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Two. SIM-A card in a single smartphone is not a luxury, but a necessity for many users. With Xiaomi, setting up the second line takes only a few minutes, but requires attention to detail, from choosing a physical slot to configuring network settings. SIM, including nuances for models with a hybrid slot (where you have to choose between the second one) SIM and a memory card, and we will also tell you how to avoid typical errors when setting up.

It’s important to understand that the second-line functionality depends on the firmware version (MIUI 14/15 or HyperOS), the smartphone model, and even the carrier. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and Xiaomi 13 Ultra, the setting algorithm differs from the budget Poco M6 or Redmi A2. We have compiled universal instructions that work on 90% of the brand’s devices, and added a compatibility table for popular models.

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

Not all Xiaomi smartphones have two physical SIM slots. Even if there are two holes under the tray, one of them can be hybrid – that is, you have to choose between the second SIM and a microSD memory card.

  • πŸ” Two full-fledged slots: Xiaomi 13/13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 Pro, Black Shark 5. You can use two nano-SIMs at the same time.
  • ⚠️ Hybrid slots: Redmi 12C, POCO M5, Xiaomi 11 Lite NE. You'll have to sacrifice or the second. SIM, memory-extension.
  • πŸ“± eSIM only: Some flagships (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite for the European market) support one physical SIM + virtual eSIM.

To determine the type of slot:

  1. Remove the tray for the SIM using a paper clip (the hole is usually on the right side of the face).
  2. If a slot is divided into two sections with the inscription SIM1 and SIM2/microSD, it is a hybrid.
  3. For models with eSIM, check the availability of Add mobile network to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
πŸ“Š What kind of guy. SIM-You use the cards?
Two physical nano-SIMs
One physical + eSIM
Only one. SIM-map
I don't know.

Note: on smartphones with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) path SIM It might be different. If you don't find a section, SIM-maps in the standard menu, try to enter the search for settings the request β€œdual simΒ».

Physical installation second SIM-maps: Step-by-step

If your Xiaomi supports two physical cards, follow this instruction. For hybrid slots, first decide which is more important: a second line or additional storage.

Turn off your smartphone (required!)

Prepare a paper clip or tool to remove the tray

Check the size of the SIM (Nano-SIM only!)

Make sure that both cards are activated by the operator.-->

Next:

  1. Remove the tray: insert the paperclip into the hole on the side face (usually on the right) before clicking. The tray will extend 2–3 mm – carefully pull it out.
  2. Place it. SIM-Cards: For two full-fledged slots: install nano-SIM in the SIM1 and SIM2 (This is important if you plan to use a single card for 4G, For a hybrid slot, choose either the second one. SIM into SIM2, MicroSD, but not both at the same time!).

Put the tray back in:

Turn on the phone:

Critical detail: if one of the SIMs is not identified after activation, check if it is installed correctly (the chip must be turned down) and if the contact tongue is bent in the tray. On the Redmi 10C and POCO X5, users often confuse the sides - the card is inserted "upside down".

3. Second line setup in MIUI/HyperOS

After the physical installation, you need to configure the network settings. The algorithm depends on the firmware version:

Firmware versionThe path to settingsFeatures
MIUI 12–14Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [Name. SIM]You can assign a name to each card (e.g., β€œWorker” and β€œPersonal”)
HyperOS (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70)Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ SIM- MapsAdded a Network Priority section for each SIM separately
POCO LauncherSettings β†’ SIM cards and networksThere is no separation between β€œmain” and β€œadditional” SIM

The main parameters that need to be configured:

  • πŸ“ž Name. SIM-Cards: Assign convenient labels (for example, β€œMTS” and β€œTele2”), so as not to get confused when calling.
  • 🌐 Network mode: For the second line, you can select only 3G, If you only need it for calls (saves charge).
  • πŸ”„ Call forwarding: set up automatic call forwarding from one SIM The other one, if one of them is not available.
  • πŸ“Ά Priority for data: choose which one SIM It will be used for mobile internet by default.

For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with HyperOS, the path to configuring the redirect looks like this:

β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ SIM- Cards β†’ [Select SIM] β†’ Additional β†’ Call forwarding

πŸ’‘

If after setting up the second SIM Do not catch the network, try to manually select the operator in the Settings menu β†’ SIM-map β†’ [Name. SIM] β†’ Network operators. Sometimes automatic search fails, especially on new firmware.

4. Features of working with eSIM on Xiaomi

Virtual SIM (eSIM) is available on a limited number of Xiaomi models, mainly for European and global markets, including: Xiaomi 13 Lite, Xiaomi 12T Pro, POCO F5.

  1. Get it. QR-activation code or data for manual input from its operator (for example, MTS, Beeline or MegaFon support eSIM).
  2. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Add a mobile network.
  3. Select Scan. QR-Operator code or manually enter data.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen. Once activated, the eSIM will appear in the list of available SIMs.

Important nuances:

  • ⚠️ Only one eSIM can be used on a single device. + physical SIM.
  • πŸ”„ Switching between eSIM and physical SIM It takes up to 30 seconds (reboot of the communication module is required).
  • πŸ“± Some operators (e.g, Tele2) Do not support eSIM for Xiaomi – check in advance.
What to do if the eSIM is not activated?
After the scan, QR-When the error appears "I failed to connect to the network", check: 1. Does your model support eSIM (the list of officially compatible devices is available on the Xiaomi website). 2. SMDP+ Address and Activation Code (with manual input). 3. Is the firmware updated to the latest version (in older versions) MIUI If the problem persists, try resetting the network settings to Settings. β†’ SIM-map β†’ Resetting mobile network settings.

5. Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after you set it up properly, the second line can malfunction, and here are the typical situations and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If after installation of the second SIM The main card stopped working, check if the contact in the tray is bent. POCO X4 Pro is a common problem - the metal tongue bends away when the installation is careless.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The second SIM is not determinedA loose fit in the trayRemove the tray, check the position of the map and contacts
There is no network on one of the SIMsFrequency conflict (e.g., both 4G SIMs)In network settings for one SIM, select 3G only.
No calls are made via the second SIM.The operator does not support VoLTE on the additional line.Turn off VoLTE in the settings or contact the operator
Battery discharges fastBoth SIMs are in 4G/5G modeFor the second SIM, only set 2G/3G in your network settings.

If none of these methods worked, try:

  1. Reboot the smartphone.
  2. Reset network settings in Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Resetting mobile network settings.
  3. Update the firmware to the latest version (especially relevant for HyperOS).
  4. Contact the service center if the problem is hardware (for example, a damaged slot).

6. Optimization of the two SIMs: tips for advanced

Two. SIM-It's convenient, but without the right settings, you might run into a battery drain or a network conflict:

  • πŸ”‹ Saving charge: for the second SIM turn off 4G/5G, If you only need it for calls, it'll cut battery consumption. 10–15%.
  • πŸ“ž Smart Redirect: Configure automatic call forwarding from one SIM to the other if one of them is not available (for example, in roaming).
  • 🌍 Roaming: If you travel frequently, turn off automatic roaming for a second SIM, avoiding unexpected expenses.
  • πŸ“Ά Data Priority: In the settings, specify which SIM It should be used for mobile Internet by default.

Xiaomi has a useful feature called Smart Switching, where the smartphone automatically selects the SIM with the best signal for calls, to activate it:

Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ SIM- Maps β†’ Intelligent Switching

πŸ’‘

If you use two SIMs from the same carrier (for example, two MTS cards), you may experience conflicts when you connect to the network at the same time, in which case, for one of the cards, you must set the 2G Only mode.

7.Alternatives: When Dual SIM is Not Suitable

If your Xiaomi doesn’t support two SIMs, or you need more than two numbers, consider alternatives:

  • πŸ“± Second second SIM Apps: Services like Dingtone or Google Voice allow you to get a virtual number to call over the Internet.
  • πŸ”„ Call forwarding: set up a free forwarding from the second SIM mainway USSD-For example, for MTS, it's 21]#.
  • πŸ“‘ Wi-Fi Calling: If the second SIM You only need to make calls, activate this function in the settings (requires operator support).
  • πŸ’³ Multiple.-SIM from the operator: some operators (for example, MegaFon) offer the service "Multicard" - one number for several SIM.

For business users, a solution with a virtual PBX (for example, Zadarma or Mango Office) is suitable, where you can link several numbers to a single device through a mobile application.

FAQ: Frequent questions about second line on Xiaomi

Can I use two SIMs and a memory card at the same time?
Not if your smartphone has a hybrid slot (for example, on the Redmi 12C or POCO M5), in which case you have to choose between the second SIM and microSD. The exception is the three-slot models (for example, Xiaomi 11T Pro), but they are rare.
Why is the second SIM not catching 4G, although the operator supports it?
This may be due to: Frequency conflict if both SIMs are trying to connect to 4G at the same time. Solution: for one of the SIMs, set 3G Only mode. Operator restrictions (some tariffs do not support 4G on additional lines); firmware settings (HyperOS sometimes resets network settings after an update). Try manually selecting the network type in the SIM settings or contact the operator.
How to transfer contacts to the second SIM?
MIUI/HyperOS doesn’t have a built-in SIM-export function, but you can use a workaround: Export contacts to.vcf via Contacts β†’ Settings β†’ Import/Export. Insert a second SIM into another phone (or use a computer adapter), copy contacts to it. Return SIM to Xiaomi. Or use apps like SIM Contacts Manager from Google Play.
Can I use two SIMs from different operators in roaming?
Yes, but there are nuances: Check the operators' rates for outgoing roaming calls - sometimes it is cheaper to call over the Internet (Wi-Fi Calling). Some smartphones (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) can turn off mobile Internet on one of the SIMs. To save money, turn off automatic updates of applications via the mobile network.
How to disable notifications about the second SIM?
The smartphone does not show notifications of new SIM or change the network: Go to Settings β†’ Notifications and status bar β†’ Notification of SIM-Disable the option to show notifications about the mobile network. SIM You can also disable balance notifications via the operator menu (USSD-team).