Introduction: Why do we need two? SIM-card-only
Xiaomiβs modern smartphones support two SIM-Itβs a feature that has become standard on most models from the Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra, but simply inserting two SIMs is not enough: You need to properly configure their interaction so as not to miss important calls and not to pay extra money for roaming or interconnections.
The main scenarios of using two SIM-Separation of personal and work β one SIM card for colleagues, another for family; saving on roaming β local SIM card for travel + The main one; different rates, one for calls, the other for the Internet, but without the right settings, the phone can call from the wrong SIM, ignore the second card or spend money on unnecessary services.
In this article, we will analyze all the ways to manage calls from different SIM-Xiaomi maps, including hidden features MIUI, From basic settings to advanced scenarios, like how to automatically switch between SIMs based on time of day or geolocation.
Basic settings: choice SIM-call-card
By default, MIUI suggests you choose a SIM to call right while dialing β but it's not always convenient.
- Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner β Settings.
- Choose. SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Tapping on the item Choice SIM-call-card.
- Please specify your preferred SIM: Always ask if SIM 1 or SIM 2 is available.
If you choose Always Ask, a SIM box will appear before each call, which is convenient if you switch between cards frequently, but can be annoying with frequent calls, the best option is to set the main SIM, and for individual contacts, specify an alternative one (more on this below).
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In MIUI 15, the function "Quick SIM selection" appeared: hold the call button in the Phone application to immediately select a SIM without unnecessary taps.
β οΈ Warning: If you have one default SIM in your settings, but it's not available (no network or no money), your phone won't automatically switch to the second SIM. The call just won't take place. To avoid this, turn on the Auto Select option. SIM In the same settings (not available on all models).
2.Tune in. SIM-card
Let's say you want to get a call from SIM 1, and your friends and family from SIM 2, so you don't have to pick a SIM every time you pick it up.
- Open the Contacts app.
- Select the contact you want and click Edit (pencil icon).
- Put it on the phone number. β SIM-default-card.
- Specify SIM 1 or SIM 2.
Now, when you call that contact, the phone will automatically use the given SIM, and this works for both outgoing and incoming calls: if someone calls on SIM 1, the notification will indicate which card the call was made to.
In the models with MIUI 14+ You can en masse assign SIMs for a group of contacts: β Groups β [select] β Settings SIM-This is useful if you have a separate group, "Work" or "Family".
Make sure each contact has the correct number | Check that the SIM is assigned to outgoing calls | Test calls to different contacts to confirm settings | Update contacts from the cloud if they are not synced
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3. Managing incoming calls: how not to miss the important
One of the most common problems with using two SIM-cards are missed calls. This happens if you:
- π΅ The phone does not not notify you of a call to a second SIM (for example, when you are talking on the first SIM).
- π Second SIM is disabled to save charge.
- π One of the SIMs is roaming, and calls to it are blocked by the operator.
To set up alerts:
- Go to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Choose the right one. SIM-map, SIM 2).
- Enable the Incoming Call Notification option.
- Activate Call Waiting (if available) to receive incoming calls to the second SIM while you talk to the first.
Some models (Redmi K60, POCO F5) have a dual notification feature: the phone vibrates differently for each SIM, which helps distinguish between work calls and personal calls without looking at the screen.
For work.|For travel (roaming)|For the Internet (separate tariff)|For savings (calls at cheap rates)|I don't use it.-->
4. Advanced scenarios: automatic switching of sims
MIUI allows you to automate the selection of the SIM based on the conditions, for example, you can configure:
- β° Calls from SIM 1 during working hours (9:00-18:00), with SIM 2 - the rest of the time.
- π Use of local simplifiers when abroad (by GPS).
- πΆ Switch to SIM with better signal if the main one is not available.
To adjust the timing:
- Open the Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Switching rules SIM.
- Select Add a rule.
- Specify the condition (e.g., time) and the range of hours.
- Choose a SIM for this period.
Auto-Switching Geolocation is available on flagships (Xiaomi 13/14) and requires GPS enabled. It is useful for travelers: the phone will switch to the local SIM when you cross the border, and return to the main one on return.
β οΈ Warning: Automatic rules do not work in power saving mode if the battery is discharged below 15%, MIUI Turns off background processes, including switching sims. To avoid crashes, add the Phone app to the battery optimization exception list.
5 Problems and Solutions: Why the Second SIM doesn't work
If one of them SIM-Cards are not determined or cannot make calls, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Symbol is undetermined | Incorrect installation of the tray | Turn off the phone, remove the tray and reinstall the SIM (chip up). |
| No network on one SIM. | 4G/5G mode is disabled | Check the Settings. β SIM-map β [choose SIM] β Preferred type of network. |
| Calls are dropped | Conflict with VoLTE | Turn off VoLTE in the SIM settings or update the firmware. |
| You can't pick a SIM for a call. | An outdated version of MIUI | Upgrade to MIUI 14 or later. |
If the problem persists, try resetting the network settings: Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Reset mobile network settings. This will delete the stored access points. APN Connection settings, but will not affect contacts or files.
What if the phone doesnβt see any SIM?
6. charge savings when using two SIM-map
Two active SIM-The cards use up the battery faster because the phone is constantly scanning the networks of both operators:
- π Turn off background activity for second SIM: Settings β Battery β Optimizing the battery β [choose SIM-applications].
- πΆ Use the mode Only 3G For a second SIM, if you only need it for calls.
- β³ Set up "Schedule Sleep" for the second SIM in Settings β SIM-map β Sleep regimen.
For example, if the second SIM is only for incoming calls during the daytime, you can turn off its network search at night, which will add 10-15% to battery life.
On models with MIUI 15 appeared the function Energy saving for the second SIM: the phone will use the main SIM for data, and the second β only for calls and SMS, saving charge.
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Turning off LTE/5G on the second SIM can increase up to 20% of the time it is used for voice communication only.
7. Features for different Xiaomi models
Management functions SIM-The cards may differ depending on the model and version MIUI. Here are the key differences:
| Model/Series | Features of working with SIM | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 11/12 | Dual 4G support (both SIMs work in 4G at the same time) | There is no automatic geolocation switching. |
| POCO F4/F5 | The function "Ignore the second SIM in games" for gamers. | There are no separate vibration settings for SIMs. |
| Xiaomi 13/14 | Support for 5G+4G, automatic time/geolocation switching. | High battery consumption with active both SIMs. |
| Redmi A2 | Budget chipset β possible problems with VoLTE on the second sim. | There is no "Waiting for a Call" function for the second SIM. |
On flagship models (Xiaomi 14 Pro, Mix Fold 3), Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) is available, which allows both SIMs to remain active at the same time. On budget devices (Redmi 10A), the second SIM can βfall asleepβ if the first one is in conversation.
Before buying, check the model specifications on the official Xiaomi website β some devices (for example, the POCO M6 Pro) support only Hybrid Dual SIM (second SIM or memory card).