How to insert a SIM card in Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: instructions with photos and nuances

Why SIM installation in Redmi Note 5 raises questions

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed Whyred) remains popular even years after its release, thanks to its balanced performance, robust build and custom firmware support. However, owners often have difficulty installing a SIM card, the reason being a hybrid slot that combines space for a second nano-SIM and a microSD memory card.

Unlike Xiaomi’s flagship models, where slots are split, you have to choose between two SIMs or one SIM + memory extension. Also, not everyone knows that the Redmi Note 5 supports Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) – both SIMs are active at the same time, but during a conversation, the second one becomes unavailable. This feature requires the correct configuration after installation.

In the article we will analyze not only the mechanical part (how to open the tray and insert the card), but also the hidden nuances: the choice of format. SIM, compatibility 4G-networks of different operators and typical errors, due to which the phone does not see the SIM.

What SIM card supports Xiaomi Redmi Note 5

The Redmi Note 5 works exclusively with nano-SIM (4FF) cards, which is important because many still use outdated micro-SIM or mini-SIMs that won’t physically fit in the slot, and if you have a different size card, you’ll have to trim or replace it in the carrier’s cabin (usually free).

Technical characteristics of slots:

• 📱 Slot 1 (Slot 1): nano-SIM, supports 4G LTE, 3G, 2G.
• 📱 Slot 2 (Slot 2): Hybrid - either nano-SIM or microSD (up to 256 GB.

Note the frequency support: Redmi Note 5 works with most Russian carriers (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2), but in some regions there may be problems with 4G on the second sim, for example, if the main sim uses the B20 (800 MHz) band, the second can automatically switch to 3G.

Step-by-step: how to insert a SIM card

Make sure the phone is turned off before you start. Although the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 supports hot SIM replacement (without power out), this can cause modem malfunctions. Also prepare a paper clip or a special key to retrieve the tray - it comes with the smartphone.

Algorithm of action:

1. Find a SIM slot: it is located on the left side of the device (when looking at the screen).
2. Insert the paperclip into a small hole next to the slot and press before clicking. The tray will extend a few millimeters.
3. Carefully remove the tray with your fingers. Don't make an effort, it should come out easily.
4. Put the nano-SIM in the appropriate slot (contacts should be downwards). If you use two SIMs, the second is installed in the top slot (above the microSD).
5. Return the tray to its place, slightly pressing until a characteristic click.

Make sure the phone is turned off

Prepare a paper clip or key from the set

Check the SIM format (nano-SIM only)

Clean the contacts of the SIMKA dry cloth (if necessary)

Do not touch the contacts of the tray with your fingers-->

If the tray is not fixed or the SIM is not recognized, check:

• ❌ Inverted map – contacts should be at the bottom.
• ❌ Getting dust into the slot (clean with a soft brush).
• ❌ Damaged contacts on the simk (scratching or bent).

💡

If the SIM is tightly placed in the tray, don't press it -- you're probably using a card that's not the right format. The Nano-SIM should come in effortlessly, with minimal margin clearance.

Hybrid slot: how to use two SIM cards and a memory card

The main feature of the Redmi Note 5 is a hybrid slot that does not allow you to use two SIMs and microSD at the same time.

4G only works on Slot 1. If you want high-speed connectivity on both numbers, you’ll have to choose a different smartphone – the Redmi Note 5 doesn’t support Dual 4G (unlike newer models like the Redmi Note 10).

⚠️ Note: If you use two SIMs and notice that the second one periodically “disappears” from the network, check the Dual settings. SIM Settings menu → SIM-Maps and mobile networks, possibly activated "Disable the second" option SIM conversationally".

What to do if your phone doesn’t see your SIM card

If the SIM is not determined after installation, follow the following steps:

1. Restart your phone – sometimes the modem “hangs” at the first initialization.
2. Check the tray: remove the SIM and reset it, making sure the contacts are not contaminated.
3. Update: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Older versions of MIUI had bugs with SIM recognition.
4. Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
5. Check the SIM on another phone – if it doesn’t work, the operator has a problem.

If nothing helps, there may be hardware malfunctions:

• 🔌 A damaged slot (for example, after a phone crash).
• 📡 Faulty modem (requires diagnosis at the service center).
• 🔋 Problems with antenna cable (often after disassembly of the case).

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to clean the slot contacts with alcohol or liquids - this can damage the coating. Use only a dry soft brush or compressed air.

SIM card settings after installation

After successful installation of sims, you need to set communication priorities:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Select "Names" SIM-"cards" to assign labels (e.g., "Worker" and "Personal").
3. In the 4G section, specify which SIM will use high-speed Internet (Slot 1 only!).
4. Activate the option “Enable VolTE” for voice calls over 4G (if supported by the operator).

To save battery power, you can turn off network search on the second SIM if it is rarely used:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [name SIM].
2. Turn off the "Include this" setting. SIM-map".
3. Activate it only when necessary.

💡

VolTE improves communication quality, but can drain the battery faster. If you noticeably reduce the time, turn off this option for the second SIM.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when working with SIM cards in Redmi Note 5.

• 🔄 Install the SIM into the Slot Off: If you choose the two SIM configuration, but then insert the microSD into the second slot, one of the SIMs will stop working. Solution: Remove the memory card or go back to one SIM.
• 📶 No network after update: sometimes after update MIUI reset APN. Check them in Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [name SIM] → Access points (APN).
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: if the phone is constantly searching for the network on the second SIM, it increases power consumption.

Another common problem is operator conflict, for example, if one SIM from MTS and the other from Tele2, you can have a 4G interlock.

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [name SIM] → Type of network.
2. For the problem SIM, select "3G Only".
3. Reboot the phone.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions