Mistake «SIM-The card is not activated** on Xiaomi, Redmi or smartphones POCO It can come up unexpectedly, even if the card has been working before or just bought, SMS And the mobile Internet, turning the phone into a brick without communication, and 80 percent of the time it's not because of hardware failure, but because of software failures or incorrect settings.
In this article, 7 proven ways to fix the error, from basic (reboot, check the slot) to advanced (manual editing). APN, discharge IMEI). We will understand why Xiaomi can not see SIM-map even after activation by the operator, and what to do if the problem occurs after the update MIUI. All instructions are adapted for the 2020-2026 models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Xiaomi 13T.
1 Why Xiaomi is writing «SIM-card not activated»?
Message «SIM-the card is not activated" or «SIM-The map is disabled for two groups of reasons:
- 🔄 Software failures: errors in firmware MIUI, conflict with the update, reset network settings.
- 📱 Hardware problems: damage SIM-cards, oxidation of slot contacts, breakage of the communication module.
- 📡 Operator problems: card not activated in the database, blocking for non-payment, errors in billing.
- 🔧 Incorrect settings: Disconnected mode 2G/3G/4G, misparameter APN.
According to statistics of Xiaomi service centers, 65% of cases are to blame for the slot SIM-cards (pollution or mechanical damage), 20% operator errors, and only 15% hardware defects of the phone. MIUI, Most likely, the configuration of the network has gone off.
Rebooted the phone.|Checked. SIM-map|Updating the firmware|I've been to the operator.|I've tried nothing.-->
Basic checks: what to do first
Before you dig deep, follow 4 simple steps that solve the problem 40% of the time:
- Reboot your phone. Hold the power button for 10 seconds before turning it off, then turn it on again. This will reset the temporary errors of the communication module.
- Check it out. SIM-If it works, it's a problem with your Xiaomi. If it doesn't, call the operator.
- Clean the slot contacts. Use a dry soft brush or compressed air. Do not use alcohol or wet wipes - this can oxidize the contacts.
- Change the slot. If you have Xiaomi with two SIM-Insert the problem card into another slot.
Rebooting the phone is done|SIM-The card was tested in another device|Slot contacts cleared|The card is moved to another slot (if any)-->
If you've left a mistake after doing this, move to the next section. SIM-card (no PIN request), the problem may be in the damaged communication module - you will need repairs.
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12/13 series and Redmi Note 11/12 slot SIM-This card is paired with a microSD tray, so make sure you don't insert a memory card instead of a microSD tray. SIM.
3. Manual network setup: fixing APN settings
Incorrect parameters APN (Access Point Name – Common cause of error «SIM-The card is not activated, especially after resetting or updating MIUI. Operators usually send settings automatically, but sometimes it doesn’t work.
To set up the APN manually:
- Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Choose a problem SIM-map → Access points (APN).
- Click Add (or) ⋮ → Create APN newer MIUI).
- Fill in the fields according to your operator’s data (see the table below).
- Save the settings and restart the phone.
| Operator. | APN name | APN | Type of authentication |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | mts | internet.mts.ru | PAP or CHAP |
| Beeline | beeline internet | internet.beeline.ru | PAP |
| MegaFon | Megafon | internet | PAP |
| Tele2. | Tele2 Internet | internet.tele2.ru | PAP |
After saving the settings, check if the Internet has turned up. If the error persists, try resetting the network settings:
- Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
- Confirm the action. The phone will reboot.
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If after resetting the APN, mobile Internet disappeared, request settings automatically: send SMS with the text Internet to the number 0880 (MTS), 5150 (Beeline) or 5049 (MegaFon).
4. Problems after the MIUI update: how to get back to work
Updates MIUI work-breaker SIM-owing:
- 🐛 Firmware bugs (especially in beta versions).
- 🔄 Conflict with operator settings.
- 📱 Dumping IMEI (Unique phone ID).
If the error occurred after the update, try:
Method 1: Retrace to the previous version of MIUI
If the phone is writing «SIM-Card not activated immediately after update, return to old firmware:
- Download the archive with the desired version of MIUI for your model from en.miui.com.
- Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the phone’s memory.
- Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
- Select Install update.zip and confirm.
Method 2: Restore the IMEI
If I've dropped off after the update IMEI, SIM-The card won't work:
- Install the MTK Engineering Mode app (for MediaTek processors) or the Qualcomm IMEI Tool (for Snapdragon).
- Enter the original IMEIs (they are listed on the phone box or under the battery).
- Reset the device.
⚠️ Attention: Change IMEI This method can violate the warranty and lead to locking the phone operator. Use this method only if you are confident in your actions.
How to find your IMEI without access to your phone?
5. Hardware malfunctions: when to carry in the service
If none of the software methods worked, the problem could be the iron.
- 🔌 The phone doesn't see any of them. SIM-Cards (even known to work).
- 📶 The network icon disappears after a light press on the body (possibly the antenna plume departs).
- 🔥 Phone overheats in area SIM-slot.
- 💧 On the slot contacts, traces of oxidation or corrosion are visible.
The average replacement price for components in service centers:
| Breakdown | Cost of repair (₽) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement SIM-slot | 800–1 500 | 1-2 hours |
| Repair of the antenna plume | 1 200–2 500 | 1-3 days |
| Replacement of the communication module | 2 000–4 000 | 3-5 days |
If the phone is warranty, do not disassemble it yourself - contact the official service center Xiaomi. mi.com/ru/service.
💡
Before visiting the service, make a backup copy of the data - when repairing the communication module, a complete phone reset may be required.
6. Alternative methods: if nothing helps
If the standard methods didn’t work, try these non-obvious solutions:
Method 1: Flight mode
Turn on Flight Mode for 30 seconds, then turn it off. This will reset the network connection and sometimes help wake up» SIM-map.
Method 2: Change the type of network
If the phone supports 5G, but yours SIM-The card is not compatible with this network, there may be a conflict. 4G (LTE):
- Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Preferred type of network.
- Choose 4G or 3G.
- Reboot the phone.
Method 3: Update the firmware of the communication module
On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO F3), you can update the firmware of the communication module separately from MIUI:
- Download the firmware file for your module (see the phone model on the 4PDA or XDA-Developers forums).
- Rename it to modem.img and place it in /sdcard/firmware folder.
- Reboot the phone.
⚠️ Warning: Incorrect firmware of the communication module can cause the phone to fail. This method is only suitable for advanced users.
7 Prevention: How to avoid problems in the future
To make a mistake «SIM-The card is not activated and has not appeared again:
- 🔄 Update regularly MIUI, Avoid beta versions if the phone is important to the job.
- 📱 Use quality SIM-Cheap cards with thin plastic can bend and damage the slot contacts.
- 🛡️ Install antivirus (e.g. Mi Security) Viruses can block the communication module.
- 🔋 Avoid discharge below 10%.Abrupt power outage can damage network settings.
If you travel frequently, before traveling:
- Check the compatibility of yours. SIM-maps with local operators.
- Save your APN settings for roaming (you can find them on the operator’s website).
- Turn off automatic network selection in Settings → Mobile Network → Network selection.
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If you change often SIM-cards (for example, roaming), use the nanoSIM adapter → microSIM with metal frame - it protects contacts from wear.