How to make a second line on Xiaomi: the complete guide

The modern rhythm of life often dictates its conditions, forcing mobile users to combine personal and work space in one gadget. For many smartphone owners, the question of how to make a second line on Xiaomi becomes a priority immediately after buying a new device, because the need for two numbers. SIM-There's a huge number of people who have these cards, and fortunately, Xiaomi has made this possible at the operating system level, allowing you to use two SIM cards at the same time to make calls, SMS Mobile Internet without having to carry two phones.

The MIUI shell or the new HyperOS allows you to not only install two physical SIM cards, but also manage them fully through a single interface. You can assign one card for important work calls, and use the other for registering with messengers or chatting with friends. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to set up a second line, what nuances exist when working with different models of smartphones, and how to clone applications for working with two accounts.

Preparation of the smartphone for the installation of the second SIM-map

Before you start software settings, you need to physically install a second SIM card into the device. Most modern Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with a combined or triple tray that allows you to use two nano-SIM cards. It is important to make sure that your smartphone supports the work on networks. 4G/LTE on both cards simultaneously, as some budget models may limit the data transfer speed on the second SIM card to the standard 2G/3G.

To extract the tray, you'll need a special paper clip that comes with the kit, or a thin needle. Put the tool in the hole at the end of the case and press a little, after which the tray will exit. Pay attention to the circuit that is knocked out on the tray itself or the case of the smartphone to correctly orient the card chip. After installing the cards, turn on the device and wait for the system to fully load.

⚠️ Warning: If the tray is not removed, do not use excessive force to avoid damaging the mechanism.

Once the phone is turned on, the system automatically detects the presence of two SIM cards and prompts them to configure them. Usually, a notification from the system appears on the screen suggesting that the default SIM cards be assigned for various actions. If the automatic window does not appear, the settings can be found manually in the corresponding menu section.

Basic setup of two SIM cards in MIUI and HyperOS

The main SIM card management is in the system settings section. To get there, open the Settings menu and find the item. SIM-This is where you decide which card to use for calls and which card to use for the Internet, and the right configuration of these parameters is critical for the user experience.

In the menu that opens, you'll see a list of all the SIM cards installed, and click on each to specify a name (e.g., "Work" or "Personal") and select the color of the indicator that will appear in the notification curtain, which helps you visually distinguish which line an incoming call or message is coming to.

  • πŸ“± Default calls: Select the SIM card from which outbound calls will be made, or leave the "Always Ask" option if you want to select the number manually before each set.
  • 🌐 Mobile Internet: Specify the map through which the data will be transmitted. Remember that only one SIM card is active on high-speed Internet at the same time.
  • πŸ’¬ SMS Default: Assign a number to send text messages so you don’t get confused when sending confirmation codes or messages to contacts.

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Use the "Receive calls to another SIM" function if the main card runs out of money, but you need to urgently answer an important call.

Also available in this section is the SIM switching function right when dialing, and if you are always asking, the switch button between SIM 1 and SIM 2 will be activated when you open the caller, allowing you to quickly change the priority line without diving deep into the settings menu.

How to clone applications for the second line

Often, the phrase β€œmake a second line” means that users can use two accounts in the same application, for example, WhatsApp or Telegram. The MIUI shell has a built-in feature called Dual Apps, which creates a virtual copy of the program, this copy works independently of the original, has its own data and is attached to the second SIM card.

To activate cloning, go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Dual Apps. In the list that opens, show all supported programs. Usually these are social networks and messengers, but the list can be expanded. Find the desired application (for example, WhatsApp) and activate the switch next to it.

β˜‘οΈ Setup of dual applications

Done: 0 / 5

Once activated, a new app icon will appear on the desktop with a small yellow icon in the corner, and once you have started it, you can register a new account using the second SIM card number. SMS-The confirmation code for the selected number and you will get a fully independent workspace.

⚠️ Attention: Deleting the original app could cause data loss in the cloned version, as they are often linked.Be careful when clearing memory.

Expanded Opportunities: Second Space

For those who need even deeper separation, Xiaomi offers Second Space, not just a clone of the app, but a full-fledged second profile on the system with its own set of apps, files, settings, and even fingerprints to unlock, ideal for separating work and personal life.

Unlike simple dual applications, Second Space is completely isolated, so you can install banking apps, work chats and games there, and they won't overlap with the main profile, and switching between spaces is done through a special shortcut in the notification curtain or through a fingerprint if you set up this feature.

To activate, go to Settings β†’ Additional Settings β†’ Second Space. The system will prompt you to create a password or use a biometric to log in. Once you create the second space, you can migrate apps from your main profile there or download them again through Google Play.

What is the difference between Double Applications and Second Space?
Dual apps create a copy of just one particular app (like WhatsApp only), and the second space creates a whole second smartphone inside your device with its own gallery, contacts, and settings, completely isolated from the main one.

Comparison of Line and Account Separation Methods

To make it easier for you to choose the right way to use the second line, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you understand the differences between simply installing a second SIM card, cloning applications and creating a second space.

FunctionTwo. SIM-mapDual annexesSecond space
PurposeCall reception and SMSTwo accounts in the same appComplete separation of data
DifficultyLow.MediumTall.
Battery consumptionStandard.EnlargedLargely enlarged
IndependenceOnly a link.Only the app.Complete system

If you just need to take two-number calls, the first option is enough. Dual apps are perfect for two business accounts on WhatsApp. And if you want to completely hide personal photos and files from colleagues using your phone, choose Second Space.

πŸ“Š What kind of separation of lines do you use?
Only two. SIM-map
Cloning of applications
Second space
Two different phones.

Solving Common Two Line Problems

When using two SIM cards, users may encounter a number of typical problems, one of the most common is the lack of Internet on the second card, make sure that the mobile network settings select the correct type of network (preferably 4G) and that the data service is activated by the operator.

Another problem is missing calls. If one card is busy talking, the second card may not be available unless Call Waiting is enabled, and you can activate it via the phone menu by dialing *43# or through the call settings in the Settings menu β†’ Apps β†’ Phone β†’ Operator Settings.

  • πŸ”‹ Fast discharge: two active networks are constantly scanning the air, which increases energy consumption. 5G on the second card if you don't need it.
  • πŸ“Ά Weak signal: in some models, using two SIM-The signal level may be lower than with one of the cards, due to the design of the antennas.
  • πŸ”„ Switching the Internet: when switching the Internet to another SIM There may be a short-term break in the connection, this is normal behavior of the system.

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The stability of the two lines depends on the quality of coverage of your operator’s network and the firmware version of the smartphone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make a second line on older Xiaomi models?
Yes, most of the Xiaomi smartphones released in the last few years 5-6 years, supported by two SIM-However, the dual app cloning function may not be available on very old versions. MIUI (lower 8). The second space also requires a specific version of Android and sufficient RAM.
Does the second SIM card affect the speed of the Internet?
On current 4G+ models, the impact is minimal. However, on low-end devices, a second SIM card can run in 2G/3G mode while the first one uses 4G for the Internet. If you switch the Internet to a second card, the first one can also lower the standard of communication to save resources.
How to remove a clone of an app if it is no longer needed?
To remove the clone, go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Dual Applications and turn off the switch in front of the desired program. The system will prompt you to delete the data and the cloned application itself. This will not affect the main application and its data.
Can I use WhatsApp on two different phones with a single SIM card?
WhatsApp is officially linked to one device per SIM card, but using the Linked Devices feature allows you to use one account on your phone and, for example, on a computer or tablet, two phones will require one SIM card on your phone at the same time, and the second one will be required in a cloned application on the same phone, or use third-party modified clients, which is not recommended for security reasons.