Xiaomiβs dual-sim smartphones (including the Redmi line, POCO and Mi allow the use of two SIM-You need to turn off one of these cards simultaneously, but sometimes you need to turn off one of them, for example, to save battery power, avoid roaming, or temporarily stop receiving calls to the second number. SIM-maps - from standard settings MIUI Up to Hidden Features for Advanced Users.
It is important to understand that βdisconnection" SIM-The cards can mean different things: software deactivation (the card stays in the slot but doesn't work), hardware shutdown (removal from the tray), or operator lockdown, and we'll focus on the first two, because they don't require you to go to the salon. We also take into account the features of working with eSIM on new Xiaomi models. 13/14 Mix Fold.
If you are looking for a way to completely remove SIM-A card from the system (for example, to free up a microSD slot), then at the end of the article there is a separate section with instructions for safe extraction. SIM, We've prepared alternative solutions without physically shutting it down.
1. Standard method: disabling SIM through MIUI settings
The easiest method is to use built-in shell tools MIUI. It works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of model (from Redmi Note 8 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra) and firmware version (from the Redmi Note 8 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra) MIUI 12 to MIUI The main condition is that SIM-The card was active and recognized by the system.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
- Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (or Mobile Network on older versions) MIUI).
- Choose. SIM-The card you want to disable (for example, SIM 2).
- Move the slider on/off to the off position.
- Confirm the action if the system request appears.
After that:
- πΆ SIM-The card will stop catching the network (signal indicator will disappear).
- π Incoming calls and SMS This number is blocked.
- π± Mobile Internet (if you have been on this site) SIM) shut down.
- π The card will remain in the slot and will be visible in the settings as "Disabled".
βοΈ Preparation before disconnection SIM
An important nuance: on some models (for example, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) after switching off the SIM through the settings, the background mode may remain active - the card will consume energy, although it will not work. To completely stop its activity, you need to extract or use the aircraft mode for a separate SIM (more on this below).
2. disable SIM through the notification panel (fast method)
If you need to temporarily disable a second SIM (for example, while traveling abroad), you can do it directly from the notification panel without going into the settings.This method works on all devices with MIUI 13+ and supports quick activation / deactivation.
How to do this:
- Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
- Find the mobile data tile (antenna icon) and hold it with your finger for 1-2 seconds.
- A menu with a choice will open SIM-Touch the slider next to the right one. SIM, to turn it off.
Advantages of the method:
- β‘ Instant shutdown without clicking on the menu.
- π Easy to return SIM work in the same manner.
- π± Does not require rebooting the device.
Limitations:
- β It doesn't work on older versions. MIUI (up to 12 inclusively).
- β Does not turn off background processes SIM (Battery consumption remains).
- β Not available for eSIM (physical cards only).
3. Completely shutting down the SIM via aircraft mode (to save battery)
If your goal is to reduce battery consumption as much as possible, simply turning off the SIM through the settings may not help: the card will remain active in the background, in which case the selective mode of the aircraft for one of the SIMs will help. This method is especially relevant for models with a weak battery (for example, the Redmi 9A or POCO M3).
Instructions:
- Open the Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Choose. SIM-map you want to deactivate.
- Activate Airplane Mode for this SIM (or Disable the radio module on some firmware).
Important: This method completely stops any network operations for the selected SIM, including background processes, which can increase battery life by 10-15%.
Alternative option (if not available in the menu):
- Enable full aircraft mode (from the notification panel).
- Then open the notification bar again and manually enable mobile data for the second SIM.
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If after the shutdown SIM They stopped coming through the plane. SMS, Check the messaging center settings with your carrier. SMS sympathetic.
4. disable eSIM on Xiaomi (for new models)
Xiaomi smartphones of the latest generations (for example, Xiaomi 13, Xiaomi) 13T Pro, Mix Fold 3 support eSIM (virtual) SIM-A card that doesn't require a physical slot, and the process of turning it off is different from a conventional nano-SIM.
How to deactivate eSIM:
- Go to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks β eSIM.
- Select the eSIM profile you want to disable.
- Click Remove or Disable (depending on the version of MIUI).
- Confirm action. If you select Delete, the profile will be erased from the device (you will have to download again from the operator).
Features of eSIM:
- π The disabled eSIM can be activated again without re-registration with the operator (unless the profile is deleted).
- π± One eSIM can store multiple profiles (for example, for work and personal use).
- β οΈ Deleting your eSIM profile will result in a loss of your number if it is not tied to a physical number. SIM.
What to do if the eSIM is not switched off?
5. Physical extraction SIM-maps: when necessary
If you need to remove it completely SIM-The card (for example, to free up the slot under the microSD or replace it with another), you will need physical extraction. This method is suitable for all Xiaomi models, but has its own nuances depending on the design of the tray.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off your smartphone (recommended, but not required).
- Find a tray for SIM-cards on the side of the device (usually on the right).
- Insert a paper clip or a special key into the tray hole and press gently until the tray is pushed out.
- Remove the tray and remove the unnecessary SIM-If you use a microSD, make sure it is installed in the correct slot (usually SIM 2 is combined with a microSD).
- Put the tray back in before the click.
Warnings:
β οΈ Note: Do not remove the tray when your phone is on if you have a hybrid slot model (e.g. Redmi Note 10.
β οΈ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) tray for SIM It has dust protection, and after extraction, check the sealing ring for integrity.
If after extracting the SIM smartphone stopped seeing the network on the second card, follow the following steps:
- π Reset the device.
- πΆ Check if the tray is properly installed (sometimes it is inserted "upside down" with your feet").
- π οΈ Clear the contacts. SIM-cards and tray with dry fabric (without alcohol!).
6 Problems and Solutions: What to Do If the SIM Is Not Shutting Down
Sometimes users are faced with the fact that SIM-The card does not deactivate through the settings or continues to work after the switch is turned off.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| SIM shutdown slider is inactive | The card is used for mobile Internet by default | Reconfigure the Internet to another SIM in Settings β Mobile Network β Access Point (APN) |
| SIM shuts down but continues to consume battery | Operator background processes (e.g., Mobile Office service) | Disable auto-update services in the operatorβs personal account |
| After disabling the SIM, the network on both cards disappears | Failure of the radio module | Reset your phone or reset your network settings to Settings β Memory β Reset settings β Reset network settings |
| You can't turn off the eSIM. | Profile blocked by operator | Contact the operator to unblock the |
If none of the methods worked, try resetting your network settings:
- Go to Settings β About the phone β Reset settings.
- Select Network Reset (not to be confused with a full reset!).
- Confirm the action and restart the device.
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If SIM-The card is physically damaged (for example, a chipped corner), its disabling through the settings may not work, in which case only the removal or replacement will help.
7.Alternative methods: how to hide notifications from the second SIM without turning it off
If you do not need to deactivate completely SIM-I want to get rid of the intrusive notifications (calls, SMS, operator alerts, alternative settings can be used MIUI. This is true for those who want to keep the number active, but do not want to be distracted by it.
Ways to reduce the activity of the second SIM:
- π΅ Disable notifications: Go to Settings β Notifications β SIM-Disable the alerts and disable the alerts for unnecessary SIM.
- π Redirect calls: Set up conditional forwarding to the primary number via code 21[number]#.
- πΆ Limit mobile internet: In Settings β SIM-map β Select the data transfer settings for the main SIM internet-based.
- π Add to the blacklist: Block unnecessary numbers through the Phone app β Blacklist.
For models with MIUI 14+, the "Run Mode" function is available, which allows you to automatically turn off the second SIM at a specified time (for example, at night) to activate it:
- Go to Settings β Work and rest mode.
- Create a new rule and select the action to Disable SIM 2.
- Set up a schedule (for example, from 23:00 to 7:00).