Shutdown SIM-Xiaomiβs smartphone cards can be used in a variety of situations, from saving battery power to protecting privacy. MIUI This article will reveal all possible methods, including hidden engineering menu features and hardware solutions that work even on locked devices.
We tested the instructions on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Redmi 10C models with MIUI 13-15 firmware (Android 11-14). We focused on the nuances for Dual SIM + MicroSD devices and hybrid slots. If you need to not just turn off communication, but completely de-energize SIM modules for surveillance or radio frequency testing, here you will find working solutions.
Why Standard SIM Disconnection Doesn't Work
In the interface. MIUI There is an obvious option Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β [choice SIM] β However, when you try to deactivate the second SIM after the first one, the system gives a notification: "Although one of them is not available." SIM-The card must remain active. This restriction is at the firmware level and is associated with:
- π‘ Operator policy: on some devices (especially those linked to the contract) the complete disconnection of communication is blocked.
- π Energy conservation: MIUI Optimizes modems, but does not provide a scenario with two switched off SIMs.
- π οΈ Hardware limitations: on budget models (e.g. Redmi) A1) There is no software switch for the second slot.
Another trap is background activity, and even after the SIM is turned off, it can stay online to:
- π© Receipts SMS (For example, for two-factor authentication).
- π Geolocation via cell towers (used by Google and Mi Cloud services).
- β° Time synchronization over the network (setting Automatic date and time).
Method 1: Disconnect via engineering menu (for experienced)
The Engineering Mode allows you to control RF modules at a low level, which works on all Xiaomi devices, but requires caution β incorrect settings can disrupt communication.
To get on the menu:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the combination: ##4636##
- Select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
Next:
- πΆ Click Turn Off Radio β This will turn off all mobile modules.
- π To selectively disconnect, go to the tab SIM Management and deactivate each SIM individually.
βοΈ Preparation for work with the engineering menu
β οΈ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 14 Global) after the radio is turned off, the module may not turn on again without restarting. If the connection is lost, restart the device or enter the command in the engineering menu: AT+CFUN=1
For models with Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, POCO X5 Pro) is available advanced mode:
- In the engineering menu, select BandMode.
- Set No Service for both SIM slots.
- Save the settings and restart the device.
Method 2: Physical extraction SIM-card (most reliable)
If the software methods fail or you need to guarantee that you will de-energize the SIM modules (for example, to test the device in a βofflineβ mode), then mechanical extraction remains.
| Slot type | Xiaomi models | Instructions | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dual SIM (2 nanoSIM) | Redmi Note 11 Pro, Xiaomi 12T | Use a paper clip to retrieve the tray. The cards are placed one above the other. | Damage to contacts with improper extraction. |
| Hybrid (SIM + MicroSD) | POCO M5, Redmi 10A | You have to choose between a second SIM or a memory card, and the tray is removed with a paper clip. | MicroSD data loss during hot replacement. |
| eSIM + nanoSIM | Xiaomi 13 Lite, Redmi K60 | Physically, only nanoSIM can be removed. eSIM is disabled in Settings β Mobile Network β eSIM. | Resetting eSIM requires re-activation by the operator. |
For extraction:
- Turn off the device (required!).
- Find a hole to extract the tray (usually on the upper or lateral face).
- Insert the paperclip before clicking and gently pull out the tray.
- Take it away. SIM-cards and insert the tray back without distortion.
π‘
If the tray is jammed, do not apply force! Put the smartphone for 10 minutes in a warm place (for example, next to the battery) - the metal will expand slightly, and the mechanism will unlock.
β οΈ Attention: On devices with IP53/IP68 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) after the tray is removed, leakage is broken. Do not use the smartphone in wet conditions before installation SIM backwards.
Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for developers)
If you have access to Android Debug Bridge (ADB), can be turned off SIM-This is a method that works for teams:
- π§ Devices with unlocked loader.
- π± Smartphones on MIUI EU custom-made.
- π₯οΈ Testing devices without physical access to the tray.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings β About Phone).
- Enable USB debugging in Settings β Additional β For developers.
- Connect the device to the PC and execute commands:
adb shell
su
setprop persist.radio.multisim.config dsds
setprop persist.radio.sib16_support 0
stop ril-daemon
start ril-daemonTo disable a particular SIM (e.g., slot 1):
adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.AIRPLANE_MODE --ez state true
adb shell settings put global airplane_mode_on 1
adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.SERVICE_STATE --es phoneinuse "false" --ei simSlot 0What if the ADB canβt see the device?
Method 4: Using the "In-Air" mode to bypass restrictions
The aircraft switches off all wireless modules, but in MIUI There is a loophole: you can manually activate Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, leaving SIM-However, the system can automatically reconnect the mobile network when the:
- π Reboot the device.
- πΆ Wi-Fi signal loss (if Auto Connection to Mobile Network is enabled).
- β° Updates of network time.
To block automatic activation:
- Activate the mode in the plane through the notification curtain.
- Go to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- For each SIM Turn off the options: π Incoming challenges πΆ Mobile data π© SMS
Automatic time synchronization
π‘
Even in In-Air mode, some system services (such as Mi Cloud) can periodically activate the mobile network to check notifications. To avoid this, turn off background activity for applications in Settings β Applications β Permissions β Autorun.
Method 5: Disconnect via operator settings (for contract devices)
If your Xiaomi is tied to a carrier (for example, bought under a contract with MTS or Beeline), standard methods may not work due to the lock firmware.
- Call the operator and request a temporary suspension of services on both numbers.
- Use it. USSD-Teams: For MTS: *111*55# (For Beeline, shut down: *110*180# (For MegaFon, it's a suspension: *105*00# (locking out. For Tele2: *155*1# (shutdown).
Settings β SIM-map β Unlocking PUK
Please note:
- π The suspension of services from the operator may be limited (usually up to 6 months).
- π° Some operators charge a reconnection fee (e.g. MegaFon β 100).β½).
- π΅ After suspension, the number can be transferred to another subscriber (through the 3-6 months).
Frequent problems and their solutions
When disconnected SIM-Xiaomi maps users are faced with typical errors. Here's how to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Symka is switched off, but after a while it is activated again. | MIUI Background Processes or Operator Services | Turn off autosynchronization in Settings β Accounts and disable auto-run of operator applications. |
| No option to disable the second SIM | Firmware Restriction (e.g. MIUI Global Stable) | Use the Engineering Menu or ADB (see Methods 1 and 3). |
| After removing the SIM, the device does not see the tray | Contact damage or contamination of the slot | Clean the tray with alcohol, check the spring mechanism, if it doesn't work, contact the service. |
| Mobile Internet is not working after the SIM returns | Resetting APN settings | Go to Settings β Mobile Network β Access Points (APN) and restore the operator configuration. |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- π§ Firmware version: on MIUI 12 and below may not be available. Update your device.
- π‘οΈ Root rights: on rooted devices, you can use applications like SIM Toolkit for forced shutdown.
- π Resetting: In extreme cases, reset to factory settings (but this will delete all data!).