Two. SIM-Xiaomi cards: how to set up correctly and avoid mistakes

Use of the two SIM-Xiaomi smartphones are not just a convenience, but often a necessity: one for work, another for personal calls, or one for local rates, and another for roaming. The network disappears on one of the cards, the mobile Internet does not work, the device does not see the second card. SIM. In this article, we will analyze all ways to configure dual-SIM on Xiaomi, including nuances for models with hybrid slots, support 5G and firmware MIUI differentiation.

It is important to understand that the configuration algorithm depends on three factors: the model of the smartphone (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro).+ supportive 5G on both slots, and POCO X5 — only in the main version, version MIUI (into MIUI The settings interface 14 and 15 are different) and the type SIM-We will not be limited to basic instructions – we will consider hidden settings for network priority, resolving conflicts between operators and even manually switching antennas through the engineering menu.

Compatibility Check: Does your Xiaomi support two? SIM-map?

Before you try to configure two SIMs, make sure your Xiaomi model supports this feature at all.Most modern devices (starting in 2018) are dual-SIM equipped, but there are important exceptions:

• 📱 Hybrid slots: Redmi type models 9A or POCO M3 slot SIM2 + MicroSD – You have to choose between the second SIM memory-card.
• 🌐 5G-Restrictions: In Xiaomi 12T Or the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+ 5G second-second SIM only works in mode 4G, Even if the main one is connected to 5G.
• 🔄 Regional versions: Chinese versions (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra) may not support dual-SIM on global networks.

Compatibility can be checked in two ways:

1. Look at the characteristics of the model on the official website of Xiaomi (section "Network").
2. Put both in. SIM-maps and go to Settings → The phone. → Status. SIM-If the second card is defined as "Unidentified" the slot is faulty or not supported.

Preparation SIM-maps: nano-SIM, eSIM or adapters?

The mistake of many users is trying to insert into Xiaomi SIM-Xiaomi smartphones today only support nano-SIM (3FF). If you have an old-style card (micro-SIM or standard), you’ll have to cut it off or use an adapter – but there are pitfalls here:

• ✂️ Pruning SIM: It is better to order a new nano-SIM from the operator (free in the salons).
• 🔄 Adapters: Can cause contact problems if the smartphone can't see SIM — Check if the adapter is staggering in the slot.
• 📱 eSIM: Only flagships (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Mix Fold 3) support virtual SIM. Activated through Settings → Mobile network → Add eSIM.

Pay special attention to the position of the cards in the tray. On most Xiaomi models, the SIM1 slot is the top, the SIM2 slot is the bottom. If you confuse it, you risk damaging the contacts. On some devices (for example, the POCO F4 GT), the tray is asymmetrical in shape, you can insert only in one position.

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If your smartphone doesn't see one of the SIMs, try wiping the card and slot contacts with an alcohol wipe, often the problem is the oxidation of metal elements.

Step-by-step setting up two SIM-card MIUI

Now, let's get to the setup itself. MIUI 12-15, but there may be minor differences in the layout of menu items. SIM-cards with the phone turned off to avoid initialization failures.

Insert SIM-card-to-slot (SIM1 and SIM2)

Turn on the phone and wait for MIUI to load

Connect to Wi-Fi (to download operator updates)

Check the balance on both SIM (sometimes SMS-activation)

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Follow the algorithm further:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Tap one of the names. SIM-maps, for example, «MTS» or «SIM2»).
3. Turn on the "Switch on" switch SIM-map” (if disabled).
4. Assign a card name (such as “Worker” or “Personal”) for convenience.
5. In the "Network Type" section, select priority: 📶 4G (preferably for balance of speed and stability. 🚀 5G — only if the operator supports the SIM2 may not work). 📞 Only 2G/3G — to save power (but the internet speed will be low).

"Calls"

After setting up, restart your phone. If one of the SIMs is not identified, check:

• 🔌 Is the card inserted correctly (try moving to another slot).
• 📡 Does the operator support work in your area (for example, Tele2 They may not be able to catch in some areas).
• 🔄 Firmware Updates: Go to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Network Priority Setup and Conflict Resolution

One of the most common problems with using two SIMs is network conflict, like when one card catches 4G and the other falls on 2G, or calls suddenly switch to the wrong SIM, and there are hidden settings in MIUI that will help fix this.

Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Additional (or Advanced Settings) Key options are available here:

If even after these settings, one of the SIMs does not catch the network, try:

1. Manually select the operator: Settings → Mobile network → Network Selection → Manual scanning.
2. Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Network settings reset.
3. Check the IMEI cards: dial *#06#. If zeros are displayed instead of IMEI, the slot is faulty.

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If your Xiaomi supports 5G, but the second SIM does not catch the network in this mode, check the APN settings. Often operators (like Beeline) require separate 5G APN settings on the second SIM.

Features of settings for models with 5G and eSIM

Owners of Xiaomi’s flagship models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Mix Fold 2) face unique nuances when configuring two SIMs, especially if one of them is an eSIM.

• 📶 5G second SIM: Even if the smartphone supports 5G On both slots, some operators (e.g. MegaFon) may artificially restrict this feature.
• 🔄 Switching between eSIM and physical SIM: V MIUI 14+ This is done through settings. → Mobile network → Management SIM-eSIM can be turned off without removing the “iron” card.
• ⚡ Energy consumption: two active 5G-SIM They drain the battery 15-20 percent faster. Turn on Power Saving Mode in the battery settings.

To activate eSIM on Xiaomi:

1. Get it. QR-code or activation code of the operator (for example, through the application “My MTS” or “Tele2.My»).
2. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Add eSIM.
3. Scan the QR or enter the code manually.
4. Assign eSIM as SIM1 or SIM2 and set priorities (similar to physical cards).

Not all operators support eSIM. As of 2026, eSIM is officially available in Russia from:

• 📱 MTS (for postpaid tariffs).
• 📱 Beeline (only in Moscow, St. Petersburg and some regions).
• 📱 Tele2 (test-mode).

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If the smartphone stopped seeing physical SIM after activating the eSIM, try rebooting in Safe Mode (press the power button → Safe Mode).

Solving common problems

Even after setting it up properly, Xiaomi users face typical problems, including the most common and ways to fix them.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI one of them stopped working. SIM, Check the firmware version. In some builds (e.g, MIUI 14.0.3 for Redmi Note 11) was a bug with the definition of the second SIM. The solution is to roll back to the previous version or wait for the patch.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your network settings:

Settings → System → Reset → Network Reset → Reset settings

This will remove all stored Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile settings, but often resolves SIM issues.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) after resetting the network settings, the speaker may lose sound. This is treated by restarting or updating the firmware.

Additional chips: engineering menu and hidden functions

For advanced users who want to maximize the performance of the two SIMs, Xiaomi has hidden features, such as manually switching antennas or testing signal strength through an engineering menu.

To open the engineering menu:

1. Dial the phone number on the keyboard: ##4636##.
2. Select Phone Information.
3. Scroll down to the “Set preferred network type” section, where you can force the network type for each SIM (e.g., LTE only for stability).

Other helpful teams:

• 📡 ##2256## - information about the Wi-Fi signal.
• 📞 ##6484## - Bluetooth module test.
• 🔋 ##4636## → Battery - detailed consumption statistics (useful if two) SIM fast-set).

Careful: Don’t change the settings unless you’re sure they’re important! Incorrect settings in the engineering menu can lead to network loss or even a “bricking” of the communication module.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions