How to enable mobile Internet on Xiaomi Redmi 9: a step-by-step guide

A modern smartphone like the Xiaomi Redmi 9 is impossible to imagine without constant access to the global network. Users often face a situation where after installing a new SIM card or resetting, access to data is not automatically activated, which can be annoying, especially if you need to urgently use a navigator or messenger.

Owners of MIUI-based devices know that the settings menu is specific here. Sometimes standard switches are hidden in the submenus, and sometimes the problem lies in the wrong access points. In this article, we will discuss in detail all possible ways to activate data transfer.

We're going to look at not only the basic steps, but also the complex cases that require manual adjustment of the operator's parameters. It's critical to enter the APN settings correctly for your carrier, as they are responsible for routing traffic. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid errors.

Basic activation through the notification panel

The fastest way to start the Internet is to use a notification curtain, which is suitable for situations where the settings are already correct, but the data transfer was simply turned off by the user to save charge.

Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the control center, find an icon with two arrows or a "Mobile Data" caption and click on it, and if the indicator lights up in blue or green, the module is activated.

However, if the icon is on but the sites are not loaded, the problem may be deeper, in which case you need to check which SIM card is selected for data transfer, especially if the device has two cards.

โš ๏ธ Note: If after the slider is turned on, the icon 4G or LTE not appearing in the status bar, perhaps in your coverage area a weak signal or SIM card is not defined by the system.

Sometimes it helps to reboot the interface, so try to turn on the flight mode for 10 seconds, and then turn it off, and this will force the modem to re-register on the operator's network.

๐Ÿ“Š What is your problem with the Internet on Redmi 9?
It's not turning on the slider.
There is a 4G icon, but websites don't load
There's no network badge at all.
The internet is slow working

Setting up an APN access point for operators

If the basic methods didnโ€™t work, itโ€™s likely that the phone doesnโ€™t have or isnโ€™t setting the APN hotspot settings correctly, which is the technical data that the SIM card tells the device to access the network.

For manual settings go to Settings โ†’ SIM-Maps and mobile networks. Select an active SIM card and click on "Access Points (APN)ยป. At the bottom of the screen is often a button โ€œResetโ€ or โ€œNew access pointยป.

It is recommended to try to reset the settings to the factory first by pressing the corresponding button in the menu, the system will pull up the current parameters from the operator itself, and if this does not work, you will have to enter the data manually.

โ˜‘๏ธ Checking settings APN

Done: 0 / 1

Below is a table with popular options for major operators that are often used with Redmi 9. Carefully check the data compliance with your plan.

Operator.Name (Name)Access Point (APN)Type APN
MTSmts internetinternet.mts.rudefault,supl
BeelineBeeline Internetinternet.beeline.rudefault,supl
MegafonMegafon Internetinternetdefault,supl
Tele2Tele2 Internetinternet.tele2.rudefault,supl

After you enter all the fields, be sure to save the profile and select it by ticking or radio button next to the name.

SIM card management and network priority

Xiaomiโ€™s two-symbol smartphones often have confusion about the choice of maps for the internet, allowing flexibility in setting priorities, but the default slot may be the wrong one.

Go to the SIM management menu, where you can set up voice calls and mobile internet separately, and make sure that the "Use for Data" slider is activated for the SIM card that has traffic.

Also, consider your preferred network type. In the "Preferred Network Type" section, select the preferred LTE or 4G (recommended) value. If you choose only 3G or 2G, the speed will be extremely low.

โš ๏ธ Note: When switching a SIM card for the Internet, the active connection can break for a few seconds.

Physical card rearrangement sometimes helps. In Redmi 9, the first slot often supports more stable 4G work, so try rearranging the SIM cards in places by turning off the device beforehand.

Why doesnโ€™t the second SIM card see 4G?
In some versions of Redmi 9, only the first slot supports 4G LTE networks paired with another card. If you use two SIMs, make sure that the card with the Internet is in slot 1. If the card is in the second slot, it can only work in 2G/3G mode.

Network reset and system errors

When software failures interfere with the normal operation of the communication module, a complete reset of network settings helps, this action will not delete your personal photos or contacts, but will return all the parameters of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile communication to factory ones.

To perform this operation, go to Settings โ†’ Connection and Sharing โ†’ Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Press Reset button and confirm the action with the screen unlock password.

Once you reboot, the phone will be like new connectivity, so you'll have to re-enter the Wi-Fi passwords and reconfigure the access points if they don't automatically connect.

This method is effective in cases where, after updating the MIUI firmware, there are constant connection breaks or the inability to enable data transfer.

๐Ÿ’ก

Before resetting your network settings, write down passwords from important Wi-Fi networks, as after the procedure they will have to be re-entered.

Checking the physical condition and SIM card

Don't forget the hardware part, too: an old SIM card, a damaged plastic base, or oxidized tray contacts can be the reason for the lack of internet even with the right settings.

Remove the tray with a paper clip and examine the SIM card contacts. If they show scratches or dirt, gently wipe them with a soft dry cloth. Make sure the card lies flat and does not dangle.

If the SIM card is very old (issued more than one) 5-7 years ago, it may not support modern encryption standards or frequency bands 4G. In this case, you need to contact the operatorโ€™s communication salon for a free replacement for the USIM.

Also check if the mobile internet service is active on your tariff, sometimes users forget to pay for a packet of traffic or accidentally disconnect the service through your data. USSD-team.

๐Ÿ’ก

Replacing the old SIM card with the new USIM in 90% of cases solves the problems with unstable 4G and the lack of Internet on modern smartphones.

Additional settings and hidden settings

For advanced users, there is the option of checking deeper settings through the engineering menu, although newer versions of MIUI often restrict access to it, but there are standard settings that many people forget.

Make sure that the date and time settings are automatically determined, and the wrong time can lead to security certificate errors, which will prevent browsers from opening pages, creating the illusion of no Internet.

Check if the traffic saving mode is enabled for specific applications. In the Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Settings โ†’ Data transfer, you can see a list of programs that are prohibited from accessing the network.

If nothing helps, it may be the firmware itself. Check for system updates in the About Phone menu. Installing the current version of the software often contains patches for modem errors.

What if the Internet only works through Wi-Fi?
If all sites are opened via Wi-Fi and not via mobile and the APN settings are correct, try turning off IPv6. In the APN settings, look for "APN Protocol" and select "IPv4 Only." This is a common solution for older SIM cards.
Why does the internet disappear after the call?
This may be because the phone switches to 2G/3G during a voice call. Make sure you have VoLTE (Voice over LTE) enabled, which you can turn on in the SIM card settings menu if your carrier supports this feature.
How do you know how much traffic is left?
MIUI has a built-in traffic meter. Go to the Security app โ†’ Data Transfer, where you can set limits and see real-time traffic so you don't suddenly go without the Internet.
Can a virus block the internet?
In theory, yes, some malware can change system files or proxy settings. Scan your device with built-in antivirus in the Security app or install a robust antivirus from the Play Market.
Does the cover affect the reception of the signal?
Yes, metal cases or magnetic clasp cases can shield Redmi 9 antennas. If you notice a deterioration in communication in a particular accessory, try removing it and checking the signal level.