How to completely disable Xiaomi SIM service on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones

Xiaomi Service SIM — Integrated solution for virtual management SIM-While useful for fast mobile internet connectivity, the feature is often a source of annoyance: it consumes traffic in the background, shows annoying tariff notifications and can conflict with the main one. SIM-In this article, we will analyze all working ways to disable the service on Xiaomi, Redmi and smartphones. POCO steerable MIUI 12–14, including hidden settings and radical techniques for persistent cases.

The problem is that the manufacturer doesn't always provide an obvious deactivation switch. In some firmware, the option is hidden in the back of the menu, and in others it is not at all in the interface. We tested the solutions on devices from Xiaomi 11T Pro to Redmi Note 12 and found three universal methods that work even with a locked bootloader. Important: before you start, check the version of MIUI in Settings → Phone, this depends on the choice of method.

What is Xiaomi SIM and why it should be turned off

Xiaomi Service SIM (Sometimes referred to as Mi. SIM Virtual SIM) — This is a proprietary technology that allows the use of virtual SIM-Cards from partners (e.g. China Mobile or local operators in some regions) have been introduced to make it easier to connect to mobile networks without physical contact. SIM, But in practice, it brings more problems:

• 📵 Background activity: the service periodically polls Xiaomi servers, spending up to 50-100 MB of traffic per month.
• 🔔 Spam Notifications: Offers to activate tariffs or update user profile.
• 🔄 Conflicts with the main SIM: There are cases when the service reset the settings APN or block the connection to 4G/5G.
• 🛡️ Security issues: in older versions MIUI Vulnerabilities associated with the transfer IMEI service.

According to traffic analysis conducted by XDA Developers enthusiasts, the service sends data to sim.xiaomi.com and api.miui.com even when mobile internet is disabled (via Wi-Fi), which can become a problem for users who monitor privacy or use limited rates.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global (European/Indian firmware) Xiaomi service SIM It can be disabled by standard means (MIUI China) often requires additional manipulation or root rights.

Method 1: Disconnect via MIUI settings (without root)

The simplest method, which works on most MIUI 12-14 devices, is suitable for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO,Released smartphones after 2020. Importantly, the path to settings may vary slightly depending on the firmware version.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Tapping on Xiaomi SIM (or Virtual SIM) if it's not available, go to Method 2.
3. Translate the slider Enable Xiaomi SIM in the off position..
4. Confirm the action by pressing OK in the dialog box.

After disconnection, it is recommended:

• 🔄 Reboot the device (this will clear the cache of the service).
• 🧹 Clear the application data SIM Toolkit in Settings → Annexes → Application management.
• 📡 Check traffic consumption in Settings → Connections and sharing → Using traffic.

No item is missing “Xiaomi” SIM" customized SIM-map

No notifications from the service in the curtain

The SIM Toolkit application does not consume traffic

There are no processes in the application log called "com.miui.virtualsim"-->

⚠️ Note: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro with a MIUI 13.0.5) After shutdown, the service may be activated spontaneously after the firmware update, in which case you will need to repeat the procedure or use Method 3.

Method 2: Deactivation via ADB (for power users)

If the standard method does not work, you can disable the service using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method does not require root rights, but requires a computer and USB-It's suitable for all versions. MIUI, including Chinese firmware.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux).

adb devices

The name of your device should appear.

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.virtualsim

Reboot your smartphone.

To return the service back, use the command:

adb shell pm enable com.miui.virtualsim

Method 3: Radical removal (requires root)

If previous methods have not worked, the system application is completely removed, which is suitable for users with unlocked bootloader and superuser rights. Deletion of the service is irreversible and can lead to unstable operation of the communication module on some firmware.

Instructions for Magisk or TWRP:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/MiuiVirtualSim or /system/app/MiuiVirtualSim
3. Delete the MiuiVirtualSim folder or rename it to MiuiVirtualSim.bak.
4. Clear cache and data via TWRP (wipe → Advanced Wipe → Dalvik/ART Cache).
5. Reset the device.

Alternative method through Magisk:

• 📱 Install the App Systemizer module from the Magisk repository.
• 🔍 Find it in the list of com.miui.virtualsim.
• ❌ Select the Uninstall option and confirm.

💡

Before you delete your system files, back up your /system partition via TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery to restore your system to work when you have an error.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI China removes Xiaomi SIM may cause a malfunction of the work IMS (VoLTE/VoWiFi). Before the procedure, check if your operator supports these functions without a virtual one. SIM.

Standard settings of MIUI

ADB-team

Removal through root

Another method-->

Problems after disconnection and their solutions

In most cases, deactivation of Xiaomi SIM goes without consequences, but some users face side effects.

If the mobile Internet is missing after the shutdown:

1. Check if it's active. SIM-map in Settings → SIM-map.
2. Switch network mode to 3G Only, then back to 4G/5G.
3. Install the Network Signal Guru app and perform a communication diagnosis.

💡

If after the shutdown of Xiaomi SIM critical errors (for example, it is impossible to make calls), restore the service through the ADB-adb shell pm enable com.miui.virtualsim and try alternative methods.

How to check if the service is actually disabled

Users often think they have deactivated the Xiaomi SIM, but it still works in the background. Here are 4 reliable ways to check:

• 🔍 Application log: Open Settings → Annexes → App management. Find Xiaomi SIM Virtual SIM. Check status: must be disabled.

Traffic monitoring

• Install NetGuard or GlassWire.
• Check if the device is sending data to sim.xiaomi.com.

ADB-team

adb shell dumpsys package com.miui.virtualsim

In the output, look for the line enabled=false.

Logs of the system

• Use MatLog or Logcat.
• Filter the posts with the keyword VirtualSim.

If the service continues to work despite all manipulations, it is likely integrated into the system process telephony, in which case only the firmware custom software (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will help.

Xiaomi SIM Alternatives: What to Use Instead

If you have disabled the built-in service, but still need a virtual SIM, consider alternative solutions:

To activate eSIM from third-party providers:

1. Download the official service application (for example, Airalo).
2. Choose a tariff and pay it.
3. Scanner. QR-Activate the eSIM profile in Settings → SIM-map → Add eSIM.

💡

Before buying an eSIM, check your device’s compatibility on the provider’s website.Some Xiaomi (like Redmi 9A) don’t support the technology.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling Xiaomi SIM