How to turn on the Internet on Xiaomi phone: mobile data, Wi-Fi and APN

Have you just bought a new Xiaomi smartphone or are you struggling with the lack of internet on your device? No matter the model, be it the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Or Mi 13, it takes only a few minutes to set up a network connection, and in this article, we'll look at all the ways you can turn the Internet on, from basic mobile data settings to manually configuring access points (APN) and troubleshooting.

Xiaomi smartphones are supported as mobile Internet (2G/3G/4G/5G), It's like a Wi-Fi connection, but sometimes users are faced with a situation where the network icon disappears or the speed drops to zero, and the reasons can range from accidentally disabled settings to operator errors. We will explain in detail how to test each of the possible solutions so that you can re-use the Internet without interruption.

If you've never set up a network on Xiaomi before, don't worry, the instructions are customized for beginners. For power users, we've added a section with advanced tips, including diagnostics through the engineering menu and resetting network settings. Let's start with the simplest!

1. How to turn on mobile Internet (4G/5G) Xiaomi

The fastest way to get back online is to check if mobile data is turned on, and Xiaomi does this through a notification panel or system settings. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Swipe your finger from top to bottom across the screen to open the notification panel.

2. Find the β€œMobile Data” icon** (usually marked as 4G, LTE or 5G) If the icon is lit, the data is turned on.

3. If there is no icon, go to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Mobile Internet and activate the slider.

Check the notification panel for the presence of an icon 4G/5G|

Make sure SIM-The card is inserted correctly (the tray is not empty)|

Activate mobile data in settings SIM-map|

Reboot the phone if the network is not available after switching on-->

If the Internet does not work after turning on mobile data, make sure that:

  • πŸ“Ά SIM-Card activated by the operator (sometimes it takes time after purchasing a new card).
  • πŸ’³ There are enough funds in the account (some operators have access blocked with zero balance).
  • πŸ“‘ You are in the network coverage area (check the number of β€œrods” of the signal in the status bar).

Important: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 10A) Mobile data can be turned off automatically in power saving mode. To avoid this, go to Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Power saving mode and disable restrictions for network functions.

2. Configuring access points APN Xiaomi

If the mobile Internet is turned on, but the pages do not load, the problem may lie in the wrong settings. APN (Access Point Name: This is the "address" that connects your phone to your carrier's Internet. APN It is automatically set up, but sometimes manual intervention is required.

To check or change the APN:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
  3. Slip on Access Point (APN).
  4. If there are a few on the list APN, Choose the one that matches your operator (for example, Internet.beeline.ru for Beeline).
  5. If APN No – click Add Access Point and enter the settings manually.

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

Operator.APN nameAPNUser namePassword.
MTSmtsinternet.mts.rumtsmts
Beelinebeeline internetinternet.beeline.rubeelinebeeline
MegaFonmegafoninternetgdatagdata
Tele2.tele2 internetinternet.tele2.ruleave outleave out

If, after preservation, APN Internet is not working, restart the phone – sometimes changes apply only after a reboot.

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

3. Wi-Fi Connection on Xiaomi: Fast Setup

If mobile internet is not working well or you want to save traffic, connect to Wi-Fi. Xiaomi does it in two taps.

1. Open the notification bar and hold your finger on the Wi-Fi icon (or go to Settings). β†’ Wi-Fi).

2. Turn on Wi-Fi if it's off.

3. Select the desired network from the list and enter the password (if required).

If the network is not displayed or the connection is constantly reset, try:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot your router (sometimes helps you just turn it off and turn it on again).
  • πŸ“± Forget the network on your phone: tap the name of Wi-Fi β†’ Delete β†’ reconnect.
  • πŸ”’ Make sure the password is entered correctly (registrar matters!).
  • πŸ“‘ Check if the router is enabled "hidden network modeΒ» (SSID hiding).

πŸ’‘

If Wi-Fi is connected but the internet is not working, try manually specifying the connection. DNS-servers (e.g. Google) DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) in network settings.

4.Why the Internet does not work on Xiaomi: diagnosing problems

If neither mobile data nor Wi-Fi works, the reasons could be software or hardware, and let's look at some of the most common scenarios and how to fix them.

4.1 Problems with SIM-card

Symptoms: The phone can't see SIM-card, no network or an inscription appears Only emergency calls.

  • πŸ”§ Reinstall. SIM-card: remove the tray, check if the card is inserted correctly (chip down).
  • 🧹 Clear the contacts. SIM-dust maps and tray (use dry soft fabric).
  • πŸ“ž Check it out. SIM-card in another phone – if there is also no network, the operator has a problem.

Failures in firmware

Symptoms: The internet was working but suddenly disappeared after updating or resetting settings.

  • πŸ”„ Restart your phone in Safe Mode (click the power button) β†’ Safe Mode Reboot: If it has Internet, it's the third-party app's fault.
  • πŸ“² Reset network settings: Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.
  • πŸ”§ Update the firmware: Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system.
How to log into the engineering menu for network diagnostics?
To open the engineering menu on Xiaomi, enter the phone code ##4636##. Then go to the phone information tab and check the Network Type and Signal settings. If the service status bar says Disconnected, contact the operator - the problem is on their side.

Hardware malfunctions

Symptoms: Phone does not catch the network even after resetting, SIM-The map is not detected, the antenna is damaged.

In this case, self-repair is not possible. Contact the Xiaomi service center or check:

  • πŸ“± No physical damage to the body or antenna lines (for example, after a fall).
  • πŸ”Œ Does the slot work? SIM-Cards (try inserting another card).
  • πŸ“‘ Check it out. IMEI phone (enter *#06#): if it is 00000000 or missing, the communication module is defective.

πŸ’‘

If IMEI It's missing, it can be locked by the operator or it can have a damaged modem. IMEI It is possible only through specialized software (for example, QCN Rebuilder, but it requires root rights.

5. Features of setting up the Internet on different models Xiaomi

Most Xiaomi phones have a similar interface. MIUI, Some models (especially budget or old) may differ in detail.

5.1. Redmi Note 11/12/13 and POCO X5/F5

These models are supported 5G, But by default, you can turn on the power saving mode, which restricts background data transmission:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Type of network.
  2. Choose. 5G (recommended 4G/3G/2G (motor-car).
  3. Turn off the option to limit background data in battery settings.

5.2. Xiaomi Mi 11/12/13 and flagship models

Xiaomi’s flagships often have double-digits. SIM-Dual-enabled cards 5G. If the internet does not work on one of the SIM:

  • πŸ”§ Check the priority SIM-data cards: settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Mobile data β†’ Choice SIM-data-card.
  • πŸ“Ά Make sure both of you SIM-card 5G (Some operators limit this function).

Old models (Redmi) 4X, Mi A1, POCO F1)

Devices older than 2018 may experience problems with modern networks (e.g., no VoLTE support or no support for the newer devices). 5G). Decisions:

  • πŸ”„ Update your firmware to the latest available version (even if the phone isn’t officially supported).
  • πŸ“‘ Manually select the network type 3G or 4G customized.
  • πŸ”§ Install custom firmware (like LineageOS) if official updates aren’t available.

πŸ’‘

On older Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 3S) Sometimes helps reset to factory settings with subsequent manual adjustment APN. Don’t forget to back up your data before resetting!

6. Additional Tips for a Stable Internet

Even if the internet on Xiaomi works, its speed and stability can be improved.

Optimization of the mobile network

  • πŸ“Ά Enable VoLTE (voice through) LTE) for a clearer connection: Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Enable VoLTE.
  • πŸ”„ Turn off automatic network selection and select operator manually: Settings β†’ Mobile network β†’ Network operators β†’ Manual search.
  • πŸ“± Use signal monitoring apps like Network Signal Info to find a place with better coverage.

6.2 Wi-Fi acceleration

  • πŸ“‘ Switch to the 5GHz band (if the router supports): it is less busy and provides high speeds.
  • πŸ”’ Change the Wi-Fi channel in your router settings (use channels 1, 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz).
  • πŸ“± Turn off Wi-Fi Smart Switch in Settings if the phone is constantly reconnecting.

Traffic savings

To avoid unexpected expenses:

  • πŸ“Š Enable Traffic Warning: Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Mobile Traffic Warning.
  • 🚫 Limit background data use for applications: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Data management.
  • πŸ“± Use Google Datally or GlassWire to monitor traffic.

πŸ’‘

If you travel frequently, turn off data roaming in your settings SIM-maps to avoid huge internet bills abroad.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even after setting up the Internet correctly, Xiaomi can malfunction. Let’s look at the typical errors and how to fix them.

Mistake.Reason.Decision
No Internet connection (exclamation mark on Wi-Fi icon)Incorrect IP or DNS settingsSet up static. IP or change DNS at 8.8.8.8
Emergency calls only.SIM-The card is not activated or blockedCheck the balance, contact the operator
No service or no networkFailure of the operator or modemRestart the phone, check it out. IMEI
The Internet only works in some applications.Restrictions on background data or VPNTurn it off. VPN, Check the traffic saving settings

Attention! ⚠️ If after all the manipulations the Internet has not worked, do not try to sew the phone or make changes to system files without experience.This can lead to complete loss of communication or β€œbricking” of the device.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why doesn’t Xiaomi have 5G, even though it does?
There are several reasons: In the network settings, the mode is selected 4G (swap for 5G (recommended). SIM-card does not support 5G (Replace it with a new one in the operator's cabin. 5G (Check the coverage map on the operator's website. The phone has power saving mode on, limiting the power. 5G (Turn it off in the battery settings).
How to reset your network settings to Xiaomi if the Internet is not working?
Resetting the network settings will bring the Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth back to the factory settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Settings reset. Select Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings reset. Confirm action (may require a pattern lock). After reset, reset the connection. Attention! ⚠️ This reset will remove all stored Wi-Fi passwords and paired Bluetooth devices.
Can we use two? SIM-Internet maps simultaneously on Xiaomi?
Most Xiaomi models (except some budget) are supported by Dual. 4G, both SIM-The cards can work simultaneously on networks. 4G. However, there is only one: SIM-The card can use mobile data at the moment (selected in the settings). SIM mode 3G, the second automatically switches to 2G for calling. 5G There's only one thing that works. SIM-map (second disconnects) 5G). To choose SIM-Map for the Internet, go to Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Mobile data β†’ Choice SIM-data-card.
What if the Internet disappeared after the MIUI update?
Updates sometimes reset network settings or contain errors. Try: Reboot your phone (sometimes just turning it off/on helps). Reset network settings (see previous question). Check if the modem firmware has crashed (see network status in the engineering menu ##4636##). If the problem persists, roll back to the previous version. MIUI Mi Flash Tool (requires an unlocked bootloader).
How to check if it is blocked IMEI Xiaomi?
If IMEI It's locked or damaged, and it can't connect to the network. To check, type in *#06#, your phone will show up. IMEI (It must match the number on the box. IMEI missing (000000000 or Unknown), communication module is faulty. IMEI to be blocked through services such as IMEI.info (this requires an original number). IMEI damaged, it can be restored through QCN-file, but it requires root rights and special knowledge. Xiaomi service center will perform this procedure in 1-2 days.