Xiaomi phone doesn't catch the net: a complete guide to diagnostics and repair

Your Xiaomi suddenly stopped catching the mobile network, and instead of the usual “sticks” of the signal, the inscription “No network” or “Only emergency calls” flaunts on the screen? The problem is familiar to many owners of the brand’s smartphones – from budget Redmi Note to flagship Xiaomi 14. In 70% of cases, the fault can be fixed independently without contacting the service center.

In this article, we will look at all possible causes, from software failures to hardware breakdowns, and give step-by-step instructions with photos and videos (where necessary). Particular attention will be paid to the models of 2023-2026 (Redmi Note 13, POCO X6, Xiaomi 13T, etc.), where the problem is often associated with MIUI 14/15 updates and 5G. If after reading the questions, you will find an FAQ with answers to typical cases.

Basic checks: what to do first

Before you dig deeper, rule out the obvious reasons. Start with these steps -- they take no more than 5 minutes, but solve the problem 30 percent of the time.

• 📶 Check coverage: move to another location (like a window) or ask other subscribers of your operator if they have a network.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone: press the power button 10 seconds before the Reboot menu appears. This will reset the temporary errors of the communication module.
• 📱 Make sure that Airplane mode is off: swipe down from the top of the screen and check the airplane icon. → Connections → On the plane mode».
• 🔌 Check it out. SIM-map: remove the tray, clean the contacts of the card with dry cloth and install it back. SIM — Try it out.

If you don't have the network after that, move on to the next section. Importantly, don't rush to reset to factory settings, which is an extreme measure that erases all data.

2. Network settings: what could have gone wrong

Often the problem is the wrong connectivity settings, especially after a MIUI update or a change of operator.

1. Manual Network Selection: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Network selection. Automatically disable and manually select your operator. If the list is empty, it's a sign of hardware malfunction.
2. Network Mode: In the same menu, find Network Type (or Preferred Network Type). Set 4G/3G/2G (auto). For 5G models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro), try disabling 5G, as it is unstable in some regions.
3. APN-Settings: Incorrect access point parameters (APN) They can block the network. Go to Settings. → SIM-map → [yours SIM] → Access points (APN) and compare the settings with the official data of your operator (they can be found on the website of Beeline, MTS, MegaFon or Tele2).

Example of the correct APNs for MTS (if your settings are different, adjust them):

If the network does not appear after the changes, try to create a new one. APN-Profile from scratch, not edit an existing one.

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Save a screenshot of the current APN-settings before changes – this will help to bring everything back if something goes wrong.

3. Software glitches: updates, cache and reset

Failures in the operation of the communication module often cause:

• 🤖 Updates MIUI: This is especially true for versions 14.0.3–14.0.6, where there have been massive complaints about network loss.
• 🗑️ Filled cache: system files responsible for communication may be corrupted.
• 🔄 Application conflict: some programs (e.g, VPN Optimizers or Optimizers: Blocking the Network.

How to fix it:

1. Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three dots (menu) → Show the system. Find the phone service and SIM-Manager, then press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
2. Remove updates (if the issue has occurred after the update): Go to Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI. Click on three dots in the upper right corner and select Remove the latest update. Attention: this will only work if the update was installed via OtaUpdater, not manually.
3. Safe Mode: Press the power button, then hold your finger on Turn off until the Safe Mode window appears. This mode only runs system applications. If the network appears, one of the applications you install (most often VPNs or antiviruses) is to blame.

If nothing works, you can reset to factory settings. But before you do that, back up your data through Settings → About Phone → Backup.

4. Hardware malfunctions: when the "iron" is to blame

If the software methods do not work, the problem may lie in physical damage:

• 📡 Antenna module: often departs after falls or moisture.
• 🔌 Slot SIM-cards: contact oxidation or mechanical damage.
• 🔋 Battery: Bloating can put pressure on motherboard, disrupting communication.
• 🛠️ Salting of components: on cheap models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) often fall off the elements of the power supply module of the communication.

How to diagnose:

1. Verification SIM-Lot: Insert it. SIM-If it works, it's a problem with your Xiaomi. If it doesn't, it's damaged).
2. Visual inspection: Remove the back cover (if possible without damage) and inspect the antenna tracks near the SIM connector. Blackening, swollen capacitors or chipped parts are a sign of breakdown. How to carefully remove the lid Xiaomi Use a plastic blade or mediator, starting from the corners. Do not use force - on the Redmi Note 12 and newer lid is especially glued.
3. Test in the engineering menu: Dial ##4636## and select Phone Information. Look at Network Status. If it's Unknown or Unplugged, it confirms a hardware malfunction.

Cost of repair (average prices in Russia in 2026):

If the phone is warranty, don't disassemble it yourself - it will deprive you of the right to free repair.

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Before visiting the service, make a reset to factory settings - this will eliminate claims about a "non-warranty case" due to software failures.

5. Features of models: what breaks most often

Some Xiaomi smartphones have design-related or firmware-related illnesses, and these are the most common:

For the POCO F5 and Xiaomi 14, the problem with dual SIM is that if one card catches the network and the other does not, try swapping them in the tray.

Note: If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (like LineageOS), the problem may be incorrect drivers of the communication module, in which case only the flashing on the official MIUI will help.

6. Alternative solutions: if nothing helps

When standard methods don’t work, try these non-obvious methods:

• 🔄 Shift. IMEI (For advanced users only!: Sometimes the network is lost due to a failure IMEI. To restore it, you need root rights and a program. MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek processors) or QCN Rebuilder (for Qualcomm) Warning: Wrong actions will lead to phone lock! IMEIType *#06# if the 15-digit code is zero or unknown", IMEI fly off.
• 📡 External antenna: For models with connector USB-C (So, for example, Black Shark 5, you can connect an external antenna through an adapter, which is a temporary solution, but it will help if the internal module is damaged.
• 🔧 Fastboot Flashing: If the phone doesn't catch the network after a failed update, install the firmware manually via the Mi Flash Tool. Download the official.tgz file for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.

If you're not sure about your skills, you should see a specialist, like recovery. IMEI The service will cost 1,000-1,500 ₽, What’s cheaper than buying a new phone because of a mistake.

7 Prevention: How to avoid problems in the future

To prevent your Xiaomi network from losing its network again, follow these guidelines:

• 🔋 Avoid full battery discharge: This can damage the power controller, which is also responsible for the communication module.
• 🌧️ Protect your phone from moisture: even if the model has protection IP53 (Like the Redmi Note 12, water ingress often leads to corrosion of antenna contacts.
• 📲 Do not install beta versions. MIUI: They often contain errors that affect communication.
• 🔄 Clean the cache regularly: use the built-in Optimization utility in the settings.
• 🛡️ Use cases without metal inserts: they can shield the signal.

If you’re in a lot of places with poor coverage, consider buying a signal repeater (like the Xiaomi Mi WiFi Repeater 300Mbps) that will strengthen the network not only for your phone, but also for other devices.

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Update your firmware only through official channels. Third-party sites often distribute modified versions with errors in the communication module.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions