Why you might need to disconnect SIM-maps on Xiaomi Redmi
Shutdown SIM-cards on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are a procedure that is required much more often than it seems at first glance. You may be planning to use only one of the two SIMs temporarily, want to save battery power, avoid roaming overseas, or simply test your phone without a mobile network. In some cases, a disconnect is required to diagnose communication problems β for example, when the phone is not catching the network or constantly switching between carriers.
Feature of the Redmi line - support for dual physical SIM-cards (in models such as Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) or combinations of nanoSIM + eSIM (as in Redmi) K50 This complicates the process, because turning off one SIM doesn't always mean deactivating the other. MIUI (Xiaomiβs branded shell of the SIM-card management menu is hidden deeper than in βpureβ Android, which causes confusion among users.
It is important to understand the difference between software shutdown (via phone settings) and physical extraction. The first is temporary and reversible, the second is radical but sometimes necessary (for example, when selling a phone), In this article, we will discuss both approaches, as well as the nuances of working with eSIM and dual SIMs.
Method 1: Disconnection SIM-maps through settings MIUI
The safest and most recommended method is to deactivate the SIM via the menu. MIUI. It is suitable for all Redmi models (from Redmi). 9A Up to Redmi Note 13 Pro+) The main advantage is that you can quickly get the SIM back to work without restarting the phone.
The instructions are relevant to MIUI 12/13/14 (including global and Chinese firmware versions if you have an older version (e.g, MIUI 11 on the Redmi 8), The path to settings may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same.
- Open βSettingsβ (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
- Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (in some versions β Mobile Network or Dual Network) SIM mobile).
- Select the SIM you want to disable (if there are two, they will be marked as SIM 1 and SIM 2 or by the name of the operator).
- Move the slider Include SIM-map to off position (gray).
- Confirm the action if a pop-up window with a warning appears.
And then the SIM will be deactivated, but it will remain in the slot. SMS And you can only use the mobile Internet through the second SIM card (if you have one), and to activate the disabled card again, repeat the same steps and move the slider back.
βοΈ Checking the shutdown SIM-map
β οΈ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 10C) After disabling the SIM through the settings, the phone can continue to show it in the Bluetooth device list as "callable." MIUI, which does not affect the real work - the SIM will still be disabled.
Method 2: Use of the PIN-lock-in SIM-map
If you need not just to disable the SIM, but to block it from unauthorized use (for example, when transferring the phone to another person), you can use the SIM card. PIN-This method is suitable for physical nanoSIM and eSIM (if your Redmi model supports electronic SIMs like Redmi). K60 Pro).
Unlike the first method, here the SIM remains active in the operatorβs network, but access to it is blocked before entering. PIN. This is useful if you want to save a number on the network (for example, to obtain a number). SMS), but limit calls and the internet.
- π Activation. PIN-query: Go to Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β [select a sim] β Lockdown PIN. Enable the option and enter the standard PIN (Usually 0000 or 1234 if you haven't changed it).
- π± Lock after reboot: Once this feature is enabled, the phone will request PIN Every time you turn on or reboot, without code input, the SIM will remain locked.
- π Reset PIN: If you forget the code, it can only be restored through the operator (passport and contract required). PIN sim!
This method is not suitable if you want to completely disable the SIM from the network - it will remain registered in the operator's network, just access to it will be limited. For complete deactivation, it is better to combine this method with the first one (first turn off the SIM in the settings, then turn on the SIM in the settings). PIN).
What to do if the phone asks for PUK-code?
Method 3: Physical extraction SIM-phone-card
A radical, but sometimes necessary, method is to completely remove the SIM from the slot, and this is true in the following cases:
- π¦ You sell or transfer your phone to another person and donβt want to leave your SIM.
- π Simka drains the battery (rarely, but happens when the chip is damaged).
- π οΈ The phone needs repair, and the master asks to remove all removable elements.
- π You are traveling and want to insert a local SIM without leaving your main one.
To extract the Sim from Xiaomi Redmi, you will need a paper clip or a special key (combined with the phone).
| Model phone | Slot type | Location. | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi K50/60 | Hybrid (2 nanoSIM or 1 nanoSIM + microSD) | Left end (under volume buttons) | The slot is pushed out completely, the SIMs lie one above the other. |
| Redmi 10/11, Redmi 9T | Single slots (2 nanoSIM + microSD) | left or right end | SIMs are inserted into different compartments, microSD - separately |
| Redmi A1/A2 | 2 nanoSIM (without microSD) | Upper end | Slot is small, SIMS are inserted "face up" |
| Redmi K40 Pro, Redmi Note 10 Pro | Hybrid | Left end | When removing the SIM, the microSD may fall out - be careful |
Step-by-step extraction instructions:
- Turn off your phone (required!) to avoid damaging the SIM or slot.
- Find a small hole on the end of the phone for a paper clip.
- Insert the paper clip at an angle of 45Β° And push a little, and the tray will move out.
- Take the tray carefully, remember the location of the sims (if there are two).
- Remove the desired SIM and insert the tray back before clicking.
β οΈ Note: On hybrid slot models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro) when one SIM is removed, the second one may move and stop contacting. Always check after extraction if the remaining SIM is working!
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If the tray is not retractable, do not apply force - try to sway the paper clip slightly or use a thinner object. In extreme cases, contact the Xiaomi service center to avoid breaking the mechanism.
Features of working with eSIM on Xiaomi Redmi
Xiaomi Redmi models of the latest generations (starting with Redmi) K50 Redmi Note 12 Pro+) They support eSIM, an electronic SIM card that doesn't require a physical media:
- π² No physical extraction: eSIM is software-bound to the phone, so it can only be deactivated through settings or removed completely.
- π Delete Profile: To remove eSIM completely, go to Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β eSIM and select Delete Profile. After that, the SIM will disappear from the phone, and you will need a new one to reactivate it. QR-operator.
- π Lockdown PIN: You can also include a request for eSIM. PIN-code (similar to physical SIMs).
Important: If you delete an eSIM profile, it will not be possible to restore it without the operator. QR-activation code or backup of the profile (if the operator provides such an opportunity).
On some models (e.g. Redmi) K60 Ultra) eSIM can be hidden from the active SIM list without removing it completely:
- Go to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Click on the eSIM you want to disable.
- Select to disable (do not delete!).
- The profile will remain on the phone, but will not be active.
What to do if SIM-card won't go off
Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the SIM does not deactivate through the settings or continues to work after extraction.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Smoke disable slider is inactive (gray) | SIMCA is blocked by the operator or phone | Check the balance, enter PIN, If requested, or contact the operator |
| After the extraction of the SIM is still determined | Residual cache in MIUI slot-in-the-box | Restart your phone or reset your network settings (Settings) β SIM-map β Resetting network settings) |
| You canβt turn off the main SIM (only the second one) | Limitation of operator or firmware | Change the SIMs in the slots or update MIUI last-minute |
| eSIM does not turn off through settings | Failure of the profile or restriction of the operator | Remove and add a profile again or contact the operator for support |
If none of these methods worked, try resetting your network settings:
- Go to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Resetting network settings.
- Confirm the reset (you will need to enter a password from the phone).
- After the reboot, try turning off the SIM again.
β οΈ Note: Resetting network settings will delete all stored Wi-Fi passwords, data about connected Bluetooth devices and VPN-You can only use this method as a last resort!
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If the SIM is physically removed but the phone can see it, the problem may be a damaged slot or contacts, in which case only repairs at the service center will help.
Like a blackout. SIM-Cards affect the operation of the phone
Many users are worried that deactivating the SIM could have a negative impact on the performance of Xiaomi Redmi.
- π Battery savings: A switched off SIM does not consume power to search for the network, which can increase the time of operation by 5-15% (especially in areas of weak signal).
- πΆ Internet speed: If you have two SIMs, disabling one can improve the stability of the second (the phone wonβt βjumpβ between networks).
- π± Performance: CPU load is reduced minimally β modern chips (for example, Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 in Redmi Note 12 Turbo) easily cope with the work of two sims.
- π Security: A switched off SIM cannot be used for surveillance or retrieval SMS (Relevant to transferring the phone to third parties).
There are, however, downsides:
- β οΈ I can't take calls or SMS SIM SIM turned off (even if it remains in the slot).
- β οΈ Some banking apps and services (such as Google Authenticator) may require an active SIM to confirm your sign-in.
- β οΈ In roaming, a disabled SIM can be automatically activated (depending on the operatorβs settings).
If you use your phone without a SIM at all (for example, only via Wi-Fi), please note that:
- π Precision geo-location features (like Google Maps) will work worse without mobile network data.
- β° Automatic time synchronization can get lost (especially when transitions between time zones).
- π¨ Emergency calls (e.g. 112) may not work without an active SIM (depending on country).