Xiaomi Mi 8: How much? SIM-Does the card support the smartphone?

Xiaomi’s flagship smartphone Mi 8, launched in 2018, is still a popular choice among users who value performance and functionality. SIM-The card supports the device and how to use them correctly. In this article, we will discuss in detail the configuration of slots, compatibility with different card formats, and the nuances of working with two operators simultaneously.

It’s important to understand that the Mi 8 offers flexible options for users, but there are limitations, such as the lack of eSIM support or the distribution of slots depending on the regional version, we will analyze the official specifications, owner reviews and give practical recommendations for setting up.

If you are planning to buy the Mi 8 on the secondary market or already own it, this article will help you avoid installation errors. SIM-maps and make the most of the device’s capabilities.

Official specifications: how many SIM-maps in Xiaomi Mi 8?

According to the manufacturer, Xiaomi Mi 8 is equipped with two slots for physical SIM-cards of the nano-SIM format. This means that the device supports Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDSDS) – a technology that allows you to use two cards at the same time, but with an important caveat: in standby mode, both cards are active, but during a call the second becomes unavailable.

Key technical characteristics:

  • πŸ“± Type of slots: 2 Γ— nano-SIM (3FF)
  • πŸ”„ Mode of operation: Dual SIM Dual Standby (4G+4G or 4G+3G depending on the region)
  • ❌ eSIM: not supported in any version of the device
  • 🌍 Regional differences: Chinese versions may have restrictions on working with some operators abroad

It is important to note that the Mi 8 does not support Dual. SIM Dual Active (DSDA), It's like more modern flagships, which means you can't take both cards at the same time. SIM second-only shutdown.

πŸ“Š What configuration? SIM-You use the cards?
One card.
Two cards (work + personal)
Two cards (different operators for coverage)
I don't use it. SIM-map

Physical Location and Types of Slots: Where to Find SIM-map?

In Xiaomi Mi 8 slot for the SIM-The card is on the left side of the device. To extract the tray, you will need a special key (included) or a paper clip:

Device versionSlot typeSupport for microSD supportFeatures
Global (Global)2 Γ— nano-SIM❌ No.Both cards are in 4G (LTE) format.
Chinese (China)2Γ—nano-SIM or 1Γ—nano-SIM + microSDβœ… Yes (hybrid slot)When using microSD, the second SIM is lost.
SE (Special Edition)2 Γ— nano-SIM❌ No.Similar to the global version

The Chinese version of the Mi 8 has a hybrid slot, which means a choice between the second one. SIM-This is important to consider when buying if you are critical to memory extensibility. Global versions do not have this option, but support two nano-SIMs without compromise.

⚠️ Note: When buying used Mi 8 be sure to specify the firmware version. MIUI may have restrictions on working with foreign operators (e.g., lack of bandwidth for certain bands) 4G).

How to properly install SIM-Maps in Xiaomi Mi 8: step-by-step instructions

Installation SIM-The cards in the Mi 8 require care so as not to damage the contacts or trays:

  1. Turn off your smartphone. This will prevent any failures in the communication module.
  2. Find the slot. It's on the left side, next to the volume buttons.
  3. Remove the tray. Put the key (or the unbended clip) in the hole before you click. Don't put too much effort into it!
  4. Place it. SIM-Nano-SIMs are stacked downwards, as shown in the diagram inside the tray.
  5. Put it back in the tray. Put it right up to the point, make sure it sits flat.

Turn off smartphone | Check the format of the cards (nano-SIM only) | Use the original key or paper clip | Make sure the contacts of the cards are clean | Check the coverage of operators before installing-->

After the device is activated, it may be necessary 1-2 minutes to initialize the cards. SIM not determined:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot your smartphone.
  • πŸ“Ά Check if the operator supports the selected frequencies (for Mi). 8 range-line B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20 for 4G).
  • πŸ› οΈ Clean the contacts of the card with a soft cloth (without alcohol!).

Dual SIM in Xiaomi Mi 8: How to configure and use two cards?

Once you've installed the cards, you need to set your priorities.

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Select Names. SIM-cards to assign them convenient labels (for example, "Work" and "Personal").
  3. In the SIM Selection for Calls section, specify your preferred card for outgoing calls.
  4. Set up Mobile Internet – choose which SIM to use for data transfer.

Features of working with two cards:

  • πŸ“ž Calls: When you are actively talking on one SIM second temporarily unavailable.
  • πŸ“Ά Internet: Only one card can use mobile data. Switching requires manual adjustment.
  • πŸ“© SMS: Messages come to both cards, but you can only send them with the default option.
  • ⚑ Energy consumption: Dual SIM Increases battery consumption 5-10% Due to the parallel operation of two modules.

πŸ’‘

If one of them SIM-This card is only used for the Internet, so you can turn off the Calls feature in your settings, which will reduce battery consumption and speed up switching between networks.

For convenience, you can configure a quick switch between cards through the notification panel.

  1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the panel.
  2. Click on the "Edit" icon (pencil).
  3. Add a mobile data widget or SIM-maps for quick access.

Frequent problems with SIM-Maps in Mi 8 and their solutions

Xiaomi Mi 8 users sometimes face typical problems when working with the user. SIM-Let's look at the most common cases and how to fix them:

1.The smartphone doesn't see one or both SIM-map

Possible causes and solutions:

  • πŸ”Œ Bad contact: Remove and re-insert the card, clean the tray contacts with dry cloth.
  • πŸ”„ Failure: Restart your device or reset your network settings in Settings β†’ System system β†’ Resetting the network.
  • πŸ“± Operator Incompatibility: Check if your carrier supports Mi 8 bands (especially for virtual carriers).
  • πŸ› οΈ Hardware malfunction: If the problem persists, the slot or antenna module may be damaged (diagnosis required).

2. mobile Internet is not working on one of the SIMs

Checklist for diagnosis:

Check balance and tariff plan | Make sure the data is turned on for the desired SIM|Switch network mode to 4G/3G/2G (auto)|Update APN settings manually |Check operator coverage in your region-->

If the Internet does not work only on the second SIM, try swapping cards in the slots, sometimes the problem lies in the incorrect operation of the second communication module.

3. quick battery discharge when using Dual SIM

Two active SIM-And the cards actually increase the energy consumption:

  • ⚑ Turn off network search for the second SIM, If it is rarely used (Settings) β†’ SIM-map β†’ Searching the net).
  • πŸ“΅ Enable Flight Mode for Unused Night Card.
  • πŸ”‹ Calibrate the battery (discharge to 0% and charge to 100% without interruption).

⚠️ Note: If after installation of the second SIM-The smartphone began to warm up or turn off, this may indicate a conflict IMEI (This is especially true for devices with unofficial firmware, in which case it is recommended to return the stock. MIUI or to call on the service.

Comparison with other Xiaomi models: how are the competition?

For completeness of the picture compare Mi 8 with other popular Xiaomi smartphones for support of SIM-cards:

ModelSIM countSupport for eSIMHybrid slotDual SIM Mode
Mi 82 Γ— nano-SIM❌ No.βœ… Only in the Chinese version.DSDS (4G+4G)
Mi 92 Γ— nano-SIM❌ No.❌ No.DSDS (4G+4G)
Mi 112 Γ— nano-SIMβœ… Yes, only the global version)❌ No.DSDA (in some regions)
POCO F32 Γ— nano-SIM❌ No.❌ No.DSDS (4G+4G)

As you can see from the table, the Mi 8 does not support eSIM, unlike newer flagships like the Mi 11.It is also worth noting that modern models (such as the Xiaomi 13) offer Dual SIM Dual Active (DSDA), allowing you to take calls to both cards at the same time – a feature not available in the Mi 8.

If you’re critical to working with two cards without restrictions, consider newer models, but the Mi 8 remains a great choice for those who need a basic Dual SIM without advanced features.

Can you use a memory card and two in Xiaomi Mi 8? SIM-mapping?
The Mi 8 only has a hybrid slot in the Chinese version, where you have to choose between the second. SIM-MicroSD or card. Global versions do not support memory expansion.
Does the Mi 8 support 5G networks?
No, Xiaomi Mi 8 is not equipped with a 5G module. The maximum supported communication standard is 4G LTE (Cat.16 for the global version, up to 1 Gbps).
How do I know which version of the Mi 8 I have is global or Chinese?
There are several ways: Look at the box: Global versions are labeled Global Version. In settings, go to About Phone β†’ MIUI version. Chinese versions usually have firmware with the CN suffix. Use the Hardware Info app (available in the Play Market) to check the model.
Is it possible to use the Mi 8? SIM-Card and eSIM simultaneously?
No, the Xiaomi Mi 8 doesn’t support eSIM in either version. Two physical nano-SIMs are required to work with two numbers.
Why is the second SIM-map doesn't catch the net 4G?
This may be due to several factors: The operator does not support VoLTE for the second. SIM. In the network settings for the second card, the mode is selected 3G/2G. Hardware restrictions: in some regions, the second slot only works in the mode 3G. Try to manually set the network mode 4G customized SIM-map.

πŸ’‘

The Xiaomi Mi 8 supports two physical nano-SIMs without the possibility of a global memory expansion. For maximum functionality, choose a model without a hybrid slot if you plan to use a Dual SIM.