Xiaomi Internet Works on WiFi But Not Mobile Data Xiaomi Fix

Xiaomi Internet Works on WiFi But Not Mobile Data – UK Fix

If your Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO device connects to WiFi without any issues but won't load anything over mobile data (4G/5G), this guide explains why and how to fix it. WiFi works because it uses your router, while mobile data depends on your carrier's network and your phone's data settings. This article focuses specifically on cases where WiFi works but mobile data doesn't.

Before You Start

  • Make sure your carrier isn't experiencing an outage – Check your carrier's network status page.
  • Make sure your SIM has an active data plan – Check your allowance in your carrier's app.
  • Disable WiFi before testing mobile data – Turn WiFi off to force the phone to use mobile data.
  • Stay in an area with good 4G/5G coverage – Weak signal can cause data issues.
Quick Answer:
If WiFi works but mobile data doesn't, first check that Mobile Data is ON in Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → [Your carrier] SIM → Mobile data toggle. On dual-SIM devices, ensure the correct SIM is selected for mobile data. Then turn off Data Saver. Also check your APN settings – reset them to default if unsure. If none of these work, toggle Airplane mode on/off and restart your phone.

🔍 Quick Diagnostic Table

What you seeWhat it usually meansGo To
WiFi works, mobile data doesn'tData toggle, Data Saver, or APN issueSection 1
Mobile data connected but no internetAPN or DNS issueSection 2
Only some apps work on mobile dataApp data restrictions or Data SaverSection 3
Data works after restart but stops laterBattery optimisation or network switchingSection 4
Data stopped after a HyperOS updateAPN or settings resetSection 5
Data works in other phones but not yoursDevice-specific issueSection 6

Section 1 – WiFi Works, Mobile Data Doesn't (Most Common)

If WiFi works but mobile data doesn't, the issue is almost always a simple setting – not a hardware fault.

Try these in order:

  1. Check Mobile Data is ON – Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → [Your carrier] SIM → Mobile data toggle → ON.
  2. Check the correct SIM is selected for mobile data (dual-SIM) – Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → Default for mobile data → Ensure the correct SIM is selected.
  3. Check your APN – Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → [Your carrier] SIM → Access Point Names → ensure your APN matches your carrier's settings. Reset to default if unsure (three dots → Reset to default → Restart).
  4. Test your SIM in another phone – If data doesn't work there either, the issue is your SIM or carrier – skip to Section 2.
  5. Turn off Data Saver – Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → [Your carrier] SIM → Data saver → OFF.
  6. Check your data allowance – Open your carrier's app. If you've exceeded your allowance, data may be blocked.
  7. Toggle Airplane mode – ON for 30 seconds, then OFF. This forces the phone to reconnect to the network.
  8. Restart your phone – A full reboot can resolve temporary glitches.

If it still doesn't work:

  • Disable Private DNS temporarily – Settings → Connection & sharing → Private DNS → Off.
  • Check if you have a VPN active – Some VPNs can block data. Temporarily disable any VPN.
  • Disable Battery Saver – Settings → Battery → Battery saver → OFF.

Section 2 – Mobile Data Connected But No Internet

If you see a 4G/5G icon but websites won't load, the issue is usually APN, DNS, or carrier-related.

Try these in order:

  1. Reset APN to default – Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → [Your carrier] SIM → Access Point Names → three dots → Reset to default → Restart.
  2. Disable Private DNS – Settings → Connection & sharing → Private DNS → Off.
  3. Check if you have a VPN active – Temporarily disable any VPN.
  4. Check your data allowance – Section 1.
  5. Toggle Airplane mode – Section 1.

Section 3 – Only Some Apps Work on Mobile Data

If some apps work (e.g., WhatsApp) but others don't (e.g., Chrome), the issue is usually Data Saver or per-app data restrictions.

Try these in order:

  1. Turn off Data Saver – Section 1.
  2. Check per-app mobile data permissions – Settings → Apps → Manage apps → select the app → Restrict data usage → Ensure Mobile data is allowed (not just WiFi).
  3. Check app battery restrictions – Settings → Apps → Manage apps → select the app → Battery saver → Set to "No restrictions".
  4. Clear app cache – Settings → Apps → Manage apps → select the app → Storage → Clear cache.

Section 4 – Data Works After Restart but Stops Later

If data works briefly after a restart but stops later, the issue is likely battery optimisation or network switching.

Try these in order:

  1. Turn off Battery Saver – Settings → Battery → Battery saver → OFF.
  2. Turn off Data Saver – Section 1.
  3. Disable "Clear cache when device is locked" – Settings → Battery → Additional features → Clear cache when device is locked → OFF (if available).
  4. Remove battery restrictions for network services – Settings → Apps → Manage apps → search for "Phone" or "Network" → Battery saver → Set to "No restrictions".
  5. Switch Preferred Network Type to 4G/3G/2G Auto – If the issue occurs while travelling, switching between 5G and 4G can cause data drops. Test on 4G only by setting Preferred network type to 4G/3G/2G auto.

Section 5 – Data Stopped After a HyperOS Update

If mobile data stopped working after a HyperOS update, the update may have reset APN or network settings. Some HyperOS updates may reset APN settings, disable mobile data for one SIM, or restore carrier settings.

Try these in order:

  1. Check APN – Section 1. Updates often reset this to default.
  2. Check preferred network type – Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → [Your carrier] SIM → Preferred network type → Set to 5G/4G/3G auto.
  3. Reset network settings – Settings → Connection & sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and Bluetooth (removes saved Wi-Fi passwords).
  4. Check for another update – Sometimes a follow-up patch fixes issues introduced by the previous update.

Section 6 – Data Works in Other Phones but Not Yours (Device-Specific)

If your SIM works in another phone but not in your Xiaomi, the issue is device-specific.

Try these in order:

  1. Boot into Safe Mode – Press and hold Power, then long-press Restart and tap Safe Mode. If data works in Safe Mode, a third-party app is causing the issue – uninstall recently added apps.
  2. Reset network settings – Section 5.
  3. Test with a different SIM – If another SIM works in your Xiaomi, the issue is your original SIM. Contact your carrier.
  4. Check IMEI (last resort) – Dial *#06# to display your IMEI number. If it shows "Unknown" or "Null", network registration may not be possible – contact Xiaomi support.

Why Does WiFi Work But Mobile Data Doesn't?

  • Mobile Data toggle off – The most basic cause.
  • Wrong SIM selected for data (dual-SIM) – The phone may be using a SIM without data.
  • APN misconfiguration – Incorrect APN settings prevent data routing.
  • Data Saver enabled – Blocks mobile data for many apps.
  • Per-app data restrictions – Some apps may be restricted to WiFi only.
  • VPN or Private DNS conflict – These can prevent data routing.
  • Battery optimisation – Battery Saver or Data Saver restricting background data.
  • HyperOS update – Updates can reset APN or network settings, disable mobile data for one SIM, or restore carrier settings.
  • Data allowance exceeded – Your data may be blocked.

⚠️ What NOT to Do

  • Don't factory reset your phone – This is rarely needed for data issues.
  • Don't assume your SIM is faulty without testing – Test your SIM in another phone first.
  • Don't ignore Data Saver – It's often re-enabled after updates.
  • Don't ignore your data allowance – Check before troubleshooting.

Quick Questions

Why does WiFi work but mobile data doesn't on Xiaomi?
Most commonly, Mobile Data is turned off, Data Saver is on, the wrong SIM is selected for data (dual-SIM), or APN settings are incorrect. Check these first.

Why does my Xiaomi say mobile data connected but no internet?
Signal bars only show network connection, not data routing. The issue is likely APN, DNS, VPN, or carrier-related. Reset APN and disable Private DNS first.

Why do only some apps work on mobile data?
This is usually Data Saver or per-app data restrictions. Check Settings → Apps → Manage apps → select the app → Restrict data usage → ensure Mobile data is allowed.

Why does mobile data work after restarting but stop later?
Restarting forces the phone to establish a new mobile data session. If the problem repeatedly returns after restarting, the cause is usually battery optimisation, network switching, or carrier-related rather than hardware.

How do I fix mobile data not working after a HyperOS update?
Reset APN to default and check Data Saver settings. If still not working, reset network settings.

Does Data Saver block mobile data?
Yes. Data Saver can block mobile data for many apps. Turn it off in Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → [Carrier] SIM → Data saver → OFF.

Will resetting network settings delete my photos?
No. Only saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth devices are removed.

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