How to enable roaming on Xiaomi Android smartphones: instructions for MIUI 12-16

A trip abroad or to another region of Russia is often accompanied by the need to stay in touch, but without the correct settings, a smartphone Xiaomi may lose access to the mobile network. Enabling roaming on devices with firmware MIUI has its own nuances: the interface differs from “pure” Android, and some options are hidden deep in the menu. This article will help you understand how to activate roaming on Redmi, POCO or flagship models - from basic steps to solving possible problems. Xiaomi - from basic steps to solving possible problems.

It is important to understand that roaming is not only a technical setting of the phone, but also a matter of your operator’s tariff plan. Even if you configure your smartphone correctly, without the roaming option enabled from your mobile provider, the connection will not work. We will consider both aspects: technical side (settings MIUI) and tariff conditions (what to check with the operator). We will pay special attention to models with two SIM cards - here the algorithm for enabling roaming may differ.

If you have never used roaming before, do not worry: the process takes no more than 5 minutes. The main thing is to follow the instructions consistently and take into account the specifics of your model Xiaomi. For example, on POCO F5 i Redmi Note 12 the path to the settings may differ slightly from Xiaomi 13 Ultra, but the general logic remains the same. And if after turning on roaming the Internet does not work, we have a separate section with solutions to this problem.

What is roaming and why enable it on Xiaomi

Roaming (from English roaming —“wander”) is a technology that allows your smartphone to connect to the networks of other operators when you are out of coverage area "native" provider. For example, if you are traveling to Turkey with a Russian SIM card, your MTS, yours Xiaomi will automatically connect to a local operator (for example, Turkcell or Vodafone TR), with which you have an agreement roaming. MTS I have a roaming agreement.

On devices Xiaomi roaming by default is usually disabledto avoid unexpected expenses. You need to enable it in two cases:

• 🌍 International travel —without roaming, the phone will not be able to make calls, send SMS or use mobile data abroad.
• 📡 Travel within Russia —if you travel to regions where your operator does not have its own towers (for example, to remote areas of Siberia or the Far East).
• 🔄 Using the second SIM cards —if you have a dual-SIM card Xiaomi (for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro+), roaming may be needed for the second card.

However, enabling roaming does not guarantee uninterrupted communication. Internet speed in roaming is often limited (for example, up to 3G instead of 4G/LTE), and the cost of traffic and calls can increase significantly. Therefore, before your trip, you should check with your operator:

• 💰 Tariffs for outgoing/incoming calls in roaming.
• 📶 Available communication standards (not all operators support 4G roaming).
• 🛑 Availability of blocking (some tariffs require separate activation of roaming through a USSD command or personal account).

⚠️ Attention: In some countries (for example, the USA or Canada) Roaming may be blocked due to sanctions restrictions. Check this point with your operator in advanceto avoid unpleasant surprises.

Preparing your Xiaomi smartphone to enable roaming

Before activating roaming, make sure that your Xiaomi ready to work on other networks. Here are the key points to check:

1. MIUI update — outdated firmware may not support modern roaming standards. Check the latest version in Settings → About phone → System update.
2. Network compatibility - some budget models Redmi (for example, Redmi A1) do not support all ranges 4G/5Gwhich may limit Internet speed when roaming.
3. SIM card settings —if you have a dual-SIM smartphone, determine which card requires roaming (settings may vary).

It is also recommended:

• 🔋 Charge the phone to 50% or more - setting up roaming in some cases requires a reboot.
• 📶 Enable automatic network selection (this will help the phone quickly find an available operator in roaming).
• 🛡️ Disable VPN —some virtual networks may interfere with connection to roaming operators.

Check MIUI version|Charge the phone at least 50%|Disable VPN|Enable automatic network selection|Make sure 4G/5G compatibility-->

If you plan to use mobile data in roaming, disable Automatic application updates and Background synchronization in advance (for example, for Google Photos or WhatsApp). This will help you avoid unexpected traffic costs. Synchronization settings can be found in:

Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Automatic data synchronization

⚠️ Attention: On some models Xiaomi (for example, POCO X5 Pro), after turning on roaming, the priority of SIM cards for calls may be lost. Check the default settings in Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Calls.

Step-by-step guide: how to enable roaming on Xiaomi

Algorithm for enabling roaming on smartphones Xiaomi depends on the version MIUI. Below is a universal instruction that is relevant for MIUI 12–16 (including HyperOS for new models). If your interface is different, try the alternative paths listed in the next section.

Basic method (MIUI 14–16, HyperOS)

1. Open Settings (gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Go to section SIM cards and mobile networks (on some models it may be called Mobile network or Dual SIM and mobile network).
3. Select the SIM card for which you want to enable roaming (if you have two cards).
4. Tap on the item Roaming (or Data roaming for mobile data).
5. Switch the slider to On for Voice roaming and/or Roaming data.
6. Confirm the action if a warning appears about possible roaming fees.

Alternative method (MIUI 12–13)

On older firmware versions, the path may look like this:

Settings → Connections and sharing → Mobile network → [Select SIM] → Roaming

After enabling roaming, it is recommended reboot the phone —this will help the smartphone quickly connect to an available network. If the network icon does not appear after reboot, try manually selecting the operator:

Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → [Select SIM] → Telecom operators → Search for networks

Features for dual-SIM Xiaomi

On devices with dual SIM cards (for example Xiaomi 13T Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro) roaming configured separately for each card. In this case:

• 📱 You can enable roaming for only one SIM card (for example, if the second card is a local operator).
• 🔄 The priority of calls in roaming may be lost - check the settings in Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Calls.
• 📶 If both SIM cards support roaming, the phone will use the one indicated as data priority.

Xiaomi model	Path to roaming settings	Features
Xiaomi 14 / 13 series	Settings → Mobile network → Roaming	Support 5G in roaming (if the operator provides)
Redmi Note 12 / 13	Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → [Select SIM] → Roaming	You may need to manually select a network after turning on roaming
POCO F5 / X5	Settings → Connections → Mobile network → Roaming	In some firmware, the data roaming option is hidden behind an additional menu
Xiaomi 11T / 12 Lite	Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Roaming	eSIM support (if the operator provides roaming for virtual SIM)

Problems with roaming on Xiaomi and their solutions

Even after correct configuration, roaming may not work. Here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

1. Roaming is enabled, but there is no network

If, after activating roaming, the phone does not catch the network:

• 🔄 Restart the smartphone —this helps in 60% of cases.
• 📡 Manually select an operator (see instructions above).
• 🛠️ Reset network settings:

  Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Reset network settings

• 📱 Check frequency compatibility —some roaming operators operate on frequencies that yours does not support Xiaomi (for example, Band 71 in the USA).

2. Only calls work, but not the Internet

If there is voice communication, but mobile data is not:

• 🌐 Check if data roaming is enabled (a separate option from voice roaming).
• 📋 Configure APN —request settings from your operator or find them on the official website.
• 🚫 Disable Wi-Fi Assist (may interfere with the connection to the mobile network):

  Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Wi-Fi Assist

3. High traffic consumption when roaming

To avoid unexpected bills:

• 📉 Turn off background data transfer:

  Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autostart

• 🔒 Use a VPN with traffic compression (for example, Opera VPN or Cloudflare WARP).
• 📊 Set a mobile traffic limit:

  Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → [Select SIM] → Traffic limit

⚠️ Attention: On some tariffs, operators block access to certain services in roaming (for example, to YouTube or NetflixCheck this point in advance so as not to waste traffic.

What to do if Roaming suddenly turned off?

If roaming stopped working during a trip, try:

1. Switch to another SIM card (if you have one).

2. Turn on airplane mode for 30 seconds, then turn it off.

3. Check your balance - some operators disable roaming if the balance is negative.

4. Contact the operator via online chat (if you have access to Wi-Fi).

How to check the operator's roaming tariffs

Enabling roaming on your smartphone is only half the battle. Without the correct tariff, communication will not work. or it will cost a hefty sum. Here's how to clarify the conditions with popular Russian operators:

1. Through USSD commands

The fastest way is to send a USSD request:

• MTS: *111*0887# (checking roaming status) or *111# (services menu).
• Beeline: *110*180# (roaming information).
• MegaFon: *105*00# (roaming menu) or *558# (tariffs for travel).
• Tele2: *155*1# (roaming services).

2. Through your personal account or application

More detailed information can be obtained:

• 📱 In the official application of the operator (for example, My MTS, My Beeline).
• 💻 On the website operator in the "Roaming" or "Travel" section.
• 📧 Via online support chat (usually available in the application or on the website).

3. Call support

If you are not sure about the tariffs, call the operator to trips:

• MTS: 0890 (free from MTS phone).
• Beeline: 0611.
• MegaFon: 0500.
• Tele2: 611.

Please note to:

• 💰 Cost of a minute of outgoing/incoming calls (may vary depending on the country).
• 📶 Cost of 1 MB of traffic (sometimes it is cheaper to buy a local SIM card).
• 🕒 Limits (some operators offer packages of minutes/traffic for roaming).

⚠️ Attention: Roaming tariffs may vary depending on the country and the operator’s partnership agreements. For example, in 2026. MTS may offer free roaming in the EAEU countries, but paid roaming in Europe. Always check current conditions before traveling.

How to save traffic and money when roaming on Xiaomi

Roaming is convenient, but often expensive. Here are some proven ways to reduce costs without losing connection:

1. Use Wi-Fi wherever possible

Connect to free networks in:

• 🏨 Hotels, hostels, apartments.
• ☕ Cafes and restaurants (for example, Starbucks, McDonald’s).
• 🚆 Train stations, airports, metro (in some cities).

On Xiaomi you can configure automatic connection to known networks:

Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Automatic connection to open networks

2. Disable auto-updates and background activity

To prevent applications from eating up traffic:

• 🔄 Disable auto-update applications auto-update applications Google Play:

  Play Store → Settings → Auto-update applications → Only through Wi-Fi

• 📥 Limit background data:

  Settings → Applications → [Select app] → Mobile data and Wi-Fi → Background data

• 📷 Disable media autoloading in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber).

3. Use offline maps and content

Download in advance:

• 🗺️ Offline maps v Google Maps or Yandex.Maps.
• 🎵 Music and podcasts v Spotify, YouTube Music or Yandex Music.
• 📖 Books, films, TV series v Netflix, Kinopoisk or LitRes.

4. Alternatives to roaming

If roaming is too expensive, consider:

• 📱 Local SIM card —in most countries it can be bought at the airport or supermarket (for example, LycaMobile in Europe).
• 🌐 eSIM - virtual SIM with a travel tariff (for example, Airalo or Holafly).
• 🔄 Mobile hotspot —if you have a laptop or tablet with a local SIM card, distribute the Internet from it to Xiaomi.

Frequent mistakes when setting up roaming on Xiaomi

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that prevent roaming from working correctly. Here are the most common:

1. The operator's roaming support has not been verified.

Many tariffs (especially budget or corporate) do not include roaming by default. For example, Tele2 to activate roaming, you may need to send a USSD command or connect the option through your personal account. Always check this before your trip.

2. The correct operator has not been manually selected

In some countries, automatic network search may connect you to an expensive operator. It's better to select your provider's partner manually. For example, if you are from MTS, in Turkey it is optimal to connect to Turkcell, and not to Vodafone TR.

3. Frequency restrictions are not taken into account

Some models Xiaomi (especially budget ones, like Redmi 10A) do not support all ranges 4G/5Gused abroad. Before traveling, check compatibility on the website FrequencyCheck (enter your phone model and country).

4. Energy-saving modes are not disabled

Modes like Ultra Battery Saver or Battery saver can block background data transfer, which is why roaming is unstable. Disable them or add the necessary applications to exceptions:

Settings → Battery → Energy saving → [Select mode] → Exceptions

5. APN settings are not updated

If roaming is enabled, but the Internet does not work, most likely you need to update APN (access point). You can:

• Request from the operator (usually they send an SMS with the settings).
• Find on the official website (section "Internet Settings").
• Enter manually in Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → [Select SIM] → Access Points (APN).

How to check if roaming is working?

To make sure that roaming is activated:

1. Look at the network indicator in the status bar - the letter "R" or an airplane icon should appear next to the signal strength.

2. Try making a test call (for example, to your operator's voicemail).

3. Open your browser and try loading a light site (for example, google.com).

If nothing works, check the settings again or contact your operator.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about roaming on Xiaomi

❓ Do I need to enable data roaming separately from voice roaming?

Yes, these are two different options. Voice roaming is responsible for calls and SMS, and Xiaomi these are two different options. Voice roaming is responsible for calls and SMS, and roaming. data for mobile data. For example, if you only need calls, you just need to activate voice roaming.

❓ Why is there no network on Xiaomi after turning on roaming?

There may be several reasons:

1. The operator does not support roaming in this country (check the list of partners on the provider's website).
2. It is enabled on the phone mode 2G only (try switching to 4G/3G/2G in the network settings).
3. SIM card is not activated for roaming (check with your operator).
4. The phone is locked for a specific operator (relevant for devices purchased on credit or under a contract).

Also try to manually select the operator's network in the settings.

❓ Is it possible to use roaming on Xiaomi without connecting to an operator?

No, roaming is a service of a mobile operator. Even if you enable roaming settings on your phone, without the option activated by your provider, the connection will not work. Check with your operator whether roaming is included in your tariff, and if necessary, activate it via a USSD command or your personal account.

❓ How to disable roaming on Xiaomi so as not to waste money?

To deactivate roaming:

1. Go in Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → [Select SIM] → Roaming.
2. Disable the sliders Voice roaming and Data roaming.
3. For reliability, turn on airplane mode (if you do not plan to use the phone).

Also check if your operator has paid roaming options - sometimes they are needed disable separately via USSD or personal account.

❓ Does roaming work on Xiaomi with eSIM?

Yes, if your model Xiaomi supports eSIM (for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite or Xiaomi 14), roaming will work the same as with a physical SIM card. The main thing is that:

• The operator supports roaming for eSIM (check this in advance).
• The eSIM profile is correctly activated (sometimes re-activation is required before traveling).

Roaming settings for eSIM are enabled in the same way as for a regular SIM, in section Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks.