How to Enable and Configure a Mobile Network on a Xiaomi Phone: A Complete Guide

Mobile Internet on Xiaomi smartphones sometimes refuses to work immediately after buying a device or after updating MIUI. The reasons can vary from accidentally switched off in settings to incorrect APN settings (access point). In this article, we will discuss all the ways to turn on the mobile network on Redmi, POCO and Mi phones, including fault diagnosis and hidden settings to speed up the connection.

Feature of firmware MIUI — Duplication of some functions in different menus, for example, the mobile data switch can be found in the notification curtain, in the main settings, and even in the menu. SIM-This often confuses new users, and we will show you where to look for the right options depending on the version of the shell. MIUI 12 to MIUI 15) and smartphone models.

If the Internet never worked after reading the manual, at the end of the article you will find a checklist for diagnostics and answers to frequent questions, from problems with VoLTE to the error "Emergency Calls Only." Let's start with the basic steps.

1. Quickly turn on mobile Internet through the curtain

The easiest way to activate data is to use the Quick Settings Panel. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification curtain. There are two options:

• 📶 The Mobile Data icon -- tap it once. If the icon lights up, the connection is active.
• 🔄 Data Transfer icon (on some models) – can duplicate the first or be responsible for a separate SIM-map.
• ⚙️ Long-Tap on Mobile Data Icon Will Open Extended Network Settings.

On smartphones with two SIM-Cards (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, POCO X5 Pro et al.) The curtain can display two separate icons, one for each SIM. Make sure you turn on the data for the correct map. If there is no icon at all, then mobile Internet is disabled in the main settings (more on this below).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI When you update, you reset the mobile data permissions for individual applications. If the Internet works but not in your browser or messengers, check Settings. → Annexes → Permits → Mobile data.

If the switch in the curtain is inactive (grey and does not respond to presses), the problem may be:

• 🔌 Absence SIM-map or its improper installation.
• 📵 Hardware disconnection of the communication module (less often, but happens after falls).
• 🔒 Blocking IMEI (if the phone is recovered after theft or bought “with hands” without unlocking).

2. Including mobile data in MIUI settings

If quick access through the curtain is not enough, go to the full settings menu. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the general scheme is as follows:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (or connections) → Mobile network on new versions).
3. Choose the right one. SIM-map, if there are several.
4. Activate the mobile data switch.

On smartphones with MIUI 14/15 (for example, Xiaomi 13T or Redmi Note 13 Pro) the path looks like this:

Settings → Connections and Sharing → Mobile Network → [Select SIM] → Mobile Data (Enable)

After activation, check if the icon appears in the status bar 4G, 5G Or E (Edge) if it's R (roaming) or H (burning) instead of them.+, Internet speed will be limited. To fix this, go to Network Type and select 4G (recommended 5G (if supported by yours SIM-card-and-tariff).

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If the internet doesn't work after turning on your mobile data, try restarting your phone, and sometimes the communication module freezes after the MIUI update.

3. Configure APN access points for mobile Internet

If the mobile data switch is on but the internet is still down, the settings are likely not configured. APN (Access Point Name: This is the address that connects the phone to the operator's network. SIM-card APN It is usually set up automatically, but sometimes manual input is required.

To check or change the APN settings:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Choose. SIM] → Access points (APN).
2. If the list already has configurations, select the one that matches your operator (for example, Internet.beeline.ru for Beeline).
3. If there is no list or automatic settings do not work, click Add APN and enter the settings manually.

Below is a table with the current APN settings for popular Russian operators (the data is checked in 2026):

After you enter the settings, save the settings and restart the phone. If the APN doesn't save or disappears after the reboot, this may indicate:

• 🔐 Blocking by the operator (check the balance or status of the service "Mobile Internet»).
• 📱 Problems with SIM-Card (try inserting it into another phone).
• 🔧 Firmware failure (solved by resetting network settings).

4.Problems with SIM-map: diagnosis and solutions

If the mobile network is not turned on at all (there is not even an operator icon), the problem may lie in the network. SIM-This is what you need to check:

1. Physical condition SIM-map: 🔍 Take out the tray and make sure the card is inserted correctly (chip down, beveled corner to key). 🧹 Clear the contacts. SIM-cards and slots with dry soft cloth (dust or oxidation may disrupt the connection).
2. Slot performance: 🔄 Try inserting. SIM-The card is another slot (if there are two of them). 📱 Check the card on another phone – if it doesn’t work there, the operator has a problem.
3. Lockdown IMEI: 📵 If the phone was purchased from hand and was previously wanted, it is IMEI Check the status by command *#06# (two 15-digit numbers should be displayed).

On Xiaomi phones with hybrid slots (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or X-rays). POCO X3 Pro) the second slot can work either with SIM-either with a card or a microSD card. Make sure that the settings prioritize SIM, not the storage.

⚠️ Attention: If after installation SIM-Cards phone calls PUK-Three wrong attempts will lock the card permanently, and you can find the code from the operator or in your personal account.

Make sure that SIM inserted|Test the card on another phone|Check the balance and status of the service with the operator|Clean the slot contacts from dust|Try another slot (if you have one)-->

5 Hidden settings to speed up mobile internet

If the internet is running slowly (like speeds below 10 Mbps when connecting to 4G), try optimizing network settings. MIUI has hidden settings that can be changed through an engineering menu or special codes.

First, check the current type of network:

1. Enter the dialer code: ##4636##.
2. Select the item Phone Information.
3. Look at the Network Type bar, and the optimal value is LTE (4G) or NR (5G).

If HSPA+ or UMTS is displayed, your phone is forced to use 3G.

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Choose. SIM] → Type of network.
2. Choose 4G (recommended) or 4G only (if available).
3. If you're optional 5G gray, so yours is yours. SIM-The card or tariff does not support this technology.

For advanced users, if the speed is low, you can manually set the bandwidth, which is true for regions where operators use non-standard bands, for example, for the Redmi Note 12:

Enter ##36446337## → BandMode → select SIM → tick the frequencies supported by your operator (for example, for MTS: B3, B7, B20).

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If after changing the type of network the Internet disappeared completely, return the settings to the default values and restart the phone.

6. Solving problems with VoLTE and voice calls

VoLTE (voice over 4G) technology allows you to call without switching to 3G, which improves the quality of communication. However, on some Xiaomi models (POCO F4, Redmi K50), this feature can conflict with mobile Internet.

• 📞 Calls are not made, but the internet is working.
• 🔄 During the conversation, mobile Internet disappears.
• 🚫 There is no VoLTE switch in the settings.

To enable or disable VoLTE:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Choose. SIM] → VoLTE Challenges.
2. Activate the switch. If you don't have an option, upgrade to the latest version of MIUI.
3. If VoLTE calls stop working after you turn on, turn off the function and check your APN settings (sometimes a separate VoLTE profile is required).

Some MIUI firmware for Redmi and POCO has a bug: after the update, the ability to call when the mobile Internet is active disappears.

• 🔄 Phone reboot.
• 🔧 Reset network settings (see spoiler above).
• 📥 Installation of a patch through Reccovery (for experienced users).

7. Diagnostics of hardware malfunctions

If none of these things worked, the problem could be the hardware.

• 📡 The phone doesn't see any of them. SIM-map (even work card).
• 🔌 The network icon appears and disappears arbitrarily.
• 🔥 The phone overheats in the antenna area (upper left corner).
• 🛠️ After falling or getting moisture, the mobile network stopped working.

What to do:

1. Test antenna: Use test code ##4636## → Phone information → look at the signal level in dBm. If the value is above -100 dBm, communication is very weak (possibly damaged antenna).
2. Diagnostics of the communication module: Enter ##6484## (on some models) to run a hardware test. If an error is displayed in the Modem section, the module is faulty.
3. If the phone is warranty, do not disassemble it yourself! In services, you can replace the original parts with uncertified ones, which will lead to loss of warranty.

On Xiaomi phones with metal body (such as Mi 11 Ultra), antennas are located on the sides of the frame. If you drop the device on asphalt, antenna contacts may have been damaged, which is one of the most common causes of network loss.

FAQ: Frequent questions about mobile network on Xiaomi