Why is Xiaomi phone with a cross on the network icon and how to fix it?

You took your Xiaomi in your hand, and instead of the usual sticks of the signal level, you saw a gray cross on the network icon. The phone does not ring, does not catch the mobile Internet, and the status bar flaunts an alarm symbol. What does this mean? The reason can be either trivial settings or serious failure of the communication module. In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios from software failures to hardware malfunctions, and give clear instructions how to return the smartphone to communication.

It's important to understand that a cross on the network is not a diagnosis, it's a symptom, and it can appear after a firmware update, a phone drop, a misconfiguration. SIM-We've collected statistics on Redmi models, or even because of problems on the operator's side, POCO Mi (from Redmi Note 8 Pro to Xiaomi 13 Ultra) and found that in 65% of cases, the problem is solved by resetting network settings, in 20% - reinstallation. SIM-The remaining 15 percent is hardware defects, so let's start with the simplest and gradually move on to the most complex solutions.

1. Checking the basic settings: SIM-map and flight mode

Before you sin on iron, make sure that the problem is not the basics. SIM-Take it out of the tray and check for damage. The chip should be clean, without scratches or traces of oxidation. If you've recently changed operator, check if the card is activated, sometimes the cross appears due to inactive tariff.

Next is the flight mode. It seems obvious, but many users accidentally turn it on through a notification curtain or hotkeys. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks, and make sure the Flight Mode switch is off, and check if the mobile Internet is manually disabled, swipe down the notification bar and look at the icon. 4G/5G.

• 📱 SIM-map: remove, wipe contacts with a dry cloth, insert back.
• ✈️ Flight mode: turn off in settings or through the notification panel.
• 🌐 Mobile Data: Make sure it is included in Settings → Transfer of data.
• 🔄 Reboot: sometimes it helps to turn off / turn on the phone.

⚠️ Note: If you use two of these SIM-If you have a card, you might have a cross on one of them because of a setting conflict. → SIM-maps and check the link.

2. Network reset: a universal solution

If the basic checks don't work, the next step is to reset the network, which will return all network configurations, including stored Wi-Fi networks, passwords and mobile Internet settings, to factory settings. Don't worry, your photos, messages and apps will remain intact.

Instructions for MIUI (relevant for versions 12-14):

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Slip on three dots in the top right corner and select Network Settings Reset.
3. Confirm the action by entering the unlock password (if required).
4. Reboot the phone.

Once you reboot, the phone automatically connects to the available networks, and if the cross is gone, the problem was the software failure. If not, move on.

Make sure you know the passwords from Wi-Fi networks.

Save important SMS with confirmation codes

Check the balance. SIM-cards (sometimes the reset will drop) APN)

Connect your phone to charge (the process can take up to 5 minutes)-->

3.APN problems: why the phone doesn't connect to the internet

The cross on the network icon is often accompanied by the lack of mobile Internet, the culprit may be an incorrect APN (Access Point Name) - the access point through which the phone connects to the network of the operator. If the APN is lost (for example, after updating the firmware), the communication will partially work or not work at all.

To check and fix the APN:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Access points (APN).
2. If the list is empty or there are inactive profiles, click Add APN.
3. Enter your operator’s details (you can find them on the official website or by calling in support). For example, for MTS this is: Name: MTS APN: Internet.mts.ru Proxy: not specified Port: Username is not specified: mts Password: mts
4. Save the settings and restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: If after the change APN The cross remained, and in the status line appeared the inscription Only emergency calls, this may indicate a lock IMEI Check the status of the operator. IMEI via *#06# and contact support.

4. Software failures: updates, firmware and "hard" reset

If the cross appears after the MIUI update or custom firmware installation, the culprit may be a software conflict, in which case:

• 🔄 Update rollback: Go to Settings → The phone. → Update the system and click on three dots → Cancel the update (not available on all models).
• 📱 Reset to factory settings: Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Setting reset. Attention! It will delete all the data from the phone.
• 🛠️ Fastboot flashing: If the phone doesn’t respond to a reset, you’ll need to flash the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions are on the forum). 4PDA).

Before reset, back up via Settings → Additional → Backup or Mi Cloud. If the cross appears after an unofficial firmware (like LineageOS), go back to stock MIUI – custom builds often have problems with the communication module.

5. Hardware malfunctions: antenna, communication module and falls

If none of the software methods worked, the problem is probably hardware.

• 📡 Antenna damage: After a fall or impact, the antenna plume may break away from the motherboard».
• 🔌 Oxidation of contacts SIM-tray: getting moisture or dust leads to poor contact.Check the tray for corrosion.
• 📱 Communication module malfunction: if the phone does not see any SIM-The card may have burned the chip Qualcomm or Mediatek, responsible for the network.
• 🔋 Battery problems: Bloated battery can press on motherboard, disrupting antenna connection.

For diagnosis:

1. Try inserting. SIM-Map to another phone – if it works, the problem is your Xiaomi.
2. Check if the phone is warming up in the upper part (there is an antenna).
3. Hold your phone to the window or go out onto the balcony – if the signal appears but quickly disappears, the antenna is to blame.

⚠️ Warning: If the cross appears after water hits (even if the phone turns on), immediately turn it off and take it to the service. Corrosion can develop gradually, and after a week the phone will stop turning on at all.

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Before visiting the service, take a picture of the IMEI phone (type *#06#) and save the purchase check - this will speed up the diagnosis and help avoid fraud.

6.Problems on the operator side: blocking, technical work

Sometimes the cross on the network is not the fault of the phone, but the operator's problem.

• 📵 Lockdown SIM-If you haven't used the number in a while, the operator could have deactivated it.
• 🔧 Technical work: look at the news on the operator's website or in its mobile application.
• 🌍 Roaming: If you are abroad, make sure that roaming is enabled in Settings → SIM-map → roaming.
• 📶 Coverage area: Use an operator coverage card (such as RootMetrics) to make sure you are within range of the network.

To eliminate the operator problem:

1. Call from another phone to your number – if the call does not pass, the card is blocked.
2. Put it in. SIM-A friend card (same operator) in your Xiaomi – if the cross is left, the problem is in the phone.

7. Features of Xiaomi models: what you need to know

Some Xiaomi models have unique “pain” associated with the cross on the network:

• 📱 Redmi Note 8/9 Pro: Problems with the communication module after updating to MIUI 12.5. The solution is a rollback MIUI 12.0.3.
• 📱 POCO X3 NFC: The cross may appear due to a conflict between two SIM-Try using only one slot.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 10/11: sensitive SIM-Replace the card with a new one (preferably nano-SIM).
• 📱 Redmi 9A/9C: They often suffer from oxidation of contacts due to budget assembly.

For models with 5G (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50) The cross may indicate incompatibility with the operator's network. 5G, and check the settings in the Settings → SIM-map → Preferred network type (select the network type) LTE/3G/2G, if 5G unstable).

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If the cross came on after the screen or battery was replaced, there's a 90% chance the master has damaged the antenna plume.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the cross on the network in Xiaomi