do not know) PIN).
  • πŸ”„ Restore access to the number through the operator (required) PUK-code).
πŸ“Š Have you ever lost your phone with an unlocked phone? SIM-card?
Yeah, I lost.
No, never.
I remember.
I always have. PIN on SIM

It is important to understand that PIN-code SIM-The cards are not the same as:

  • πŸ”’ Lock screen password (pattern lock, fingerprint, Face) ID).
  • πŸ” Mi Account password (for synchronization of Xiaomi data).
  • πŸ“± Application password (for example, for banking programs).

How to put a password on SIM-Map in Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Activation procedure PIN-The code is the same for all Xiaomi models, but the path in the menu may vary slightly depending on the version. MIUI. We will look at the universal method relevant for Android 10-14.

Make sure that SIM-The card is active and recognized by the phone|

Remember or write down. PUK-code (contained on a plastic carrier) SIM-map)|

Connect your phone to charge (in case of lockdown)|

Check that you have access to another phone (to contact the operator when locked)

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To set the password:

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (or Mobile Network in older versions) MIUI).
  3. Choose yours. SIM-If you have two cards, then you should take them).
  4. Press Lock. SIM-maps (or Installation) PIN-code SIM-map).
  5. Activate the SIM-card lock switch.
  6. Enter the standard. PIN-code (usually 0000 or 1234 if you have not changed it).
  7. Think of it and enter a new one. PIN-code (from 4 to 8 digits).
  8. Confirm it by re-entering.

After saving the phone, ask for PIN-the code the next time you turn on or reboot. SIM-The procedure must be repeated separately for each.

πŸ’‘

If you don’t remember the standard PIN-code SIM-If you look at the card, look at the plastic media that you see with the card, it's usually next to the card. PUK-code.

How to change or disable PIN-code SIM-map

If you want to change your password or remove the lock altogether, do the following:

For modification PIN-code:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [yours SIM-map] β†’ Lockdown SIM-map.
  2. Click Change. PIN-code SIM-map.
  3. Enter the current PIN, then a new one (twice).

To disable the lock:

  1. Follow the same path: Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [yours SIM-map].
  2. Turn off the SIM-card lock switch.
  3. Enter the current PIN for confirmation.

⚠️ Warning: If you turn off the lock SIM-Any person with physical access to your phone can retrieve the card and use it on another device without restrictions.

What to do if you forgot PIN-code SIM-map

If you've entered an infidel PIN-code three times in a row, SIM-The card will be automatically blocked and will require PUK-Personal Unblocking Key: This code is 8 digits long and is shown on a plastic carrier. SIM-maps (near the PIN-code).

To unlock the card:

  1. When a request appears, enter PUK-Enter 8 digits from the plastic card.
  2. After that, the system will introduce a new PIN-code (think it up and remember it!).

If you lost PUK-code:

  • πŸ“ž Contact the communication salon of your operator (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) with a passport.
  • 🌐 Use the online support chat (on the operator's website).
  • πŸ“± Call from another number to the operator hotline.

⚠️ Note: If you enter the incorrect 10 times in a row PUK-code, SIM-The card will be permanently locked and will have to be changed in the communications room!

Can we get around? PIN-code SIM-cardboard PUK?
No, it's technically impossible. PIN and PUK β€” These are hardware protections sewn into a chip. SIM-No software or hacks can help you to reset the lock, and the only way out is to contact the operator with the passport to restore access or replace the card.

Comparison of protection methods SIM-maps in Xiaomi

Besides the standard PIN-Xiaomi can use additional security measures. Below is a comparison of the basic methods:

Protection methodLevel of securityNecessity of inputCons
PIN-code SIM-map⭐⭐⭐⭐After the reboot.Can forget, limited to 3 attempts
Lock screen password⭐⭐⭐Every time you unlock.Not protecting. SIM-card
Mi Account⭐⭐⭐⭐When resetting settingsIt does not protect against physical extraction of the SIM
Two-factor authentication (2FA)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐When logging in to your accountIt doesn't affect safety. SIM-map

For maximum protection, we recommend combining PIN-code SIM-map + lock-screen + This will make your phone virtually invulnerable to most attacks.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you set up PIN-Users often make errors that can lead to blocking SIM-Let's look at the most common maps:

  • πŸ”’ Use of simple codes (1234, 0000, 1111). PIN pick up.
  • πŸ“ Unwritten. PUK-Without it, unlocking the card after 3 wrong attempts will be difficult.
  • πŸ”„ Disable the lock before the trip. In roaming, the risk of losing the phone is higher, and SIM without PIN vulnerable.
  • πŸ“± Ignoring the request PIN post-refresh MIUI. Sometimes after the firmware lock is reset.

To avoid problems:

  • πŸ”’ Use the unique PIN (For example, 4729 instead of 1234).
  • πŸ“‹ Save it. PUK-Code in Notes or Google Keep (noted "SIM").
  • πŸ”„ Check the lock settings after the update MIUI.
  • πŸ“± Test the input PIN on the second phone (if there is a spare phone) SIM).

πŸ’‘

Never keep it. PIN and PUK-Use password managers (such as Mi Security or Mi Security) 1Password) coded.

Additional security measures for SIM-maps in Xiaomi

Besides the standard PIN-In Xiaomi, you can activate additional security features:

  • πŸ” Blocking changes in settings SIM (requires a password to change operator).
  • πŸ“‘ Restriction of roaming (ban on connecting to foreign networks without confirmation).
  • πŸ”• Hiding the number (prohibition to determine your number when calling).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Protection against SIM-swap fraud (change notifications) SIM-map).

To include these functions:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [yours SIM] β†’ Additional settings.
  2. Activate the necessary options (for example, PIN Request when roaming).

To protect against SIM-swap fraud (when attackers transfer your number to their SIM card):

  • πŸ“± Set up change notifications SIM cameraman.
  • πŸ”’ Enable two-factor authentication for the operator account.
  • πŸ“ž Check your phone history regularly for suspicious numbers.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

πŸ”Ή Can I put a password on SIM-card without rebooting the phone?
Yes, the lock is activated immediately after setting up, but the first PIN request will only appear when the phone is turned on or restarted the next time. To check the function, restart the device manually (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Reboot).
πŸ”Ή What to do if the phone asks for PIN-code SIM, But I didn't install it?
Probably on SIM-The standard card has already been activated. PIN (If you don't, please contact the operator with the passport to reset, and check if someone else has activated the lock (for example, when buying a used phone).
πŸ”Ή Can I put a graphical key instead? PIN-code SIM-map?
No, SIM-The cards only support digital digital PIN-codes (4-8 digits) pattern lock, fingerprint or Face ID You can only use it to unlock your phone’s screen, but not to protect it. SIM-map.
πŸ”Ή Will the mobile internet work if you don’t PIN-code?
No, not the right one. PIN-code SIM-The card will be blocked and neither calls nor the Internet will work, except for emergency calls (for example, 112), which are available even with a blocked one. SIM.
πŸ”Ή Can data be restored from SIM-post-blocking cards?
No, lockdown. PIN/PUK does not affect the data stored on SIM-map (contacts, SMS). However, modern Xiaomi phones by default keep contacts in a Google or Mi Account, not on a mobile phone. SIM. To check this out, go to Contacts. β†’ Settings β†’ Imports/Exports.