Xiaomi Error 138: “Access to the Network is Limited” – How to Fix in 10 Minutes

Did you see the notice on your Xiaomi screen, "Access to the network is limited. Error 138" -- and the Internet stopped working? -- this problem is typical of the brand's devices, especially after the update. MIUI shift SIM-In 80% of cases, the error is due to incorrect settings. APN, conflict IMEI Or a modified firmware malfunction, but the good news is that it can be fixed by itself without going to a service center.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible causes of the 138 error, from the trivial (wrong mobile network settings) to the complex (damaging system files), and give you step-by-step instructions with illustrations for each version of MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS), and how to prevent the problem from recurring. If your Redmi, POCO or Xiaomi suddenly lost communication, start with the first partition and move in order until the network is up.

What is the 138 error in Xiaomi?

The code 138 in Xiaomi’s system signals that it is not possible to connect to the mobile network due to a software or hardware failure, unlike errors 130–137 (which are usually associated with a mobile network connection). SIM-By map or antenna, 138 indicates software problems, most commonly in a communications control module (telephony).

A technical error occurs when:

• 📱 MIUI can't initialize APN (point of access to operator's network).
• 🔄 There's a conflict going on. IMEI (For example, after firmware or recovery from the backup).
• 🔧 Damaged system files in the folder /system/etc/telephony/.
• 📡 Operator blocked the device due to suspicion of fraud (rarely, but occurs).

Important: Error 138 is not due to a physical malfunction (e.g., damage to an antenna or SIM slot). If the problem was in hardware, you would see other codes, 130 (no network) or 131 (SIM error), and here we are talking about a software block that can be fixed by yourself.

Reasons for Error 138

To address the problem effectively, we need to understand the root of the problem, and we analyzed user reports from 4PDA, Mi Community, and service centers, and identified 5 main reasons:

The most common reason is incorrect APNs, and many users mistakenly think that access point settings are set automatically, but in practice operators (especially Tele2 and Iota) often require manual settings, and the second most common problem is the IMEI conflict that occurs after:

• 🔄 Updates MIUI via Fastboot or Recovery.
• 📱 Recovery from backup via Mi Cloud or Google Account.
• 🛠️ Custom firmware installations (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS).

💡

If error 138 appeared after the MIUI update, try to roll back to the previous version via Fastboot.In 30% of cases, this solves the problem without additional manipulation.

How to Fix Error 138: Step-by-step instructions

Start with the simplest methods and move on to the hard ones. Don't skip the steps -- even if you think APN isn't the problem, check them first.

1.Verify and reset APN settings

Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Access points (APN). If the list is empty or contains irrelevant settings:

Click Reset to Default Values | If there is no reset button, create a new APN manually | Enter your operator settings (see table below) | Save and restart your phone | Check your Internet connection-->

APN settings for popular carriers (2026):

If the internet doesn’t work after resetting the APN, move on to the next step.

2. IMEI verification

Error 138 is often caused by a mismatch. IMEI In the system files, to check the relevance. IMEI:

1. Type *#06# on the keyboard and write down the numbers displayed.
2. Install the MTK Engineering Mode app (for MediaTek processors) or the Qualcomm IMEI Tool (for Snapdragon).
3. Compare the IMEI of Clause 1 with what the app shows in the CDS Information → Radio Information section.

If the IMEI is different or absent (Null/Invalid), use the recovery instructions:

💡

If the IMEI is reset after firmware, never use IMEI generators from the internet! this can result in the device being blocked by the operator.

3. Resetting network settings

If the APN and IMEI are fine but error 138 persists, reset the network settings:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Resetting → Resetting Network Settings.
2. Confirm the action (password or pattern lock may be required).
3. After rebooting, reset the APN (see Step 1).

⚠️ Warning: This method will delete all stored Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth passwords.

4.Update or rollback MIUI

If the error occurs after the system update, try:

• 🔄 Reverse to the previous version MIUI Fastboot (instructions on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 📥 Install the latest stable firmware for your model (download only from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🛠️ Swipe your device through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode (delete all data!).

For firmware via Fastboot, use the commands:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash vendor vendor.img




fastboot reboot

5. Checking of the lock by the operator

In rare cases, an operator may block the IMEI of a device because of:

• 📵 Suspicions of fraud (for example, if the phone was purchased on credit and not paid off).
• 🔒 Use of the device in the “gray” roaming zone.
• 📡 Inconsistencies IMEI operator databases.

To check the lockdown:

1. Put it in. SIM-If the network works, the problem is the lockdown.
2. Call your operator and check your IMEI status.
3. If the lock is confirmed, provide the operator with documents for the phone (check, warranty card).

Additional methods (if nothing helps)

If the standard methods didn’t work, try these advanced solutions:

1. Manual editing of the build.prop file

Sometimes, error 138 occurs due to incorrect settings in the build.prop system file.

1. Get root rights (for example, through Magisk).
2. Open /system/build.prop file in a text editor (e.g. BuildProp Editor).
3. Find the lines: ro.telephony.default_network=9 persist.radio.multisim.config=dsds Replace them with: ro.telephony.default_network=22 persist.radio.multisim.config=
4. Save the changes and restart the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of build.prop can lead to bootloop ( looped reboot!

2. Flashing the modem

If the problem is in the telephony module, reflashing the modem will help:

1. Download the modem file (modem.img) for your 4PDA model.
2. Fastboot: fastboot flash modem modem.img fastboot reboot
3. After restarting, check the network.

3.Use of Engineering Mode

For devices on MediaTek (e.g. Redmi Note 10/11/12):

1. Click ##4636## and select Information.
2. Scroll down to Set preferred network type.
3. Select LTE only or GSM/WCDMA/LTE auto.
4. Reboot the phone.

Prevention of error 138

To avoid recurrence of the problem:

• 📱 Don't update. MIUI In the first 2 weeks after the release – wait for feedback on stability.
• 🔄 Before the firmware, do a backup. IMEI (For example, through Maui. META MediaTek).
• 🛡️ Do not install custom firmware without checking compatibility with your model.
• 📡 Check the relevance regularly APN — Operators sometimes change their settings.

If you often encounter network problems, install Network Signal Guru, which will help you track the quality of communication and respond quickly to failures.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)