How to install a PIN code on SIM- card in the Xiaomi phone: instructions with photos and tips

Protection of personal data in a smartphone begins with little things — one of them is the SIM- PIN of a card. Many Xiaomi users (including the Redmi and POCO models) neglect this feature, considering it unnecessary. But imagine if your phone fell into the wrong hands. Without a PIN, an attacker can easily extract the SIM, insert it into another device and access the SMS (including codes from banks), calls and even two-factor authentication.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions for installing a PIN code on any Xiaomi smartphone (regardless of the version of MIUI), as well as solutions to typical problems: what to do if you forgot the code, how to disable a PIN request when restarting and why the phone asks for PUK. We will analyze the nuances for two SIM- cards, the features of working with eSIM and give tips on choosing a reliable code.

Why do I need a PIN code on a SIM- card in 2026 year

Skeptics claim that the PIN is a relic of the past: "The phone has a pattern lock or Face ID!" But this is a dangerous misconception. Here are 3 real threats that the PIN on the SIM protects against:

• 🔓 Phone theft: Without a PIN, a thief will be able to retrieve your SIM, paste it into another phone, and access SMS (for example, to reset passwords for banking applications).
• 📱 Device loss: If someone with bad intentions finds the phone, it can make calls on your behalf or use the mobile internet (unless authorization is set up).
• 🛡️ Protection against SIM-swap fraud: Attackers often substitute SIM- cards through telecom operators.

It's important to understand that a PIN doesn't encrypt your data on a SIM- card (there are other mechanisms for that), but it blocks access to the operator's network without authorization. It's like a lock on the front door -- it won't protect you from window penetration, but it will make life much harder for Majority thieves.

On Xiaomi smartphones (especially those with MIUI 12/13/14), the PIN is also integrated with Mi Account security, for example, if you use Find Device, an attacker will not be able to disable the mobile network and hide from tracking without unlocking SIM.

⚠️ Warning: The default PIN (like 0000 or 1234) doesn't provide protection. It can be picked up in minutes. Always set a unique 4-8 digit code.

Preparation: What to Know Before Installing a PIN Code

Before you start setting up, check out a few key points:

1. Make sure the SIM- card is active: If the card is blocked by the operator (for example, due to non-payment), you will not be able to set a PIN.
2. Check out MIUI version: In older versions (below MIUI 10), the security menu may differ. Update system in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
3. PUK- Code: This code is required if you make a mistake in entering a PIN. Usually PUK is listed on the plastic holder SIM- card or in a contract with the operator.

If you have two SIM- cards (or SIM + eSIM), the PIN is customized for each individual. Note: some operators (such as Tele2) will default to disable the PIN request, in which case it must be manually activated.

Step-by-step: how to install a PIN code on SIM in Xiaomi

The customization process is the same for most Xiaomi models, but may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI.

1. Open the "Settings" (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Go to SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks (or Connections → SIM- Cards in the new versions of MIUI).
3. Select the SIM- card you want to install a PIN for (if there are two, repeat the process for each).
4. Slip on the item Lock SIM- card or Set PIN code.
5. Enter the current PIN (by default it is 0000 or 1234 if you have not changed it).
6. Create a new PIN (from 4 to 8 digits) and enter it twice for confirmation.
7. Save the changes and restart the phone to check the work.

Once the PIN is activated, the phone will request it every time it turns on or restarts. If you use eSIM, the process is similar, but the menu may be called eSIM Management.

Remember a new PIN (or write it in a safe place)| Check the PIN request when you reboot | Make sure the mobile network is working after you enter the code | Save PUK- code in case of lock--->

Important: If after installing the PIN code, the phone stopped catching the network, check:

• 🔄 Correctness of the entered code (sometimes the keyboard of the smartphone replaces the numbers).
• 📶 Network settings: go to Settings → Mobile Network → Network Mode and select Auto.
• 🔧 System Updates: There was a PIN error in MIUI 13 on some models (fixed in patches).

How to Disable or Change a PIN Code on Xiaomi

If you're tired of getting a PIN on every phone you turn on, you can turn it off -- but be aware of the risks!

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose the right one. SIM-map and tap the lock SIM-map.
3. Enter the current PIN.
4. Switch the slider Request PIN to the off position..

To change the PIN code in the same menu, select Change the PIN, enter the old code, then the new one (twice). Note that some operators (e.g. MTS) require that the new PIN differ from the old one by at least 2 digits.

⚠️ Warning: If you turn off a PIN request, but then decide to turn it on again, you'll need to enter the original PIN (the one that defaulted or the last one installed). If you forget it, you'll have to contact the operator.

On eSIM models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the PIN disabling process is identical, but the menu can be located in the eSIM Management → Security section.

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If you reboot your phone frequently (for example, to test apps) but don’t want to enter a PIN every time, use the Quick Reboot feature in Settings → Additional → Special Features. It bypasses PIN request, but it doesn’t work on all models.

What to do if you forgot the PIN code on the SIM- card Xiaomi

Forgetting a PIN is easier than it sounds — especially if you rarely reboot your phone. If you typed the wrong 3 PIN on a succession of occasions, the SIM- card will be locked and require a PUK- code. Here's the algorithm for how to proceed:

1. Find PUK- code: It is listed on the plastic holder SIM or in the contract with the operator. If not saved, call support (numbers: MTS - 0890, Beeline - 0611, MegaFon - 0500, Tele2 - 611).
2. Enter PUK: When you request, enter an 8-digit code, then install a new PIN.
3. If PUK is lost: Contact the communication salon with your passport - the operator will issue a new SIM- card with the same number (usually free of charge).

Note: If you make a 10 error with PUK, the SIM- card will be permanently blocked. It cannot be restored, only a replacement.

If you have not blocked the SIM (injected a PIN less than 3 times incorrectly), but do not remember it:

• 📞 Call the operator and ask to reset the PIN. You will need to name the passport details and the code word (if it has been installed).
• 🏠 Visit the document communication salon, where you can issue a new PIN.
• 🔄 In some cases, reinstalling SIM to another phone helps (sometimes resets the try counter).

Xiaomi phones with MIUI 14 have a feature called “PIN Recovery via Mi Account,” but it only works if:

• The phone is linked to a Xiaomi account.
• Data synchronization is enabled.
• SIM- card is not blocked (less than 3 failed attempts).

Solving typical PIN code problems on Xiaomi

Even after setting the PIN correctly, Xiaomi users sometimes encounter errors.

If after installing the PIN code, the phone began to spontaneously restart, check:

• 🔋 Battery condition (a worn-out battery may cause failures).
• 🛠️ System Updates (in MIUI 12 there was an error with the SIM module fixed in the V12.5.3.0 patch).
• 📲 Application conflict (try to start your phone in Safe Mode – if the problem goes away, it’s the software’s fault).

On POCO models (e.g., POCO F4), there is sometimes a bug when the screen goes off after the PIN is entered and the phone does not respond.

1. Press the power button for 10-15 seconds to force a reboot.
2. If it doesn’t work, remove the SIM- card and paste it back in.
3. Update the firmware through Settings → About the phone → System update.

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If the phone after entering the PIN code hangs on the Xiaomi logo, this may indicate damage to the modemst1 or modemst2 partition. In this case, only flashing through Fastboot or contacting the service center will help.

Additional security measures for SIM-maps on Xiaomi

PIN is just the first step to protecting yourself, so let's look at how to make it more secure.

• 🔐 Set a password on Mi Account: This will prevent the phone from remotely unlocking through your Xiaomi account. You can do this in Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Security.
• 📱 Activate Find Device: The feature allows you to lock your phone remotely even if the SIM- card is removed. Settings: Settings → Mi Account → Find the device.
• 🔄 Enable two-factor authentication: For Mi Account and banking applications, use not only SMS, but also Google Authenticator or hardware keys.
• 📵 Turn off notifications on the lock screen: This will prevent data leakage if the phone falls into the wrong hands. Way: Settings → Notifications → On the lock screen.

If you use eSIM, pay attention to the following nuances:

• 🔄 Backup of eSIM profile: Some carriers (e.g., MTS) allow you to save your profile to the cloud, which will help you quickly restore communication when you change your phone.
• 📱 Dual SIM Limits: On the Xiaomi 13 Pro and other flagships, you can use 1 physical SIM + 1 eSIM, but the PIN code is customized for each individual.

For Xiaomi owners with corporate SIM- cards (for example, for work) it is recommended:

• 🏢 To clarify with IT- the department's security policy - some companies block the possibility of changing the PIN.
• 🔑 Use hardware encryption (available on Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and later models).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the PIN code on Xiaomi