Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO They often face a situation where the device stops seeing the network or the Internet is unstable, even though the plan is paid. SIM-Unlike the internal memory of the phone, the operator chip has a very limited volume, mainly designed to store contacts and other devices. SMS-message.
When this limit is exhausted, there may be network login failures, problems receiving incoming calls, or the inability to send a message. Clearing a SIM card is not a magical action, but a technical procedure for removing old records that the user no longer needs. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to safely free up space and optimize the operation of the communication module.
It's worth noting that "cleaning" is often understood as two different processes: deleting data from the operator's chip and resetting the network settings of the device itself. It's important not to confuse these concepts, because they solve different problems. SIM-The cards do not remove them from the Google cloud or internal memory of the phone if sync was previously enabled.
Diagnostics of the problem: when to clean up
Before you start taking action, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the overflow of memory of the chip. Symptoms can vary from complete absence of the network to periodic failures in the work of messengers"SIM-No service card found or no service, this may be a signal that intervention is needed.
Users often ignore warnings about a shortage of SIM space as irrelevant, but a crowded list of contacts on a chip can slow down the process of logging in to the operatorβs network when you turn on the phone, especially for older SIM cards that have been used for years without replacement.
Please note the following signs that indicate the need for cleaning:
- π± Phone long searches for network after switching on or restarting.
- π© Coming SMS Not displayed or coming with a delay.
- β Inability to maintain a new contact with SIM-map.
- π Failures in outgoing calls with a recording error message.
If you see any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to check the memory status of your SIM card. In modern versions of the MIUI and HyperOS shell, the system can offer optimization on its own, but manual control is always more reliable.
Preparation for the cleaning procedure
Before you start any manipulation of contacts and network settings, it is extremely important to protect your data. Although the risk of loss of information is minimal, the human factor or accidental failure can lead to trouble, so creating a backup is a must-have step that should not be neglected.
First of all, you need to sync all contacts with your Google account, which will allow you to save all numbers, even if they are physically located on the SIM card chip, and then go to the contact settings and select the import/export option.
βοΈ Preparation for cleaning SIM
It's worth knowing. PIN-If you have a SIM card, if you have it installed, if you have some SIM card management activities, the system may ask for confirmation, if the code is lost, it is better not to risk it and restore it first through the operator's service center, so as not to get blocked. PUK-code.
β οΈ Warning: Never try to guess. PUK-Three wrong inputs. PIN-The code is blocked by the card, and ten incorrect inputs PUK-code leads to its complete and irreversible blocking, after which only the replacement of the SIM card from the operator will help.
Make sure your Xiaomi smartphone has sufficient battery power. The synchronization process and system settings should not be interrupted by a sudden shutdown of the device. The optimal charge level is considered to be above 30-40%.
Removing contacts and SMS from SIM-card
The most direct way to free up space is to delete old entries stored directly on the chip. In modern smartphones, storing contacts on a SIM card is considered an archaic method, since the character limit in the name is very small, but limited.
To clean up, open the standard Contacts app on your device. In the upper right corner, click on the menu (three dots or bars) and select Settings or Contact Management. Here you are interested in Import/Export Contacts.
Next, perform the following actions:
- Select the option "Delete contacts".
- Please indicate the source"SIM-map (or"SIM 1","SIM 2").
- Select all contacts or select specific unnecessary entries.
- Confirm removal.
A similar procedure is carried out for SMS-Messages if stored on a SIM card (although this is rare in modern Android) go to the Messages app, open the settings and find the Management item SIM-map" or "Text messages SIM". Deleting old service messages can free up critical kilobytes of memory.
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After removing the contact with SIM-It is recommended to immediately copy the remaining important numbers to the internal memory of the phone or to the Google account to protect them from loss when changing the device.
Once cleaned, reboot your phone, which is necessary for the Android operating system and modem to re-read the memory status of the SIM card, and often the problem with finding the network is solved after such a simple procedure and restart.
Reset network settings and APN access points
If the physical cleaning of contacts did not help, or the problem was incorrect network parameters, you need to reset the network settings, this action will return all parameters of the mobile Internet and calls to factory values, eliminating software conflicts.
It's important to understand that this step doesn't delete your personal files, photos or apps. It only affects your connection settings: Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairs, and mobile network settings. To perform the operation, go to the settings menu.
The path to the desired function may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI:
- πΉ Go to Settings. β Connection and sharing.
- πΉ Find the Wi-Fi, Mobile Networks and Bluetooth Reset section.
- πΉ Click the Reset button at the bottom of the screen.
- πΉ Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or password.
Special attention should be paid to APN hotspots. Sometimes operators change the settings of Internet access, and the phone remains old, non-working settings. From the menu of mobile networks, select "APN" and click "Reset" (usually ikonka with three dots in the corner).
| Parameter | Before dumping. | After discharge | Impact on work |
|---|---|---|---|
| APN points | They can be infidels. | Automatic from operator | Mobile Internet is being restored |
| Type of network | Possible conflict (3G/4G) | Auto (LTE/5G preferred) | Signal stability is improved |
| roaming | Could be included incorrectly | Off (default) | Protection against unnecessary write-offs |
| Prefixes | User changes | Standard. | Correct operation of the determinant |
π‘
Resetting your network settings is a safe procedure that often solves 90% of the problems with unstable Internet and lost communication on Xiaomi smartphones.
Physical cleaning of SIM card contacts
Sometimes software methods are powerless, and the reason lies in the banal oxidation or contamination of the metal contacts of the SIM card. Dust, fat from the fingers and microscopic moisture can disrupt the contact between the chip and the phone reader.
First, you need to remove the SIM card tray, use a special paper clip (or a thin needle) by pressing the hole next to the tray, and be careful not to put too much effort into it so as not to damage the mechanism.
The physical cleaning process looks like this:
- Carefully examine the golden contacts of the SIM card for scratches or dark plaque.
- Take a soft, lilaless fabric (microfibra) or cotton swab.
- Slightly moisten the stick in ethyl alcohol (not water!).
- Gently wipe the contacts, removing the contaminants.
- Allow the alcohol to dry completely (1-2 minutes) before installation.
Can I clean the contacts with a stripe?
Also, blow out the SIM card tray in your phone, which often accumulates dust, and do this carefully, without using compressed air under high pressure, so as not to damage the microphone or speaker located nearby.
β οΈ Warning: It is strictly forbidden to use water, wet wipes with perfume or aggressive chemical solvents (acetone, gasoline) to clean contacts, this will lead to a chemical reaction and chip destruction.
Alternative methods and replacement of SIM card
If neither memory cleansing, nor resetting, nor physical cleaning helped, it may have been that the SIM card has worn off physically. The chips have an average lifespan of 5-7 years. Over time, the crystal degrades and the number of errors in reading increases.
So in this case, the solution is to replace the SIM card with the carrier, which is free or it costs a token amount, but the phone number is saved, and you just come to the salon with your passport and you get a new chip.
Comparison of SIM card status:
- π’ New SIM: Instant registration on the network, support for all modern encryption standards.
- π‘ Old one. SIM (3-5 Possible rare failures, lack of support for some frequencies 4G/5G.
- π΄ Worn-out SIM: Constant network losses, heating in the module area, fast battery discharge.
It's also worth checking if your SIM card has a password. SIM-Cards can be turned off request PIN-This will not only speed up the loading, but also eliminate software errors in the input when the system starts.