Shutdown SIM-cards on smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO It can be used in a variety of situations, from saving battery power to temporarily switching to a single operator, but not all users are aware that there are several ways to deactivate devices with two physical slots (or eSIMs), from standard to hidden. Moreover, some models behave in an unobvious way: for example, after disconnecting through the notification panel SIM It can remain active in the background, consuming traffic.
In this guide, we will discuss 5 proven methods to disable one or both of them. SIM-Xiaomi cards, including nuances for specific lines (e.g. Redmi Note 12 or X-rays) POCO X5 We will pay special attention to common errors - why the card does not turn off through the settings, how to completely block it for calls and mobile Internet, and what to do if the signal on the second one disappears after deactivation. SIM. You will also find a table of compatibility of methods with different versions. MIUI and answers to frequent questions in FAQ.
1. disable SIM through the notification panel (fast method)
The most obvious and quick method is to use the notification bar, which is suitable for most Xiaomi models on MIUI 12-14, but has a limitation: the card remains active for receiving SMS and mobile data in the background (unless configured otherwise).
How to do this:
- π± Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
- π Find the Mobile Network icon** (usually next to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth). Press and hold it for 1-2 seconds.
- π The mobile network menu will open. Here you'll see both. SIM-maps, for example, SIM 1 and SIM 2).
- π Switch the slider next to the right one. SIM In the position "Off." the network icon on the notification panel should disappear.
β οΈ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 13 Global) This method only disables calls and mobile internet, but the map remains available for the mobile phone. SMS and operator services (e.g. bank notifications) to completely deactivate it, use the method β2 or β3.
If after disconnecting through the notification panel, SIM continues to consume traffic, check the mobile data settings:
- Go to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Select the SIM turned off and make sure that the Mobile Data option is turned off.
2. Completely disabling the SIM through system settings
This method is guaranteed to deactivate SIM-map of all levels: calls, SMS, Mobile Internet and background services. Suitable for all Xiaomi models, including older ones (Redmi) 4X) and new (Xiaomi) 13T).
Instructions:
- βοΈ Open Settings (cog icon on the main screen).
- π‘ Go to section. SIM-maps and mobile networks (on some firmware - Double) SIM mobile).
- π Choose. SIM-The card you want to disable (for example, SIM 2).
- π At the top of the screen, find the slider On/Off and turn it to the βOffβ position.Β».
- π Confirm the action if a request appears (some models require input) PIN-code).
After that SIM-The card will be fully deactivated until the next reboot or manual activation:
- π Try calling the blackout. SIM from another phone β a signal βsubscriber is not availableβ should be givenΒ».
- π Check if the mobile network icon has disappeared next to the clock.
βοΈ Checking the shutdown SIM
3. disable SIM via the engineering menu (for power users)
If standard methods donβt work (for example, due to firmware glitches or after the MIUI update), you can use the engineering menu, which is suitable for models based on Qualcomm Snapdragon (most Xiaomi and POCO) and requires caution β wrong actions can disrupt the network.
Step-by-step:
- π± Open the Phone app and type in the combination: ##4636## Some models may require #84377### (to check). SIM).
- π§ In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
- π‘ Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block or SIM Management.
- π Find the Disable option SIM Or turn off radio for the right reasons. SIM-maps and confirm the choice.
β οΈ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 14 China) the engineering menu can be blocked. If nothing happens after entering the code, try using the app Β«MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek devices) or Shortcut Master to find hidden menus.
The advantage of this method is that it bypasses the limitations of the interface. MIUI and off SIM However, after rebooting, the card can be activated again. To fix the result, combine this method with disconnecting through settings (the method). β2).
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
4.SIM Disabled through Flight Modes and Network Priority
Little-known life hack: if you need to temporarily disable both SIM-maps (e.g. to save charge), but still have the ability to quickly turn on, use the flight mode with exceptions. This method works on all Xiaomi models and does not require root rights.
How to set up:
- βοΈ Enable Flight Mode via the notification panel or in Settings β Connections and sharing.
- π Return to the main notification panel and hold the icon Flight Mode 2-3 seconds.
- πΆ In the menu that appears, select Flight Mode Settings.
- π Activate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options, but leave the mobile network off.
- π Now, both of them. SIM-The cards will be disabled, but you can use the Internet via Wi-Fi.
This is a convenient way to switch between "complete isolation" and "wi-fi only" modes, such as on the subway or on the plane, and the main advantage is that you don't have to go into the settings every time. SIM-map.
5. disable SIM for specific functions (calls, internet, SMS)
Sometimes you don't have to turn off SIM completely, but only for specific tasks, like leaving the card active for SMS (for bank notifications), but blocking mobile Internet, or vice versa, only allowing data, but not calling, in MIUI this is configured flexibly.
How to set up a selective shutdown:
| Function | Path in settings | Action. |
|---|---|---|
| Calls. | Settings β SIM-map β Choice SIM call-in | Choose only one SIM or always ask. |
| SMS | Settings β SIM-map β Choice SIM for SMS | Check the SIM or always ask for it. |
| Mobile Internet | Settings β SIM-map β Mobile data | Select Unplugged or other SIM |
| 4G/5G | Settings β SIM-map β Preferred type of network | Choose 2G only to save your charge |
Example: If you want to leave SIM 1 for calls only and SIM 2 for the internet only:
- B Settings β SIM-map β Choice SIM Select for calls SIM 1.
- In the mobile data, specify SIM 2.
- In SIM Selection for SMS, mark Ask Always.
β οΈ Note: On some models (POCO F4 GT, Xiaomi 12 Pro) when selecting only 2G one-for-one SIM The second can automatically switch to 4G, In this case, use the Network Signal Guru app to manually manage networks.
π‘
If after setting up a selective disconnect, mobile Internet disappeared, restart your phone or manually select the network in Settings β SIM-map β Network selection (e.g. Yota or Tele2 instead of automatic).
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Even after the right shutdown SIM-Xiaomi users face unexpected problems. Let's analyze the most frequent:
Problem 1: SIM-The card is disabled but continues to consume traffic.
- π Check if mobile data is included for this SIM In Settings β Transfer of data β Mobile traffic.
- π₯ Open the Settings. β Annexes β Data management and see which programs are using the mobile network.
- π Restart your phone β sometimes background processes donβt close right away.
Problem 2: After one SIM is turned off, the signal on the second one disappears.
- πΆ This is a typical problem for devices with MediaTek Helio (e.g. Redmi). 9A or POCO M3). Solution: Turn on Flight Mode for 10 seconds, then turn it off. Go to Settings. β SIM-map β Selecting a network and selecting an operator manually.
Settings β About the phone β Network reset
Problem 3: You canβt turn off the SIM β the slider is inactive.
- π Maybe it's on the map. PIN-Enter it into the settings. β Security β Lockdown SIM-map.
- π± If your phone is running an eSIM (like Xiaomi 13 Lite), try turning it off via Settings. β eSIM.
- π Restart the device in Safe Mode (press the power button) β Reboot in Safe Mode and try again.
Please note that after deleting the eSIM profile will have to be downloaded again.