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

Protecting your personal data on a smartphone starts with basic security measures, and one of them is installing PIN- code on a SIM- card. On Xiaomi devices (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi models), this process takes only a few minutes, but many users don't know where to find the right settings or how to set up the protection correctly. Without PIN- code, an attacker who accessed your phone will be able to easily call, send SMS or use the mobile Internet at your expense.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to set a password on the SIM- card on any Xiaomi smartphone, including the new 2023-2026 models, you will learn not only the standard method through settings, but also alternative methods for different versions of the MIUI shell. We will also tell you what to do if you forgot the PIN- code, how to disable the password request when you reboot and why some operators block the ZXQPH0005QXXXXX after three incorrect attempts.

Important: the procedure is different from setting a pattern lock or password on a lock screen. PIN- code SIM protects the card operator, not the data on the phone. If you extract the SIM and paste it into another device, the password request will remain.

Why put a password on SIM-map?

Many users neglect protection. SIM-There are several good reasons to activate the card, considering it unnecessary. PIN-code:

• 🔒 Protection against theft: If the phone falls into the wrong hands, an attacker will not be able to make calls or use the internet without entering PIN.
• 💳 Payment security: some bank SMS (for example, to confirm transfers) come to a phone number. Without PIN- code, a fraudster can intercept them.
• 📱 Compatibility with corporate policies: Mandatory protection is often required on work phones SIM.
• 🔄 Setting Reset Protection: After hard reset, the phone will request PIN to activate SIM, making it harder for unauthorized use.

According to the statistics of telecom operators, more than 30% of cases of fraud with mobile numbers are associated with theft or temporary loss of a phone. PIN- code does not give 100% security guarantee (for example, it can be picked up), but significantly complicates the task for attackers.

⚠️ Warning: If you set the PIN- code but forget it, you can only unlock SIM through an operator (passport and contract required). Some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) have a fee-paying unlock up to 300 rubles.

How to put PIN- code on the SIM- card: the standard method

The instructions are suitable for all Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI 12-14, including models Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and others. The procedure is the same for both SIM- cards (if the phone supports Dual ZXQPH0008QXXZ).

Steps:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (or mobile networks on some models).
3. Select your SIM- card (e.g. SIM 1 or operator name).
4. Slip on the block item SIM-maps or Install PIN-code.
5. Activate the switch Request PIN- code.
6. Enter the current PIN (it is usually 0000 or 1234 by default if you haven’t changed it).
7. Come up with a new PIN (from 4 to 8 digits) and confirm it.

After saving the changes, the phone will ask you to enter PIN the next time you turn on or restart. If you use two SIM- cards, repeat the procedure for each separately.

Make sure that SIM-The card is active and catches the network

Remember or record a new PIN in a safe place

Check balance (at some rates, blocking SIM leads to a write-off of funds)

Turn off the automatic phone reboot (if configured)

-->

On some MIUI firmware, the path to settings may be slightly different. For example, on older versions (up to MIUI 11), the item was called SIM- Card Security. If you don't find the right partition, search in the settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen) and type in the query "PIN".

Alternative methods of installing PIN- code

If the standard method didn’t work (for example, due to custom firmware or system error), try one of the alternatives.

Method 1: Through the Quick Settings Menu

On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 10 or POCO M4) you can quickly get into the settings of the SIM- card via the notification panel:

1. Swipe your finger down to open the notification curtain.
2. Press and hold the mobile network icon (such as 4G or 5G).
3. In the menu that opens, select the SIM- card settings.
4. Follow the standard instructions (SIM-card lock item).

Method 2: Through USSD- command (for some operators)

Some operators (e.g. Tele2) allow you to control the PIN- code via USSD- requests.

*111*123#

or

*100#

After dialing, a menu will appear where you can select "Manage PIN" option. Clarify the current command on your operator's website.

⚠️ Attention: USSD-You can write off the balance sheet, check the rates on the operator's website before using them. USSD-request - 0.50 rubles.

Method 3: Through the Engineering Menu (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work, you can try activating a PIN request through an engineering menu, which is suitable for power users, as improper actions can disrupt the network.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
3. Scroll down to the SIM- section of the card and tap it.
4. Find the Lock Status and change the value to Locked.
5. Save the changes and restart the phone.

After restarting, the system should request PIN- code. If this does not happen, go back to the engineering menu and check if the settings are saved.

Standard settings

Quick settings menu

USSD-team

Engineering menu

I'm not gonna put PIN

-->

How to change or delete PIN- code on SIM- card Xiaomi

If you have already installed a PIN, but want to change it or completely disable the request when you turn on the phone, do the following:

Change of PIN- code

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
3. Tap on Change PIN- code.
4. Enter the current PIN, then a new one (twice for confirmation).

Disabling the PIN request

1. In the same section (SIM- Card Lock) disable the switch Request PIN- Code.
2. Enter the current PIN for confirmation.

Once turned off, the phone will no longer ask for a password when turned on, but the SIM- card itself will remain secure: if you insert it into another device, you will need to enter PIN.

What to do if you forgot PIN-code?

If you enter the wrong PIN three times in a row, the SIM- card will be locked and the phone will require a PUK- code (Personal Unblocking Key).This code consists of 8 digits and is usually indicated on the plastic media to which the SIM- card was attached when you bought it.

If you don't. PUK-code:

• 📞 Call the operator (from another phone) and request unlocking, and you will need to provide passport information and answer to the check question.
• 🌐 Log in to the personal account on the operator's website (for example, lk.mts.ru or my.beeline.ru) and find the section "Management SIM".
• 🏦 Contact the passport communications room, and it'll take 5-10 minutes to unlock.

⚠️ Warning: If you type in the wrong PUK 10 times, the SIM- card will be permanently blocked and will have to be changed to a new one. The operator can charge a replacement fee (from 50 to 200 rubles depending on the tariff).

To avoid blocking:

• 🔢 Use a PIN- code that is easy to remember (e.g. last digits of a phone number + year of birth).
• 📱 Save PUK-code in a cloud service (e.g., Google Keep or Mi Cloud) marked "SIM."
• 🔄 Check regularly to see if PUK has changed (some operators update it when they change rates).

💡

If you often forget passwords, install a PIN- code management app, such as the SIM PIN Manager from Google Play. It stores PIN and PUK in encrypted form and reminds you of them when necessary.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When installing or using PIN- code on Xiaomi, there may be errors. Let's consider the most common and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: Phone does not request PIN after restart

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Settings are not saved: go to Settings → SIM- maps and check if the PIN request is enabled.
• 📱 Firmware failure: Update MIUI to the latest version or reset network settings (Settings → System → Resetting → Network Settings Reset).
• 🔌 Problems with SIM- card: Remove and re-insert the card after cleaning the contacts with a dry wipe.

2 problem: Error "SIM- card locked. Enter PUK"

If you see this message:

1. Find the PUK- code (on the SIM plastic carrier or in a contract with the operator).
2. Enter it in the appropriate field.
3. After unlocking, the system will prompt you to install a new PIN.

If PUK- code is not:

• 📱 Contact the operator via chat in the app (e.g. My MTS or My Beeline).
• 🏦 Visit the communication salon with a passport.

Problem 3: Mobile network is not working after PIN installation

Sometimes, after activation of PIN- code, communication disappears.

• 🔄 Conflict with network settings: go to Settings → Mobile Network → Network Mode and select Auto.
• 📡 Operator problems: check if the provider’s website is being run.
• 🔌 Malfunction SIM-Cards: Try inserting it into another phone.

Additional security measures for SIM-map

Installing the PIN- code is just the first step. To protect your SIM- card as much as possible, follow these tips:

• 🔐 Use complex PIN: avoid simple combinations like 1111 or 1234. The best option is 8 digits with alternately even and odd.
• 📱 Activate two-factor authentication in the operator's personal account, which will protect against fraud even if SIM is inclined.
• 🔄 Check active services regularly: some scammers connect paid subscriptions through USSD- teams. Keep track of expenses in the operator's app.
• 🛡️ Set up locking using IMEI: If the phone is stolen, the operator will be able to lock SIM using a unique device identifier. You can find IMEI by commanding *#06#.

We also recommend:

• 🔗 Disable Call forwarding if you don't use it. Fraudsters can redirect your calls to another number.
• 📧 Set up a login notification to the operator's personal account, which will help you detect unauthorized access in time.

💡

Even if you have installed the PIN- code, regularly check the activity of your SIM- card. Scammers can clone the card or connect a duplicate through the communication salon, bypassing the protection.

FAQ: Frequent questions about PIN- code on Xiaomi