Xiaomi Keeps Disconnecting from Mobile Network

Quick Answer:
If your Xiaomi keeps losing signal, first test your SIM in another phone. If the problem follows the SIM, contact your carrier – it's likely a SIM or account issue. If only your Xiaomi disconnects, check your preferred network type – if set to "5G only" in a weak 5G area, it will constantly drop. Set it to 4G/3G/2G auto. Also toggle Airplane mode on/off for 30 seconds.

Applies to Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi Phones

This guide applies to Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices running MIUI or HyperOS, covering UK carriers including EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, Giffgaff, SMARTY, and others.

🔍 Diagnostic Tree – Find Your Path

SymptomMost Likely CauseGo To
Disconnects only in specific locations (home/work)Poor coverage or band mismatchSection 1
Disconnects when moving (walking/driving)Network drops between coverage areasSection 2
Disconnects after a system updateSettings resetSection 3
Disconnects randomly anywhereSIM or device issueSection 4

Section 1 – Disconnects in Specific Locations (Coverage or Band Issue)

If your phone loses signal only at home, work, or in certain buildings, the issue is likely coverage-related – not your phone.

Try these in order:

  1. Check your carrier's coverage map – Enter your postcode on your carrier's website. If coverage is poor, there's limited signal available.
  2. Change preferred network type – Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → [Your carrier] SIM → Preferred network type → Switch to 4G/3G/2G auto. 5G can be weaker indoors.
  3. Check band compatibility (very important for imported phones) – UK carriers use Band 20 (800MHz) for indoor coverage. If your imported Xiaomi (especially from China) lacks Band 20, indoor signal will be weak and may disconnect frequently. Check your model's frequency bands online (search "[model] frequency bands").
  4. Enable WiFi Calling – Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → [Your carrier] SIM → WiFi Calling → ON. This routes calls over your broadband when signal is weak.

Section 2 – Disconnects When Moving (Coverage Handover)

If your phone loses signal when walking, driving, or travelling between areas, the phone is struggling to switch between coverage zones.

Try these in order:

  1. Change preferred network type – Set to 4G/3G/2G auto (not 5G). 5G handover can be less stable in some areas.
  2. Toggle Airplane mode – ON for 30 seconds, then OFF. This forces the phone to reconnect to the strongest available mast.
  3. Check for carrier updates – Some carriers send network updates via system updates. Check Settings → About phone → System update.

Section 3 – Disconnects After System Update (HyperOS/MIUI)

If disconnections started immediately after a system update, the update may have reset network settings or changed preferred network type.

Try these in order:

  1. Check preferred network type – Set to 5G/4G/3G auto or 4G/3G/2G auto.
  2. Reset network settings – Settings → Connection & sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and Bluetooth (removes saved Wi-Fi passwords).
  3. Check for another update – Sometimes a follow-up patch fixes network issues introduced by the previous update.

Section 4 – Random Disconnections Anywhere (SIM or Device Issue)

If disconnections happen randomly and none of the above sections match, the issue is likely SIM-related or device-specific.

Try these in order:

  1. Test your SIM in another phone – This is the most important step. If the other phone also disconnects, the problem is your SIM or carrier. Contact your carrier for a replacement SIM.
  2. Reinsert SIM card – Power off → remove SIM → clean gold contacts with a soft cloth → reinsert firmly. Try a different SIM slot if available.
  3. Check IMEI – Dial *#06# to display your IMEI. If it shows "Unknown" or "Null", this is a baseband/modem issue – standard fixes won't work. Contact Xiaomi support.
  4. Check for SIM Toolkit / Carrier profile issues – Some older SIMs may not have the latest carrier profiles, causing network instability. Request a replacement SIM from your carrier.
  5. Reset network settings – Settings → Connection & sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and Bluetooth (last resort).

Other Possible Causes (Less Common)

  • Battery optimisation interfering – If disconnections happen only when the screen is off, battery saver may be interfering. Turn off Battery saver (Settings → Battery → Battery saver → OFF) and remove battery restrictions for Phone/Network services.
  • APN settings – APN issues affect mobile data, not signal. If you have signal but no internet, check APN. If signal itself is disconnecting, APN is not the cause.

⚠️ What NOT to Do

  • Don't factory reset your phone – network disconnections are rarely solved by a factory reset.
  • Don't assume your phone is broken – test your SIM in another phone first.
  • Don't ignore carrier coverage – if coverage is poor, no setting will fix it.

Why Does My Xiaomi Keep Disconnecting from Mobile Network?

  • Weak coverage or band mismatch (most common) – 5G or certain bands (especially Band 20) may be weak in your area.
  • Network drops between coverage areas – Phone struggles to switch between masts when travelling.
  • SIM card or carrier profile issue – Loose, dirty, faulty SIM, or outdated carrier profile.
  • System update reset – Update changed network settings.
  • Battery optimisation (less common) – May interfere when screen is off.

Quick Questions

Why does my Xiaomi keep losing signal at home but not outside?
Your home may have poor coverage, or your phone may lack Band 20 (UK indoor band). Try changing preferred network type to 4G/3G/2G auto or enable WiFi Calling.

Why does my phone disconnect when moving?
This happens when the phone struggles to switch between coverage zones. Try setting preferred network type to 4G/3G/2G auto (not 5G).

How do I know if the problem is my phone or my carrier?
Test your SIM in another phone. If the other phone also disconnects, the problem is your SIM or carrier. If not, the problem is your Xiaomi.

How do I check my IMEI?
Dial *#06# – your IMEI number will appear. If it shows "Unknown" or "Null", this is a serious baseband issue.

Will resetting network settings help?
It can, but only if the issue is corrupted settings. Try other fixes first – resetting removes saved Wi-Fi passwords.

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