Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 offer users extensive network connectivity management. Often, there are situations where you need to temporarily deactivate one of the SIM cards, for example, to save battery power, eliminate interference with Wi-Fi use, or simply switch to another network without physically removing the chip. Understanding how to properly manage slots is a basic skill of an Android device owner.
The MIUI operating system, which is installed on the Redmi Note 7, has a software-based locking process that does not require complex manipulations. However, the settings interface can vary depending on the firmware version, which sometimes causes confusion for beginners. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available ways to disable the communication module, and also consider related problems that can arise when working with the network.
Before we get to the specific steps, it's worth noting that software shutdowns can instantly break the connection with the operator, which is useful if you're in a bad reception zone, where the phone is constantly losing signal and wasting energy on finding it, and it's also true for those who use the device as a multimedia tablet that doesn't need mobile Internet right now.
Software Disconnection through MIUI Settings
The simplest and most common method is to use a built-in settings menu, which doesn't require a device to restart and takes effect instantly. First, you need to unlock your smartphone screen and find the standard Settings app, which is usually located on the home screen or in the Tools folder.
After you enter the menu, you should scroll down to the wireless connection section. MIUI It can be called differently, but most often the desired item is in the block «SIM-Maps and mobile networks. Click on this section to see a list of all maps installed in the device.
Here you'll see switches for each slot. To deactivate the SIM card, you just need to turn the switch to off. The system can request confirmation of action or warn that calls and SMS will not arrive at this number. Importantly, after you turn off the network icons in the status bar, it will disappear or change, which will signal the successful execution of the operation.
⚠️ Note: After the software disables the SIM card, incoming calls to this number will not be available. The subscriber will hear the standard operator message that the phone is turned off or is out of range of the network.
If you have two SIM cards installed in your device, you can only turn off one of them, leaving the other active, allowing you to flexibly manage your communication costs or separate work and personal contacts without physically removing either of the chips.
Use of the Engineering Menu for Advanced Users
For those who are used to having full control of their device, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 provides access to the engineering menu, a hidden part of the system designed for testing equipment and diagnostics, where you can not only turn off the SIM card, but also force the network mode (for example, only 2G or only 4G), which sometimes helps in areas.
To get into this menu, you need to open the Phone app and dial a special code. For most MediaTek and Qualcomm processor-based devices, including the Redmi Note 7, code ##4636##. Once you enter the last digit, the menu must open automatically without pressing the call button.
In the list that opens, select Phone Information. If there are two SIM cards, there may be more than one (Phone Information 1, Phone Information 2). Find the Set Preferred Network Type. Although there is no direct “Switch off” button, the Turn off radio option completely deactivates the radio module for the selected slot.
Using the engineering menu requires caution. Changing the radio module parameters can temporarily disrupt communication before the device restarts. However, for the Redmi Note 7, this method is a proven way to deep-tuning the network interface.
Physical extraction SIM-map
If the software methods for some reason do not work or the device is frozen, there is a time-tested physical method. Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is equipped with a combined tray that allows you to use two Nano-SIM SIM cards or one SIM card and microSD memory card.
To extract, you will need a special paper clip that comes with the kit, or a thin needle.The hole to extract the tray is on the bottom end of the smartphone, next to the USB Type-C connector. Be careful: in the Redmi Note 7, the tray is bilateral, but has a specific shape, so it is important not to confuse the sides when you reverse install.
Carefully press the paperclip into the hole before the click and remove the tray. Once you take out the SIM card, you are guaranteed to disconnect it from the network. This method is also useful for cleaning contacts if there are problems with determining the network. The gold contacts of the SIM card should be clean and not have scratches for stable operation.
When you reverse install, make sure the bevelled corner of the SIM card matches the marking on the tray.Incorrect installation can cause the device to fail to see the card or, in the worst case, damage the reader.
☑️ Pre-extraction check
Flight mode as an alternative
Often, users don’t need to turn off the SIM card, but simply interrupt all wireless connections, in which case the ideal solution is “In the plane” mode (Air mode). On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, it can be activated with a swipe down from the top of the screen to call the notification curtain.
Clicking on an airplane icon instantly shuts down all the radios: cellphone, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. This is the fastest way to turn off your phone if you're in a movie theater, in a meeting, or just want to take a break from notifications. Unlike disabling a particular SIM card, this mode affects the entire device.
The advantage of this method is speed. You don't have to go deep into the settings menu, but if you want to leave Wi-Fi on for instant messenger calls, but turn off the cellular network, you'll have to adjust the flight mode further, manually turning on Wi-Fi after activation of the flight mode.
Comparison of SIM card management methods
The way you choose to turn off depends on your current tasks, and here is a table that will help you navigate which method is best used in a given situation, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
| Method | Speed. | Impact on the battery | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI settings | Medium | Saves charge | Low. |
| Engineering menu | Low. | Maximum savings | Tall. |
| Physical extraction | Low. | Total shutdown | Medium |
| Flight mode | Instant. | High savings | Low. |
As you can see from the table, the standard system settings are best suited for everyday use, and the engineering menu should be left for cases where standard functions fail or a specific radio module configuration is required.
Frequent problems and their solution
Redmi Note 7 users may experience a situation where after switching off the SIM card, the phone continues to show the network or the Internet is not working properly. Often this is due to the cache of network settings, in which case resetting the network settings to factory values helps.
To do this, go to Settings -> Advanced Settings -> Restore and Reset -> Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile internet and Bluetooth settings. Attention: This operation will remove saved passwords from Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth pairs, but will not affect your personal files and contacts.
⚠️ Note: Before resetting your network settings, make sure you remember passwords from important Wi-Fi networks, as it will be impossible to recover them from the system after resetting.
Another common problem is the lack of response to switching the tumbler in the settings. This may indicate a software failure of the MIUI shell. In this case, it is recommended to check for system updates or perform a forced reboot of the device by pressing the power button for 10-15 seconds.
The impact of SIM disabling on the smartphone
Disabling the SIM card not only stops calls, but also affects a number of system functions, for example, the number determination for incoming calls stops (if VoIP is not used), may not come. SMS-Bank confirmation codes, and some applications may require an active SIM card for initial registration.
On the other hand, disabling the second SIM card in the Redmi Note 7 can have a positive effect on battery life. The phone stops scanning the frequencies of the second operator, which reduces the load on the processor and antenna. This is especially true in areas of uncertain reception, where the device constantly switches between towers.
Also worth remembering is the Dual 4G feature. MIUI supports two SIM cards in 4G mode at the same time. If you turn off one of them, the second will go into priority mode, which can theoretically improve connection stability by freeing up the resources of the radio part.