How to change the phone number in the smartphone Xiaomi: all ways + problem solving

Changing your phone number on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO devices can be necessary in a variety of situations, from changing your SIM card to updating your Mi Account after buying a used phone. However, many users face difficulties - MIUI is not always intuitive, and some settings are hidden so deep that it is almost impossible to find them without instructions.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the number on Xiaomi smartphones (including models). 2023–2026 We will explain how to properly link a new number to your Mi Account, and warn against typical errors that can block access to the device. 12/13, Xiaomi 14 and other flagships with the latest version MIUI 15.

If you bought your phone with your hands and the previous owner didn’t untie your number, or just want to update your contact details for security, here you will find step-by-step instructions with pictures (for key steps) and solutions to common problems.

1.Why change your phone number in Xiaomi and what are the risks?

At first glance, changing the number seems like a simple procedure, but in the Xiaomi ecosystem, it affects several critical features:

  • πŸ” Account security: The number is linked to Mi Account and used for access recovery, two-factor authentication (2FA) and confirmation of operations (for example, unlocking the bootloader).
  • πŸ“± Service operation: Mi Cloud (contact synchronization, photo), Find Device (phone search), as well as payment through Mi Pay depend on the number.
  • πŸ”„ Software updates: Some firmware (especially Chinese) without a linked number can be blocked OTA-update.

However, there are risks that few people warn about:

⚠️ Note: If you change the number on a hand-held phone and the previous owner hasn’t untied their Mi Account, the device may lock up 72 hours after the change. SIM-It's about protecting against theft in the MIUI. To avoid blocking, be sure to reset the account prior to changing the number.

Also, it is worth considering that on some models (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro or Redmi K60), changing the number can reset the settings of Wi-Fi Calling and VoLTE, so they will have to be configured again.

2. Method 1: Change the number through the phone settings (for the main SIM)

This is the easiest method if you want to update the number tied to the main one. SIM-card (slot 1) It is suitable for most models on the MIUI 12-15, including POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Step-by-step:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Switch to All settings (or Additional settings on older versions of MIUI).
  3. Select Status SIM-map β†’ press on SIM, number you want to change.
  4. In the menu that opens, tap the subscriber name or phone number (on some firmware, this item may be called My number).
  5. Enter a new number in the format +79XXXXXXXX (for Russia) or +{country code}XXXXXXX and save the changes.

If the item My number is inactive or absent, it means that your SIM-The card does not support the menu update function, in which case use an alternative method with USSD-team.

β˜‘οΈ Check before changing the number

Done: 0 / 4

3. Method 2: Update the number through USSD-team (for all) SIM)

If the standard method does not work, you can update the number using USSD-This method is universal and works even on locked phones (if known). PIN-code SIM-map).

Instructions:

  1. Open the Phone app and go to the Keyboard tab.
  2. Enter. USSD-team for your operator: πŸ“± MTS: *111*09# β†’ Choose My number. πŸ“± Beeline: *110*10# β†’ Number information. πŸ“± MegaFon: *105# β†’ My number. πŸ“± Television2: *107# β†’ Get a number.

Follow the instructions on the screen. Usually, the system will prompt you to enter a new number or confirm the current one.

Settings β†’ Reboot

If USSD-The team didn't work, check it out:

  • πŸ”„ Connection to mobile network (the icons must be active) 4G/5G or).
  • πŸ“΅ Absence of lockdown SIM-Cards (if requested) PUK-code, contact the operator).
  • πŸ“± Compatibility SIM-Cards (some virtual operators do not support the USSD).

πŸ’‘

If USSD-Teams are not working, try inserting SIM-The card to another phone, update the number there, and then return it back to Xiaomi. MIUI.

4. Method 3: Change the number in your Mi Account (critical!)

If you change your phone number but don’t update it in your Mi Account, you risk losing access to your device, for example, when you reset your settings, the system may request confirmation from an old number that doesn’t belong to you anymore.

How to update your Mi Account number:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Mi Account (or Xiaomi Account on new firmware).
  2. Slip on the avatar β†’ Account Management β†’ Phone number.
  3. Enter the password from the Mi Account (if you forgot, restore via email).
  4. Click Change number and follow the instructions. The system will send an SMS to the old and new numbers.
  5. Confirm the codes from the SMS and save the changes.

If you bought the phone from hand and do not know the data of the previous owner, you need to perform a complete reset of the account:

How to reset Mi Account without password?
If the previous owner has not untied the account, contact the Xiaomi support center with a check about the purchase (or contract of sale). EDL-mode (requires PC and special software, the risk of "bricking" the phone).
SituationDecisionRisks.
Changed the number but forgot to update to Mi AccountRestor access via email or backup numberLocking the phone when reset
Phone purchased from hand, account not untiedContact Xiaomi with Proof of PurchaseDenial of unlocking without a check
USSD-teams are not workingUse SIM on another phone or contact the operatorReplacement SIM-cards (paid)
New number is not determined by the systemReboot your phone or reset your network settingsLoss of saved Wi-Fi networks

5. Features for different Xiaomi models

The process of changing the number may vary depending on the phone model and the version of MIUI. Below are the key nuances for popular devices:

  • πŸ“± Xiaomi 13/14 Series: On these flagships, change the number in Settings SIM-The card may require fingerprint confirmation or PIN-If you don't remember it, reset the lock first through Settings. β†’ Lock screen β†’ Forgot the password.
  • πŸ“± Redmi Note 12/13: These models automatically reset VoLTE and ViLTE settings after changing the number. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Additional settings.
  • πŸ“± POCO F5/X5: In the firmware for these phones there is no item My number in the settings SIM. Use it. USSD-commands or configure the number through the operator menu (for example, the My MTS app).
  • πŸ“± Xiaomi for the Chinese market (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra: On these devices, changing the number may require linking to a Chinese Mi Account. Without this, some features (such as Mi Pay) will not work.

If your model doesn’t make the list, check the MIUI version in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version. For firmware older than MIUI 12.5, you may need to manually configure APN (Access Point).

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi model do you use?
Xiaomi 13/14 Series
Redmi Note 12/13
POCO F5/X5
Another Xiaomi model
I'm not Xiaomi.

6. Frequent errors and how to fix them

When changing numbers, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

⚠️ Note: If the phone stopped catching the network after changing the number, check if the protection against SIM-swap fraud is activated. Some operators (for example, MegaFon) temporarily block the network when they change numbers often.

  • 🚫 Error: "Impossible to update number" Reason: SIM-The card does not support the function of updating the number through the menu. USSD-Call the operator or contact the operator for a new one. SIM-card.
  • πŸ”’ Error: "Mi Account is tied to another number" Reason: Previous owner didn't untie his account.Solution: Perform a reset or contact Xiaomi support.
  • πŸ“΅ Error: "No network after changing the number" Reason: Resets reset APN Or you activated the operator's protection. Solution: Reboot the phone or manually configure it. APN In Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Access points (APN).
  • ⚠️ Error: "Device locked" Reason: Theft protection worked (if the phone is bought with hands).Solution: Contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your network settings:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Select Network Settings Reset (or Wi-Fi, Mobile Network, and Bluetooth Reset).
  3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

πŸ’‘

If the phone is locked after changing the number, DO NOT try to enter passwords at random - after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device can lock for 24 hours.

7. Additional settings after changing the number

After a successful number change, it is recommended to perform several additional steps to avoid problems in the future:

  1. Update the settings VoLTE/ViLTE: Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ {yours SIM} β†’ Challenges by 4G. Enable VoLTE and ViLTE options (if available).
  2. Check sync Mi Cloud: Open Settings β†’ Mi β†’ Mi Cloud account. Make sure Contacts, Notes and Photos are synced.
  3. Set up a backup number to recover: In Settings β†’ Mi Account β†’ Security add a backup email or second number.

Update the data in the applications

  • Open Messages, Contacts and Phone to make sure the number is displayed correctly.

If email is also not available, contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (check, box with IMEI).

Why don't you send SMS after the number change?
It could be related to: πŸ“΅ Operator lock (for example, frequent number changes) Solution: call support. βš™οΈ Resetting settings APN. Solution: set them manually (options can be found on the operator's website). πŸ“± Failure in MIUI. Solution: Reboot your phone or reset your network settings.
How to change the number to Xiaomi if the phone is locked?
If your phone is locked (for example, after unsuccessful password attempts), you will need to: Insert SIM-card with a new number to another phone. USSD-Command (see Method 2) Return SIM Reset your phone via Recovery Mode (hold Power) + Volume Up with the phone switched off). ⚠️ Warning: Recovery Reset Will Delete All Data on Your Phone!
Should I change my Mi Account number if I just changed my account? SIM-map?
Yes, you must.SIMMi Account: πŸ”‘ Restoring access to the device. πŸ”„ Confirm important operations (e.g. unlocking the bootloader). πŸ“± Sync data through Mi Cloud. If you don't update your account number, when you reset your settings, your phone may request confirmation from the old number, which will result in a lock.
Can I use a virtual number (for example, from Telegram) for my Mi Account?
Xiaomi supports only real mobile numbers from carriers, virtual numbers (e.g. Google Voice, Telegram or Telegram). SMS-If you try to link the activators, you will get an error called "Incorrect phone number".