How to change your preferred account for calls on Xiaomi: all the ways

Modern Xiaomi smartphones under control MIUI allow for the use of several SIM-Maps and accounts for calls, from standard mobile communications to VoIP services like Google Voice or Skype, but what if the phone defaults to the wrong account for outgoing calls? Or after the system update, the settings are lost and all calls go through WhatsApp, although you need to call from the main one. SIM?

This is especially true for Redmi Note 12 owners, POCO X5 Xiaomi 13 with two physical devices SIM-In some cases, the system can automatically assign a preferred account based on the last application used, which leads to confusion. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to change the account for calls - from basic settings to basic settings. MIUI Up to Hidden Parameters for Experienced Users.

It is important to understand that the configuration depends on the firmware version: MIUI 14 It's different from the old versions, and some of the options can be blocked by the carrier, for example, if you have a corporate interface. SIM-A map with limitations. 90% In some cases, the problem is solved for 2-3 step without the need to reset settings.

๐Ÿ“Š What kind of smartphone you Xiaomi?
Redmi (Note/Pro series)
POCO (F/X/M)
Xiaomi (digital series)
Black Shark
Other

Why does the phone choose the wrong account for calls?

Before you change your settings, you should understand the reasons for automatically selecting an account.

๐Ÿ”น Two. SIM-If the settings do not specify the main slot for calls, the system can choose SIM It's random or it's the last-use algorithm. POCO M4 Pro with hybrid slots.

๐Ÿ”น Installed VoIP applications: Messengers like WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber can register as separate accounts for calls. MIUI It could make it a priority.

๐Ÿ”น Update of firmware. After major updates (for example, with MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) the settings are reset to factory settings and the system again requests the choice of preferred account.

๐Ÿ”น Mi Account sync error: If you use cloud-based contact sync, sometimes a crash occurs and the phone starts offering calls through Mi Cloud instead of using the cloud. SIM-map.

โš ๏ธ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T In the European market, operators block the ability to change the account for calls through the standard menu. ADB-commands or third-party applications.

Method 1: Change your account through settings SIM-map

This is the simplest and most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones. MIUI 12 and later. The instructions are suitable for devices with one or two SIM-cards, as well as for cases when calls leave via messengers.

Steps:

  1. Open the Settings app** (the gear icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (on some models โ€“ dual) SIM mobile).
  3. Select the Select item SIM-Call cards or preferred SIM call-in.
  4. Please indicate the correct one. SIM-map, SIM 1 SIM 2) or an application (e.g. WhatsApp).
  5. Save the changes and restart the phone (optional, but recommended for settings).

If you have VoIP apps installed, this menu will also show you a list of available accounts, for example, Google Voice will have a separate item.

Check that SIM-The card is active and recognized by the phone

Make sure to account for enough funds (if calls are paid)

Disable VPN (can block access to operator settings)

Close all messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.)

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On some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global for POCO F4), this section may be called differently:

    โš ๏ธ Note: If there is no option in the menu SIM For calls, check if you have a beta version installed. MIUI. In test builds, this section is sometimes hidden - update the firmware to a stable version.

    Method 2: Configure via the โ€œPhoneโ€ application

    In some cases, it is easier to change your account directly from the caller app, which is especially useful if you want to assign different accounts to different contacts.

    Instructions:

    1. Open the standard โ€œPhoneโ€ application** (pipe icon).
    2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
    3. Go to the Selection section SIM-maps or call management.
    4. Here you will see two options: ๐Ÿ”˜ Always ask โ€“ the phone will offer a choice before every call. ๐Ÿ”˜ Use it. SIM [X] โ€” primary SIM-card.

    Edit

    Preferred SIM for calls

    This is useful if you often call different numbers from different SIMs, for example, for work contacts you can assign SIM 1, and for personal contacts - SIM 2.

    ๐Ÿ’ก

    If the Phone app doesnโ€™t have a SIM settings section, try updating it via Google Play. Sometimes the manufacturer releases updates for standard apps separately from the firmware.

    Method 3: Using ADB for hidden settings

    On some models (such as Xiaomi 11T Pro or Redmi K50), standard settings may be limited to the operator, in which case ADB (Android Debug Bridge) โ€“ a tool for deep customization of the system โ€“ will help.

    ๐Ÿ”ง What's the matter:

    • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
    • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Version. MIUI โ€” Press 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings โ†’ For developers โ†’ Debugging by USB).
    • ๐Ÿ”Œ Cable USB (preferably original).

    ๐Ÿ“Œ Commands to change your account:

    adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode1 1 # Set SIM 1 as primary for calls
    
    
    adb shell settings put global multi_sim_call_setting 0 # Disables the selection request SIM before the call
    
    
    
    
    adb shell settings put global multi_sim_vt_setting 0 # Similar to video calls

    Once you have the commands, restart your phone. If you need other options, use:

    Team team.DescriptionExample of meaning
    preferred_network_mode1SIM 1 Priority for Calls1 (included)
    multi_sim_call_settingSIM Selection Mode0 (Do not ask), 1 (Always ask)
    multi_sim_sms_settingAnalogue for SMS0 or 1
    vt_sim_settingSetup for video calls0 (SIM 1), 1 (SIM 2)

    โš ๏ธ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If you are not sure about commands, back up via adb backup before changes.

    What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
    If after connecting the adb device command returns an empty list: 1. Check if debugging is enabled by USB 2. Install the Mi drivers. USB Driver from Xiaomi official website. 3. Try another one USB-cable (some cables are only for charging). 4. Reboot your phone and computer. 5. In Device Manager on PC, check if there is an exclamation point next to Android Device.

    Method 4: Reset your network settings (if nothing helps)

    If after all the manipulations, the phone still chooses the wrong account, there may have been a failure in the settings of the mobile network, in which case resetting network settings will help, this will delete all the saved SIM, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings, but will not affect personal data.

    How to reset:

    1. Open "Settingsยป** โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.

    This method often helps if the problem occurs after updating the firmware or installing a new VoIP application, but note that after the reset, you will have to reset:

    • ๐Ÿ”„ Connect to Wi-Fi networks.
    • ๐Ÿ“ถ Set up the parameters of mobile Internet (APN).
    • ๐Ÿ”Š Re-pair Bluetooth devices (headphones, watches).

    ๐Ÿ’ก

    Network resetting is a last resort, and try all other methods before using it, because it takes time to reset.

    Features for different Xiaomi models

    Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique nuances when setting up accounts for calls, and here are the most common cases:

    ๐Ÿ“ฑ Redmi Note 11/12 and POCO X4/5:

    In these models, MIUI 13/14 selection SIM-The cards may be in the settings โ†’ Memory and SIM-map โ†’ Double. SIM. There is also an option to allow switching. SIM during a call that allows you to change your account during a conversation.

    ๐Ÿ“ฑ Xiaomi 13/14 series:

    Flagship models support eSIM, so the settings will appear additional control eSIM. To change the account for calls with eSIM, go to Settings โ†’ Mobile Network โ†’ eSIM โ†’ Call settings.

    ๐Ÿ“ฑ Black Shark 5/6:

    On Black Shark gaming smartphones, the MIUI interface has been modified, and the section with the SIM settings can be called Game Networks. To find call parameters, use a search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top of the screen).

    ๐Ÿ“ฑ Xiaomi for the Chinese market (CN ROM):

    On Chinese-based devices (Redmi K60, Xiaomi 12S, etc.), the menu can be in Chinese, to change the account for calls:

      ๐Ÿ’ก

      Chinese firmware sometimes doesn't translate some items, in which case use Google Translate with camera translation to find the right settings.

      Frequent mistakes and their solutions

      When changing your account for calls, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

      ๐Ÿšซ Error: โ€œIt is impossible to change the settings SIMยป

      ๐Ÿ”น Reason: Operator has blocked the change of parameters (typical for corporate) SIM).

      ๐Ÿ”น Decision:

      • Try inserting the SIM into another slot.
      • Contact the communication salon to unlock.
      • Use ADB (see Method 3).

      ๐Ÿšซ Error: Calls go through WhatsApp, though selected SIM-map

      ๐Ÿ”น Reason: WhatsApp Settings Enables Default Calls.

      ๐Ÿ”น Decision:

      1. Open WhatsApp. โ†’ โ‹ฎ โ†’ Settings โ†’ Calls.
      2. Turn off the option to use WhatsApp for all calls.
      3. Reboot the phone.

      ๐Ÿšซ Error: After the update MIUI slipped

      ๐Ÿ”น Reason: Reset parameters with major update.

      ๐Ÿ”น Decision:

      • Manually reconfigure your preferred account (see Method 1).
      • If it doesnโ€™t work, reset the network (see Method 4).

      ๐Ÿšซ Error: No choice option SIM customized

      ๐Ÿ”น Reason:

      • A custom firmware is installed (for example, LineageOS).
      • The phone is locked by the operator.
      • Hardware malfunction of the SIM slot.

      ๐Ÿ”น Decision:

      • Refuse the phone to the official MIUI.
      • Check it out. SIM-map.
      • Go to the service center.

      โš ๏ธ Warning: If after all the manipulations the problem remains, check if the phone has an application for control. SIM-These programs can override system settings with cards from the operator (for example, My MTS, My Beeline.

      Can I assign different accounts to different contacts?
      Yes, in the standard Phone app** you can edit each contact and choose your preferred one for it. SIM-Card or account. Open the contact for this. โ†’ Edit โ†’ Preferred SIM If you don't have an option, try installing an alternative calling app like Truecaller or Google Phone.
      Why are the settings reset after the reboot?
      This is typical for MIUI betas or custom firmware. To fix: Update firmware to stable. Turn off automatic beta updates in Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ System Update. Use ADB to fix settings (see Method 3).
      How to disable SIM selection before each call?
      Go to Settings. โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ Choice SIM-Call cards and choose Always use SIM [X] Instead of asking every time. If you don't have an option, use it. ADB-Adb shell settings put global multi_sim_call_setting 0
      Can I use eSIM as my primary account for calls?
      Yes, on eSIM-enabled models (e.g. Xiaomi 13, Xiaomi 13 Pro) you can assign it as your primary. To do this: Activate eSIM through operator settings. Go to Settings โ†’ Mobile Network โ†’ eSIM โ†’ Call settings. Choose Use eSIM for all calls. Note that not all carriers support eSIM in Russia and CIS.
      What if the operator blocks the change of the account?
      If you SIM-Business card or limited, try it out: ๐Ÿ“ž Call in support of the operator and request unlocking. ๐Ÿ”„ Insert SIM In another smartphone, assign it to the main one, then return to Xiaomi. ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Use it. ADB (In extreme cases, you can use applications like Dual Apps (built into the system). MIUI), to duplicate messengers and assign them separate accounts for calls.