SIM-card setup on Xiaomi: from installation to problem solving

Xiaomi’s smartphones support one or two of them. SIM-But the correct configuration of the cards often raises questions among users, and the correct installation of the SIM depends not only on access to the mobile network, but also on the operation of messengers, calls and even some system functions. In this article, we will discuss all the steps from the physical installation of the map to fine-tuning the network parameters, including solving typical problems.

Features of setting up sim cards on Xiaomi differ from other brands: there are unique options like choosing a priority sim for data, settings VoLTE/VoWiFi And you can manage dual cards in hybrid slots. 13 Pro+ or POCO X6, This guide will help you avoid errors and connect to the network quickly.

Preparation: which SIM-The card is suitable for Xiaomi

Before installing, check which type of SIM card your model supports. Most modern Xiaomi smartphones (released after 2018) use nano-SIM (4FF format). However, budget models like the Redmi A2 can come across a hybrid slot where the second SIM competes with the microSD card.

If you have an old micro-SIM or mini-SIM, you can trim it to nano-SIM with a special stapler (cost ~ 100 rubles) or order a replacement from the operator. Using an improperly cropped SIM card can damage the slot, in which case repairs will cost 1,500-3,000 rubles.

• 📱 Standard slots: two nano-SIMs (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Ultra, POCO F6 Pro)
• 🔄 Hybrid slots: nano-SIM + nano-SIM/microSD (Like Redmi. 13C, POCO M6 Pro)
• ⚠️ eSIM: supported only in flagships (Xiaomi) 13T Pro, Xiaomi 14) and requires a separate setup from the operator.

To find out the exact configuration of your model slots, check the official page on the Xiaomi website (Specifications → SIM Card).

Physical installation SIM-maps: Step-by-step

Installing a sim card in Xiaomi requires care - improper removal of the tray can damage contacts.

1. Turn off your smartphone. This is a must to avoid failures when initializing the card.
2. Find a SIM card slot — usually on the top or side edge. In metal-framed models (such as the Xiaomi 12S Ultra), the slot can be hidden under a plug.
3. Insert a paperclip (or a special key from the kit) into the hole next to the slot and press before clicking. The tray will be pushed out automatically.
4. Place the SIM card in the tray with the contacts down, combining the bevelled corner of the card with the slot angle. For dual SIM, use SIM1/SIM2 tags on the tray.
5. Carefully push the tray back before you click.

Make sure the SIM card sits tightly in the tray |

Check that the card contacts are not contaminated |

Turn on your smartphone and wait for the initialization of the network (1-2 minutes) |

If the network does not appear, restart the device.

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In hybrid slots (such as Redmi 12), the second SIM card is given priority if it is installed, which means that the microSD will not work as long as the second SIM is active.

⚠️ Warning: If after installing the SIM card, the smartphone does not see the network, do not try to remove the tray by force. → SIM-Maps and mobile networks. 30 percent of the time, software solves the problem.

Activation SIM-maps and initial setting

After installing the SIM card, the Xiaomi smartphone should automatically identify the operator and connect to the network.

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose your SIM card (if there are two of them, tap the right one).
3. Activate the switches: 📶 Mobile data – for access to the Internet. 📞 Calls for outgoing/incoming calls. 💬 SMS - to send messages.

Add a mobile network manually

For dual SIM cards in Xiaomi, additional options are available:

• 🔄 Switch by default: Select which SIM will be used for calls, SMS and mobile Internet by default.
• 📊 Data traffic: You can assign a basic SIM for the Internet or allow the use of both (with automatic switching if you lose your network).
• 🔕 Regime “Only” 4G/5G": shut off 2G/3G to save charge (useful in areas with good coverage).

4. Mobile Internet setting (APN, 4G/5G)

Without the correct APN (Access Point Name) settings, mobile internet will not work, and in most cases, settings are loaded automatically, but sometimes you have to enter them manually.

To set up APN on Xiaomi:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Access points (APN).
2. Click Add and enter your operator's settings. Below is a table with current data for Russian operators (2026):

After you enter the settings, save the settings and restart the smartphone. If the Internet does not work, check:

• 🔄 Relevance of the tariff (some operators block the Internet at zero balance).
• 📡 Network mode: c Settings → SIM-map → Preferred type of network select 4G (preferably)/5G.
• 🔒 Restrictions: Some apps (such as Mi Security) can block mobile traffic.

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If internet speed is low, try disabling the option to Increase download speed in the settings SIM-In some regions, this function conflicts with operators' networks.

5. Features of the double setup SIM-map

Xiaomi’s dual-SIM smartphones allow for flexible call and internet management. Here are the key settings:

• 📞 Calls: You can assign a separate ringtone for each SIM or enable the option to Always Ask to select a SIM before calling.
• 🌐 Internet: C Settings → SIM-map → Mobile data, select which SIM to use for data transfer. Note: if both SIMs are active, the smartphone will consume more power.
• 🔄 Autoswitching: Switch to another function SIM When a signal is bad, it automatically transfers calls to the second SIM if the first one is not available.

An important nuance: in hybrid slots (for example, in the POCO X5), you can not use two SIM cards and a memory card at the same time.

Business users can use the Work Profile (available in MIUI 14+) to separate personal and work contacts/messages into different SIM cards to activate:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Double Apps.
2. Select a Work Profile and link it to the second SIM card.
3. Set up separate notifications and icons for work contacts.

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If you travel frequently, turn off automatic roaming for a second SIM card to avoid unexpected expenses. → SIM-map → roaming.

6.Typical problems with the SIM-card

Even after you set up your SIM card correctly, you can have a failure, and let's look at the most common problems and their solutions.

If none of the solutions worked, check the IMEI status:

1. Dial *#06# – if zeros or “unknown” are displayed instead of IMEI, the problem is firmware or hardware damage.
2. Try to restore the IMEI through the Mi Flash Tool (requires an unlocked bootloader).

⚠️ Note: If your smartphone stops seeing your SIM card after falling or getting moisture, don’t try drying it with a hair dryer or rice. Immediately take it to a service center – contact corrosion can worsen in a matter of hours.

7. Additional settings: VoLTE, VoWiFi and 5G

Modern Xiaomi smartphones support VoLTE (voice over 4G) and VoWiFi (wi-fi calls) technologies to activate them:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Challenges through 4G (VoLTE).
2. Turn on the VoLTE and VoWiFi switches.
3. VoWiFi may require additional activation from the operator (for example, MegaFon needs to send). USSD-request *506#).

To access 5G (on supported models like Xiaomi 13T Pro or POCO F5 Pro):

• Make sure your tariff supports 5G (check with the carrier).
• In the settings SIM-pick out the cards 5G In the section Preferred type of network.
• If 5G doesn’t appear, update your firmware – older versions of MIUI may not support new bands.

Important: VoLTE and VoWiFi may conflict with some calling apps (like WhatsApp or Viber) if call notifications are missing after activation, disable these features or add apps to exceptions.

8. Optimization of battery consumption during use SIM-map

Two active SIM cards and a constant search for the network increase battery consumption by 15-25%.

• 🔋 Turn off network search for the second SIM: in Settings → SIM-map → [choose SIM2] → Search Network Select Manual and Turn Off Automatic Search.
• 📶 Limit background traffic: in Settings → Connections → Data usage disable background data transfer for unnecessary applications.
• ⚡ Use the energy saving mode: in Settings → Battery activate Balanced Mode – it limits SIM card activity in the background.

If you rarely use a second SIM card, you can turn it off completely in the settings, leaving only the main one, which will extend the smartphone’s life by 10-15%.

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When traveling, turn off automatic roaming for both SIM cards if you don’t plan to use them, and this will prevent unexpected charges for connecting to foreign networks.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up SIM-maps on Xiaomi