How to improve the quality of communication on Xiaomi smartphones: from weak signal to stable 5G

Why Xiaomi is bad at catching the network and how to fix it

Have you noticed that your Xiaomi has started losing network in places where everything used to work smoothly? Or calls are interrupted and the Internet slows down even at full signal level? Communication problems on Redmi, POCO or Mi smartphones are common, but in 90% of cases they can be solved without going to the service center.

The causes of poor communication fall into two categories: hardware (issues with an antenna, SIM card or communication module) and software (incorrect settings, firmware errors, conflicts with the operator). In this article, we will analyze both types of malfunctions and give specific instructions for each model, from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Important: If the communication has not improved after all the manipulations, the problem may lie in the regional firmware (for example, the global version on a Chinese phone) or a hardware defect of the antenna module, in which case only firmware or repair will help.

1. Check the basic network settings

Before digging deeper, make sure the phone has all the necessary settings on for stable communication. Often users accidentally turn off key features or choose the wrong network mode.

Open the Settings. → SIM-Maps and mobile networks and check:

• 📶 Network mode: should stand 4G/5G (car) or Only 4G (if 5G It's unstable in your area. 3G or 2G Deteriorating Internet Speed.
• 🔄 Automatic network selection: If switched off, the phone won’t switch to a more powerful tower when moving.
• 📡 Roaming: For travel abroad, turn on National Roaming (in Russia) or International Roaming (abroad).
• 🔗 Access Point: If you don’t use the Internet distribution, turn it off – it may conflict with the main connection.

Some models (such as the POCO F5 or Redmi K60) have a hidden menu to fine-tune the network. To open it, type in the dialer:

##4636##

Go to Phone Information and select Network Settings, where you can manually specify the network type (LTE only, GSM auto) or disable unused bands.

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If after changing the settings, the connection disappeared completely, restart the phone - sometimes the communication module "hangs" when changing the parameters.

2. Update firmware and reset network settings

Software errors are one of the main causes of poor communication. Xiaomi regularly releases updates that fix the modem module bugs (responsible for communication).

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates and install the latest version of MIUI.
3. After the update, be sure to restart the device.

If the update didn't work, try resetting your network settings, which will delete the stored Wi-Fi networks and passwords, but return the communication settings to factory settings:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
2. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

On models with duals SIM-cards (for example, Xiaomi) 13T) You may need to reset each SIM separately, and check if the cards are conflicting between the operators, because sometimes the phone freezes when choosing a priority network.

3. Optimization of work SIM-map

The quality of communication depends on the state SIM-Even microscopic damage to contacts or contamination can lead to call interruptions and slow Internet.

What to check:

• 🔍 Status. SIM-Cards: Check the chip for scratches, chips or oxidation. If the card is older than 5 years, replace it in the operator's cabin.
• 📱 Slot for SIM: Wipe the contacts in the tray with an alcohol napkin. On Xiaomi with hybrid slots (like the Redmi Note 11), make sure the card is inserted before the click.
• 🔄 Reinstallation SIM: Take out the card, restart the phone, and paste it back in. Sometimes the communications module doesn't see the SIM after the updates.
• 🆔 Problems with IMEI: If the phone doesn’t detect the network at all, check it out. IMEI c *#06#. If zeros are displayed instead of the number, recovery is required (for this, see the section on hardware malfunctions).

Newer models (Xiaomi 14, POCO X6 Pro) support virtual SIM (eSIM). If you have a physical card but the operator offers an eSIM, try switching to it - digital SIMs are less likely to cause communication problems.

4.APN setting up for maximum internet speed

APN (Access Point Name) is the "address" that connects the phone to the operator's Internet. Incorrect APN settings can limit speed or block access to the network altogether.

To set up APN on Xiaomi:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Access points (APN).
2. Click Add APN and enter your operator's settings. Below are the current data for popular providers (2026):

Once you save your new APN, select it from the list and reboot your phone. If the internet speed hasn't increased, try removing all the other APNs - conflicting multiple profiles can slow down communication.

The field "Name" is filled with Latin|APN error-free|The authentication type corresponds to the operator|The proxy and port are left empty (unless otherwise indicated)|-->

5. Elimination of interference and improvement of signal reception

A weak signal is not always the fault of the phone. External interference -- metal structures, other electronic devices, even weather conditions -- can block communication. Here's how to minimize their impact:

Advice for improving admissions:

• 📶 Avoid dead zones: cellars, elevators or dense forests will be less connected, move closer to the window or to open areas.
• 🔋 Turn off battery savings: Ultra-saving or Charge saving mode limits the operation of the communication module. → Battery.
• 📵 Remove the case: metallized or magnetic cases can shield the signal. Try removing it and check the network level.
• 🔄 Turn on 30 seconds flight mode: this will reset the connection to the tower and make the phone connect again.
• 🌐 Use Wi-Fi for calls: If mobile communication is unstable, turn on VoWiFi (wi-fi calls) in your settings SIM-map.

Some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, POCO F4 GT) have a signal amplification function in the engineering menu to activate it:

1. Enter the dial number ##36446337##.
2. Go to RF Band Selection and select Auto or manually specify your carrier ranges (e.g. Band 3, 7, 20 for MTS).

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If the phone doesn't see" 5G, The operator supports this network, check if the corresponding range is on in the engineering menu. 4G-frequency.

6. Diagnostics of hardware malfunctions

If the software methods didn't work, the problem could be physical damage to the antenna module or motherboard.

• 📉 The signal disappears even in places with good coverage.
• 🔌 The phone doesn't detect. IMEI (Checked through *#06#).
• 🔧 After falling or getting moisture, the connection became worse.
• 📡 Antenna lines (thin stripes on the back cover) damaged.

What you can do on your own:

1. IMEI check: If you have zeros instead of a number, restore it via the engineering menu (#3646633## → Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information) or special utilities like ChimeraTool.
2. Diagnostics of the antenna: disassemble the phone (only if you have experience!) and check the integrity of the antenna cables. On Xiaomi, they often depart after falls.
3. Communication module test: install Network Signal Guru and check the signal level in dBm. Values below -100 dBm indicate a weak reception, below -120 dBm - a malfunction.

If the phone is warranty, do not disassemble it yourself - contact the Xiaomi service center. The average cost of repairing the antenna module: 1,500-3,000 rubles (depending on the model).

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Before visiting the service, back up your data via Settings → About Phone → Backup. When replacing the motherboard or communication module, you may need to reset to factory settings.

7. Alternative ways to strengthen communication

If the standard methods didn’t work, try these non-obvious solutions:

Signal repeater (amplifier)

For homes or offices with poor coverage is suitable LTE-repeater (e.g. Huawei) B525 or Zyxel Keenetic 4G III). He picks up a weak signal from the street and relays it inside the room.

Change of operator or tariff

Not all operators work equally well in your area.

• 🌍 RootMetrics – Independent analysis of communication quality.
• 📡 nPerf – speed tests for cities.

If your carrier is underrepresented in your local area, consider switching to a different provider or a 4G/5G-priority tariff.

Use of an external antenna

For Xiaomi with support OTG (for example, POCO X5 Pro) you can connect an external antenna via an adapter, this is relevant for country houses or trips: LTE-Poynting antenna XPOL-1 (~3,000 rubles).

8. Frequent user errors

Many communication problems are caused by the wrong actions of users themselves, and this is what you can't do on Xiaomi:

⚠️ Warning: Never install firmware from third-party developers (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) unless you are sure that it is compatible with your model's communication module. IMEI or total network failure.

Top.-5 mistake:

1. Disconnection of VoLTE service: without it, calls will be made on outdated 2G/3G-network, which impairs the quality of communication. Include it in Settings → SIM-map → [yours SIM] → VoLTE.
2. Use of left-handed APNs: APN settings downloaded from the Internet may contain viruses or incorrect settings that block the network.
3. Ignoring security updates: They often fix vulnerabilities that affect communication stability.
4. Overheating: At temperatures above 45°C, the communication module automatically reduces power.
5. Installation of two SIM-Cards without Dual support 4G: on some models (Redmi) 9A) The second sim works only in the 2G-mode.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with Chinese firmware (for example, bought on AliExpress), the communication may not work due to the lack of support for Russian frequencies. MIUI.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions