Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 offer users flexible communication management tools, allowing them to quickly switch between operators or completely block the communication module if necessary. Often, there is a situation when you need to temporarily deactivate one of the SIM cards to avoid unnecessary roaming costs, or completely disconnect the phone from the network for digital detox. Understanding how to disable the SIM card programmatically or physically is a basic skill for any owner of an Android device.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods for deactivating communication modules on your gadget. We will consider not only the standard settings of the MIUI interface, but also the nuances of working with the card tray, as well as actions in cases where the system does not respond to commands. Software shutdown allows you to instantly stop receiving calls and SMS without removing plastic, which is especially convenient in cinemas or meetings.
However, there are situations where a more radical approach is required, such as fully removing the media from the slot, and it is important to distinguish between these concepts, since deactivating the slot in the settings menu and physically removing the card lead to similar results, but have different technical implementations.
Software disabling SIM card through MIUI settings
The fastest and safest way to stop a SIM card is to use the built-in operating system interface, which doesn't require additional tools or third-party apps, just access the device screen. Open the Settings app on your desktop or in the app menu.
In the list of parameters that opens, you need to find the section responsible for wireless networks. MIUI, it could be called «SIM-Maps and mobile networks, or simply Connections, go to this section and you'll see a list of all the slots installed and available, and you can manage each one separately, giving you full control over mobile traffic and voice.
Opposite the desired slot (SIM 1 or SIM 2), a switch will be placed. When you put it in an inactive position, you instantly turn off the card. The system can request confirmation of action or warn that calls and the Internet will stop working through this module. Once confirmed, the status of the card will change to "Disconnected", and the network indicator will disappear in the status bar.
- 📱 Open Settings and select a paragraph «SIM-maps and mobile networks».
- 🔌 Find the right slot and transfer the switch to the “Off” position».
- ✅ Confirm the action in the pop-up window if the system requests confirmation.
⚠️ Attention: After the software shutdown SIM-Incoming calls will be unavailable and the sender will hear the signal “subscriber is unavailable” or “off”, depending on the operator’s settings.
☑️ Pre-switch check
Physical extraction SIM-cardboard
If software methods are not available or you need a complete guarantee of no communication, the only solution is to physically remove the media. This method is also necessary if the SIM card is out of order, damaged or not detected by the system. For the procedure, you will need a special clip that comes with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9, or a thin needle.
Find a narrow hole near the card tray on the end of the device. Carefully press the paperclip inside the hole perpendicular to the body until the tray pops out. Be careful not to make excessive efforts to damage the spring mechanism or scratch the smartphone body. Remove the tray completely and remove the card from the appropriate slot.
Once the card is removed, insert the tray back into the phone before the characteristic click, and the system automatically updates the list of available networks, and the indicator disappears. This method guarantees 100% disconnection of the connection, since there is no physical contact with the chip completely.
This means that the second slot can be installed or the second. SIM-card or microSD card. Be careful when installing, so as not to damage the contacts.
| Action. | The result | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| Software shutdown | Network down, card on the phone. | Minimum |
| Physical extraction | Full contact interrupted | Damage to the tray when negligence |
| Flight mode | All radios are offline. | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are shut down |
Using the “In-Air” mode as an alternative
Often, users don't just need to turn off one particular SIM card, but they need to completely shut down all wireless connections, and there's a universal function called flight mode, which activates the mode to block all transmissions: cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC.
You can turn it on in two ways. One is through the Quick Access Panel: swipe down the screen to open the curtain and click on the icon of the plane. The other is through the settings menu in the Connections or Wi-Fi and Internet section, which is useful when you need to quickly stop data transmission and incoming calls.
A unique feature of modern versions of Android is the ability to leave Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on even in flight mode, which allows you to stay in touch via messengers using the Internet, while remaining inaccessible to regular calls over the cellular network.
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If you are in a bad reception zone, turning on flight mode for 10 seconds and then turning off will help the phone to find the nearest tower faster and restore a stable signal.
It's worth noting that flight mode consumes significantly less battery power, as the communications module stops constantly scanning the airwaves for the network, a great way to save charge in critical situations.
Solving definition problems SIM-map
Sometimes users try to turn off the SIM card because the phone stops seeing it or constantly gives out errors. SIM-maps or insert SIM-The first thing you need to do is check if the media in the tray is installed correctly.
The contacts on the card itself may have oxidized or become contaminated. Try gently wipe the gold chip with a soft dry cloth. It's also worth checking if the card itself is mechanically damaged. If you have the option, install the same SIM card in another phone to rule out malfunction.
In some cases, network resets help. Go to Settings menu → Connections and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Press the reset button and confirm action. This will return all network settings to factory values, which often eliminates software conflicts.
⚠️ Note: Resetting network settings will remove saved passwords from Wi-Fi networks and associated Bluetooth devices, so write down the necessary data in advance.