Is the network on Xiaomi bad? 10 proven ways to improve communication

Have you noticed that your Xiaomi has become worse at catching mobile networks, often losing 4G/5G or slowing down on the Internet, even though other devices work fine? Communication problems on Redmi, POCO and Mi smartphones are common, but in 80% of cases they can be solved without going to the service center. The causes of a bad signal are both software failures (incorrect settings, outdated firmware) and hardware limitations (weak communication module, damaged antenna).

In this article, we will discuss 10 working methods to improve the quality of communication on Xiaomi – from basic actions (reboot, reset network settings) to advanced (manual change of modem parameters, replacement) SIM-We will focus on models with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi Note). 12, POCO X5), where communication problems are more common because of the chipset's features, all instructions tested on current versions. MIUI 14/15 HyperOS.

1. Check the basic network settings

Before digging deep, make sure that the problem isn't with the basic settings. Often users accidentally change settings that degrade communication, or simply don't update the operator configuration.

Open the Settings. → SIM-Maps and mobile networks and follow the following steps:

• 📶 Choose the right network mode: if you have 5G-Smartphone (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T or Redmi K60), But the settings are just 4G, turn on 5G/4G/3G/2G (For older models (Redmi) 9A) perfect 4G/3G/2G.
• 🔄 Update the operator’s settings: tap your name SIM-map → Access point settings (APN) → Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset to default values.
• 📡 Disable Traffic Saving: In Data Transfer, deactivate Data Savings – it limits connection speeds.

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If after resetting the APN, the Internet did not work, manually enter the settings of your operator. They can be found on the official website (for example, for MTS - Internet.mts.ru, for Beeline - Internet.beeline.ru).

Also check if the In-plane mode is activated (it happens to be activated accidentally through the notification panel).If the problem occurs after the MIUI update, try restarting your smartphone - sometimes this helps to restore communication.

2. Reset network settings to factory

If the basic manipulations didn't work, the next step is to completely reset the network settings, which will delete all stored Wi-Fi networks, passwords, Bluetooth and cellular settings, but often solves problems with the bad signal.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Network Reset (not to be confused with a full reset!).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Re-enter Wi-Fi passwords | Check network mode (4G/5G) | Update operator APN |Reboot smartphone

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After resetting, the smartphone automatically selects the optimal communication parameters. If the signal is still weak, move on to the next method.

MTS|Beeline|MegaFon|Tele2.|Yota|Other-->

3. Update firmware and modem

On Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek chipsets (Helio G96, Dimensity 700, etc.), communication problems are often solved by updating the radio module (modem). Even if you have the latest version of MIUI, the modem itself may be outdated.

How to update:

1. Check the relevance of the firmware: Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. If there are no updates, download the latest version of Fastboot firmware for your model from en.miui.com.
3. Install it through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the official website).

For advanced users: if the connection hasn’t improved after the update, try flashing the modem separately via QFil (for Qualcomm) or SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek) For instructions and modem files, check the forums 4PDA.

4. Check. SIM-slot

Sometimes the cause of poor communication lies in physical problems: damaged communication. SIM-A card, an oxidized slot pin, or a faulty antenna:

• 🔍 Look at this. SIM-card: cracks, chips or scuffs on the chip can impair communication.
• 🔌 Check the slot: carefully take out the tray and examine the contacts. If they are oxidized, clean them with a stripe or alcohol.
• 📱 Change the slot: If you have a dual-SIM model (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro), move the card to another slot - sometimes one of them works worse.
• 🆔 Activate eSIM: If your carrier supports eSIM (such as MTS or Tele2), try switching to it – a digital card is often more stable than a physical card.

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If, in the course of a reshuffle, SIM-Cards in another smartphone communication improves – a problem in your Xiaomi’s antenna or communication module.

Also pay attention to the type SIM-map:

• 📱 Nano-SIM (smallest) – optimal for new models.
• 📱 Micro-SIM or Mini-SIM with adapter – may not communicate well.

5. Set up an engineering menu (for experienced)

Xiaomi has a hidden engineering menu where you can manually adjust your communication settings. Careful: the wrong changes can lead to network loss! Use this method only if you are confident in your actions.

How to open the engineering menu:

1. Enter the dialer code: ##4636##.
2. Select Phone Information.
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.

Recommended settings for different chipsets:

• 📶 Qualcomm (Snapdragon): Choose from the LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM auto NR/LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM auto (for 5G).
• 📶 MediaTek (Helio, Dimensity): install LTE only NR/LTE auto.

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If you don’t have VoLTE on the engineering menu, activate it using the code ##86583## (for MediaTek) or #869434## (for Qualcomm).

Also in the engineering menu you can:

• 📊 View the signal level in dBm (norm: from -70 before -110).
• 🔄 Reconnect to the network via Disable Radio → Enable radio.

6. Improve signal reception by hardware methods

If the software didn't work, the problem could be the hardware, the weak antenna, the shielding of the body, or the plume damage.

• 📴 Use a signal repeater: If you have a weak signal at home, install a repeater 4G/5G (for example, Huawei B525).
• 🛠️ Check the antenna: on Xiaomi, the antennas are located in the upper and lower parts of the case. If after the fall, the connection deteriorated, perhaps the contact went away (you need to parse the service).
• 📶 Buy an external antenna: for models with support MIMO (For example, Xiaomi 13 Pro can connect an external antenna via an adapter.
• 🔋 Remove the case: Metal or thick covers can shield the signal.

Also, pay attention to the temperature of the smartphone: when overheating (for example, during games), the communication module can artificially limit power, worsening reception. If the body is hot, let the device cool down.

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On models with a metal body (Xiaomi Mi 11, Mi 10T), the signal is often weaker than on plastic models (Redmi 9, POCO M4).

7. Optimize your roaming experience

If communication problems occur in roaming (such as when traveling), check the following points:

• 🌍 Turn off automatic network selection: go to Settings → Mobile network → Network operators and select the operator manually.
• 📵 Deactivate Roaming Data if you are not using the Internet: This will prevent unnecessary connections to weak networks.
• 🔄 Turn on VoLTE in roaming: some operators (e.g. MegaFon) support voice communication via the Internet 4G even abroad.

Also note that in some countries Xiaomi may not support local 5G frequencies. For example, in the US, Xiaomi smartphones often only work in 4G, as they are not certified for American 5G networks (for example, n71, n41).

8. Diagnostics of failures of the communication module

If none of the methods worked, it is possible that your Xiaomi communication module (modem) is faulty.

• 📵 Complete lack of signal (even in areas with good coverage).
• 🔄 Constant reconnection to the network (signal icon flashes).
• 📞 Inability to make a call (error "Not registered on the network").
• 🌡️ Overheating of the upper part of the body (where the modem is located).

What to do:

1. Do the test on another device: insert yours SIM-If the connection works, the problem is your Xiaomi.
2. Check IMEI: type *#06#. If zeros or an error are displayed instead of a 15-digit code, the modem is faulty.
3. Contact the service: repair of the communication module costs 3,000–8,000 ₽ (model-wise).

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Before visiting the service, back up your data via Mi Cloud or Google Drive – a complete reset may be required during the repair.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to solder or replace the modem yourself - this requires special equipment (sweeping station, microscope) and skills. Improper repair can completely disable the smartphone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about communication on Xiaomi