How to call from the second SIM card on Xiaomi: all ways 2026

Do you use a Xiaomi smartphone with two SIM cards, but do not know how to quickly switch to the second one for a call? This problem is familiar to many owners of Redmi, POCO or Mi - the manufacturer hides the option of selecting a SIM in non-obvious menus, and in new versions of MIUI 14/15 the logic of work has changed. In this article, we will analyze 5 proven ways to call from a second SIM card, including hidden firmware chips and solutions for cases when the standard choice is not available.

Xiaomi’s peculiarity is that even on one model (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+), the algorithm can vary depending on the regional firmware. We tested all methods on the current versions of Android 13/14 and collected universal instructions, and you will learn why sometimes a second SIM does not appear in the list for calls and how to fix it without resetting.

1. Standard method: Selecting a SIM card when dialing a number

The most obvious method is to select a SIM just before a call. It works on all Xiaomi models, but in the latest versions of MIUI, the interface has changed. Here's how to do it correctly:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Enter the subscriber number or select the contact from the list.
3. Click on the SIM card icon (usually located to the right of the call button).
4. In the window that appears, select a second SIM (for example, SIM 2 or operator name).
5. Press the call button (green tube).

⚠️ Note: If the SIM icon is not displayed, then the Always Ask Mode is turned on in the settings (for this below) or the firmware with limited functions for dual-sim is installed.

On some models (e.g. POCO F5), instead of the SIM icon, there may be a down arrow next to the call button. Click on it and the selection menu will open. Also note that in MIUI 15, the SIM selection animation has become less noticeable, so some users simply do not have time to notice it.

2.Setting up the default SIM card for calls

If you get tired of choosing a SIM every time, you can set a priority card for outgoing calls, and that doesn't eliminate the manual choice, but it speeds up the process.

1. Open Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks.
2. Select SIM card settings 1 or SIM card settings 2 (depending on the model).
3. Slap on the voice calls.
4. Select Always Ask (recommended) or SIM 2 (if you want to make the second SIM the main one).

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g. global) MIUI 14.0.4) Voice calls may be called Preferred SIM card for calls. If there is no such menu, then your model does not support this function - use the method with the SIM card. USSD-code.

Important: On hybrid slot smartphones (like Redmi 10C), the second SIM can automatically turn off when you plug in the memory card. Check this in Settings → Memory.

3. USSD-Teams for Quick SIM Card Switching

Few people know, but on Xiaomi you can switch between SIMs with the help of special USSD-This method works even if the standard selection menu is not available. MIUI 14/15:

• 📞 To call from the second SIM, add before the number: 2. Example: *2*79123456789# → A challenge.
• 🔄 To return the first default SIM: 1 before the number.
• 📊 View the current SIM for calls: ##4636## → Phone information → Preferred network.

These codes work on most models, including Xiaomi. 13T, Redmi Note 12 and POCO X5. The main advantage of the method is speed: you do not need to climb the menu. However, there is a caveat: some operators (for example, Tele2) can block the menu. USSD-In this case, try an alternative:

**2*number#

For example: **2*79123456789#. Double asterisk at the beginning forcing the use of the second SIM regardless of the default settings.

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Save it. USSD-commands in notes or contacts under the name "SIM2 “A challenge” not to remember them every time.

4.Use of SIM-based contact

If you call the same people frequently from a particular SIM, you can link the contact to the card you want, which saves time and eliminates errors.

1. Open the contact that needs to be edited.
2. Click Change (Crimea icon).
3. Put your phone number (not your name!).
4. Select the SIM card by default → SIM 2.
5. Save the changes.

Now, when you call that contact, you automatically use a second SIM, which is convenient for work numbers or subscribers that you only communicate with through a specific operator.

⚠️ Note: If the contact is synced with Google Account, the SIM link may reset after the update MIUI. To avoid this, turn off sync for this contact manually.

5. Problem Solving: Second SIM does not appear when calling

Sometimes users find that the second SIM card disappears from the selection menu or is not determined by the system, and here are the main reasons and ways to eliminate them:

• 🔌 Simka unrecognisable: Check the physical connection (pull out and insert the tray again) on models with a hybrid slot (Redmi). 9A, POCO M4 Pro) make sure that the memory card does not conflict with SIM2.
• 📵 No Network: Go to Settings → SIM cards. → SIM 2 → Network type and select Only 4G/3G/2G (Not "Auto").
• 🔄 Firmware failure: Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset the network settings.
• 📱 Operator Restriction: Some virtual operators (e.g. Yota, Tinkoff Mobile) can block outbound dual-sims.

If the second SIM is displayed in the status bar, but is not available for calls, try force activating it through the engineering menu:

##4636## → Phone Information → Select SIM 2 → Enable radio

On Xiaomi with a Snapdragon processor (like the Xiaomi 12T), this menu may be called Phone Information 2. Be careful - changes here can affect the stability of communication.

Alternative methods: applications and widgets

If the standard methods don't work, you can use third-party SIM management tools, and we tested a few apps and selected the most reliable ones.

• 📲 Dual Sim Selector (Play Market): Adds a widget to the home screen to quickly switch sims before a call.
• 🔄 Sim Settings: allows you to assign different SIMs to different contacts or groups (for example, all calls to numbers with a code) +7 - through SIM1, +375 - through SIM2).
• 📞 Truecaller: in the premium version there is a function of selecting a SIM when an outgoing call (in the free version it works through the SIM system). USSD-team).

⚠️ Attention: SIM card management apps require permission to Read call logs and Change phone settings. Only install them from official Google Play and check reviews. MIUI Some utilities may conflict with system services (e.g. com.android.phone).

For Android 14 models (such as Xiaomi 14), some applications may not work due to new restrictions on access to telephony. USSD-team or set up contact links.

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Third-party apps are convenient, but can slow dialing due to additional checks. Use the built-in MIUI features for maximum speed.

FAQ: Frequent questions about calls from the second simki on Xiaomi