How to add a number to Xiaomi: a guide for MIUI and HyperOS

Owning a modern smartphone like Xiaomi involves constant communication, but sometimes the process of adding a new number or setting up a second SIM card raises questions, whether it’s a switch to a new model, replacing a carrier, or simply having to systematize contacts. In 2026, the interfaces of the MIUI shells and the new HyperOS have become even more intuitive, but small nuances can confuse the inexperienced user.

In this article, we will take a closer look at all aspects of working with phone numbers on Xiaomi devices, we will look at the physical installation of the card, the software configuration of the network, and the subtleties of working with the phone book, and the correct configuration will avoid problems with skipping calls or traffic consumption.

Whether you’re using a budget Redmi or a flagship Mi series, the basics remain similar, although the visual design of the menu may differ.

Physical installation SIM-maps and primary activation

Before you add a number, you need to physically connect the card to the device. Modern Xiaomi smartphones use Nano-SIM trays, and some models support the installation of two cards at the same time. It is important to act carefully so as not to damage the contacts or the mechanism of the tray.

To extract the tray, you use a special paper clip that comes with the kit, or a thin needle. The extraction hole is usually located on the lower end of the case or on one of the side faces, depending on the design of the smartphone. After removing the tray, make sure that the notch on the map matches the shape of the tray.

Once you have the card installed and the device turned on, the system will automatically try to identify the operator, and if that doesn't happen, or if you want to set priorities, you need to go to the settings menu, and the physical contact must be reliable, otherwise the phone will be constantly searching for the network.

⚠️ Warning: Never try to insert a card into a tray by force.If it doesn't lie perfectly flat, check the orientation of the chip and the card bevel to avoid the reader breaking down.

In the rare cases where the tray is combined with a memory card slot, pay attention to the marking. SIM-With both a card and a microSD, you risk damaging the contacts of both media. Modern models are increasingly devoid of a memory card slot, relying on cloud storage, making the installation process easier.

Set up the network and add a number to the system

Once the physical installation is done, the map must be determined by the system, and if the operator name appears on the screen, the basic setup has been successful, but to work fully on 4G/5G networks, certain parameters are often manually activated. In 2026, most operators use automatic setup, but manual control will never be superfluous.

To manage SIM cards go to the Settings section → SIM-Maps and mobile networks. All active numbers are displayed here. If you want to add a second number, just insert a second card and it will appear on this list. HyperOS allows you to flexibly configure the use cases for each card.

In this menu, you can assign which SIM card will be used by default for voice calls and which for mobile Internet, which is especially convenient for separating personal and work contacts, and there is a feature to switch cards before each call.

An important step is setting up the APN, and although most of the time the settings come in a text message, sometimes you have to manually prescribe them to keep the mobile Internet running, and errors in these settings can cause the network to catch, but the Internet will not work.

Contacts: Import and Synchronization

Adding a number to a phone book is a trivial but important task for communication. On Xiaomi smartphones, the Contacts app is integrated with your Mi Account and Google account, which allows you to save numbers not only in your phone’s memory, but also in the cloud, which protects data from loss when you change devices.

To create a new entry, open the Contacts app and click the Create button (usually a + icon or pencil). In the window that opens, enter your name, surname and phone number. The system automatically determines the number format and prompts you to add the country code.

When you enter, look at the Save to box, where you choose where the record will be stored: on a SIM card, in your phone's memory or in your Google account. Sync with Google is the most reliable way to store, as it allows you to restore contacts on any Android device.

To add numbers in bulk, you can use the import function from the.vcf file. This is true when you switch from an old phone. The import file can be transferred via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct or downloaded from cloud storage.

Configuring calls and forwarding

Incoming and outgoing call management on Xiaomi is a great option, and you can set up forwarding if you are offline, or enable conversation recording (where permitted by law).

Open the Phone app, click three dots in the corner or the menu button, and select Settings, where you can activate database number definition, spam blocking, and conversation recording. Antispam filters are especially relevant in 2026 because of the growing number of robot calls.

To set up a redirect in the call settings menu, find the appropriate item. You can only redirect all calls when you're busy or when the caller is unavailable. This is convenient if you use the second phone as a backup.

⚠️ Note: Redirect service may be paid by your carrier. Before activating, check the rates to avoid unexpected expenses on your balance sheet.

You can also change the dial tone (DTMF), the duration of the beep, and the vibration when you call, and these little details create comfort, and be sure to check the hands-free and proximity of the sensor.

Using eSIM on Xiaomi smartphones

eSIM technology becomes standard in 2026, allowing you to add a number without a physical card. A virtual SIM card is built directly into the device's chip. eSIM is supported in many flagship and mid-budget Xiaomi models.

To add eSIM, you will need to QR-The process is this: go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Add eSIM. Scan the code with the camera or enter the data manually.

The advantage of eSIM is that it can store multiple profiles at once, although only one (or two if the device supports Dual SIM + eSIM) can be active.

When using eSIM, it is important to keep security in mind. Since you cannot physically remove the card, when selling your phone, be sure to reset completely and remove eSIM profiles from the control menu.

Solution: Number is not defined or does not work

Sometimes, when a phone sees a SIM card but doesn't catch the network, or vice versa, it says, "No SIM card." The first step is always to reboot the device, which is a trivial action that solves 80 percent of the software failures in the communication module.

If the reboot doesn’t work, check if Flight Mode is activated. Also make sure the correct network type is selected in the mobile network settings (preferably 5G/4G/3G/2G (auto)), sometimes manually selecting the operator from the corresponding menu helps.

If you have problems with the Internet while voice is running, check the APN settings. They must meet your carrier's requirements. Resetting APN settings to factory settings often eliminates configuration errors.

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If the phone does not see the network for a long time after replacing the SIM card, wipe the contacts of the card with a soft eraser. Contact oxidation is a common cause of unstable work.

If nothing works, try installing the SIM card on another phone to help you know where the problem lies: in the card/operator itself or in a Xiaomi smartphone. If the device malfunctions, you may need to flash the module or change the tray.

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Diagnosing network problems always starts with checking physical integrity. SIM-maps and a simple reboot of the device.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)