Why Xiaomi is losing its network: a full analysis of the causes and solutions

You picked up Xiaomi, and instead of the usual signal stripes — a frightening cross or the inscription “No network”? the problem with disappearing mobile communication is familiar to many owners of smartphones of this brand, from budget Redmi to flagship Mi and POCO. In some cases, the network disappears episodicly, in others — the phone completely loses the ability to call or go online. The reasons lie in hardware malfunctions and software failures, and sometimes even the fault of the operator.

In this article, we will not just list the possible causes, but analyze them with reference to specific models and versions of MIUI. You will learn how to distinguish a hardware defect from a software bug, why Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11 can lose network after an update, and what to do if the phone stopped catching 4G after a fall, and also proven ways to restore communication that work even when the smartphone does not respond to a reboot.

1.Problems with SIM-map: from oxidation to incompatibility

Let's start with the simplest — SIM-In 30% of cases, the loss of the network on Xiaomi is due to it, and it is not only physical damage, even a new card can cause failures if it is incompatible with the protocol of the communication module of the smartphone.

The first thing you need to do is take out the tray and look at the contacts. Oxidation (green or black plaque) or pollution often causes bad contact. SIM-If there are scratches or chips on the card, replace it in the operator’s cabin. This is especially true for owners of Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5, where hybrid slots are used: if you install it sloppy, contacts can be damaged.

• 🔍 Visual inspection: check if there is no SIM-chipping, scratching or corrosion map.
• 📱 Reinstall: Remove the card, blow out the slot (no hairdryer!) and paste back in.
• 🔄 Test on another phone: if the network works – the problem is in the smartphone, if not – in the card or operator.
• 📡 Xiaomi older than 2018 may not support nano-SIM with cropped contacts.

Pay attention to the type SIM-For example, Redmi. 9A and POCO M3 They don’t support eSIM, but Xiaomi does. 12S Ultra can cause conflict if you use two physical cards at the same time. SIM-support-card 4G In settings: sometimes the smartphone “forgets” the priority network.

2. Software failures: from MIUI to modem firmware

Software bugs are the second most common cause of network failure, especially after MIUI updates or resets. For example, MIUI 14 had a bug that caused Xiaomi 11T and Redmi Note 10 Pro to lose communication after switching to power saving mode, and POCO X3 Pro lost access to 5G after upgrading to Android 12.

How do you check if the PO is to blame?

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and check the relevance of the firmware.
2. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Name of the access point (APN) Make sure that the parameters meet the operator’s requirements.
3. Run a network test: dial ##4636## and select Phone Information. If the network status is "Disconnected", the software is the problem.

If the crash occurred after the update, try to roll back to the previous version of MIUI via Fastboot or Recovery.

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fastboot reboot recovery

For Xiaomi models on Qualcomm Snapdragon (like the POCO F4 GT) it can help to flash the modem part through the QFil or Mi Flash Tool. But beware: improper modem firmware can turn the phone into a “brick”.

Hardware malfunctions: from antenna to motherboard

If the software didn't work, it's the hardware, and the most common ones are:

• 📶 Antenna module: contact oxidation or plume break (typical for Redmi Note) 8/9 fall-out).
• 🔌 Connector. SIM-Cards: loosening or contamination of contacts (especially in the POCO M2 Pro with hybrid slot).
• 🔧 Modem (communication module): overheating or failure (often after moisture hits the Xiaomi Mi 10).
• 🔋 Powering the communication module: malfunction of capacitors on the board (typical for smartphones older than 3 years).

How to diagnose a hardware breakdown?

You can use Network Signal Guru (available on Google Play) to check the antenna, and if the RSRP signal is below -110 dBm even in a good coverage area, it's likely the antenna is a problem, and only repairs at the service center will help.

⚠️ Note: Do not try to disassemble Xiaomi with a non-removable battery (for example, Xiaomi 13 or Xiaomi). POCO F5). The risk of damage to plumes or batteries is extremely high.

4.Conflicts with the operator: lockdowns, APNs and roaming

Sometimes the problem is not the phone, but the operator's side.

• 🚫 Lockdown IMEI: If the phone is purchased abroad or blacklisted, the operator may restrict access to the network.
• 🌍 Incorrect settings APN: post-refresh MIUI Access point parameters are reset.
• 🔄 Roaming problems: Xiaomi does not switch to local towers in some regions.
• 📵 Restriction on the tariff: for example, MTS or Beeline may have a lock 4G old-rate.

To avoid problems with the operator:

1. Call your phone from another phone to your number – if you don’t call, you may be able to call, SIM-card blocked.
2. Check the IMEI: dial *#06# and compare it to the number on the box. If it doesn't match, the phone could have been recovered after the theft.
3. Update the settings APN: Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Name of the access point (APN). Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset to default values. If your operator is not listed, add APN manually (options can be found on the operator's website).

For Xiaomi models with support 5G (for example, Xiaomi 12 pro POCO F4) Check if the appropriate mode is enabled in the settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Preferred type of network → 5G/4G/3G/2G.

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If you are traveling, turn off automatic network selection and manually select the operator in the settings, which will help to avoid roaming problems.

5. Effects of energy saving modes and background applications

Aggressive energy saving measures in MIUI They can turn off the mobile network to save power, and this is especially true for models with a small battery, such as the Redmi. 10A or POCO C31. Some applications (such as Clean Master or DU Battery Saver can block background activity of the communication module.

How to set up energy saving to avoid losing the network:

1. Open Settings → Battery and performance → Energy saving mode.
2. Choose No Limits or Balanced Mode.
3. Add the Phone and SIM app to the exception list: Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management by Apps. Find Phone and SIM Toolkit, select No Limits.

If the problem only occurs when the battery is low, check the Super Energy Saving settings in Settings → Battery → Power Saving Modes. In some versions of MIUI, this mode completely disables mobile data transfer.

For Xiaomi owners with Android 12+ (such as Xiaomi 13 Lite), it is also worth checking the Adaptive Battery: Settings → Battery → Adaptive Battery → Disable.

External factors: from weather to interference

Sometimes the network is lost not because of the phone, but because of external conditions, and this can affect the stability of communication.

• 🌧️ Weather: Heavy rain or snow can degrade signal, especially in range 5G.
• 🏗️ Construction interference: metal structures or metallized glass units shield the signal.
• 📡 Tower overload: during rush hour (8–10am, 17–19pm), speed can drop to a complete cliff.
• 🔋 Battery discharge below 15%: some Xiaomi models artificially limit the power of the communication module.

To minimize the impact of external factors:

• Use Wi-Fi Calling (if supported by the operator). → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Additionally. → Wi-Fi Calling.
• In the low signal zone, turn off 4G/5G and switch to 3G (more coverage, less speed).
• If you’re indoors, try going to the window or going outside – sometimes that solves the problem.

To check the signal level, use the engineering menu: ##4636## → Phone Information → Network status.

If the GSM signal is 0 or 99, the problem is not with the phone.

Extreme measures: dumping, firmware and service centre

If none of the above has worked, radical methods remain:

1. Hard Reset: Save data (reset will delete everything!). Go to Settings → About Phone → Reset → Erase all data. After rebooting, set the phone as new and check the network.
2. Fastboot firmware: Download the official firmware for your model from Xiaomi. Use the Mi Flash Tool to install (instructions are available on XiaomiUI).
3. Call for service: If the phone is warranty, take it to an authorized service center. For older models (such as the Redmi 4X or Mi 5), look for workshops with good reviews.

For models with bootloader lock (most Xiaomi after 2018), you must unlock Bootloader before firmware. This can be done through the official Mi Unlock app, but you will need a tied Mi Account account and a wait of 7-15 days (if the account is new).

⚠️ Note: Firmware on informal firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience can lead to loss of IMEI This is especially true for models on MediaTek (Redmi Note 11, POCO M4 Pro) where modem files are tied to hardware.

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If you don't have a network after you reset or you don't have a firmware, it's almost certainly a hardware problem. Don't waste time experimenting with it, go to the service.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the missing network on Xiaomi