How to set up a second call line on a Xiaomi smartphone: full instructions with solutions to typical errors

Two. SIM-The cards in one smartphone are no longer a luxury, but a necessity for many users. - Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi series, POCO and Mi support Dual technology SIM Dual Standby (DSDS), But just inserting a second card is not enough: to properly distribute calls between operators, you need to set up the system correctly. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances from basic activation to solving problems with missing calls or SMS.

Feature MIUI (Xiaomi's shell is that the second-line configuration interface may differ depending on the firmware version and device model. For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with the X-ray MIUI The 15 menu looks different than the Redmi Note 11 MIUI 14.We will look at the universal steps that are relevant for most devices in 2020-2026, and also point out the key differences for specific models. SIM-The card is determined, but can not make calls - here you will find a solution.

Before you start setting up, make sure that:

  • πŸ“± Your smartphone supports two physical devices. SIM-Not all hybrid slot models allow two nano-SIMs to be used simultaneously).
  • πŸ“Ά Both SIM-Cards are active with the operator (not blocked, not expired).
  • πŸ”„ The device has an up-to-date version installed MIUI (Check in the settings β†’ The phone).
πŸ“Š What Xiaomi model do you use?
Redmi Note 12/13
POCO X5/F5
Mi 11/12/13
Redmi 10/9
Another model

1. Check the compatibility of the device with two SIM-map

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support two physical devices SIM-And then there's the maps at the same time. POCO F or Xiaomi Mix have a hybrid slot, where the second slot is combined with a connector for a microSD memory card. SIM, expansion of memory.

Find out if your device supports two SIM-map:

  1. Go to the official Xiaomi website.
  2. Find your model page (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G).
  3. In the Characteristics section check the item SIM-The card must be marked Dual. SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by).
Xiaomi modelSlot typeSupport for 2 SIMsNotes
Xiaomi 13/13 ProDouble Nano-SIMYes.Supports 5G on both SIMs
Redmi Note 12 Pro+Hybrid (SIM + microSD)Yeah, but no microSD.Second second SIM only 4G
POCO X5 ProDouble Nano-SIMYes.5G only SIM
Redmi 10AHybridYeah, but no microSD.Only 4G.

⚠️ Note: If your device does not support two physical devices SIM-maps, but it is critical to have two lines – consider using eSIM (if the model allows it) or using virtual number services (for example, Google Voice).

Physical installation second SIM-map

Before you install the software, make sure that the second part SIM-The card is correctly installed in the tray. Mistakes at this stage can lead to the fact that the smartphone simply does not see the card.

Installation instructions:

  1. Turn off your smartphone (not necessarily, but it is recommended for safety).
  2. Find a slot for SIM-cards (usually on the upper or lateral face of the device).
  3. Use a paper clip or a special key from the kit to remove the tray.
  4. Place the second nano-SIM in the appropriate groove (note the direction of the slice).
  5. Carefully insert the tray back before the click.

After switching on the device, wait until the system determines both SIM-If one of the cards is not recognized:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot your smartphone.
  • πŸ“Ά Check if it's active. SIM The operator (can be inserted into another phone).
  • πŸ› οΈ Clear the contacts. SIM-cards with soft cloth (sometimes oxidation interferes with communication).

πŸ’‘

If the tray is for SIM-The cards are tightly inserted, don't force - check if the cards are correctly positioned. Forced pressure can damage the slot contacts.

3. Set up the second line in MIUI: baseline

After installation of the second SIM-map MIUI It usually automatically detects it, but it requires manual settings to make calls work properly. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.

Step-by-step:

  1. Open Settings and select SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Tap the second name. SIM-maps, for example, SIM 2).
  3. Turn on the switch. SIM-card (if it is turned off).
  4. Install a name. SIM-Cards (e.g., "Worker" or "Personal") for convenience.
  5. In the Network Type section, select your preferred communication standard (e.g, 4G or 5G, if maintained).

Important point: MIUI You can set the priority. SIM-call-card SMS. For example, you can specify that by default, calls must go through SIM 1, and the Internet through SIM 2 (or vice versa) This is useful if one operator has cheap phone rates and another has mobile Internet rates.

Make sure SIM-map included in the settings|

Give a unique name for SIM-map|

Select the type of network (4G/5G)|

Set Priority for Calls/SMS|

Check the balance and tariff of the operator-->

4.Distribution of calls between two SIM-map

By default, all outgoing calls can go through the main one. SIM-To control the process:

  1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
  2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
  3. Go to the Calls. β†’ Settings SIM-map.
  4. In the Outgoing Calls section, select:

For incoming calls, settings are more flexible: you can specify whether the second one should SIM-The card is active to receive calls even when the primary one is in use, which is useful if you don't want to miss an important call to your work number while you're talking on your personal phone.

⚠️ Warning: If you have chosen the option to always ask, but when calling, the choice SIM-No card appears – check if your area has a double call limit (some operators block this feature).

Also in MIUI There is a call forwarding function that allows you to redirect calls from one SIM If you don't have the first one, it's useful if you have poor coverage from one of the operators:

β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Additional β†’ Call forwarding

5. Set up mobile Internet for the second SIM-map

If you are planning to use the mobile Internet on the second SIM-map, you need to configure access points (APN). Often the settings are loaded automatically, but sometimes manual input is required.

How to set up APN second SIM:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [Name of name SIM-map] β†’ Access points (APN).
  2. If the list is empty or the Internet is not working, click Add and enter your operator's settings.

Save the settings and restart the smartphone.

If the mobile Internet is not working:

  • πŸ“΅ Check the balance on SIM-card (possibly out of money or internet package).
  • πŸ”„ Switch the network type from 4G on 3G back and forth.
  • πŸ“‘ Make sure that your area has coverage of the selected operator.
Parameters APN for popular operators in Russia
Beeline: APN: Internet.beeline.ru Username: beeline Password: beeline MegaFon: APN: Internet Username/password: gdata (or leave blank) Tele2: APN: internet.tele2.ru Username/password: leave blank

6. Solving typical second line problems

Even after setting up correctly, Xiaomi users may encounter problems, and consider the most common and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: Second problem SIM-map not defined

Possible causes and solutions:

  • πŸ”Œ Bad contact: Remove the tray and check if inserted correctly SIM-Try to bend the contacts on the map slightly (carefully!).
  • πŸ“± Software glitch: Reboot your smartphone or reset your network settings in Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Resetting network settings.
  • πŸ› οΈ Hardware malfunction: If the slot is damaged, contact the service center. SIM elsewhere.

Problem 2: Calls are broken or not made

This is often due to network settings:

  • πŸ“Ά Incompatible Standards: If one SIM work 5G, And the second one is in 2G, You can have conflicts. Try setting both cards. 4G.
  • πŸ”„ Operators conflict: Some operators block double calls.check fare conditions.
  • πŸ“΅ Low signal level: In settings SIM-Enable the option to amplify the signal (if available).

Problem 3: SMS does not come to the second SIM

Possible solutions:

  • πŸ“© Centre SMS: Check if the number of the center is correct. SMS in settings (Settings) β†’ SIM-map β†’ Settings SMS β†’ Centre SMS). For MTS, it's +79160000000.
  • 🚫 Blocking: Make sure that SMS Not blocked by anti-spam (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Communications β†’ Permits).
Problem.Possible causeDecision
Mobile Internet does not work on SIM 2Wrong APN settingsManual parameter entry APN
Calls automatically go through SIM 1Not prioritizedSelect "Always Ask" in Call Settings
The smartphone doesn't see the second SIM post-refresh MIUIFirmware failureReset network settings or roll back to the previous version

πŸ’‘

If you have a problem with the second SIM appeared after the update MIUI, Try resetting network settings or rolling back firmware through Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system β†’ Three points. β†’ Select a Service Package.

7 Additional functions for two SIM-map

MIUI It offers several useful features for managing two lines that many users are unaware of.

Division of notifications on SIM-map

You can customize different ringing and vibrations for each SIM-map:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Sounds and vibrations β†’ The ringing melody SIM-map.
  2. Choose a unique melody for SIM 1 and SIM 2.
  3. Similarly, adjust the vibration to the vibration when you call.

2. separate contacts for different SIM-map

In the app, you can link numbers to specific SIM-map:

  1. Open the contact for editing.
  2. Click on the phone number and select SIM-default-card.
  3. Indicate which one SIM I have to call this number.

3. charge savings when using two SIM

Two active SIM-The cards use more energy to save the charge:

  • πŸ”‹ Turn off background mode 4G/5G second SIM, If it is rarely used (Settings) β†’ SIM-map β†’ Background data regime).
  • ⚑ Enable power saving mode for mobile network (Settings) β†’ Battery and productivity β†’ Energy saving regime).

πŸ’‘

If you travel frequently, set up roaming separately for each. SIM-maps in Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Roaming, it'll help you avoid unexpected expenses.

8. Alternative ways of using the second line

If your Xiaomi smartphone doesn’t support two physical devices SIM-maps, but you need a second line, consider alternatives:

1. Virtual second SIM (eSIM)

Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite) POCO F5) Support eSIM – Virtual SIM-A card that can be activated from the operator:

  • πŸ“± You don't need to physically insert the card.
  • πŸ”„ You can quickly switch between tariffs.
  • 🌍 Easy to travel (you can connect a local operator).

To activate the eSIM:

  1. Contact the operator for QR-activation-code.
  2. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Add a mobile fare.
  3. Scan it. QR-code and follow the instructions.

Annexes to the second line

If eSIM is not supported, you can use apps like Google Voice, Dingtone, or TextNow, which allow you to:

  • πŸ“ž Making calls over the Internet.
  • πŸ’¬ Get SMS virtual-number.
  • πŸ”’ Keep confidential (temporary numbers can be used).

Disadvantage: calls require a stable Internet, and some services are paid.

3. Bluetooth headset with two SIM

Some Bluetooth headsets (such as the Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro) support connecting to two devices at the same time, which will not give a second physical line, but will allow you to separate work and personal calls through different gadgets.

FAQ: Frequent questions about second line on Xiaomi

Can we use two? SIM-card and memory card simultaneously?
Not if your smartphone has a hybrid slot (like the Redmi Note 10 or the Redmi Note). POCO X3). In this case, you will have to choose: or the second SIM, Or microSD. Except for the two-slot models. SIM Memory cards (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T Pro).
Why is it that when you call with one SIM, the second one becomes unavailable?
This is a feature of Dual technology. SIM Dual Standby (DSDS). When alone SIM active (e.g. during a call), the second temporarily disconnects from the network, after the conversation is over, the connection will be restored automatically.
How to make the Internet work only through one SIM-map?
Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [Name of name SIM] β†’ Mobile data and disable the switch for an unnecessary card. You can also limit background traffic to Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Data management.
Can I transfer contacts from one SIM to another?
Yes, for this: Open the Contacts app. Click three dots. β†’ Contact management β†’ Import/Export. Select Export to SIM-card, then import contacts to the second SIM. Please note: on one SIM-The card usually contains no more than 250 contacts.
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) β†’ SIM-map β†’ Reset network settings. Delete and repaint SIM-Reverse to the previous version MIUI through settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system β†’ Three points. β†’ Select a service pack. If nothing helps, contact Xiaomi support or the operator.