How to connect a card to Xiaomi: SIM, microSD and bank cards

Xiaomi smartphones support work with several types of cards: SIM-cards for mobile communication, microSD for memory expansion and bank cards through NFC. But the process of connecting them varies depending on the device model and the type of card. In this article, we will discuss all possible scenarios, from the installation of a physical device. SIM-Maps to set up Google Pay and Mi Pay.

We will pay special attention to the nuances that users often miss: for example, why the smartphone does not see the second one. SIM-card in a hybrid slot or how to format a microSD for use as internal memory. NFC on the new Redmi models and POCO after upgrading to HyperOS.

If you have just purchased a Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or POCO F6 smartphone, this guide will help you avoid the typical errors when you first connect your cards. For owners of older models (for example, Redmi 9A or Mi A3), we will give you some recommendations, taking into account their hardware limitations.

1. Connection SIM-Xiaomi cards: physical and eSIM

Most of the Xiaomi smartphones support two SIM-Nano-SIM cards or combinations SIM + MicroSD in a hybrid slot. the exception is the flagship models of the Xiaomi series 13T/14, where the slot is available only for one physical SIM-Card, but there is support for eSIM.

To establish the physical SIM-map:

• 📱 Turn off your smartphone (required for models with a non-removable battery).
• 🔧 Find a tray for SIM-maps – usually located on the upper or lateral face of the device.
• 📌 Use a paper clip or special key from the kit to remove the tray.
• 📇 Place the nano-SIM in the tray (contacts down) and insert it back before clicking.

To activate eSIM on supported models (Xiaomi 13/14, POCO F5):

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Add a mobile fare.
2. Select Download. SIM-map and scan QR-operator.
3. Confirm activation - the process will take up to 5 minutes.

⚠️ Note: On models with a hybrid slot (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5) fitting SIM-The card is disabled from microSD. Check priority in Settings → SIM-map → Preferred SIM call-in.

2. How to Insert MicroSD in Xiaomi: Expand Memory

MicroSD cards allow you to increase the storage capacity on Xiaomi smartphones with a hybrid slot. The maximum supported volume depends on the model:

• 📱 Redmi 10A / POCO M5 — up to 512GB (FAT32).
• 📱 Xiaomi 12T / Redmi Note 11 Pro+ — up to 1 TB (exFAT).
• 📱 POCO F4 GT — 2 TB (NTFS unsupported!).

Installation instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove the tray for SIM-map.
2. Place the microSD in the appropriate slot (usually marked with an SD icon).
3. Turn on the device and wait for notifications about the new memory card.
4. Go to Settings → Storage → SD card and select the format:

Buy a UHS-I (U1/U3) class card for speed

Check compatibility with Xiaomi model

Make a backup copy of data from the card

Format only through smartphone settings-->

⚠️ Note: If you choose the internal memory format, the card cannot be removed and used in other devices without full formatting. On Xiaomi models with HyperOS, porting applications to the mobile device. SD It may not work well – check the reviews for your firmware.

3. Set up bank cards via NFC

Xiaomi smartphones support contactless payments via NFC, but there are nuances:

• 💳 Google Pay works with all models with Google Mobile Services (GMS).
• 💳 Mi Pay is only available in China and on global firmware with China region".
• 💳 Some banks (e.g. Sberbank) require certified devices – check the list on the bank’s website.

To add a card to Google Pay:

1. Make sure that NFC is enabled in Settings → Connections → NFC.
2. Open the Google Pay app and click Add a card.
3. Scan the map or enter the data manually.
4. Confirm via SMS or push notification from the bank.

For Mi Pay (if available):

1. Install Mi Pay from the Mi App Store (Chinese firmware required).
2. Link a Chinese bank card (UnionPay) or add via Alipay.
3. Set up a pin code for payments in the app settings.

On smartphones POCO X6 Pro and Redmi K70 with HyperOS payments via NFC may not work if the system is installed region "China" - change it to "Russia" or "Europe" in the settings.

4. Solving problems with connecting cards

If Xiaomi smartphone does not see SIM-card, microSD or does not read the bank card through the NFC, Check the following points:

📶 Problems with SIM-card

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes the network “hangs” after the update.
• 📶 Check the operator coverage in Settings → SIM-map → Network signal.
• 🛠️ Clear the contacts. SIM-soft cloth cards (oxidation may disrupt communication).
• 📱 On HyperOS models, reset your network settings: Settings → SIM-map → Resetting mobile network settings.

💾 MicroSD problems

• 🔍 Check the card on another device – it may be damaged.
• 📁 Format the map in FAT32 via PC if the smartphone does not see it.
• 🛑 On some models (Redmi) 9C) ExFAT cards are not supported – use them FAT32.

💳 Problems with NFC and

• 📱 Make sure that NFC included not only in the settings, but also in the quick access panel.
• 🔄 Reinstall Google Pay – sometimes cleaning the app cache helps.
• 🛡️ Check if the antivirus is blocking payments or VPN.

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If the smartphone stopped seeing SIM-map after falling, check the tray for mechanical damage. On Xiaomi models with a metal case (Mi 11), the tray can bend - carefully align it with pliers.

5. Features of connecting cards on popular models

Different series of Xiaomi smartphones have unique nuances when working with maps.

On Xiaomi models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi) 13T Pro) When you first connect a microSD, the system may suggest that you move data from internal memory. A1) — This will slow down the smartphone.

For owners. POCO F5 redmi K60 It is important to know that these models support UFS 3.1, so the read/write speed on the microSD will be limited by the card speed. 4K-Video is recommended to use maps UHS-II (For example, SanDisk Extreme Pro).

6.Safety when working with cards

Connecting cards to Xiaomi smartphone requires compliance with security measures, especially if we are talking about banking data or confidential information:

• 🔒 Never store pins from bank cards in notes or screenshots on your phone.
• 🛡️ Use microSD card encryption in settings (available on models with microSD) MIUI 12+).
• 📵 Turn it off. NFC, When you do not use payments, it will reduce the risk of unauthorized write-offs.
• 🔄 Check the list of connected devices in Google Pay or the banking app regularly.

If you are selling or transferring a smartphone, you must:

1. Remove all bank cards from Google Pay/Mi Pay.
2. Format microSD (if it was used as internal memory).
3. Reset the settings to factory: Settings → About phone → Reset settings.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi smartphones with unlocked bootloader (bootloader) payments through NFC If you unlock a custom firmware bootloader, use a physical card instead of Google Pay.

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Always check the source of the microSD card – fake cards (especially “1 TB for 500 rubles”) often have a real volume of 10-20 times less and can damage data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting cards to Xiaomi