Two. SIM-It's convenient, but not always necessary, because you might want to save battery power, avoid unnecessary calls to your work number over the weekend, or just stop using the second SIM. SIM-maps on Redmi devices, POCO and other brand lines – from temporary deactivation to complete removal of the operator profile.
It’s important to understand that the process differs depending on the MIUI firmware version (12, 13 or 14) and the phone model. We’ll look at the universal methods that work on most devices, including the Xiaomi 12/13/14, Redmi Note 10/11/12 and POCO F/X. You’ll also learn how disabling SIM affects 4G/5G, calls and messages, and what to do if the phone doesn’t see the SIM after re-enable.
Why you might need to disconnect SIM-map
At first glance, having two SIM cards seems like a plus, but in practice, users face several problems:
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge: two active SIM-The cards constantly scan the network, which increases power consumption by 15-25% (according to Xiaomi tests on the network). MIUI 14).
- 📵 Call interference: If both SIMs support VoLTE, conflicts may arise when incoming calls.
- 💰 Extra costs: subscription fee for unused SIMK or roaming on the second line.
- 🛡️ Security: risk of data leakage through an irrelevant number (e.g., linked to old accounts).
In addition, some applications (such as banking or instant messengers) may conflict with two active SIMs, especially if they are tied to different operators, in which case temporarily disabling one of the cards helps to avoid crashes.
Method 1: Temporary disabling of SIM via MIUI settings
The easiest and safest method is to deactivate the SIM through the settings menu, which is suitable if you plan to use the card again later. MIUI 12–14:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (or Mobile Network on older versions).
- Select the SIM you want to disable (e.g. SIM 1 or SIM 2).
- Move the slider Include SIM-map off.
- Confirm the action in the pop-up window (if it appears).
After that, the SIM will stop catching the network, but its data (number, contacts, messages) will be stored. To activate the card again, repeat the steps and turn on the slider.
☑️ Post-switch check SIM
⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) After disabling the SIM through the settings, mobile Internet access may disappear even on the second card. → Mobile network → Access point (APN) Choose the active SIM manually.
Method 2: Disable SIM via Quick Settings Panel
If you need to quickly deactivate the SIM without deep settings, use the notification bar:
- Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
- Click on the Mobile Data icon (or SIM 1/SIM 2 Data) and hold it for 2-3 seconds.
- In the menu that opens, select Settings. SIM-map.
- Slip on the SIM you want to turn off and deactivate it with a slider.
This is convenient when you need to urgently turn off the SIM, for example, before traveling abroad to avoid roaming, but it is not available on all firmware - MIUI 14 for the global version may not be available.
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If the Quick Settings Panel does not display options SIM-Add them manually: click on the pencil icon (✏️) In the notification panel and drag the desired items to the active area.
Method 3: Completely delete the profile SIM-cards (resetting settings)
If you no longer plan to use the SIM, it can be completely removed from the system, which can be useful, for example, when selling a phone or changing the operator. APN) will be erased!
Instructions:
- Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Select the SIM you want (for example, SIM 2).
- Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Remove Profile (or Reset Settings).
- Confirm the action by entering the screen unlock password (if necessary).
Once removed, the SIM will appear as an Unknown Card or No Service, and to use it again, you will have to insert it into another phone and configure it again (for example, get the APN settings from the operator).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13 and older, after deleting the SIM profile, network priority may reset (e.g., with a 4G on 3G). Check the settings in the Mobile Network → Preferred type of network.
Method 4: Hardware shutdown (extract) SIM-map)
If the software methods don’t work (for example, the SIM doesn’t turn off due to a MIUI failure), you can physically remove it from the tray, which is suitable for Xiaomi with hybrid slots (where one of the SIMs shares space with the microSD card).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off your phone (required!) to avoid damaging your contacts.
- Find a tray for SIM-cards – usually located on the upper or lateral face of the device.
- Insert a paperclip (or a special key from the kit) into the tray hole and gently press it to move out.
- Remove the unnecessary SIM by leaving the tray in place (or replace it with a microSD if needed).
- Insert the tray back before the click and turn on the phone.
Once the SIM is removed, the phone will automatically switch to the remaining card. If you use Dual SIM + microSD, note that some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) support either two SIMs or one SIM + memory card.
What if the tray is jammed?
Features of disabling SIM on different models Xiaomi
The process may vary depending on the model and version of MIUI, and the table below shows the key differences:
| Model/Lineak | MIUI version | Features of SIM disconnection | Support for 5G support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | 14 | Disconnection through Settings → SIM-map → Management SIM. Supports "one-number mode" to save charge. | Yes (Dual 5G) |
| Redmi Note 12 | 13/14 | There's no quick switch in the notification panel, just through the settings. When you turn it off, you reset the VoLTE settings. | Yes (SIM 1 only) |
| POCO F4/F5 | 13 (Global) | Supports SIM shutdown without rebooting. There is an option on the menu to limit background activity to save battery. | Yes. |
| Redmi 10A/9A | 12 | There is no separate SIM control in the notification panel. When you retrieve the SIM, the APN can reset. | No. |
On 5G devices (such as the Xiaomi 12T or POCO F4 GT), disabling one of the sims can automatically switch network priority to the remaining card. If you use Dual 5G, make sure that the disabled SIM was not the main one for high-speed Internet.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When disconnected SIM-Xiaomi users face several common mistakes. Let's look at the most common and ways to fix them:
- 🔄 Simka doesn't turn off through settings: Reboot your phone. If it doesn't help, update. MIUI Up to the latest version or reset your network settings (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth).
- 📶 Mobile Internet disappears after the SIM is turned off: Check if the SIM that was disabled was the main data transfer. → Mobile network → Access point (APN) and choose an active SIM.
- 🔕 You can't call from a disabled SIM: This is normal behavior - a deactivated SIM can't make calls. If you want to temporarily block only outgoing ones, use the operator's code (for example, *33*PIN# to block outgoing ones).
- 🔋 Battery drains faster after switching off the SIM: Perhaps background processes continue to scan the network. → Battery → Battery usage and check which apps are consuming charge.
If the phone has stopped seeing any card after the SIM has been turned off, check the physical condition of the tray - sometimes the contacts become oxidized or contaminated. wipe them with a stripe or alcohol, then restart the device.