How to connect mobile Internet on a Xiaomi smartphone: a complete guide

Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones are famous for their functionality, but sometimes basic settings can cause difficulties for users, especially after the first purchase or change of operator. Lack of access to the World Wide Web limits the device’s capabilities, turning it into a simple phone for calls.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate data transfer, configure access points. APN and eliminate common errors that interfere with stable work 4G/LTE. You will learn where to look for hidden switches in the shell MIUI HyperOS and how to check the balance and status of your service provider.

The instructions are universal for most models of the Chinese brand, but the menu interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the operating system, the main thing is to carefully follow the algorithm of actions to avoid errors when entering settings.

Primary inspection SIM-card-slot

Before you go into the software settings, you need to make sure that the physical integrity and correctness of the installation of the communication module. Often the problem lies in the contacts or the wrong positioning of the chip in the tray. SIM-The card is inserted with gold contacts down and fits tightly to the board.

Note which slot you use. In dual-sim models, the first slot often supports a wider range of frequencies and technologies, including VoLTE and frequency aggregation. If the internet doesn't work in one slot, try moving the card to another.

⚠️ Warning: Before removing the tray, be sure to turn off the smartphone to avoid short circuit contacts and potential failure of the radio module.

Also worth checking is if the phone sees the SIM itself. Go to the settings and see if the carrier name or No Service status is displayed. If the system writes Unknown, it may be that the card is damaged or needs to be replaced with a new 4G-enabled one.

Activation of data transfer in settings

Once the card is successfully installed, you need to allow the device to use mobile traffic. By default, this feature can be disabled to save battery power or prevent background costs. Go to the Settings menu and select Mobile Network.

In the window that opens, find the Mobile Internet or Data Transfer switch and activate it. On some firmware versions, this control is placed on the top notification curtain, allowing you to turn the Internet on and off with a single touch.

It is important to choose the right one. SIM-The default card for data transfer, if you have two, click on the corresponding menu item and specify the desired number, which ensures that the traffic will be consumed from the exact tariff where there is a package of gigabytes.

• 📱 Open the notification curtain with a swipe from top to bottom.
• 🔍 Find the Mobile Internet icon (usually two arrows).
• ✅ Click on it to make it active (blue or colored).
• 📶 Make sure that there is an icon next to the operator’s name. 4G or LTE.

Manually configuring the APN access point

The most common reason for not having internet when a signal is present is the wrong configuration of the APN (Access Point Name) access point. The operators automatically send these settings, but sometimes this process fails and the data has to be entered manually.

To do this, go along the Settings path. → Mobile network → SIM-Maps and mobile networks. Select the SIM you want and find the Access Points section (APN)». In the upper right corner of the screen, click the button “New Access Point” or «+».

You need to enter the exact parameters provided by your operator, usually you need to fill in the fields "Name" and "Access Point (APN)" The remaining fields are usually left empty or filled in automatically.

Be sure to save the created access point by clicking on the menu (three dots) and selecting Save, and then activate it by ticking.

Selection of preferred network type

Modern networks evolve, and it is important that your smartphone uses the most affordable communication technology. Mobile network settings often have Auto mode by default, but sometimes you need to force switching to 4G/LTE.

Find the "Preferred Network Type" option in the SIM card menu. Select the "Preferred LTE" or "4G" option. This will give the modem a priority search for fourth-generation towers, ensuring high download speeds.

If your region has unstable 4G coverage, the phone can switch between standards constantly, causing connection breaks, so you can try to choose “3G/2G (auto)” but the Internet speed will be much lower.

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To check the real speed of the Internet, use the services Speedtest or Fast.com immediately after switching to 4G to make sure that the connection settings change.

Resetting network settings and restarting

If all the parameters are entered correctly, but the Internet did not appear, it may have accumulated software errors or profile conflicts, and the effective solution is to reset the network settings to factory values.

This procedure won’t delete your personal files, photos or apps, but it will return all the settings of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile networks to their original state.

Resets can be done via Settings → Connection & Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Once confirmed, the device will restart and you will need to reset APNs if they are not applied automatically.

⚠️ WARNING: Resetting network settings will remove all saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairs, so make sure to remember the access keys to your home router.

After restarting, wait 2-3 minutes until the phone is fully registered in the operator’s network. The communication indicators should stabilize, and only after that it is worth checking the browsers.

Diagnostics of coverage and balance problems

Sometimes the technical settings are irrelevant, and the problem lies on the provider or the tariff plan side. Make sure that your account has funds or traffic limit is not exhausted. Many operators block access to the network with zero balance, leaving only the possibility of calls.

It's also worth checking coverage. If you're in a basement, an elevator, or a remote area, the signal may be too weak to transmit data, even if the calls pass. Try to go out into an open space.

• 📞 Dial it. USSD-Balance check command (e.g. *100#).
• 🌐 Call the operator’s support service to clarify the status of the services.
• 🔄 Check if the flight mode is enabled).

In rare cases, the operator may block the SIM-card due to suspicious activity or expiration of the contract, this is solved only by contacting the communication salon or through the personal account.

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90% of Xiaomi’s mobile internet problems are solved by entering the right settings APN Or simply restart the device after a change. SIM-map.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions