Activation. SIM-Xiaomi cards: full instructions for all models

The first switch on a new Xiaomi smartphone or a SIM replacement is often accompanied by questions such as why it doesn’t catch the network, how to insert the tray correctly, or what to do if the phone doesn’t see the operator. Despite the apparent simplicity of the process, activation of SIM in Redmi, POCO or Mi devices has nuances, from the physical installation of the chip to the software setting of APN. In this article, we will examine all the steps in detail, taking into account the features of two SIM cards, eSIM and the new 5G standards.

It is important to understand that the activation procedure depends not only on the phone model, but also on the type of SIM card (nano-SIM, micro-SIM, eSIM), the operator (MTS, Beeline, Tele2, MegaFon) and even the region of purchase of the device. For example, Xiaomi smartphones designed for the Chinese market may require additional manipulations with firmware. We will consider universal solutions, and also focus on problem cases when the network does not appear after installation or the phone asks for unlock.

Preparing for activation: what to do before installing the SIM

Before you insert a SIM card into Xiaomi, follow a few mandatory steps, which will eliminate the typical errors like chip damage or network configuration.

• 📱 Check compatibility: Make sure your Xiaomi supports your carrier’s frequencies. 5G Russia needs support for ranges n78 (3.5 GHz) and n1 (A list of supported frequencies can be found on the GSMArena website by device model.
• 🪪 Activate. SIM Operator: If the SIM card is new, it must be activated through the operator’s website or office. QR-manually-entry.
• ⚡ Charge your phone: Minimum charge level is 20%. SIM Smartphone can update network configuration, which consumes additional energy.
• 🔍 Prepare tools: Removing the tray will require a paper clip or a special key (companying with your phone). Do not use sharp objects - they can damage the connector.

Xiaomi smartphones purchased in China (for example, models with the prefix CN in the name) often block work with Russian SIM without first unblocking the bootloader. If your device belongs to this category, you will need an additional procedure for unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.

⚠️ Note: If you bought Xiaomi from hand or on unofficial sites (such as AliExpress), check the status of the company. IMEI *#06# Devices with "gray" IMEI Can be blocked by the operator at the request of the previous owner.

Physical installation SIM-maps: step-by-step guidance

The process of installing a sim card in Xiaomi is standard, but there are differences depending on the model. For example, in POCO F5, the tray is located on the right, and in Redmi Note 11 - on the left.

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button and select Turn off).
2. Find a tray for SIM-It's usually marked by a small hole or a SIM card pictogram.
3. Put the paper clip in the hole and press before you click. The tray will move out automatically.
4. Place the SIM card in the tray with the contacts down, observing the notch (slice angle). For two SIM cards, use the SIM1 and SIM2 slots (usually SIM1 supports 4G/5G, and SIM2 only 4G).
5. Carefully insert the tray back to the point. Make sure it sits flat - skews can damage the contacts.

After installation, turn on the phone. If done correctly, the network indicator will appear in the top panel (for example, 4G+ or 5G). If there is no indicator, go to Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks and check the status of the SIM card.

⚠️ Note: In hybrid slot models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) You can't use two SIM cards and a memory card at the same time. SIM1.

Activation of eSIM in Xiaomi smartphones (on the example of Xiaomi 13/14 series)

The eSIM technology is currently only available in Xiaomi’s flagship models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro, Xiaomi 14).The activation process is different from the physical SIM and requires prior preparation:

1. Get the activation data from the operator. QR-code (SM-DP+ Address, Activation Code).
2. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Add a mobile fare.
3. Choose Use eSIM and scan it. QR-code or enter data manually.
4. Confirm activation. The phone will restart, after which the eSIM will be ready to use.

Not all Russian operators support eSIM, and as of 2026, the technology is offered by:

• 📡 MTS – for corporate and some tariffs of individuals.
• 📡 MegaFon - within the framework of the pilot project (it is necessary to specify in the communication salons).
• 📡 Tele2 – Business Clients Only.

Xiaomi eSIM-enabled smartphones can only use one virtual SIM at a time, and if you need two SIMs, the second one must be a physical one (nano-SIM).

Setting up a mobile network after activating SIM

Even if the SIM card is recognized by the phone, the correct setting of the APN (Access Point Name) is required to fully work on the Internet and calls. In most cases, the settings are loaded automatically, but sometimes they have to be entered manually.

To set up the APN:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Access points (APN).
2. Click on the + icon or Add APN.
3. Fill in the fields according to your operator’s data, and the following are the current parameters for Russian operators (2026):

After you enter the settings, save the settings and restart the phone. If the Internet does not work, check:

• 🔄 Network Mode: In Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks select 4G (preferably 5G (if maintained).
• 📶 Roaming: Turn off National Roaming if you are in your home region.
• 🔒 Blocking: Make sure that SIM Not blocked by PIN code (request) PUK The operator, if you forget the PIN).

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If the Internet works after setting up the APN, but MMS does not come, add the value of mms via comma to the "APN Type" field (for example: default,supl,mms).

Problem Solving: What to Do When the SIM is Not Activated

If the network does not appear after installing the SIM card or the phone gives an error, use this troubleshooting instruction:

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

• 🔧 Check the tray: Remove and re-insert the SIM card. make sure the contacts are clean (wipe them with a soft cloth).
• 📱 Update the firmware: Go to Settings → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest version MIUI.
• 🔄 Reset network settings: In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

2. no network or "Emergency Calls Only" error

• 📡 Manual Network Search: In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network Search Select Operator Manually.
• 🔒 Check it out. IMEI: Dial #06# and compare the code to the sticker under the battery. IMEI Uninstalled or incorrect, you will need to restore through the engineering menu (#4636##*).
• 📵 Turn it off. VoLTE/VoWiFi: In some regions, these features conflict with the network. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Challenges by 4G.

3. SIM-Card blocked (PIN requested)/PUK)

• 🔢 Enter PIN: The code is on the plastic SIM card holder. If you entered incorrectly 3 times, you will need to PUK (It can be obtained from the operator).
• 📞 Contact the operator: If PUK Unknown, call support (numbers: 0890 for MTS, 0611 for Beeline).

⚠️ Note: If you have 10 incorrect attempts to enter PUK The only way out is to replace the SIM card in the operator's cabin.

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In 90% of cases, the problem with activation of SIM in Xiaomi is solved by restarting the phone, checking the tray or resetting the network settings. If nothing helps, the cause may be a hardware malfunction of the communication module, in which case a diagnosis is required in the service center.

Features of activation of SIM in Chinese versions of Xiaomi

Xiaomi smartphones designed for the Chinese market (models with suffix) CN), Often have restrictions on working with foreign countries. SIM-It's connected to the maps:

• 🔒 Blocking the bootloader (Bootloader).
• 📡 The lack of support for Russian frequencies (for example, no radio frequency) B20 (800 MHz for 4G).
• 📱 Lack of Google services (in the firmware instead of them installed Chinese analogues).

To activate the SIM in such a model, follow the following steps:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool. To do this: Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi Account. Go to Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume Down). Connect your phone to your PC and launch Mi Unlock Tool (download from the official website).

Install Global ROM via Mi Flash Tool. Instructions and firmware files are available on the Xiaomi.EU forum.

Check your carrier's frequency support, and if the frequency is not available, the network will be unstable or non-existent.

Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the phone. It is recommended to pre-back up via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

Activation two SIM-maps and setting priorities

If your Xiaomi supports two SIM cards, you can flexibly configure their use for calls, SMS and mobile Internet, for example, one SIM can be responsible for the Internet, and the second for calls.

To set priorities:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Select Double Settings. SIM (or SIM-maps in new versions MIUI).
3. Indicate: 📞 SIM for calls: Select the default primary SIM card. 💬 SIM for SMS. 🌐 SIM mobile data.

Activate the Allow Data Switch option if you want to automatically switch to the second SIM if you don’t have a network on the first one.

To save traffic, you can turn off mobile Internet for the second SIM:

1. B Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks select the second SIM.
2. Turn off the mobile data switch.

In models with Dual 4G support (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+), both SIM cards can simultaneously work on a 4G network. In more budget devices (for example, Redmi 10A), the second SIM switches to 2G/3G when the first one is active.

FAQ: Frequent questions about activating SIM in Xiaomi