How to set up a choice SIM-Maps when calling Xiaomi: Deep customization

Owning a modern Xiaomi or Redmi often involves using two or more SIM cards, which creates the need for flexible management of incoming and outgoing calls. The standard behavior of the system, when a device asks the user about the choice of operator before each call, can be annoying if you prefer automation processes. However, this feature saves money by choosing a tariff with free minutes for specific contacts, or separating work and personal calls.

Understanding how it works SIM-shell-man MIUI Or HyperOS, which gives you complete control of communication, you can assign a permanent card for all calls, set individual rules for each contact, or leave the system in Always Ask mode. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available options, hidden nuances of the communication module and ways to solve typical problems when the phone stops correctly switching between operators.

Special attention should be paid to the fact that the settings may vary depending on the version of Android and regional firmware (Global, China, EEA).Sometimes the interface changes beyond recognition, but the logic of the work remains the same. We will look at universal ways that will help you to adjust the priority of calls regardless of the model of your smartphone, whether it is the flagship Xiaomi 14 or the budget Redmi Note.

Main settings SIM-maps and call management

The first thing you need to do to make a good communication is to go to the SIM card control center. MIUI This section is on the Settings path β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks. That's where it is. SIM-The manager who is responsible for the distribution of traffic and voice calls. If you do not see this item right away, try searching for settings by entering the request Β«SIMΒ».

Inside the menu, you'll see a list of installed cards that can switch status, and you can not only turn on and off SIM cards, but also give them names, which is especially useful if you have two cards of the same operator or maps of different countries. To adjust the behavior of calls, we're interested in the block "Default Calls" or "Voice Calls." The system will offer three options: always use the first card, always the second card or ask every time.

⚠️ Note: If you select the Always Ask option, make sure the screen is active when dialing. On some firmware versions, the Selection dialog box may be blocked by other notifications unless the display priority is set.

Additionally, you can configure Internet access and SMS. Although this does not directly apply to voice communication, comprehensive setting helps to avoid confusion when the Internet β€œgoes away” to a poor card during a conversation.

β˜‘οΈ Checking basic communication settings

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Automation of operator selection for contacts

One of the most useful, but often ignored, features is linking a specific operator to a contact, which allows you to automate the process: when you call your mom, the phone uses your home SIM card, and when you call your customer, it uses a working one.

The contact card, usually in the upper right corner or under the photo, has an optional action menu (three dots or a gear) that can include the option "Configure" SIM-Once the operator is selected, the system will remember that choice, and then when the caller dials the question box will disappear and the call will go through a given channel.

This feature is critical for users who are actively chatting and making calls, minimizing the risk of making a call from the wrong number, which can be perceived as inappropriate behavior in the business environment, and saving time by eliminating unnecessary taps on the screen every time you need to contact an important counterparty.

  • πŸ“ž Open the Contacts app and find the right subscriber.
  • πŸ“ž Click on the contact name to open the full card.
  • πŸ“ž Select the menu item (three dots) and find the option Β«SIM-default-cardΒ».
  • πŸ“ž Specify your preferred operator for all future calls to that person.

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If you change your SIM card to a new one with the same number, your contact anchor settings may be lost.

Setting priorities in the phone application

The standard Google Phone app or the branded MIUI Dialer have their own settings that can override the system. To make sure everything works correctly, open the call app and go to the settings via the menu (three dots β†’ Settings), which often hide important options that affect the behavior of choosing a SIM card.

Accounts and Imports or Additional may have a pre-call confirmation item, and if this option is activated, the phone will show a pop-up even if the system settings have set automatic mode, which is designed to prevent accidental calls, but can interfere with conventional automation.

You should also pay attention to the Direct Call feature, which in some regions allows you to make a call immediately after dialing the last digit of the number, without pressing the call button. If you have this feature enabled in conjunction with Always Ask mode, it can create interface conflicts, and the call simply does not happen.

Setup parameterLocation on the menuRecommended valueImpact on work
Voice callsSIM-maps and mobile networksAlways ask / Car / Car /Determines the basic behavior in recruitment
Confirmation of callSettings of the application PhoneOff.Remove unnecessary dialog windows
Direct call.Special. capabilities / TelephoneOff.Prevents accidental calls
HD-calls (VoLTE)SIM-maps and mobile networksIncluded.Improves communication quality and connection speed
πŸ“Š How do you usually choose a SIM card to call?
Always ask on the menu, Use one main card, customize for each contact, Use switch widget

Use of widgets and quick settings

For those who prefer manual but fast control of SIM cards, the interface is a great choice. MIUI It offers convenient widgets, and you can put them on the home screen or in the notification curtain. SIM-The card allows a one-touch change of the card used for mobile data and sometimes for voice calls, if supported by the shell version.

To add a widget, press the empty space on your desktop and select "Widgets." Find the section related to tools or system settings. Drag the desired item to the screen. This is especially true for users who often travel and change SIM cards with local rates, needing to quickly switch the priority of calls.

However, it is worth remembering that widgets can consume additional battery power, as they constantly update the status of the network. If you notice an accelerated discharge, you should use the standard settings menu.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party widgets for management SIM-Be careful with your cards. They may be asking for excessive permissions, which compromises your privacy and security of calls.

Specifics of work in different versions of MIUI and HyperOS

The MIUI shell is constantly evolving, and with the release of HyperOS, many menus have been redesigned to unify the experience. In new versions of the SIM selection menu, it has become more minimalistic. Sometimes the option "Always Ask" hides deeper or changes the name to "Smart Choice." It's important to understand that visually the path may differ, but the essence remains in finding the word "SIM" in the settings.

In Chinese firmware (CN ROM) versions, the logic of the operation can be radically different from the global ones, for example, there may be more aggressive battery optimization, which force the second SIM card to be turned off in standby mode if it is not actively used, which can lead to the fact that the card selection when calling simply does not occur, since the second card is temporarily not available on the network.

If you upgrade to the latest version and notice that the settings are lost, check the section "Advanced settings" β†’ "Special features." There are sometimes switches that affect the operation of telephony. It is also worth checking whether the flight mode for one of the cards is switched on accidentally, since in new interfaces the indicators may be less noticeable.

Hidden codes for checking SIM status
Enter ##4636## in the dialer. The engineering menu will open. Select Phone Information. Here you can see the detailed status of each SIM card, the network type and force the preferred network type to switch. Be careful: changing the settings in this menu can temporarily disrupt communication.

Solving Choice Problems SIM-map

Often, users are faced with a situation where the phone ignores the settings and calls always from one card, or the selection window simply does not appear. The first reason to be ruled out is the application conflict. Third-party calls installed from the Play Market can intercept call management and do not support dual SIM functionality in the way that the system application does.

The second common problem is damage to the cache of the Phone application or Β«SIM-Manager. In this case, cleaning the data helps. Go to Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ All apps, find Phone and click Clear Data. Don't worry, contacts and call history won't be deleted, only the app's behavior settings will reset.

If the problem persists, it may be the physical part: SIM card contacts may have oxidized or the card itself is damaged. Try removing the SIM cards, rubbing the contacts with soft cloth and inserting them again, preferably in another slot. Also check if your phone supports the combination of cards used (for example, some older models do not support two 4G cards simultaneously in active mode).

  • πŸ›  Check if a replacement application is installed for calls.
  • πŸ›  Clear the cache and data of the system application "PhoneΒ».
  • πŸ›  Restart the device in safe mode to eliminate the impact of third-party software.
  • πŸ›  Update your firmware to the latest stable version via the About Phone menuΒ».
Why doesn’t the phone ask for a SIM card after the upgrade?
After a major system update (e.g. transition from the MIUI 13 by 14) default settings can be reset to "Always use card 1." This is standard security behavior. You need to re-set the Settings path. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks and select the β€œAlways Ask” option in the voice call section.
Can I select a SIM card by the time of day?
There is no such feature in the standard MIUI shell, but you can use third-party automatizers like Tasker or MacroDroid, which can create a script that changes the priority SIM card depending on time or location, but this requires root rights or complex ADB settings.
What to do if the SIM card selection icon is missing when dialing?
If the icon is missing, it's likely that one of the cards is rigidly fixed in the default settings. SIM-You can force the "Always Ask" option to remove both SIM cards, reboot your phone, paste the cards back in, and reset your priorities.

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The key to a stable dual SIM card is that there is no conflict between MIUI system settings and caller apps. Always check your priorities in both places.