How to activate SIM- MTS card on Xiaomi phone: a complete guide with photos

Activation of a new one SIM-MTS cards on Xiaomi smartphones are a procedure that every user faces when buying a phone or changing operators. Despite the apparent simplicity, there are nuances here: from the correct installation of nano-SIM in the tray to the setup. APN In this article, we will discuss all the stages of activation, from the physical installation of the card to the solution of possible network problems, including the features of working with the Internet. MIUI double SIM-slots.

We will focus on the typical errors that owners of Xiaomi Redmi, POCO or Mi make when you first set up, for example, why the phone may not see the network after installing SIM, how to check the balance without the Internet, and what to do if the message comes in: “SIM- card is not supported.” You will also find current data on MTS tariffs in 2026 year and tips for optimizing communication for gamers and streamers.

Preparing for activation: what to do before installing the SIM

Before you insert a SIM card into Xiaomi, follow a few preliminary steps that will save time and avoid typical problems.

1. Check the SIM- card type. Modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with the Redmi Note 5 and later) support only the nano-SIM format. If you have an old-style card (micro or standard), it needs to be cropped or replaced in the MTS cabin. Using adapters can lead to slot damage or poor contact.

2. Make sure network compatibility. All Xiaomi phones run on MTS (2G/3G/4G/5G), but for full VoLTE and 5G support, check the specifications of your model. For example, the POCO X5 Pro supports 5G, and the Redmi 9A does not.

• 📱 For 2020–2026 years: 4G/5G support is guaranteed, but manual tuning APN may be required.
• 🔄 For older models (until 2019): VoLTE issues are possible - call MTS support for activation.
• 🌍 Roaming: If you are planning a trip, check your roaming rates in advance – some Xiaomi models block unofficial SIM in other countries.

3. Open up the phone. Minimum battery charge is 20%. When you first turn on with a new SIM, the smartphone can update the network configuration, which will require additional power.

Installation of SIM-card in the slot: step-by-step instructions with a photo

Xiaomi’s SIM installation process depends on the phone model. Most modern devices feature a hybrid slot that supports either two nano-SIMs or one SIM+ microSD memory card.

1. Turn off your phone. This is a must to avoid damaging your contacts.
2. Find a SIM slot. In most models, it is located on the left side (for example, Redmi Note 12) or on the top (POCO F5).
3. Remove the tray. Use a paper clip or a special key from the kit. Put it in the hole before you click.
4. Install SIM. Nano-SIM should lie in the contacts down, beveled angle to the corresponding slot of the tray.
5. Put the tray back in place. Push it down to the characteristic click.

Important! if you have Xiaomi with two slots (like the Mi 11 Ultra), make sure both SIMs support the desired ranges.Slot 1 usually takes priority over 4G/5G.

⚠️ Warning! If after installing SIM the phone says "No service" or "SIM- card not identified," check: Installation correct (turn the map over). No damage to contacts SIM. Frequency compatibility (e.g. MTS in Russia uses Band 3/7/20 for 4G).

First activation and activation of SIM- MTS card

After installing the SIM, turn on the phone.The activation process on Xiaomi is usually automatic, but sometimes requires manual intervention.

Step 1. Wait for network identification. The MTS network indicator (e.g., MTS RU or MTS 4G) should appear on the lock screen or status bar.

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📶 Turn on In-Air mode for 30 seconds, then turn it off.
• 🔧 Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network Search and select MTS manually.

Step 2: Activate SIM. New MTS cards are activated automatically when you first connect to the network.

• 📞 Call 0880 (free of charge) and follow the instructions of the voice menu.
• 💬 Send SMS with text 1 to number 111.
• 🌐 Use the official My MTS app (available on Google Play).

Step 3. Check the balance. After activation, dial *100# and press the call button. If the balance is not displayed, it is possible that SIM is not activated or blocked (for example, due to incorrect input of PUK- code).

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If the phone asks for PUK- code, it can be found on the plastic holder SIM- card or in an envelope from MTS. Enter the code carefully - after 10 failed attempts, the card will be locked forever.

Setting up mobile Internet (APN) for MTS on Xiaomi

Without the right APN (Access Point Name) settings, mobile internet will not work, and in most cases, settings are loaded automatically, but sometimes you have to enter them manually.

Automatic setting:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Choose. SIM MTS] → Access points (APN).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset to Default Values.
3. Reboot the phone.

Manual setting of APN for MTS (2026):

• Name: MTS
• APN: internet.mts.ru
• User name: mts
• Password: mts
• Type of authentication: PAP
• Type APN: default,supl
• APN Protocol: IPv4/IPv6

After you type in, save the settings and restart the phone. If the Internet doesn't work, check:

• 🔗 Correctness of the data entered (especially APN).
• 📶 Signal level (no connection may be available in the basement or elevator).
• 💰 Account balance (some tariffs block traffic with zero balance).

Solving common problems when activating SIM MTS

Even after installing and configuring correctly, Xiaomi users may encounter errors.

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

Reasons:

• 🔌 Bad contact (check if the SIM- card legs are bent).
• 🛠️ Slot damage (often after phone drop)
• 🔄 Software failure (especially after the MIUI update)

Decisions:

• Try inserting the SIM into another slot (if any).
• Clean the SIM and slot contacts with alcohol.
• Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Network settings reset.

2. no network or often missing signal

This problem is typical for Xiaomi with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi 10C).

• 📡 Switch network type manually: Settings → SIM-maps → Preferred network type → 4G (recommended).
• 🔧 Turn off VoLTE (if not in use): sometimes this improves stability.
• 📱 Check if the phone is on the MTS blacklist (relevant for devices purchased abroad).

3. no SMS or calls are coming

If the outgoing work, and the incoming - not:

• 🔄 Re-register online: ##4636## → Phone Information → Select Network → Automatically.
• 📵 Check if Do Not Disturb or Number Lock mode is activated.
• 📞 Make sure SIM is not locked for debts (type *111*08#).

⚠️ Warning! If after all the manipulations SIM still doesn't work, contact the MTS salon with your passport.

Features of activation on different models Xiaomi

The activation process of the SIM may vary depending on the Xiaomi model and the MIUI version.

Xiaomi Redmi (Note/Pro series)

Budget and mid-budget models (like the Redmi Note 12) usually have no problems with MTS, but:

• 🔋 In some cases, after installing SIM, the phone asks for an update IMEI (relevant for grey devices).
• 📶 For stable operation of VoLTE, a firmware update to MIUI 13+ is required.

POCO (F/X/M series)

POCO devices (such as the POCO X5 Pro) are optimized for gamers, but may conflict with network settings:

• 🎮 In Game Turbo, SMS notifications are sometimes blocked.
• 🔗 For maximum internet speed in the settings APN add Bearer: LTE.

Xiaomi Mi (flagship models)

The flagships (Mi 13 Ultra, Mi 12T) support all modern communication standards, but:

• 📡 An MTS support call may be required to activate 5G (Dial 0890).
• 🔒 Some firmwares block manual change APN — use the My MTS app to configure.

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On models with Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, POCO F5), mobile Internet is more stable than on MediaTek (for example, Redmi 10C).

Additional settings for optimal work

After successful activation of SIM, it is recommended to follow several steps to improve communication and save traffic.

1. Network optimization

• 📶 Enable VoLTE (if supported): Settings → SIM- Maps → Enable VoLTE.
• 🔄 Turn off automatic network search if you are in an unstable signal zone.
• 📴 In roaming, turn off the background update of applications: Settings → Applications → Auto Run.

2. Traffic savings

• 📊 Activate the traffic counter: Settings → Data Transfer → Mobile Traffic Limit.
• 🚫 Prohibit background data use for unnecessary applications.
• 🔄 Enable data compression in Google Chrome or use Opera Mini.

3. Security

• 🔐 Set PIN-code for SIM: Settings → Security → Lock SIM-cards.
• 📵 Turn off data transfers in roaming if you are not using.
• 🛡️ Check if paid services are connected: send SMS with STOP ALL text to 111.

FAQ: Frequent questions about activation of SIM MTS on Xiaomi