Xiaomi Mi 10 is the flagship smartphone of 2020, which is still a hot choice thanks to its powerful hardware and flexible networking capabilities. SIM-This model supports cards and is it possible to use two SIMs simultaneously with a memory card? In this article, we will not only answer this question, but also reveal the nuances of working with slots, compare with other Xiaomi flagships, and give practical tips for setting up.
If you plan to use the Mi 10 for work and personal needs with different rooms, or if you travel frequently and need local accommodations, you may need a new home. SIM-This information will help you avoid mistakes in your choice, and we will also tell you how to get around the limitations of the system if you need to support two physical systems. SIM + MicroSD (spoiler: not so simple!).
Official specifications: how many SIM-maps in Xiaomi Mi 10?
According to Xiaomi’s documentation, the base model of the Mi 10 (codename umi) is equipped with a hybrid slot for two nano-SIM or one nano-SIM + microSD memory card (up to 256 GB).
- 📱 2 nano-SIM – You can use two physical SIM cards at the same time (Dual) SIM Dual Standby, DSDS).
- 📱💾 1 nano-SIM + microSD – if you need a memory card, you will have to sacrifice a second SIM.
- ❌ 2 SIM + MicroSD – not possible at the same time (this is a key limitation of the hybrid slot).
Important: All versions of the series (Mi 10 Pro, Mi 10 Ultra, Mi 10 Lite) have a similar configuration of slots, with the exception of the Mi 10 Lite Zoom - it has a separate microSD slot (more details in the table below).
Table: Support comparison SIM-Maps in the Xiaomi Mi 10 series
| Model | Slot type | Max Max. SIM-map | Support for microSD support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi 10 | Hybrid (2 nano-SIM or 1 SIM + microSD) | 2 | Yes (up to 256GB) | Codename umi |
| Mi 10 Pro | Hybrid | 2 | Yes (up to 256GB) | Codename cmi, no 5G in some regions |
| Mi 10 Ultra | Hybrid | 2 | Yes (up to 256GB) | For the Chinese market only, the code is cas. |
| Mi 10 Lite | Hybrid | 2 | Yes (up to 256GB) | Codename monet, budget version |
| Mi 10 Lite Zoom | Individual slots | 2 | Yeah (separate slot) | Unique configuration in the series! |
As you can see from the table, only the Mi 10 Lite Zoom offers full 2 SIM + microSD without compromise. If this functionality is critical, look for this model or newer Xiaomi flagships (for example, the Mi 11 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+, which already have separate slots).
How Dual SIM works in Mi 10: Technical details
Xiaomi Mi 10 supports Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) technology.
- ✅ Both SIM cards are active at the same time and can receive calls / SMS.
- ⚠️ But only one SIM can use mobile Internet at the moment (the second will be in standby mode).
- 🔄 Switching between SIMs for the Internet is done manually or according to the rules (configured in the Settings menu). → SIM-maps and mobile networks).
An important nuance: if you use 4G/5G on one SIM, the second SIM automatically switches to 2G/3G (this is a limitation of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 hardware platform). For most users, this is not critical, but if you want high speed on both SIMs, you have to choose.
How to check which SIM is active on the Internet?
Another thing: the Mi 10 supports VoLTE (voice calls over 4G), but only one SIM at a time. If you turn on VoLTE on both, you can have communication problems.
How do you put it in? SIM-Maps in Xiaomi Mi 10: step-by-step instructions
The process of installing SIM cards is simple, but there are a few nuances that will help to avoid errors:
- Turn off your smartphone (not necessarily, but it is recommended for safety).
- Find a slot for SIM-cards on the upper edge of the device (near the switch button).
- Use a paper clip or a special key from the kit to remove the tray.
- Place the nano-SIM cards in the tray according to the scheme (usually the SIM 1 on the left, the SIM 2 on the right). If you use a microSD, it replaces the second SIM.
- Carefully insert the tray back before the click.
✔️ Make sure that the SIM cards are trimmed to nano-SIM
✔️ Check the direction of installation (the skewer on the map should match the tray)
✔️ If you use microSD, format it in FAT32
✔️ Do not put excessive effort into inserting the tray
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If the SIM card is not detected after installation:
⚠️ Check if the cards are inserted correctly (frequently an inverted tray error). Also try to restart the device or manually select the operator in the settings (Settings) → SIM-map → Network selection: If the problem persists, perhaps the slot is damaged, contact the service center.
Can I use eSIM in Xiaomi Mi 10?
Unfortunately, the Xiaomi Mi 10 does not support eSIM, neither in the base version nor in the Pro/Ultra versions. This feature only appeared in later flagships (Mi 11 and later).
- 📱 Xiaomi 12/13 Series - full support for eSIM + physical SIM.
- 📱 Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G — Budget option with eSIM.
- 💡 eSIM adapters → Nano-SIM (such as Airalo) but they require additional settings and are not always stable.
If you travel frequently and need local SIMs, the best option is to use physical nano-SIM + virtual numbers (e.g., via Google Voice or Skype) or purchase a smartphone with eSIM support.
Lifehacks for working with two SIM-maps in Mi 10
Even with the limitations of a hybrid slot, you can optimize your experience with two SIMs. Here are some tried-and-true tips:
- 🔄 Automatic switching of the Internet: in the settings SIM-maps (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Data switching can set rules when the smartphone will switch between SIMs for the Internet (for example, with a weak signal).
- 📞 Linking contacts to SIMs: when editing the contact in MIUI You can specify which SIM to use for calls./SMS default subscriber.
- 🌍 Roaming Control: If you are traveling, turn off your mobile data on the second SIM to avoid unexpected expenses (Settings) → SIM-map → Mobile Internet → Turn off for SIM2).
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If you need to switch between SIMs for the Internet often, add the Mobile Data widget to the home screen, which allows you to change the active SIM to one tap without going into the settings.
For advanced users, there is another trick: if you need to use two SIMs + microSD, you can buy an adapter for a second slot (for example, Dual SIM + microSD tray on AliExpress).
⚠️ These adapters are informal and can lead to loss of warranty or communication problems (e.g. overheating of the module).We do not recommend them for permanent use, but in extreme cases they work.
Frequent problems and their solutions
In the case of two SIM-In Mi 10, users are faced with a few typical problems. Here's how to solve them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Not defined by second SIM | Incorrect installation, damaged map, operator conflict | Reset the tray, check the card on another device, reset the network settings (Settings) → SIM-map → Reset) |
| No internet on the second SIM | No 4G/5G support on second sim | Manually select 3G network for the second SIM or swap SIMs places |
| The smartphone overheats when using two SIMs | Active use of mobile data on both SIMs | Turn off background data transfer for the second SIM (Settings → Applications → Data Limitation) |
| VoLTE calls are not working on the second SIM | Limitation of the hardware platform | Turn off VoLTE on the second SIM or use 3G for calls |
If none of these methods worked, try resetting the network settings (Settings). → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset network settings) or update firmware to the latest version MIUI. In extreme cases, contact the service center - the problem may be in the hardware (for example, a damaged slot).
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Before contacting the service, check if the SIM card works on another phone. If so, the problem is in the Mi 10 slot, if not, in the card itself or the operator.