Choice SIM-Call cards for Xiaomi: from the format to the operator

Choice SIM-Xiaomi’s smartphone cards seem like a simple task — so far, you don’t get nuanced. Some users complain about poor communication quality, others can’t understand why the phone can’t see the network, and still others are lost between nano-SIM, eSIM and hybrid slots. In fact, the right choice depends on the device model, region of use, and even your communication habits.

In this article, we will discuss not only the technical aspects (which formats support your Redmi or your own formats). POCO), But also practical: which operator will give the best coverage for calls, how to avoid roaming problems, and why sometimes cheap SIM-It costs more to make a map, and it also has unique settings. MIUI, Improve voice quality by 30% (these options are hidden in the engineering menu and are not documented in official instructions).

1. Formats SIM-Which is the best map for your Xiaomi

Xiaomi smartphones support three main formats SIM-cards: nano-SIM (most common), eSIM (virtual card) and hybrid slots (where you can choose the second one) SIM But there are pitfalls here.

For example, flagship models like Xiaomi 14 Ultra or POCO F6 Pro often feature dual nano-SIMs without microSD support, while budget Redmi Note 13 can have a hybrid slot.

• 🔍 On the official Xiaomi website in the specifications section of your model (look for the line "SIM card slot").
• 📦 In the device box – there is usually a pictogram with supported formats.
• 🛠️ From the Engineering Menu: Enter ##4636## and select Phone Information".

Despite the growing popularity, not all Xiaomi models support it, for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro works with eSIM, and Redmi 12 does not. Moreover, even if the smartphone is compatible, not all Russian operators provide virtual SIM (for 2026, eSIM actively offer only MTS, Beeline and Tele2).

2. Telecom operators: who gives the best coverage for calls

Voice quality depends not only on the phone, but also on the operator, and in Russia, MTS, Beeline, MegaFon and Tele2 remain the leaders in coverage, but their priorities differ:

Xiaomi owners are critical to verify support for VoLTE (voice over 4G) and VoWiFi (wi-fi calls), which are technologies that significantly improve communication quality, especially in areas with poor coverage, to activate them:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Turn it on. VoLTE/VoWiFi.
2. If you do not have an option, update your firmware or check compatibility with the operator (for example, MegaFon supports VoWiFi only at tariffs from 500 to three times). ₽/moss).

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If you don’t have VoLTE in your settings, try manually enabling it through the engineering menu: ##86583## → VoLTE Provisioned Flag → set the value 1.

3. Hybrid slot: SIM + microSD or second SIM?

Many Xiaomi budget models (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO M6) It is equipped with a hybrid slot, where you have to choose between the second. SIM-I'll give you a card and a memory card?

• 📱 Second second SIM If you are traveling frequently (local) SIM roaming) or sharing work/personal calls.
• 💾 MicroSD is useful for users who shoot a lot of videos in the Internet. 4K Or store large collections of music offline.

The optimal solution is to use cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Drive) for backup and free the slot for the second. SIM. But if you can not do without microSD, pay attention to the speed of the card: for video recordings in the video 1080p/60fps class UHS-I (U3) higher.

4. Roaming and international calls: how not to overpay

If you travel abroad frequently, you can choose SIM-Xiaomi's maps are getting even more complicated:

• 🌍 Automatic roaming by Russian operators is often blocked in some countries (for example, in Turkey or the UAE).
• 💰 Hidden charges: some operators charge for incoming roaming calls (e.g. Beeline – 30) ₽/mine).
• 📶 Local. SIM They may not support Russian speakers. USSD-commands (e.g., balance checks).

Decisions:

1. For short trips (up to 7 days), arrange a roaming package with your operator (for example, MTS has a "Travel easier" for 390 hours). ₽/day-day).
2. For long trips, buy a local SIM (LycaMobile or Orange are profitable in Europe, AIS or Smart in Asia).
3. Use WhatsApp (WhatsApp, Telegram) to make Wi-Fi calls, but remember that in some countries (UAE, China) they are blocked.

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Before traveling, turn off automatic network definition in Xiaomi settings: Settings → SIM-map → [choose SIM] → Choice of network → Manual search, which prevents you from connecting to expensive partner networks.

5. MIUI settings to improve call quality

Xiaomi hides a few useful features that can significantly improve voice quality, and most users are unaware of their existence:

• 🎧 Voice amplification: included in the Settings → Special facilities → Improvement of sound → Voice amplification, good for talking in noisy places.
• 📞 Quick dial: Add frequently dialed numbers to your phone → Preferred and assigned them short combinations (e.g. **1 for mom).
• 🔇 Do Not Disturb Schedule Mode: Set up Automatic Call Sound Disabling in Settings → Sound. → Don't disturb.

For advanced users, there are hidden settings of the engineering menu:

1. Enter ##4636## → select “Phone Information”.


2. Scroll down to "Set preferred network type" and select:




For better communication: LTE only (if the operator supports VoLTE).




For battery saving: 3G is preferred.




3. Save the settings and restart the phone.

Install the latest version MIUI|Turn it on. VoLTE/VoWiFi customized SIM|Turn off automatic roaming|Check the operator’s coverage in your area-->

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after the right choice SIM-Xiaomi users may face problems with maps. Here are the most common and ways to solve them:

If the problem is not solved, try resetting the network settings:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
2. Confirm the action and restart the phone.
3. After restarting manually select the operator in Settings → SIM-map → Choice of network.

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If the problem persists after the network reset, check the phone's IMEI (enter *#06#). If it is null or incorrect, it is a hardware problem that needs repair.

7.The Future: eSIM and 5G in Xiaomi

Technology is not standing still, and Xiaomi is actively implementing support for eSIM and 5G in new models. Today Xiaomi 14 and POCO F5 Pro support virtual SIM, and with the release of MIUI 15 is expected to improve integration with eSIM operators.

What does this mean for users?

• 🌐 No physical cards: just download the eSIM profile from the operator (for example, through the My MTS application).
• ⚡ Instant switching between tariffs (e.g., work and personal) without replacement SIM.
• 📡 Best link in the world. 5G: eSIM often offers priority connectivity to next-generation networks.

However, there are downsides: not all operators in Russia have completely switched to eSIM, and in some Xiaomi models, there is only one slot for physical SIM.

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eSIM does not support hot profile replacement yet – to change the operator, you will have to delete the old one and install a new one, which takes up to 10 minutes.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions