Why put a password on SIM-Map and how it works in Xiaomi
Have you ever lost a phone or left it unattended? In these situations, attackers can not only access your data, but also use mobile communications β call, send. SMS Or even make paid subscriptions through an operator. PIN-code SIM-Map in Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi models, POCO, Black Shark solves this problem: without entering a password, the card will be blocked, and communication will not be available.
Unlike a pattern lock or fingerprint that protects the smartphone itself, PIN-code SIM-This means that even if a thief resets the phone to factory settings, he or she will not be able to make or surf the Internet through a mobile network without your password. PIN-code is stored on a chip SIM-cards, not in the phone memory β it can not be reset through settings MIUI.
It is important to understand the difference between PIN and PUK:
- π PIN (Personal Identification Number is a 4-8 digit password that is requested every time you turn on your phone or restart.
- π PUK (Personal Unblocking Key β a unique 8-digit unlock code SIM-cards if PIN entered incorrectly 3 times in a row, it can only be found from the operator (for example, through the personal account of MTS, Beeline, MegaFon or Tele2).
In this article, we will discuss how to include a request. PIN-code on Xiaomi with a shell MIUI 12/13/14, What to do if you forget your password, and why it sometimes doesn't work, and also, we'll talk about hidden settings that will help you to strengthen your security.
Preparation: What to Know Before Setup
Before activating. PIN-code SIM-Check out a few key points: First, make sure your card supports this feature β most modern ones SIM (including nano-SIM and eSIM) have it, but older instances (released before 2010) may not support it.
Second, by default. PIN-new-code SIM-The card is often disabled, but the operator assigns it a standard password (for example, 0000 or 1234). If you have never changed it, try entering these combinations when setting up. If they do not fit, contact the operator.
Also consider:
- π± After inclusion PIN-It's going to be a little bit more difficult, but for the sake of security, it's worth accepting.
- β‘ If you enter the incorrect 3 times in a row PIN, SIM-The card is locked and you will need to unlock it. PUK-code.
- π When changing your phone (for example, from Xiaomi to iPhone) PIN-The code will remain the same β it is tied to the card, not the device.
β οΈ Note: If you use two of these SIM-maps in Xiaomi (dual-SIM), setting PIN-You have to run the code separately for each of them, but the passwords can be different.
| Script | Action. | Effects of consequences |
|---|---|---|
| PIN on, phone off. | When activated, you will need to enter a password | Without a PIN, communication is not available. |
| PIN on, flight-mode phone | Password not requested | Communications are off by default |
| 3 Misguided Attempts to Enter PIN | SIM-card blocked | Required. PUK-operator |
| 10 Misguided Attempts to Enter PUK | SIM-The card is permanently blocked | Replacement of the card from the operator is required |
Step-by-step instruction: how to turn on PIN-code SIM-map
Password activation is the same for most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13 and others. Instructions are suitable for MIUI 12-14 shells (including global and Chinese versions).
βοΈ What to do before setting up
- Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
- Scroll down and select the Passwords and Security section.
- Tap on the Settings item SIM-maps (in some versions) MIUI It could be called Security. SIM-map).
- Choose. SIM-The card you want to set your password for (if you have two cards, repeat the process for each card).
- Activate the switch Lock PIN-code.
- Enter the current one. PIN-code (default can be 0000, 1111 or 1234). If it does not fit, contact the operator.
- Come up with a new one. PIN-code (from 4 to 8 digits) and enter it twice to confirm. Avoid simple combinations such as date of birth.
- Press Ready or Save.
Now, every time you turn on or restart your phone, the system will ask for a call. PIN-If you use the Quick Boot feature (some Xiaomi models call it Fastboot), the password may not be requested β this is fine, as the phone technically doesnβt turn off completely.
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If you're afraid to forget PIN-code, write it in a secure place (like Google Keep notes with encryption) or use a password manager like Bitwarden. Never store your password in plaintext on your phone!
What to do if you forgot PIN-code SIM-maps in Xiaomi
Forgetting 4-8 digits is easier than it sounds, especially if you rarely reboot your phone. PIN 3 consecutive times, SIM-The card is blocked and a request will appear on the screen. PUK-Here's what to do in a situation like this:
1. Find it. PUK-It's a code:
- π documents which were issued together with SIM-card (usually on a plastic carrier).
- π In the personal office of the operator (section "My" SIM-mapsβ or βservice management").
- β By phone hotline (for example, 0890 for MegaFon, 0611 for MTS).
2. Enter. PUK-code to the appropriate field on the lock screen, and then the system will prompt you to install a new PIN.
3. Create a new PIN and write it down in a safe place. Avoid repeating the old password.
β οΈ Note: If you enter incorrectly 10 times PUK-code, SIM-The card will be permanently blocked, in which case you will have to contact the operator's salon for a new card (usually free, but the number can change).
If you havenβt blocked the card but just forgot the PIN, try the standard combinations:
- 0000 or 1234 are the most common factory PINs.
- 1111 or 9999 β sometimes used by operators.
- The last 4 digits of the phone number (for example, if the number is +7 9XX 123-45-67, try 4567).
Can I reset the PIN without the PUK?
Problems and Mistakes: Why It Doesnβt Work PIN-Xiaomi
Sometimes users are faced with the fact that PIN-The code is not requested or saved. Let's look at the typical problems and their solutions:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| PIN is not requested when switched on | The "Quick Boot" function is enabled | Turn it off in Settings β Features β Quick download |
| You can't change the PIN. | SIM-card blocked | Unlock it with the help of PUK-code |
| The "PIN lock" item is not in the settings | Unofficial firmware installed | Update MIUI to the official version |
| PIN is requested too often | Failure of the module SIM-map | Restart your phone or remove/insert the SIM |
After inclusion PIN-The connection is lost or an error appears "SIM-The card is not supported, try it:
- Remove and re-insert SIM-card (by pre-switching off the phone).
- Check if the card is correctly installed in the tray (chip down, beveled corner to the body).
- Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings β About Phone β System Update.
- Reset network settings in Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Resetting network settings.
If the problem persists, it may be damaged itself. SIM-Try inserting it into another phone, and if the error repeats, contact the operator for a replacement.
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If, after activation, PIN-When the phone stopped catching the network, it was likely a physical contact problem. SIM-Clean the contacts of the card with a soft eraser and reinstall it.
Additional security measures for SIM-maps in Xiaomi
PIN-code is just the first step to protecting mobile communications, to make sure that you're as secure as possible. SIM-Card from scammers, use these tips:
- π Turn it off. USSD-Fraud prevention teams. MIUI This can be done through settings. β Annexes β Application management β Three dots (menu) β Special access β USSD-Codes and disable permission for all applications.
- π΅ Set up a lock on outgoing calls through the operator (for example, the service "Banning Outbound" from MegaFon), this will protect against unauthorized calls, even if the thief finds out. PIN.
- π Turn on change notifications SIM-Some operators (e.g. Tele2) send SMS to a backup number when you change the card in your account.
- π± Use eSIM (if your Xiaomi supports) Virtual SIM harder to copy by fraudsters.
It is also important to regularly check your activity. SIM-For example, in the operator's personal account, you can see the history of calls and SMS. If you notice suspicious activity (such as calling to other countries), block your card immediately.
For owners of Xiaomi with MIUI 14 Available Protection function SIM-The card is in the Passwords and Security section, and it allows you to link the unlock. SIM-Fingerprint code or facial recognition is handy if you reboot your phone frequently.
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If you travel frequently, install your carrierβs app (such as My MTS or MegaFon) and you can quickly block it. SIM-card when you lose your phone without waiting for a call in support.
How to turn off PIN-code SIM-map
If you think that asking for a password every time you turn on your phone is a problem, you can turn it off at any time.
- Go to Settings β Passwords and Security β SIM-card settings.
- Choose yours. SIM-card (if two of them).
- Turn off the switch Locking PIN-code.
- Enter the current one. PIN-proof-code.
After that, the password will no longer be requested. PIN-code SIM-If you turn off the security because of inconvenience, consider alternatives:
- Use the overnight flight mode to avoid entering PIN in the morning.
- Set up automatic fingerprint unlock (if your Xiaomi model supports it).
- Install a pattern lock on the phone itself β it will not replace PIN SIM-cards, but will add a layer of protection.
β οΈ WARNING: If you sell or transfer your Xiaomi to another person, be sure to extract it. SIM-map, even if PIN-The code is disabled, the new owner can access your calls and SMS, if you forget to take out the map.