The second line on Xiaomi: how to turn on and configure the second number on your smartphone

Use of the two SIM-Xiaomiโ€™s cards are a convenient feature for separating business and personal calls, saving on roaming or using tariffs from different operators, but many users face problems when trying to activate the second line: If you have a card that you can't see, you don't have a setting, you only have a primary number, and in this article, we're going to look at all the ways you can turn on the second line on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO โ€” From hardware support checks to fine-tuning calls and mobile internet.

It is important to understand that the possibility of working with two SIM-cards depend not only on the phone model, but also on the firmware version (MIUI 12/13/14 The regional version of the device, as well as the type of cards used (nano-SIM, eSIM or combined slot) we will look at solutions for all scenarios, including cases where the second line is displayed in the settings, but does not work when calling.

1. Verification of support for two SIM-Maps of your Xiaomi model

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support two physical devices SIM-Some models have a hybrid slot (2). SIM 1 SIM + Memory card) and new flagships (such as Xiaomi 14 Ultra) may have eSIM support. Before you try to activate the second line, make sure your device is technically capable of doing so.

List of popular models with Dual SIM support:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra - Hybrid Slot (2 nano-SIM or 1 SIM + microSD)
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Redmi Note 12 Pro+/11 Pro+/10 Pro โ€“ two separate slots for nano-SIM
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ POCO F5/F4/X5 Pro โ€” Dual SIM memory card
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Xiaomi 12T/12T Pro - a hybrid slot + eSIM (European version)
How to check the number SIM-slots?
If you are not sure about the number of slots, remove the tray for SIM-It should indicate: - Dual nano-SIM - two slots under nano-SIM (without microSD). - Hybrid - one slot for nano-SIM, the second - or the second - SIM, MicroSD (but not simultaneously) - The eSIM signifies that the second line can be virtual (activated via an operator).

Also, support for two SIM It depends on regional firmware, such as global versions (Global). ROM) They usually support Dual. SIM, China (China) ROM) You can check the firmware version at Settings. โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Version. MIUI.

โš ๏ธ Note: If your Xiaomi is bought in China and is based in China ROM, second-activate SIM It may require unlocking the bootloader and firmware on the global version!

2.Insertion SIM-Maps: the correct order and possible errors

Even if your smartphone supports two SIM-If you're not installing the cards correctly, you can't get the second line to be determined:

  1. Turn off the phone before retrieving/installing SIM-Hot replacement can cause the communication module to fail.
  2. Use the original tray for SIM-Cheap analogs may not fix the cards tightly, resulting in loss of signal.
  3. Make sure the cards are inserted with chips down (the tray usually has circuits).
  4. For hybrid slots: If you use a microSD, the second SIM wonโ€™t work (and vice versa).

Common mistakes and their solutions:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The second SIM is not determinedPoor contact or contamination of the slotWipe your contacts. SIM-cards and slots with alcohol, reinstall the card
The phone only sees one SIM.Hybrid slot: microSD insertedRemove the memory card or replace it with a second SIM.
No network on the second SIMWrong APN settingsUpdate the operator's settings in Settings โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks
SIM-card "not supported"Outdated card (not nano-SIM) or damagedReplace the SIM with a new one in the operatorโ€™s cabin

๐Ÿ’ก

If the second SIM is not visible after inserting, try swapping the cards. Sometimes the main slot (SIM 1) is more stable for 4G/5G.

3. Activation of the second line in the settings of Xiaomi

After proper installation SIM-The interface may vary depending on the version of the card. MIUI HyperOS, but the general algorithm is the following:

  1. Go to Settings. โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Tap the second name. SIM-maps, for example, SIM 2 or MTS).
  3. Activate the switch Turn on SIM-card (if it is turned off).
  4. Set priority SIM for calls (you can choose "Ask always" or set the main / second line).

On HyperOS (new Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70 models), the path can look like this:

Settings โ†’ Connections and Sharing โ†’ SIM- Maps

If you have the option, turn on SIM-card is absent or inactive:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Restart your phone โ€“ sometimes the communication module is not initialized immediately.
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Check the network coverage: if the second SIM from another operator, it may not be catching a network in your area.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Reset network settings: Settings โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ Resetting network settings.

Make sure both of you SIM-Cards are active with the operator

Check the balance on the second number (sometimes positive is required)

Turn off "On the plane" mode in the notification curtain

Update the firmware to the latest version-->

4. Call settings: how to call with a second SIM

Activating the second line is only half the battle, and making calls and SMSs from the right number requires additional setup, and MIUI and HyperOS have flexible management options:

Selecting SIM for outgoing calls:

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Dial the number and click on the icon SIM-card next to the call button.
  3. Select SIM 1 or SIM 2 (or always ask to choose whenever you call).

SIM settings by default:

โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ Call โ†’ SIM-map by default

Here you can ask:

  • ๐Ÿ“ž Basic SIM call-in
  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Basic SIM for SMS
  • ๐ŸŒ Basic SIM mobile-internet

If the option to ask always doesnโ€™t work:

  • Check if there is a third-party call app installed (like Truecaller or Google Phone) that intercepts settings.
  • Reset the settings of the Phone application: Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application management โ†’ Phone โ†’ Storage โ†’ Clear data.

For work and personal calls|For roaming abroad|For tariffs of different operators|For the Internet on the second SIM|Another option-->

5. Set up mobile Internet on the second SIM

Mobile Internet can only work on one of them. SIM-To use the second data link, follow the following steps:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ SIM-cards and mobile networks โ†’ Mobile Internet.
  2. Select SIM 2 in the Use Mobile Internet section.
  3. If the Internet is not working, click Access Point Names (APN) and add your operatorโ€™s settings manually (they can be found on the providerโ€™s website).

Features of working with two SIM and mobile Internet:

  • ๐Ÿ“ถ 4G/5G It only works on one. SIM โ€” second will be limited 3G/2G (model).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ With an active Internet on SIM 1st SIM It can temporarily lose communication (this is normal for most smartphones).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ On some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi) K60) Dual-supported 4G โ€” both SIM may work in 4G, But it requires support from the operator.

โš ๏ธ Note: If you use the mobile Internet on the second SIM, And the first one is the one, and you can have a situation where you lose communication when you download files, because you have hardware limitations on the communication module, and the solution is to use Wi-Fi for the Internet, or only turn on Modem Modem when you need it.

6. Problem Solving: The second line is not working

If the second SIM-The card is determined but cannot make calls or connect to the internet, try the following steps:

Problem 1: Calls only come with the first SIM

  • ๐Ÿ” Check if the "only" mode is installed. SIM 1" in call settings.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Restart your phone in Safe Mode (press the power button) โ†’ Safe Mode: If the problem has disappeared, the third-party app is to blame.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Reset network settings: Settings โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ Resetting network settings.

Problem 2: No network on the second SIM

  • ๐Ÿ“ก Check the operator's coverage: possibly the second SIM from a regional provider that does not catch in your area.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Manually select the network: Settings โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ Choice of network โ†’ Manual scanning.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Update your operator profile: Some providers (e.g. Tele2) require configuration updates through their app.

Problem 3: The phone asks PUK-second-code SIM

  • ๐Ÿ” That means that SIM-Card blocked after incorrect entry PIN. PUK-code can be found:

๐Ÿ’ก

If the second SIM stopped working after the firmware update, try rolling back to the previous version of MIUI or resetting to factory settings (with data saved).

7.Alternative methods: eSIM and applications for the second line

If your Xiaomi doesnโ€™t support two physical SIM-maps, consider alternative options:

1.Use of eSIM

New models (Xiaomi 13, Xiaomi 14, Redmi) K60) support virtual SIM-To activate the map:

  1. Get it. QR-activation code of your operator (supported by MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2).
  2. Go to Settings. โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ Add a mobile fare.
  3. Scan it. QR-code or enter data manually.

Annexes to the second line

If hardware support is not available, you can use applications for IP-telephony:

  • ๐Ÿ“ž Google Voice is a free number for calls and SMS (Registration in the United States).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Dingtone or TextNow โ€“ provides a virtual number with call support.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ WhatsApp Business โ€“ allows you to use a second WhatsApp account on one phone (requires a second number).

โš ๏ธ Note: Virtual numbers from apps will not replace the full SIM-Card โ€“ they may have restrictions on outgoing calls to mobile/city numbers, as well as problems with reception SMS from banks and services.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can we use two? SIM-Memory cards and cards simultaneously on Xiaomi?
Not if your phone has a hybrid slot (like the Redmi Note 11 or POCO X3), and you have to choose between a second SIM or a microSD, except for three-slot models (like the Redmi 9A), but they are rare.
Why is the second SIM not running 4G, but only 3G?
This is the hardware limitation of most Xiaomi smartphones. The communication module can provide high-speed Internet on only one. SIM-To change priority, go to Settings. โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ Preferred type of network and select 4G second SIM (But then the first one will go to 3G).
How to transfer contacts to the second SIM-map?
V MIUI HyperOS can be exported to the SIM-Map: Open the Contacts app. Press โ‹ฎ โ†’ Contact management โ†’ Imports/Exports โ†’ Exports to SIM-Select a map. SIM 2 and confirm the transfer. Note: SIM-The card stores only names and numbers, without photos and additional fields.
Can you use two WhatsApp numbers on one Xiaomi?
Yes, there are two ways to do this: Officially: Use WhatsApp Business for number two. When you install, select "Use a different number." Unofficially: Set an app clone through Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ Dual Apps in MIUI. Importantly, you will need to temporarily make a second SIM your primary SMS account to activate the second WhatsApp account.
What if the second SIM stopped working after the MIUI update?
This is a common problem when switching to new firmware versions. Try: Reset network settings: Settings โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ Reset network settings. Update the operator profile through your providerโ€™s application (e.g. My MTS or MegaFon) MIUI via Fastboot (requires unlocked bootloader). If nothing helps, reset to factory settings (with data saved).