Protection of personal data in a modern smartphone does not begin with a password on the lock screen, but with the security of the smartphone itself. SIM-Many owners of Xiaomi devices neglect the installation PIN-And while this is a step away from the code, it's the first and most reliable barrier to attackers' access to your SIM card. PIN-The code will not allow you to insert the SIM into another phone and use your number to access banking applications or instant messengers.
The MIUI and HyperOS shell interfaces used in Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones have different navigation features compared to standard Android. The menu items may vary depending on the operating system version and regional firmware. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate protection, change the standard code to a unique one, and what to do if you forget the combination of numbers.
The installation procedure does not require any technical knowledge or connection to a computer. All activities are performed directly through the settings menu of your smartphone. It is important to understand that once this function is activated, you will have to enter a code every time you turn on the phone, which adds one step at startup, but significantly increases the security of your personal data and subscriber number.
Why activation is necessary PIN-code on Xiaomi devices
Substantive function PIN-Personal Identification Number (PI) is the authentication of the owner. SIM-The card is in front of the operator's network, unlike the screen unlock password, which protects access to the operating system and applications, PIN-The code blocks the SIM card itself at the hardware level, and if an attacker pulls your SIM and puts it in his phone, without the right code, he won't be able to make calls or use the mobile Internet.
In an era where phone numbers are often used for two-factor authentication in banking and social media, security is a big part of the problem. SIM-Once the card is accessed, the fraudsters can request confirmation codes to log into your accounts. SIM This prevents this from happening because it is not PIN-The SIM card remains inoperable even after restarting the device or reshuffling to another device.
In addition, installation PIN-It's useful in situations where you're giving your phone away for repair or for a while to a friend. Even if you know the password to unlock your screen, you can't use your SIM card to make calls or log in if you don't know. PIN. This creates an additional level of differentiation of access rights to the functionality of the Xiaomi smartphone.
Preparation for installation: standard codes and risks
Before you start changing the security settings, you need to know the standard security settings. PIN-The default code is usually a four-digit combination that is often shown on the plastic card that you give away when you buy a SIM card. The most common factory combinations are 0000, 1111, 1234 or 1212.
If you've never changed the code, there's a good chance that your SIM card has one of the standard options active. You can't try to set up security without knowing the current code, and you'll need to enter a valid code. PIN Warning: If you enter the wrong code three times, the SIM card will be blocked and you will need to unlock it. PUK-code.
PUK-Personal Unblocking Key is an eight-digit key that can also be found on a SIM card or in the operator's personal account, and is a way to unlock the SIM card after multiple input errors. PIN. Keep the card with the codes in a safe place, separate from the smartphone, if necessary, to have quick access to them.
⚠️ Warning: Never enter standard codes at random. Three wrong attempts will result in lockdown SIM-Maps and you will have to look for them to recover. PUK-code or contact the operator's communication salon with a passport.
Step-by-step instruction: Including a request PIN-code-in MIUI HyperOS
The process of activating protection in Xiaomi smartphones may vary slightly depending on the version of the shell, but the general logic of the menu remains the same. First, you need to open the main settings menu. To do this, find the gear icon on your desktop or in the notification curtain. In the search for settings, you can immediately enter the phrase "SIM" to quickly find the desired section.
Then you go to the connection and network section, and depending on the firmware version, this item may be called the "Connection and Networks" section. SIM-If you have two SIM cards on your phone, it will tell you which one you want to protect, or it will let you customize each one separately.
☑️ Algorithm for introducing protection
Find a switch called the Request PIN-code-lock SIM-Once the slider is activated, the system will request the current input. PIN-If the code is entered correctly, the protection will be activated. PIN-code before loading the operating system.
In some versions MIUI The path may look a little different: Settings → Passwords and security → Confidentiality → Lockdown SIM-If you don't find the right item in the network section, try looking for it in the security section. HyperOS often groups security settings into a single hub for user convenience.
How to change PIN-code for a more complex and reliable
Using standard code like 1234 is not safe, because it's the first combination that attackers try, and immediately after activation of the lock function, it is recommended to change the code to a unique one. PIN-code, you need to find the item Change PIN-code SIM-map.
The system will ask you to enter the old code (current), and then twice enter the new one. It is recommended to choose a combination that is easy for you to remember, but difficult for others to guess. Avoid birth dates, repetitive numbers or sequences. PIN-The code must be known only to the owner of the device.
After a successful code change, the phone may suggest saving it to the cloud storage of a Google or Mi Account account, if such a feature is supported by the Android version.This is convenient, but less secure than storing the code in memory.
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Tip: Come up with it PIN-code using mnemotechnics, like the first letters of a phrase from a favorite song, replaced with numbers on the phone keyboard, which will help you remember the code, but make it difficult to match.
If you forget the new code you just installed, you will have to use it. PUK-So be careful when you enter the data, and if you enter the new code, you'll have to make a mistake, and the system won't accept the change, and you'll have to start the process again.
Table of security codes and operator actions
For a better understanding of the differences between the types of codes and the actions they allow you to perform, check out the table below to help avoid confusion between PIN, PUK, and screen unlock codes.
| Type of code | Length | Appointment | Where to find out. |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIN | 4 numbers | Daily unlocking of the SIM | On the operator's card / Personal account |
| PUK | 8 digits | Unlocking after PIN errors | On the operator map / Salon of communication |
| Screen pin code | 4-6+ figure | Unlocking the smartphone | Users invent |
| PUK2 | 8 digits | Unlocking PIN2 (rarely) | The operator |
As you can see from the table, PUK-The code is an emergency tool. It can't be changed or selected by itself, it's tightly tied to the safety of the code. SIM-map-card. PIN-screen-code PIN-code SIM-Cards are different entities and changing one does not affect the other.
It is important not to confuse these codes with a password from a Google or Apple account. ID. Reset SIM-map PUK It will not cause loss of data in the phone memory, but loss of data. PUK-The code may make the SIM card unusable and it will have to be replaced by the operator.
What to do if SIM-Card blocked: problem solving
If you or someone else have entered the infidel three times PIN-code, on the screen of the smartphone Xiaomi will appear a message about the lock SIM-card-injection PUK-You don't have to panic, but you can't keep guessing the numbers. You have 10 more attempts to type. PUK-code.
Enter the 8-digit PUK-code that you can find on a plastic SIM card holder, after you've entered it successfully. PUK The system will ask you to come up with a new PIN-And then the SIM card will be unlocked, and you can use the link.
What happens if you exhaust PUK attempts?
In case the plastic card is lost, PUK-The code can be found through the operator's personal account on the site (section "Fares and services" or "Settings" SIM") You need to call support, you need to identify the identity of the number holder.
⚠️ Attention: Introducing incorrect PUK-10 times the code leads to irreversible blocking SIM-Be very careful and don't try to guess the code unless you're sure it's correct.
Features of working with two SIM-maps on Xiaomi
Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often feature two SIM card slots.This allows two numbers to be used at the same time, but requires a security setting for each separately. PIN-The code for one SIM card does not automatically activate it for the second.
When you turn on a phone with two secure SIM cards, the system will request PIN-First for the first SIM card, then for the second one. PIN-No code request will be made. The control is done in the Settings menu. → SIM-maps and mobile networks, where each slot is represented by a separate sub-item.
This gives you flexibility: you can protect the main SIM card, which is tied to banks and important accounts, and leave the second (for example, for the Internet or calls to couriers) without the need to use the SIM card. PIN-However, in terms of maximum security, it is recommended to protect both cards.
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Setting up two SIM-The cards are produced independently of each other. be sure to check the protection status for each slot separately in the settings menu.
When you change the SIM card slot (physically reposition), the security settings are stored behind the SIM card itself, not behind the phone slot, so wherever you insert the secure SIM, it will require you to enter the code.