Shutdown SIM-cards on Xiaomi smartphones with a shell MIUI 12 can be required in a variety of situations, from saving battery power to preventing unwanted calls. However, standard methods (for example, through the settings menu) do not always work the same on all models - Redmi Note 9 Pro, Mi 10T or POCO X3 Moreover, the wrong actions when extracting a physical card or software shutdown can lead to modem malfunctions or even loss of network.
In this article, we will look at all the available ways to deactivate SIM, from temporarily disabling through the notification panel to completely deleting the operator profile. Particular attention will be paid to the hidden settings of MIUI 12, which allows you to disable the SIM without physically retrieving the card, while maintaining the ability to quickly return to use. You will also learn how to avoid typical errors, for example, why the card may not be detected after disconnecting or why the smartphone stops catching 4G network.
1.Switch off. SIM-cards via notification panel (quick method)
The easiest and fastest method is to use the notification panel, which is suitable for temporarily turning off the card when you need to, for example, avoid incoming calls or save battery power, and it is important to note that this method does not remove the operator's settings, but only suspends the SIM.
Instructions:
- 📱 Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
- 🔍 Find the “Mobile Data” icon or «SIM-map** (on some models it can be hidden under the button "More" or "Edit»).
After that, the network level icon on the notification panel should disappear or change color to gray. Please note that some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) can continue to charge subscription fees even when the SIM is disabled, unless the autopayment or unlimited service is deactivated.
2. Software shutdown via MIUI 12 settings
If you need a more reliable shutdown (for example, to save charge on a long trip), use the settings menu, which allows you not only to deactivate the card, but also to delete its profile, which is useful when changing the operator.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (some firmware may call it a Mobile Network or Dual Network). SIM).
- Choose. SIM-The card you want to disable (for example, SIM 1 [MegaFon]).
- Move the slider Include this one SIM-map off.
- Confirm the action if the system requests a password or PIN-code.
On some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11) after turning off, the option to delete the SIM profile may appear. Do not use it if you plan to activate the card again - this will cause the reset of all operator parameters, and you will have to enter the PIN again.
Save important contacts to the cloud or device
Check the balance on the counter (if the card is deactivated for a long time)
Disable auto payments and subscriptions tied to the number
Remember. PIN-re-activation-->
3. Complete removal SIM-profile (for changing operator)
If you plan to completely remove the settings SIM-If you're using a card (for example, when you switch to another operator), use this method. It erases all the data of the operator, including the settings. APN, MMS And then you can re-activate the map, but you have to manually type all the customizations (like the Internet.
How to delete profile:
- 🔧 Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- 📌 Choose the right one. SIM-map.
- 🗑️ Click on Delete Profile SIM (Or reset the settings on some firmware).
- ✅ Confirm the action.
⚠️ Note: After deleting the profile, the card may not be determined before the smartphone is restarted. SIM not activated, try inserting it into another slot or using it on another device to check.
What if the SIM is not detected after the profile is deleted?
4. Physical extraction SIM-maps: when necessary
In some cases, software shutdown is not appropriate and you have to physically remove the card.
- 🔋 You want to save as much as possible on your battery (for example, on a hike).
- 🔄 The card is damaged or not recognized by the system.
- 📱 You sell your smartphone and want to delete all operator data.
How to properly remove the SIM:
- Turn off your smartphone (recommended, but not necessarily on new hot-swap models).
- Find a tray for SIM-maps – usually located on the upper or lateral face of the device.
- Use a paper clip or a special key (goes with your phone) to open the tray.
- Take the tray out carefully, remove it. SIM-map and insert the tray back in.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) squash SIM It's combined with a microSD tray, and remove the card carefully so you don't damage your contacts or lose your memory card.
| Xiaomi model | Type of tray | Support for hot replacement | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | Hybrid (SIM + microSD) | Yes. | When removing the SIM, the microSD slot remains operational. |
| Mi 11 Ultra | Double SIM. | Yes. | No support for microSD |
| POCO X3 NFC | Hybrid (SIM + microSD) | No. | Reboot required to recognize new SIM |
| Redmi 9T | Hybrid (SIM + microSD) | Partially. | The hot replacement only works for SIM 1. |
5. Disable SIM via the Engineering Menu (for power users)
If standard methods do not work (for example, SIM does not turn off through settings), you can use the engineering menu, which is suitable for advanced users, as improper actions can disrupt the modem.
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the code ##4636##
- In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
- Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
- Click Turn off radio (this will turn off all mobile networks, including SIM).
⚠️ Note: After using this method, you may need to restart your smartphone to restore network operation, and some operators (such as Tele2) may block access to the engineering menu on new firmware.
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If after disconnecting through the engineering menu, the smartphone stopped catching the network, try resetting the network settings in Settings → System → Resetting → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.
6. Frequent errors and their solutions
When disconnected SIM-Xiaomi cards are often the most common problems that users face. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
Problem 1: After the SIM is turned off in the settings, it is still active.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
- 🔧 Check if Automatic Network Selection is enabled in mobile settings.
- 📱 Try to disable the card through the notification panel.
Problem 2: SIM-The card is not determined after re-enablement.
- 🔌 Check if the card is inserted correctly in the tray.
- 🔄 Perform reset network settings (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings).
- 📞 Contact the operator to check card activation.
Problem 3: Once the profile is deleted, the SIM is not recognized on any device.
- 🆘 Maybe the card's locked by the operator. Try inserting it into another phone.
- 🔧 If the card is damaged, contact the communication salon for a replacement.
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If SIM-The card stopped working after the software shutdown, first check it on another device. If the problem persists, it's the operator's fault, not the smartphone.