How to disable the SIM card on the Xiaomi smartphone: all methods

Many owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco sooner or later face the need to temporarily deactivate one of the most expensive smartphones. SIM-This may be required when traveling abroad to prevent unnecessary costs, during meetings when incoming calls need to be blocked, or to check the device's performance in flight mode with active Wi-Fi. MIUI The new HyperOS provides flexible tools for managing communication modules, but the interface sometimes changes, confusing users.

There are several ways to do this, from running a regular software switch on the menu to more radical methods like resetting the network settings or physically retrieving the tray. It is important to understand the difference between software locking and completely disabling the module, as this affects the display of network status at the top status bar. In this article, we will discuss all the current options, including hidden opportunities for advanced users.

Before we make any changes, it's worth noting that software shutdown doesn't delete data from the carrier card itself. Your contacts saved on the SIM and the balance remain safe. However, if the phone doesn't see the network after it's turned on, you may need to reboot the device or re-activate the menu item. Let's look at the step-by-step instructions.

Software Disconnection through System Settings

The easiest and safest method available to every user is in the standard settings menu, which doesn't require root rights or third-party software, but is ideal for temporarily turning off the second SIM while talking on the first one or saving battery life because the communication module stops searching for the network.

To do this, you need to open the Settings app and find the partition that handles wireless connections. The path may vary slightly from firmware to firmware, but the logic remains the same «SIM-maps and mobile networks" where all installed modules are displayed.

• 📱 Open Settings and select a section SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• 🔌 Find the switch opposite the desired SIM card (SIM 1 SIM (2) and put it in an inactive position.
• ✅ Confirm the action in the pop-up window if the system requests confirmation of the operation.

After this, the status bar network icon will disappear for the selected number. If you have a dual-sim phone, the second card will continue to work normally, taking calls and SMS. This is convenient for separating personal and working time without having to remove plastic from the tray.

💡

Software disabling through settings is a standard method that does not affect the warranty and is completely reversible in one click.

Use of an exception flight mode

Often, users don’t just need to turn off the SIM, but completely silence the radios, while leaving Internet available via Wi-Fi. Standard “Flight Mode” in Android usually turns everything off, but there are nuances in Xiaomi shells: You can activate air mode, and then manually turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, leaving the mobile network locked.

This is useful when you're in a bad reception zone, and the phone is constantly losing signal when you're trying to find it, which is critically draining the battery, and it's also true in airplanes or places where cell phone use is prohibited but wireless internet is allowed.

⚠️ Note: In some older versions MIUI When you turned on the flight mode, Wi-Fi could turn off automatically. MIUI 14/15 The system allows you to keep Wi-Fi active, but it is better to test this behavior experimentally before an important trip.

This mode is controlled through the notification curtain. You just swipe down and click on the icon of the aircraft. If you want one SIM to work and the other does not work, this method will not work, use the instructions from the previous section. The flight mode silences all cellular radio frequencies at once.

Setup of preferred network and connection type

Sometimes, users may mean a ban on certain types of communication, such as 4G or 5G, leaving only voice calls over 2G/3G. This may be necessary in areas where LTE coverage is unstable, or for a forced transition to a more energy-efficient mode.

In the SIM card settings menu, you can choose your preferred network type. If you select GSM Only, the smartphone will stop connecting to high-speed Internet via the operator, effectively disabling mobile traffic but leaving the ability to call. This is a fine-tuning that requires understanding the differences between communication standards.

Access to advanced network settings often requires logging into the engineering menu or using hidden codes, but basic settings are available in the normal interface, and changing these settings can affect Internet speed and voice quality (VoLTE).

Blocking calls and SMS without disabling the SIM card

The user's goal may not be to technically shut down the module, but to block incoming traffic. If you want a SIM card to work for the Internet, but no one could reach you, there are more elegant solutions than completely shutting down. The built-in MIUI features allow you to flexibly manage filtering.

The Security app (green shield icon) has a powerful Lock tool, where you can set up a blacklist, block unknown numbers, or even create a schedule where calls are banned at certain times, which allows you to turn off the voice SIM, leaving it active for data.

• 🛡️ Launch the Security app and go to the Lock section.
• ⚙️ Click on the settings gear and select Blacklist or Lock Rules».
• 📅 Set up a schedule or add specific numbers that shouldn't pass.

Also, telecom operators offer services "Antispam" or temporary blocking of incoming calls through the Internet. USSD-This solution works on the operator side, so the battery of the phone is consumed in normal mode, and the SIM card is technically active.

Comparison of methods of disabling the SIM card

To make it easier for you to choose the right option, we have systematized the basic methods in a table, each with its advantages and disadvantages depending on your particular situation - whether it is energy saving, privacy or troubleshooting.

As you can see from the table, software shutdown through settings is the middle ground, and it allows you to quickly get the connection back to work with one touch, as opposed to physical extraction, where you need a paper clip and time, but for maximum energy savings on a long hike, you better use air mode.

💡

If you switch SIM cards frequently, add a widget «SIM-To do this, press the empty space on the screen, select "Widgets" and find the corresponding item.

Physical extraction and tray work

In situations where software methods do not help, or if the SIM card is damaged and causes system errors (“No service”, constant reboots), the only way out is physical extraction. On modern Xiaomi smartphones, the tray is usually combined (SIM + microSD) or hybrid, which requires care.

To extract, use a special paper clip that comes with the kit, or a thin needle. The hole is on the bottom or top of the device. Important: do not use thick objects, so as not to damage the mechanism of the spring inside the case. Easy pressing is enough to get the tray out.

⚠️ Note: Do not try to remove the tray while the phone is on if there is an active recording to the memory card or intensive data exchange at this time, although modern file systems usually experience this. For SIM cards, hot extraction is safe, but it is better to do it in the off state or through the off menu so that the system correctly updates the statuses.

Once removed, examine the SIM card contacts. If they are oxidized or contaminated, gently wipe them with dry soft cloth. Installation back requires orientation: the card bevel must match the bevel on the tray. Don't put too much effort into pushing the tray.

Solving problems: SIM card is not turned off or is not turned on

Users sometimes encounter firmware bugs when the switch in the menu sticks or the SIM card is not detected after turning on, often due to a conflict of software settings or a temporary failure of the radio module, in which cases resetting the network settings helps.

This operation will not delete your personal files, photos or apps, but will return all network settings to factory values.You will have to re-enter passwords from Wi-Fi networks and configure Bluetooth connections, but this often solves the problem of the “hanging” status of the SIM card.

To perform the reset, go to Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile Internet and Bluetooth. After the reboot, check the switches. If the problem persists, it may be the hardware or the SIM card itself, which should be replaced by the operator.