Xiaomi smartphones support dual technology SIM (or Hybrid Dual. SIM in some models, which allows the use of two SIM-This is convenient for separating work and personal contacts, saving on roaming or using tariffs from different operators. However, many users have difficulty setting up the second line for the first time β the system may not recognize the card, save call settings, or misallocate mobile traffic.
In this article, we will discuss all the stages of setting up the second SIM on Xiaomi phones (including Redmi models, POCO From physical map installation to fine network priority settings and call management, we will focus on common errors that interfere with the stable operation of two lines, and give recommendations for optimizing their sharing.
If your phone supports eSIM, at the end of the article you will find a separate section with instructions for activating it in parallel with the physical format. SIM-card.
1. Checking the compatibility of the phone with Dual SIM
Before you start setting up, make sure your Xiaomi model supports two. SIM-Most modern devices (released after 2018) are equipped with this functionality, but there are nuances:
β Full Dual. SIM (2 nano-SIM + microSD or 2 nano-SIM without a memory card slot):
- π± Xiaomi series 11/12/13/14, Redmi Note 10/11/12/13, POCO F3/F4/F5, POCO X3/X4/X5/X6
- π± Mi Mix, Black Shark flagship models (exception: some game versions)
β οΈ Hybrid Dual SIM (1 nano-SIM + 1 nano-SIM or microSD):
- π In these models, the second slot is combined with a memory card tray. SIM You lose the ability to use microSD!
- π± Examples: Redmi 9/9A/9C, POCO M3/M4, Xiaomi Mi A3
How to check your phone:
- Open the official Xiaomi website and find your model in the "Specifications" section.
- Or take out the tray for SIM-If there are two separate slots under nano-SIM, a full-fledged dual is supported. SIM.
β οΈ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra: The second slot can only work in mode 4G, even if the main SIM supportive 5G. This is a hardware limitation β it cannot be circumvented by software.
Physical installation second SIM-map
If your phone supports Dual SIM, Follow the instructions for installing the second card (12.3 Γ 8.8 Micro-SIM or standard size cards will not work without an adapter, but using it can damage the slot contacts.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off your phone (required!).
- Find a tray for SIM-cards β usually located on the upper or lateral face of the device.
- Use a paper clip or a special key (comes in the kit) to remove the tray.
- Put the second one in. SIM-card in a free slot contacts down (the tray has schemes of correct placement).
- Carefully insert the tray back before the click.
- Turn on your phone and wait for the new one to be recognized. SIM.
What to do if the phone doesnβt see the other SIM:
- π Reset the device.
- πΆ Check if it's activated. SIM Operator (sometimes it takes time to register on the network).
- π οΈ Clear the contacts. SIM-soft-cloth cards (without alcohol!).
- π§ Try swapping the cards β if one of them works, the problem may be in the slot.
The tray is removed carefully, without the use of force.
SIM-The card is trimmed to nano-SIM format
Contacts card clean and undamaged
The phone is turned off before installation
Slot for second SIM not compatible with microSD (if the memory card is important)
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3. Set up second SIM phone-on
After installation of the second SIM-The phone must automatically recognize the card, but for full operation you will need to configure call priorities, mobile Internet and line identification.
How to open the settings SIM-map:
- Go to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Select the Control item SIM-cards (on some firmware - Dual) SIM).
The main parameters for setting:
| Parameter | Recommendations | Wherever |
|---|---|---|
| Names SIM-map | Assign unique names (e.g., "Worker" and "Personal") to avoid confusing lines when calling. | Settings SIM β Name. SIM-map |
| Priority of challenges | Choose which one. SIM will be used by default for outgoing calls. | Call settings β SIM call-in |
| Mobile Internet | Activate mobile data on just one SIM, avoiding conflict. | Mobile network β Access point (APN) |
| Network mode | Choose for stable work 4G (preferably or Auto. | Settings SIM β Preferred type of network |
How to set up a smart call allocation:
- π In the section Call settings β SIM You can choose to call: Always ask (the phone will offer you to choose from the phone). SIM before each call; and to use SIM 1/SIM 2 default.
- π If you frequently call numbers from a specific operator, set up automatic selection rules. SIM on the menu Smart choice SIM.
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If you use two of them SIM One operator (for example, two MTS cards), one of them may not be registered in the network. SIM In the settings, wait for the registration of the second, then turn both back on.
4. Mobile Internet management on two SIM
Simultaneous use of mobile Internet with two SIM This can lead to connection conflicts or quick battery discharge, and we recommend that you activate mobile data on only one card, and use the second card exclusively for calls and battery life. SMS.
How to set up the Internet for the second SIM:
- Go to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Mobile network.
- Choose. SIM-Map on which you want to activate the Internet.
- Turn on the mobile data switch.
- Set up the Access Point (APN) according to your operatorβs instructions (options can be found on its website).
Frequent Internet problems in the second SIM:
- π No network connection: check what is in the settings APN the correct parameters (user name, password, authentication type) are indicated).
- π Fast battery discharge: turn off background data transfer for second SIM In Settings β Annexes β Transfer of data.
- πΆ Switching between 4G and 3G: Set up the network type manually in Settings SIM β Preferred type of network.
How to use mobile internet with two SIM simultaneously:
β οΈ Note: This feature is only available on phones with Dual VoLTE support (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+). On most devices, simultaneous operation of the mobile Internet with two cards will lead to disconnection of one of them from the network.
- πΆ Activate Dual Mode 4G In Settings β SIM-map β Use both. SIM for 4G (Not available on all models).
- π If there is no option, use it. VPN or traffic management applications (e.g., Dual App in the MIUI).
5. Set up calls and SMS two-way SIM
Xiaomi's default phone offers to choose SIM-card before each call or dispatch SMS. However, this can be automated by adjusting rules for specific contacts or operators.
How to link contacts to a certain SIM:
- Open the Contacts app and select the contact you want.
- Press Edit. β SIM-default-card.
- Choose. SIM, which will be used for calls and SMS caller.
Additional settings for calls:
- π Call forwarding: set up a redirect from one SIM to another in the Call Settings β Redirection (useful if one of the cards is often unavailable).
- π Blacklist: Number locking works separately for each SIM. Set up in Settings β Number locking.
- π Call statistics: C Settings β SIM-map β You can see the traffic and conversation times on each line.
How to send SMS fittingly SIM:
- Open the Messages app and create a new SMS.
- In the top panel, click on the icon. SIM (usually displayed the current map).
- Choose the right one. SIM list.
What to do if the phone does not save settings SIM contact?
6. Optimization of the two SIM: battery and performance
Use of the two SIM-The card can increase battery consumption by 10-15%, as the phone constantly scans the networks of two operators:
How to reduce battery consumption:
- π Turn off background data transfer for the second SIM In Settings β Annexes β Transfer of data.
- πΆ Set it for the second. SIM network mode Only 3G (if not 4G).
- β‘ Enable the Power Saving Mode for the Background in Settings β Battery β Energy saving regime.
- π Turn off the second. SIM overnight if not used for calls (c Settings) SIM β Turn on SIM-map).
How to fix productivity problems:
- π΅ If the phone is hanging when switching between SIM, Turn off the option to always ask for calls.
- π§ Update the firmware MIUI Up to the latest version β new versions fix errors with Dual SIM.
- π οΈ Reset network settings: Settings β SIM-map β Resetting network settings.
Table: The impact of Dual SIM Autonomous (testing on Xiaomi 13)
| Mode of use | Battery consumption (in 8 hours) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 SIM (4G) | 12% | Basic expenditure |
| 2 SIM (4G + 4G) | 20% | Both cards are active. |
| 2 SIM (4G + 3G) | 15% | Second second SIM mode 3G |
| 2 SIM (one off at night) | 14% | Savings by disconnection |
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If you use two of them SIM exclusively for calls (without mobile Internet), battery consumption will increase slightly. 3β5%. The main energy eater is simultaneous work. 4G/5G card-to-card.
7. Set up eSIM together with physical SIM Xiaomi
Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13/13 Pro, Xiaomi 12T Pro, POCO F5 Pro) support eSIM - virtual SIM-A card that can be activated without a physical chip, and that allows you to use one physical chip. SIM + One eSIM at a time.
How to activate eSIM on Xiaomi:
- Make sure your operator supports eSIM (in Russia β MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2).
- Get it. QR-activation code or manual input data from the operator (usually through a personal account or sales office).
- Go to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Add a mobile network.
- Choose Add Add with Help QR-code or manually enter data.
- Follow the instructions on the screen. Once activated, the eSIM will appear in the list. SIM-map.
Limitations of eSIM on Xiaomi:
- π« Not all models support eSIM. check the specifications on the manufacturer's website.
- π On some firmware MIUI eSIM may not work well after an update β profile reinstallation is required.
- πΆ Operators may restrict eSIM functionality (e.g. no support) 5G VoLTE).
How to Remove or Reset an ESIM:
- Go to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Select the eSIM you want to delete.
- Click Delete Mobile Network (the data will be erased forever!).
8. Solving Common Dual Problems SIM
Even after setting up the segunda correctly SIM Xiaomi may have a problem. Let's look at the typical problems and how to fix them.
Problem 1: The phone doesn't see the second one. SIM post-installation
- π§ Solution: Reboot your phone. Check if the card is installed correctly (contacts must be clean). Update your firmware. MIUI If you have a Hybrid slot, make sure it doesn't have a memory card.
Problem 2: Mobile Internet is not working on the second SIM
- π Solution: Check the settings APN (access point for the second SIM. Turn off mobile data on the first SIM. Make sure that the operator supports 4G On your phone model, manually select the operator's network in Settings. β Mobile network β Network operators.
Problem 3: The phone switches between the two SIM ring-bell
- π Solution: Turn off the Smart Choice option SIM In the call settings. Set priority. SIM Check if the call apps (like Truecaller or WhatsApp) are in conflict).
Problem 4: Fast battery discharge when using two SIM
- β‘ Solution: Turn off background data transfer for the second SIM. Set it for the second. SIM network mode Only 2G/3G. Use the power saving mode, check if the messengers are running in the background with a link to the second. SIM.