Activation. SIM-Xiaomi: Instructions for all models (2026)

You just purchased a new Xiaomi smartphone β€” whether it’s the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra or the budget Redmi Note 13 β€” and faced the need to activate the phone. SIM-This process seems simple, but often comes with unexpected complications, from the lack of a network to registration errors. Unlike other brands, Xiaomi devices have their own nuances in working with the device. SIM-cards, especially if two SIMs or models are used for the Chinese market.

In this article, we will discuss not only the standard activation procedure, but also hidden settings. MIUI, This is a solution to 90 percent of the login problems, and you'll learn why your smartphone can't see. SIM-map, even after installation, how to bypass restrictions on Chinese firmware and what to do if the operator requires additional activation through the USSD-And for the owners. POCO Black Shark and we have prepared separate recommendations – these sub-brands often have unique bugs with communication modules.

What do you mean, "activation"? SIM-maps in the context of Xiaomi

Activated. SIM-Xiaomi smartphones are two different processes:

  1. Physical activation – registration of the card in the operator’s network (occurs automatically at the first connection).
  2. Software configuration – configuration of network parameters in MIUI, including APN, Choosing a preferred type of communication (4G/5G) priority SIM-map.

In most cases, the user is simply inserted. SIM-The card, and the smartphone will do all the settings on its own:

  • πŸ“± Chinese versions (China) ROM) β€” require manual input APN It can also block some operators.
  • πŸ”„ Two-sim models – need to configure the priority of SIMs for calls and mobile Internet.
  • πŸ› οΈ Custom firmware – can reset network settings after update.

Important: In Xiaomi smartphones with firmware for the Chinese market (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro China), the APN automatic settings function is disabled by default. Without manually entering parameters, mobile Internet will not work.

Step-by-step instructions: how to activate SIM-map

The activation process takes no more than 5 minutes, if you follow a clear algorithm, and below is a universal guide for all Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models:

  1. Turn off your smartphone (press the power button and select Turn off).
  2. Install. SIM-card-tray: πŸ“Œ For nano-SIM, insert the card with the chip down. πŸ”„ For hybrid trays (for example, in the Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) β€” Choose a slot for SIM or memory cards, but not at the same time!).

Turn on your phone and wait for the network icon to appear in the status bar.

Configure your network settings (if the network does not appear automatically):

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Choose yours. SIM-Map and switch on the mobile data switch.
  3. Press Access Points (APN) and add your operator’s settings (see the table below).

Nano-SIM (not micro or mini)

The tray is inserted before clicking.

The phone is on in the operator's coverage area

"Airplane mode is off"-->

If the network does not appear after these actions, check:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery level (at a discharge below 10%, the communication module may be turned off).
  • πŸ“‘ Network coverage (try to move to another location).
  • πŸ”„ Rebooting your phone (sometimes helps reset network settings to Settings) β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting network settings).

If the mobile Internet is not working after activation SIM-The map is likely to be a problem at the access points (APN). The table below shows the current settings for major Russian and international operators. APN:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [Yours. SIM] β†’ Access points (APN).
  2. Click Add and enter the parameters from the table.
  3. Save and select a new APN as an active one.
Operator.APN nameAPNType of authenticationProtocol APN
MTSmtsinternet.mts.ruPAPIPv4/IPv6
Beelinebeeline internetinternet.beeline.ruPAPIPv4
MegaFonMegafoninternetPAPIPv4/IPv6
Tele2.tele2 internetinternet.tele2.ruPAPIPv4
YotaYotalte.yotaNoneIPv4/IPv6

Note for Xiaomi owners with Chinese firmware: If the Access Points (APN) menu does not have the ability to add a new APN, then your firmware is blocked. The solution is to install Global ROM or use a workaround method through the engineering menu (see section below).

MTS|Beeline|MegaFon|Tele2.|Yota|Other-->

Features of activation in two-symbol Xiaomi

Xiaomi smartphones with support for two SIM-Cards (e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro)+ 5G Xiaomi 13T) They need to be set up to work both sims correctly:

  • πŸ“Ά Network Priority: By default, both SIM-maps are working 4G/3G/2G, But if one of them supports 5G, You need to set it separately in the settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ [Choose. SIM] β†’ Preferred type of network.
  • πŸ”„ Data Switching: Mobile Internet can only work on one SIM-To change it, go to Settings. β†’ SIM-map β†’ Mobile data and select the desired SIM.
  • πŸ“ž Calls and SMS: By default, outgoing calls come with SIM-1. To change this, click on the SIM icon in the Phone app before dialing.

The problem with the invisible second SIM-The card often occurs in models with a hybrid slot (for example, POCO X5 If the phone doesn't recognize the second SIM:

  1. Check if the card is inserted correctly (sometimes you need to flip it up with a chip).
  2. Update the firmware to the latest version (SIM recognition bugs are fixed in patches).
  3. Reset network settings to Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset settings β†’ Reset network settings.

πŸ’‘

If the second SIM-Card periodically "disappears", try to disable the function of dual connection 5G This option may conflict with the operation of the communication module in some regions.

Addressing problems: SIM-card not activated

If after installing the SIM-card, Xiaomi smartphone is not registered in the network, the reasons can be both hardware and software.

1.The phone doesn't see. SIM-map

  • πŸ”Œ Check the tray for physical damage (such as bent contacts).
  • πŸ”„ Try inserting. SIM-card to another smartphone – if it does not work, the problem is in the map.
  • πŸ› οΈ Update the firmware: in some models (e.g. Redmi) 10C) bug SIM corrected in updates.

2. SIM-The map is recognized, but there is no network.

  • πŸ“‘ Make sure that Automatic Network Selection is enabled in Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ [Yours. SIM] β†’ Choice of network.
  • πŸ”§ Check the settings. APN (see the table above).
  • πŸ”„ Perform a network reset (this will delete all stored Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices!).

3. Mistake"SIM-card not registered online"

This error often appears on Xiaomi with Chinese firmware or after a change of operator.

  • πŸ“ž Call the operator and request forced activation SIM-Cards (sometimes you need to send them) USSD-For example, *111# for MTS).
  • πŸ”§ Manually add it. APN (see section above).
  • πŸ› οΈ If nothing helps, set up a Global ROM β€” Chinese firmware often blocks foreign operators.

For POCO and Black Shark owners: These sub-brands sometimes have unique bugs with communication modules. POCO F5, for example, had a problem with losing the network after upgrading to MIUI 14. The solution is to roll back on the previous firmware version or install a patch through Fastboot.

How to verify IMEI authenticity?
Open the Phone app and type *#06#. If two IMEIs are displayed (for two SIMs), the communication module is intact. If you see Null or Invalid instead of IMEI, this may indicate hardware failure or unoriginal firmware.

Activation. SIM-Maps via engineering menu (for experienced users)

If standard methods do not help, you can try to activate the SIM-This method is suitable for advanced users and requires caution - incorrect settings can disrupt the communication module.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Phone app and type ##4636##.
  2. Go to the phone information section.
  3. Scroll down to Network Settings and select Network Type (e.g. LTE only for forced 4G enabled).
  4. Go back to the main menu of the engineering mode and select Information about SIM-You can manually update the status of the registration on the network.

⚠️ Note: Do not change the parameters in the Band Mode section unless you are sure of their value.

For models with Qualcomm Snapdragon (such as Xiaomi 12T or POCO X5 Pro), the Field Test menu is also available:

  1. Enter the phone application ##4636##.
  2. Choose Field Test β†’ Modem Settings.
  3. Press the Select Radio Band and select Automatic (if you previously had manual settings).

πŸ’‘

Engineering menu allows manual re-registration SIM-The card is online, but you should only use it if other methods have failed.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even Xiaomi experienced users sometimes make errors when activating the device. SIM-Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

  • 🚫 Using micro-SIM without an adapter: By inserting micro-SIM into a nano-SIM slot without an adapter, you risk damaging tray contacts.All modern Xiaomi (starting with the Redmi Note 8) only supports nano-SIM.
  • πŸ”„ Ignoring firmware updates: In older versions MIUI (for example, MIUI 12) there were recognition bugs SIM-Some carriers' cards. Always update to the latest version.
  • πŸ“‘ Manual selection of roaming network: If you have manually selected a roaming operator network, the phone can stick to it even after you return home.
  • πŸ”‹ Activation. SIM low charge: At a battery level below 15%, the communication module may not work smoothly. Charge the phone before setting up.

⚠️ WARNING: If you buy Xiaomi with your hands, always check. IMEI Fake or gray devices (for example, imported from China without official unpacking) may have problems registering in Russian networks.

For POCO and Black Shark owners, the problem with gray firmware is also a pressing one, and these sub-brands often come with region-specific firmware. If you bought a POCO F4 GT in China, there's a good chance that mobile data won't work without flashing it on Global ROM.

Can I activate it? SIM-Xiaomi map without internet?
Yes, for activation. SIM-You don't need a card, you just plug it into your phone, and it automatically logs into the operator's network, but you can set up the mobile Internet (APN) You may need to connect to Wi-Fi if your settings are not automatically downloaded.
Why Xiaomi is asking for PUK-activation SIM-map?
That means that SIM-The card is blocked after three incorrect attempts to enter PIN-code. PUK-The code can be found on the plastic holder to which it was attached. SIM-- or ask the operator. PUK In the appropriate field, then install a new one. PIN-Attention: If you type incorrectly 10 times PUK, SIM-card will be blocked!
How to activate eSIM in Xiaomi?
Not all Xiaomi models support eSIM. As of 2026, the feature is available in the following devices: Xiaomi 13 Lite Xiaomi 12T Pro POCO F5 To activate eSIM: Get it QR-the code or activation code from the operator. Go to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Add a mobile fare. Scan it. QR-code or enter data manually.
How long does activation take? SIM-maps in Xiaomi?
In most cases, activation occurs immediately after the phone is turned on. SIM-new card or operator requires additional registration (for example, through the USSD-command, the process can take up to 24 hours. If after this time the network does not appear, contact the operator.
Can we use two? SIM-Maps of different operators in Xiaomi?
All two-sim model Xiaomi supports SIM-But keep in mind the following: Mobile Internet will only work on one. SIM-map (selected in settings) Double connection 5G (available on flagships) second SIM-The card will only work in 4G. Some operators may block the simultaneous operation of two sims in roaming.