You put it in. SIM-The card is in Xiaomi, but the phone stubbornly doesn't see it - no network signal, no operator, no ability to call? This problem is found on all models of the brand, from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. The causes can be both software (software failure, incorrect settings) and hardware (damaged slot, oxidized contacts). In 90% of cases, the malfunction can be fixed independently without contacting the service center.
In this article, we will discuss all the possible reasons why Xiaomi does not recognize the problem. SIM-And we'll give you step-by-step instructions to fix them, and you'll learn how to check the slot for performance, reset the network settings, update the firmware, and even what to do if the problem is in the SIM card itself. 5G eSIM.
If Xiaomi phone doesnβt see both of them SIM-If only one SIM card doesn't work, check it on another device first.
1. Basic checks: SIM card and slot
Start with the basics, and often the problem is the trivial stuff, and rule one: if Xiaomi stops seeing the SIM after falling, hitting, or getting moisture, bring it to the service right away. Self-manipulation can make the damage worse.
If your phone has not been physically affected, follow the following steps:
- π Reset the device. Sometimes the communication module fails with a simple reboot. Press the power button and select Reboot.
- π± Check the correct installation SIM-On Xiaomi models with a hybrid slot (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro), the SIM should lie with gold contacts down, and the cutout should match the shape of the tray.
- π§Ή Clear the contacts. Take a soft eraser or cotton swab dipped in alcohol, and gently wipe the contacts on the SIM card and in the slot. Don't use metal objects!
- π§ Try another SIM card. Put a work SIM from another operator. If the phone sees it, there's a problem in your card (it may be damaged or blocked).
On some Xiaomi models, for example, POCO F5) slot SIM-And the card is paired with a microSD tray, and if you've inserted a memory card recently, pull it out, and sometimes the contacts close, and the phone stops seeing the SIM.
β οΈ Warning: Do not use acetone or other aggressive solvents to clean your contacts, which can damage the protective coating and cause corrosion.
2. Network settings: reset and manual configuration
If basic checks didnβt work, the problem may lie in the software settings. On Xiaomi devices with MIUI shell, network settings sometimes get confused, especially after a firmware update.
First, check if the flight mode is on.
- Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
- Make sure the icon is βοΈ Flight mode is not active (grey).
- If the mode is on, tap the icon to turn off.
Next, reset the network settings:
Open the Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks
Select Network Settings Reset (or Wi-Fi, Mobile Network, and Bluetooth Reset)
Confirm the action by entering the unlock password
Reboot your phone after resetting-->
If the reset does not help, try to manually select the operator:
- Go to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks β [Yours. SIM-map] β Network operator.
- Turn off the automatic selection option.
- Wait for the phone to find the available networks and choose your carrier manually.
- Save the settings and restart the device.
β οΈ Note: On some Xiaomi firmware (especially custom) manual selection of the operator can lead to loss of communication.
3. Update firmware and reset to factory settings
If the problem occurred after the MIUI update or custom firmware installation, the cause may be a software conflict, in which case:
- π Retracement to the previous version MIUI (If the update has been recently).
- π² Install the latest stable firmware via Fastboot or Recovery.
- π§Ή Hard Reset β a last resort if other methods have not worked.
To update the firmware:
- Go to Settings β About the phone β System update.
- Click Check Updates and wait for the latest version to download.
- Install the update and restart the phone.
If the update doesn't work, reset to factory settings. Back up important data beforehand, as all files will be deleted:
- Open Settings β About the phone β Reset settings.
- Choose to erase all data.
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
On Xiaomi models with unlocked bootloader (Redmi K50 Gaming, POCO F4 GT, etc.), you can try to reflash your phone through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
1. Download the latest stable firmware for your model from https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index
2 Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer.
3. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Flash.π‘
If after reset, the phone requests a Mi Account, and you do not remember it - use the official unlock instruction: https://account.xiaomi.com. Do not use third-party services to bypass the account - this can lead to an IMEI block.
4. IMEI check and hardware malfunctions
If none of the software methods helped, the problem could be caused by damage. IMEI Or hardware failure. First, check if it's determined. IMEI device:
- On the phone keyboard, type *#06#.
- If a 15-digit code is displayed with Null, Unknown, or an empty field, the IMEI is shot down.
Reasons for losing IMEI on Xiaomi:
- π§ Wrong firmware through SP Flash Tool or Fastboot.
- π± Resetting settings on custom firmware without backup NVRAM.
- π₯ Hardware failure of the communication controller (for example, after a fall).
To restore the IMEI:
- Download the archive with the Maui META utility and drivers for your model.
- Connect your phone to your PC in Meta Mode (this usually requires clamping Volume up). + Loudness down + USB-cable).
- With Maui META, record the original IMEIs (you can find them on your phone box or under the battery).
If the IMEI is fine but the SIM is still not defined, the problem may be:
| Component | Signs of malfunction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Slot SIM-map | The phone doesn't see any SIM, contacts bent or oxidized | Slot replacement (cost) ~500β1500 β½) |
| Antenna module | No network, but the SIM is detected; often the signal is lost | Diagnostics in the service, replacement of antenna (~2000β4000 β½) |
| Modem (SoC) | The phone doesnβt see the SIM, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth donβt work either. | Solding a chip or replacing a motherboard (~5000β15000 β½) |
| Contacts on the board | The SIM is determined only in a certain position. | Contact soldering (~1000β3000 β½) |
β οΈ Warning: Self-sweetening contacts or replacing an antenna module without experience can lead to a complete failure of the phone.
5. Specific problems for models with 5G and eSIM
New Xiaomi devices (e.g., Xiaomi 13T Pro, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G) may have problems with 5G and eSIM.
Problems with 5G:
- πΆ The phone sees the SIM, but does not catch it 5G (only 4G/LTE).
- π Constantly switching between 4G and 5G, loosen.
- π« There is no option to enable in the settings 5G.
Decisions:
- Make sure your carrier supports 5G in your area (check on the carrierβs website).
- Update your firmware to the latest version β older MIUI builds may not support new 5G bands.
- Turn it on. 5G manually: Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β [Yours. SIM] β Preferred type of network β 5G.
- If 5G is not available, check if it is disabled via the engineering menu (type ##4636## and select Phone Information).
Problems with eSIM:
- π± The phone does not see the installed eSIM profile.
- π After restarting, the eSIM is deactivated.
- π« Cannot add a new eSIM (activation error).
Solutions for eSIM:
- Remove and add profile again: Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β eSIM β Remove, then re-activate through QR-code.
- Check if your model supports eSIM (e.g. Xiaomi 12T Pro supports, Redmi Note 11 does not).
- Update the firmware β early versions of MIUI 13 had bugs with eSIM.
- If the eSIM disappears after a reboot, reset your network settings (see Section 2).
How to check eSIM support on Xiaomi?
6. What should I do if nothing has worked?
If youβve tried all the methods, Xiaomi still doesnβt see SIM-map, there are two options:
- Contact a service center (official or verified private).
- Replace the phone under warranty (if the device is warranty and the problem is not caused by mechanical damage).
Before the service visit:
- π Write it down. IMEI phone number (dial *#06#).
- πΈ Take a picture of the SIM card and slot (maybe the wizard will ask for confirmation that you did not damage the contacts).
- π§ Check with the operator if yours is blocked. SIM-Card (sometimes blocked due to debts or suspicious activity).
The cost of repair in the service depends on the reason:
- Slot replacement SIM-maps: 500-1500 β½.
- Cleaning/Satering of contacts: 1000β3000 β½.
- Replacement of antenna module: 2000β5000 β½.
- Repair/replacement of the motherboard: from 5000 β½ (Sometimes itβs cheaper to buy a new phone).
If the phone is warranty, do not hack it or try to repair yourself - this will void warranty obligations.
π‘
If the phone stops seeing the SIM after falling, getting moisture or disassembling itself, the warranty does not apply, in which case the repair will have to pay out of your pocket.