How to set up mobile Internet on Xiaomi Redmi 9A: from APN to error fixing

Why is the mobile Internet on Xiaomi 9A not working?

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 9A It remains one of the most popular budget devices in 2026 due to its balance of price and functionality, but many users face a problem after buying or changing. SIM-The mobile Internet is not working despite the stable signal of the network. APN (Access point), outdated firmware, operator conflicts, or even hardware limitations of the model.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to configure mobile Internet on Redmi 9A – from basic parameters to solving rare errors. You will learn how to manually add APN for any Russian operator (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2, Yota), what to do if the 4G network does not catch, and how to circumvent the limitations of the budget chipset MediaTek Helio G25. Particular attention will be paid to nuances that are not covered in standard instructions, for example, the influence of energy saving modem stability or hidden modem settings.

Preparation: What to check before setting up?

Before you get into the settings, make sure the problem isn't on the surface. Here are 4 key points that are often overlooked:

• 📶 Network coverage: check if your carrier supports 4G Tele2, for example, has not yet deployed new generation networks everywhere.
• 💳 Active tariff: even if SIM-The card is new, the mobile Internet can be turned off by default. USSD-commands (e.g. *111# for MTS).
• 🔄 Rebooting the device: after installation SIM-Redmi card 9A Sometimes you don't see the network before you restart. Turn off your smartphone for 30 seconds, then turn it on.
• 🛠️ Software updates: outdated firmware MIUI It may conflict with current communication standards. → The phone. → Updating the system.

If all of the above is fine but the internet still doesn't work, move to manually setup. On Xiaomi Redmi 9A with MIUI 12 firmware and newer APNs, they are often reset after updates - a well-known bug that Xiaomi never fixed.

Manual setting of APN for all Russian operators

APNs are a bridge between your smartphone and the carrier’s network, and if they are not configured correctly, the Internet will not work even if there is a signal, and the following are the current settings for all major Russian carriers (tested in June 2026).

To add APNs manually:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Choose yours. SIM] → Access points (APN).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the New Access Point.
3. Fill in the fields according to the table below (leave the rest of the parameters by default or delete).
4. Save the settings and restart the phone.

Once you save a new access point, select it from the list and activate it. If you already have multiple APNs on the list, delete the old ones, they may conflict.

Only one access point is saved.

APN name entered without typos

The fields "Username" and "Password" are filled (if required)

APN type is set as default,supl (default)

Rebooting the phone is done-->

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi Redmi 9A two-way SIM-With cards, mobile Internet can only work on one of them at a time. To switch, go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Mobile Internet and choose the right one SIM.

Why 4G is not catching: the limitations of the Redmi 9A and how to get around them

One of the most common complaints of Xiaomi Redmi 9A owners is that there is no 4G network, despite the support for the standard, because the budget chipset MediaTek Helio G25 has a limited set of LTE bands, for example, it does not support the B20 band (800 MHz), which Tele2 actively uses in the regions, as a result, the smartphone “sees” only 3G or loses the network altogether.

Here's what we can do:

• 📡 Forced Network Selection: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Network type and select Only LTE. If the network goes down, return the car.
• 🔧 Radio update: sometimes it helps to run a new modem through Fastboot. However, this is risky - if you make a mistake, the phone can lose communication forever.
• 📶 Use of an external antenna: If the signal is weak, try USB-Adapter antenna (supported through the OTG). This is relevant for country houses.

If nothing helps, you can only change the operator to someone who uses the supported ranges (for example, MTS or MegaFon in cities).

Connection Problem Solving: From Errors to MIUI's "Gray" Functions

Even after setting up the APN correctly, the Redmi 9A's mobile internet may not work as smoothly, and here are the typical errors and solutions:

• 🚫 "No Internet access with an active signal: check if the mode is enabled to Save traffic in Settings → Connections and sharing → Traffic savings. It blocks background data.
• 🔄 Constant network reconnection: disable Automatic network selection in settings SIM-It can conflict with manual settings. APN.
• 📵 The Internet only works after a reboot: it's a sign of a modem malfunction. → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting mobile network settings.

If standard methods don’t help, try the “gray” MIUI settings that Xiaomi doesn’t advertise:

1. Enter the number ##4636## in the phone number, then select Phone Information.
2. Scroll down to the LTE Settings block and experiment with LTE Band settings (e.g., disable unnecessary ranges).
3. In the same menu, enable the Enhanced 4G LTE Mode option (if available).

⚠️ Warning: Changing hidden parameters may cause communication loss. Write down the initial values or take screenshots before editing. If the network is lost after the changes, reset to factory settings.

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If mobile internet only works in your browser, but not in apps, check your DNS settings. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Additional → Private DNS and type dns.google (or 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare).

Energy Saving vs. Stable Internet: How to Find Balance

Xiaomi’s budget smartphones, including the Redmi 9A, aggressively optimize power consumption, which often affects communication quality. For example, in Ultra-energy saving mode, the phone can turn off mobile data in the background, which causes not all notifications to arrive, and messengers are updated with a delay.

To fix this:

1. Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Energy Saving Mode.
2. Choose No Limits or Balanced Mode.
3. Add critical apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, email) to the list No Limits in Battery Optimization.

Also check the adaptive lighting settings: in Settings → Display. → Adaptive backlighting disable the option Automatic data shutdown when the screen is off (if any). MIUI 13 and newer.

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On the Redmi 9A with MIUI 12.5 firmware and older, mobile internet can shut down when battery power is low (less than 15%). To avoid this, turn off the Emergency Power Saving option in the battery settings.

Alternative ways of connecting: distribution of the Internet and USB-modem

If the Redmi 9A's mobile internet never worked, you can use the phone as a modem for other devices, like laptops or tablets. Here's how to do it:

• 📲 Wi-Fi Access Point: Go to Settings → Connections and sharing → Modem mode and access point. Turn on Wi-Fi hotspot and set up network name/password. Connect another device to the network you created.
• 🔌 USB-Modem: Connect your phone to your PC via USB-In the same settings, turn on the modem. USB-On a PC in Network Connections, check that a new connection has been made.

Bluetooth modem

When using Redmi 9A as a modem, keep in mind that the Internet speed will be lower than with a direct connection due to the limitations of the chipset. Also keep in mind the temperature of the phone - with prolonged use, it can overheat.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions