How to completely disconnect SIM-Map on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Why do users want to disconnect? SIM-Xiaomi Map and When to Make It Really Needed

Xiaomi smartphones with dual SIM-The cards have become the standard for most models, from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra. However, not all the features of the multi-SIM are used to the fullest. GSM Arena, about 38% of dual-slot smartphone owners actively use only one card, while the second one is idle or interferes. SIM It saves battery power, avoids accidental calls from the wrong number and even increases the speed of mobile Internet due to the absence of background processes.

There are many situations where you need to deactivate your SIM, from simple traffic savings to fraud protection, for example, if you use the second SIM only for the Internet, but it periodically “goes” to roam with unpredictable rates, or when one of the cards is tied to a corporate number that should not be active after hours. MIUI 14 has a feature called “Work Profiles”, but it works unstable on older models like the Redmi 9A. In such cases, a complete disabling of the SIM is the only reliable option.

It is important to understand the difference between software shutdown (via the settings menu) and physical extraction: the first is reversible and does not require rebooting, the second is radical, but guarantees 100% deactivation. We will look at both approaches, as well as hidden MIUI features that are not written about in the official manuals.

Method 1: Disable SIM via MIUI settings (without retrieval)

The safest and fastest method is to deactivate the SIM right in the system interface, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 10 and later, including POCO and Black Shark. The main advantage is that the card remains in the slot, but completely stops consuming energy and interacting with the network.

Step instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
• 🔍 Scroll down and select a section. SIM-maps and mobile networks (on some models - Mobile network).
• 📵 Press on. SIM-The card you want to disable (for example, SIM 2).
• 🔘 Translate the slider Include SIM-map off..
• ✅ Confirm the action if a request appears (some firmware requires input) PIN-code).

Once the network icon on this SIM is disabled, it will disappear from the status bar and a gray cross will appear in the settings next to its name. Importantly, if the card was tied to the Mi Account account for two-factor authentication, deactivation of it can block access to certain functions (for example, cloud backup).

Reboot your smartphone (optional, but recommended)

Make sure the network icon disappears from the notification panel

Try making a call with the SIM turned off (an error notification should appear)

Check battery consumption in the Battery section - consumption should decrease-->

Method 2: Use of the PIN-lock-in SIM

If you need to temporarily block SIM from unauthorized use (for example, when transferring the phone to third parties), but not to remove it from the system, the method with the use of the phone is suitable. PIN-This way, it doesn't disable the card completely, but it makes it unavailable without entering a password. MIUI 11-14 and all models that support hardware encryption (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi) K50).

How to turn it on PIN-request:

1. Go to Settings → SIM-cards and mobile networks.
2. Choose the right one. SIM-map, SIM 1).
3. Slip on the item Blocking PIN-code.
4. Enter the standard PIN (usually 0000 or 1234 if not changed).
5. Activate the option to Request PIN when enabled.

Now after each phone restart or retrieve/insert SIM The system will require input PIN. This method is not suitable if you want to completely deactivate the card — it will still be visible on the network and consume minimal traffic to register, but it is reliable against accidental calls or calls. SMS-fraud.

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If you forgot. PIN-The code, it can only be restored through a telecom operator, you need a passport and a number contract. Don't try to match the code after 3 wrong attempts. SIM lock down forever!

Method 3: Physical extraction SIM-maps (nuanced)

The radical, but most reliable way is to take the SIM out of the slot, which guarantees 100% shutdown, but has pitfalls: on some Xiaomi models (such as the Mi 10T or POCO F3), the slot is combined with a microSD tray. If you use a memory card, removing the SIM will lead to loss of access to files.

Step-by-step:

• 🛠️ Take a paper clip or a special key to extract the tray (goes complete with a smartphone).
• 🔍 Find the extraction hole on the side of the device (usually on the right).
• 📱 Carefully press the key until the tray is pushed 1-2 mm, then pull it with your fingers.
• 🪪 Extract. SIM-map from the tray (pay attention to the direction of the cut - it should coincide with the shape of the nest).
• 🔄 Put the tray back in without SIM (or with another card if necessary).

On models with a hybrid slot (SIM + microSD), the memory card automatically turns off after the SIM is removed. To avoid data loss, transfer important files to internal memory or the cloud before the procedure.

Method 4: Disable SIM through flight mode (bypass)

Little-known life hack: if you need to temporarily disable both SIM-You can use the flight mode with manual Wi-Fi activation at the same time (for example, to save charge on a trip), this method does not disable the cards at the hardware level, but completely blocks their interaction with the network.

How it works:

1. Activate Flight Mode in the notification curtain or through Settings → Connections and Sharing.
2. After activation, go to Settings → Wi-Fi and turn on the wireless network manually.
3. Mobile communications will be shut down and Wi-Fi will remain active.

The advantage of the method is that it does not require rebooting and works even on devices that are locked by the operator. SIM They become inaccessible, which is inconvenient if you have to leave one card active, and some applications (such as banking) may require a mobile network to be used to access the mobile network. SMS-proof.

Through MIUI settings

Physical extraction

PIN-code

Flight mode.

Another option-->

Method 5: Hidden commands for engineering menus (for advanced ones)

For users who are ready to dive into technical details, there is a method to disable SIM through the engineering menu (Engineer Mode), which works on most Xiaomi smartphones with Qualcomm processors (for example, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in Xiaomi 13), but requires caution – wrong actions can disrupt the communication module.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##4636## (some firmware may require ##36446337##).
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
4. Click on the drop-down menu next to the SIM you want to disable and select Disable or Turn off radio.
5. Confirm the action and restart the device.

Warning: The engineering menu is designed for testing and debugging. Don't change other settings unless you understand their purpose! For example, resetting Band Mode settings can lead to network loss.

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The engineering menu is a powerful tool, but it's dangerous. Use it only if other ways haven't worked, and you understand the risks.

Comparison of ways: which to choose in your situation

To make it easier, we've put together a table with the pros and cons of each method, and you need to be mindful of your own problems: whether you need a temporary lockdown or a full shutdown, whether you're ready to retrieve the tray, or whether you prefer software solutions.

If your goal is to maximize autonomy, the optimal physical way or disconnect through settings. For security (for example, when selling a phone), it is better to combine the two. PIN-If you need a temporary lockdown (for example, during a flight), you will fit the flight mode.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even in the simple procedure of disabling SIM, Xiaomi users make mistakes that lead to unexpected consequences.

⚠️ Attention: If you're offline SIM, You can only restore it with Xiaomi support, which takes up to 7 days if you have a backup number or email, you can lose access to cloud data.

Mistake 1: Disconnection SIM Many banking apps (SberBank, Tinkoff) and instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) are linked to a phone number. SIM, come SMS-Solution: Move the binding to another card before deactivation or activate backup authentication methods (email, push notifications).

Error 2: Removing the SIM with the phone on. On Xiaomi models with MIUI 12 and older, hot card extraction can cause the communication module to fail. Symptoms: after returning the SIM, the network does not catch, although the card is recognized. Solution: always turn off the smartphone before removing or use a software shutdown.

Error 3: Using a non-original tray: After replacing the slot (for example, during repairs), some users find that the SIM is not recognized or spontaneously disconnected, this is due to mismatches. Solution: buy trays only with the Original Xiaomi marking or in authorized services.

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Before selling your smartphone, make sure to get both. SIM-cards, even if they are disabled software, the new owner can restore access to your data through the carrier!

FAQ: Answers to popular questions