How to set up mobile Internet on Xiaomi smartphones: from APN to 5G

Modern Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi lines) support all current mobile standards from 2G to 5G, but sometimes users face connection problems: whether the Internet only works through Wi-Fi, although the SIM card is active, whether the speed leaves much to be desired, or the device does not see the network at all. In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by correctly configuring APN parameters, choosing network mode or updating the firmware.

This article is a complete guide to setting up mobile Internet on Xiaomi, taking into account the features of MIUI 14/15 and new chipsets (for example, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Dimensity 9300).

• 🔧 Basic settings for all operators (MTS, Beeline, Tele2, MegaFon, Yota)
• 📡 How to turn it on 5G/4G+ Why your smartphone can’t see the network
• ⚡ Speed optimization: power saving switch off, frequency range selection
• ❌ Common errors (e.g., “No Services” or “Emergency Calls Only")

If you just bought a new Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or POCO F6, or faced problems after the upgrade, this guide will help you return a stable mobile Internet in 5-10 minutes.

1. Check the basic parameters before setting up

Before you go into the APN settings or call the operator, make sure the problem is not on the surface.

Make sure your SIM card is active (check the balance via *100# or the operator app)

Reboot the smartphone (prolonged retention of the power button → “Reboot”)

Check coverage area (the screen should display the network icon: 3G/4G/5G)

Turn off "On the plane" mode in the notification curtain

Try inserting the SIM card into another slot (if there are two)

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If the Internet is not working after these manipulations, move on to the following steps. Note: on Xiaomi with dual SIM, mobile Internet by default can only be tied to the first slot (Slot 1).

Settings → SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks → Mobile Internet → Select SIM- Card

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi 12 or POCO X5) When two SIM cards are activated at the same time, VoLTE support may be disabled or 5G. If the speed is more important than the second number, disable the second SIM card in the settings.

2. set up APN access points for all operators

APN (Access Point Name) is the "address" that connects your phone to your carrier's Internet. Incorrect APN settings are the most common reason for the lack of mobile Internet. Below are the current parameters for the main Russian carriers (data checked in 2026):

To add or change the APN to Xiaomi:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Choose. SIM] → Access points (APN).
2. Press on "➕" (add APN) or select an existing one for editing.
3. Fill in the fields as above. Leave the rest of the settings (e.g. Port or MMSC) unchanged.
4. Save the settings and restart the smartphone.

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If you have lost your APN after saving, check if the tick is "LTE Only" in the access point settings. Uncheck it if your carrier does not require it.

On new MIUI 15 firmware (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Ultra), the APN menu can be hidden to open it:

Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 5 times in a row) → Return to Settings → Additional → Access Points (APN)

3. Enabling 4G/5G and selecting priority network mode

Even with the right APN, a smartphone can run in slow 3G mode unless 4G (LTE) or 5G is activated. On Xiaomi, it’s set up like this:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Choose. SIM].
2. Tap on the network type (or preferred network type).
3. Choose the most accessible mode: 📶 5G/4G/3G/2G (Automobiles for new models (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi Note 13 Pro) 📶 4G/3G/2G (car - if 5G snatch 📶 Only 4G — stability (sometimes) 5G glitch)

Some devices (e.g. POCO F5) have a separate switch for VoLTE (LTE voice) and VoNR (5G voice), which should be enabled if the operator supports these functions:

Settings → SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks → [Select SIM] → Include VoLTE/VoNR

Only 4G.

5G (where there is coverage)

Automatic selection (4G/5G)

Only 3G (battery-saving)-->

⚠️ Attention: If, after activation, 5G The smartphone started to discharge faster — check the settings of energy saving. → Battery → Select “Balanced” instead of “Energy Saving".

4. Solving Common Mobile Internet Errors

If the internet still doesn’t work, here are the typical problems and solutions:

• 🔴 "No Services" or "Emergency Calls Only" - Check if it is blocked SIM-card (call *100#). – Reinstall the SIM card to another slot. – Update the firmware: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔴 "Connected without Internet access – Delete the current one APN and create a new one (see Section 2). – Check the balance: sometimes operators block the Internet when the balance is negative. VPN (if used).
• 🔴 Slow Internet (speed below 10 Mbps) 4G+ (Carrier Aggregation in the Engineering Menu (see spoiler below). – Check network congestion: during rush hours (18:00–23:00) the speed may drop. – Turn off Traffic Savings in Settings → Connections and sharing → Saving traffic.

If the problem persists, try resetting your network settings:

Settings → System → Resetting settings → Resetting network settings

5. Speed optimization: hidden settings and engineering menu

For advanced users who want to make the most of the mobile internet, there are a few hidden tricks:

• 🛠 Forced frequency selection 4G/5G On the engineering menu (##4636##) You can manually specify the frequency ranges that are best caught in your area, for example, for MTS in Moscow, the optimal bands are the best. B3 (1800 MHz and B7 (2600 MHz).
• 🛠 Power Saving Disconnection for Mobile Network Go to Settings → Battery → Performance mode → High-performance. It'll increase speed, but it'll reduce the time you're working.
• 🛠 Use of two SIM cards for the Internet (Dual) 4G) On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro) you can activate Dual 4G, So that both SIM cards work in the LTE Select the engineering menu for this. DSDS Mode → Dual 4G.

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On smartphones with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 chipset (such as the Xiaomi 13T Pro), 5G + 4G Dual SIM is supported, but only if the operator allows it at the network level.

To check the real speed, use applications like Speedtest by Ookla or nPerf. If the speed is lower than the operator's stated speed (for example, instead of 100 Mbps, you get 20 Mbps), try:

• 📍 Move closer to the window (the walls of buildings screen the signal).
• 🔄 Switch from 5G on 4G (sometimes 5G floundering).
• 📵 Turn off and re-enable the "In the plane" mode".

6. Features of settings on popular Xiaomi models

Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique nuances when setting up mobile Internet.

On devices with MIUI for the global market (for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite for Europe) may not support some Russian 4G/5G frequencies.

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If after the MIUI update, mobile Internet disappeared, try to roll back to the previous firmware version via Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → Update Package (select a local file).

7. Alternative ways of connecting to the Internet

If the mobile internet never worked, there are a few workarounds:

• 📶 Modem mode (internet distribution) Connect your smartphone to another device via USB, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and use it as a modem.Settings: Settings → Connections and sharing → Modem mode → Turn on
• 🔄 Switch to eSIM If your Xiaomi supports eSIM (such as Xiaomi 13 Lite), try activating a virtual SIM card through an operator app.
• 📡 Use of external antenna for models with support MIMO (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra) can connect an external antenna via an adapter TS-9 or CRC-9.

If you are often in areas with poor coverage (such as the subway or outside the city), consider buying a signal repeater (repiter) or portable device. 4G-router (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Router) 4G).

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up mobile Internet on Xiaomi