Xiaomi is bad at catching the network: what to do and how to improve signal reception

The situation when the flagship or budget smartphone Xiaomi suddenly ceases to see the operator, and instead of the cherished “4G” or “LTE” you observe only “E” or a complete lack of communication, can unbalance any user. The problem with receiving a signal on devices of this popular Chinese brand is quite common and can be caused by both software failures and hardware features. Owners of Redmi Note, Poco and Mi series regularly face the fact that in areas of confident reception of other brands, their gadget loses network.

Before you take a device to a service center or write angry reviews, it is worth understanding the nature of the interference. Often the cause lies in the wrong settings of the access point (APN) or conflict modes of operation of the communication module after a firmware update. The Android engineering menu, available on the shell of MIUI (HyperOS), allows you to conduct a deep diagnosis and force the phone to switch to a more stable frequency, which often solves the problem of “jumping” the Internet.

In this detailed guide, we will look at all the ways you can restore stable communication, learn how to reset your network settings correctly, why you should not use metal cases, and choose the right operator in dense urban areas or remote areas. The quality of voice and mobile Internet speed depends on the correct configuration of your device.

Diagnostics of the problem: software failure or physical damage

The first step is always to make a precise diagnosis. Don't rush to disassemble the phone or make a complete reset until you understand the scale of the disaster. If Xiaomi is not catching the network in only one particular location (for example, in the country house or in the basement of the office), then the problem is likely to lie in the coverage of the operator or the screening of the building, not in the smartphone itself. However, if the signal disappears in the city center, where the neighbors with an iPhone or Samsung are doing well, the situation requires intervention.

Notice the link indicator in the top right corner of the screen. SIM-If the cards are crossed out or if the message "No network" is displayed, this may indicate that the communication module cannot register with the operator's network. In some cases, a banal reboot helps, but if the problem returns after a certain time, then there is a deeper conflict of settings. Software glitch of the radio module is a frequent guest after unsuccessful system updates.

To do a deeper check, you can use the engineering code. Dial in the ringer the combination ##4636##. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information. Here you will see the real signal strength (dBm) and network type. If the signal power is below -110 dBm, the phone is in the very bad reception zone. You can see if the phone is registered on the network at all.

⚠️ Note: If the Engineering Menu in Connection Status displays Disconnected or Not Registered and the reboot does not help, there is a high probability of physical damage to the antenna plume or failure of the communication module itself.

Basic network settings and operator choice

Often users do not even suspect that their phone has been operating in a suboptimal mode for years. The MIUI shell by default can choose the network mode "preferably LTE", but in conditions of a weak signal, the phone will constantly try to "grab" on 4G, while losing voice communication, which goes to 2G/3G. Manual selection of network type can dramatically change the situation.

Go to Settings. → SIM-Select the problematic SIM card and press Network Type. Try to force "Preferred" 3G" or "Only." 3G", If you are in the area of insecure reception 4G. This will slow down the Internet, but provide stable voice calls. LTE".

It's also worth checking the settings of your preferred operator. Sometimes, the automatic choice "stumbling" on overloaded towers. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Settings SIM-map → Operators: Turn off automatic selection and wait until the search is complete. Select the operator manually, even if the system says "Registered on the network" next to the automatic selection.

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Use flight mode as a quick reconnection, turn on Air Mode for 10-15 seconds, and then turn off. This causes the radio module to re-enter the network and often gives a temporary boost to the signal.

Do not forget about the physical condition. SIM-Older SIMs that are over 5 years old may have a shabby chip or fail to support modern encryption standards, leading to unstable operation. SIM-New card in the cabin operator - free and fast procedure that solves up to 30% of problems with communication.

Reset network settings and APN access points

One of the most effective ways to fix software bugs is to reset your network settings, which won’t delete your contacts, photos or apps, but will return all settings related to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile data to factory settings. Network resets often fix bugs that occurred after a firmware update.

To do this, go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Press Reset. After the reset, you will have to re-enter the passwords from the Wi-Fi networks, but the status of the communication modules will be updated. This is especially useful if the phone is stuck on a tower with a bad signal and does not want to switch to the next one.

Access points deserve special attention (APN). If the internet is slow or not working at all, though the icon 4G It's burning, check the settings. APN. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → (Yours. SIM) → Access points (APN). Make sure you select the correct operator profile. If the list is empty or the settings are down, click the menu button (three dots) and select Reset to default settings".

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse "Network Reset" with a full reset of your phone to factory settings. Complete data cleanup will delete all your photos, contacts and apps. Be careful when choosing an item on the menu.

Using an engineering menu to improve reception

For advanced users who want to make the most of their Xiaomi Redmi or Poco, there is a way to fine-tune the radio module through the engineering menu, a hidden part of the system that allows you to control antenna parameters and preferred frequencies, accessed through the code set ##4636## in the Phone app.

In the menu that opens, select Phone Information. Here you are interested in Set Preferred Network Type. The default setting may be "LTE/TD-SCDMA/CDMA/EvDo/GSM/WCDMA." Try changing it to something simpler, like "LTE only" (LTE only) or "WCDMA only" (3G only), to see if the signal becomes more stable. Forced on one communication standard eliminates constant reconnections between 2G, 3G and 4G that cause gaps.

Also on this menu, you can find the Run Ping Test button, which will help you check the connection quality with the Google server. If the ping is high or packets are lost, the problem is clearly on the receiving side. However, beware: changing some parameters in the engineering menu can cause the phone to stop seeing the SIM card at all, in which case just return the original value or restart the device.

Note that new versions of MIUI and HyperOS may block the manufacturer from accessing the engineering menu through code, and third-party apps from Google Play such as Force LTE Only (4G/5G) that allow access to these settings through the Android system APIs.

Hardware causes and the impact of accessories

You can't discount physical factors. Modern Xiaomi smartphones are made in metal or glass cases, and antennas are built into the case. Metal cases, cases with magnetic fasteners or holders for cars on magnets can create a shielding effect, significantly reducing the signal level. Try to remove the case and check the signal level — if it grows by 1-2 divisions, the reason is found.

It is also worth checking the tray for SIM-If it is deformed, oxidized or not fully inserted, contact with the antenna may be disrupted. Carefully remove the tray, wipe the SIM card contacts with soft cloth (not alcohol or water!) and insert back until the characteristic click. Make sure the rubber tray seal is intact, as it also affects the tightness and operation of the antenna contacts.

In rare but possible cases, the problem is that the antenna plume inside the body is unplugged, often after falls or poor repairs (such as a battery replacement). If the phone falls and Xiaomi stops catching the network or catches it very badly, it will probably require disassembling and gluing the antenna module again.

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Hardware communication problems are often disguised as software problems. If resetting the settings and repositioning the SIM card to another phone does not help, and there is no signal in the engineering menu (dBm = -114 or below), the antenna module is likely to be damaged.

When you need to go to the service center

There are a number of symptoms that indicate that you can not solve the problem on your own. If your Xiaomi constantly shows “Search for Service” even with a new SIM card of another operator in the safe reception zone, it is a warning sign.

In situations where the phone sees the network but cannot register (writes “Limited” or “Emergency Calls Only”), and resetting to factory settings did not help, the modem chip itself or antenna path most likely failed. Home maintenance is impossible without professional equipment and soldering skills BGA-component.

Also, if the phone was exposed to moisture, the antenna contacts can oxidize gradually, and even if the phone is turned on and running after water, the corrosion may already have affected the antenna connectors, in which case ultrasound cleaning and restoration of the tracks in the service center are necessary.

⚠️ Warning: If your phone is warranty-free, do not open it or attempt to solder the antenna yourself. Any traces of opening or moisture inside will result in a denial of warranty service.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions