Modern smartphones Xiaomi Redmi series provide users with flexible communication management tools, allowing you to deactivate at any time. SIM-This feature is especially relevant when you need to quickly interrupt the flow of incoming calls and SMS-Gadget owners often look for a way to turn off the SIM on the shaomi redmi to save battery power or switch to using only Wi-Fi connection in roaming.
The procedure for software locking the communication module takes only a few seconds and requires no special technical knowledge. The MIUI operating system, based on Android, has an intuitive interface where card management is put into a separate menu. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of the configuration, consider alternative methods and answer frequently asked questions so that you can fully control the operation of your device.
The need to temporarily disable a card can occur in a variety of situations, from attending a meeting to wanting to avoid unnecessary expenses abroad. Understanding how to properly manage SIM slots through software is a basic skill for any Xiaomi smartphone user.
Why it may be necessary to disconnect SIM-map
There are many scenarios where the user is required to temporarily shut down the communication module. One of the most common reasons is battery savings. When the phone is in the zone of insecure reception, it begins to consume energy intensively trying to find the network. In such cases, the software shutdown of the SIM helps to significantly extend the battery life of the device.
Another important reason is data security: When visiting suspicious websites or installing unverified apps, some users prefer to isolate their number from potential threats, and this is also true for parents who want to limit their children's access to mobile Internet by leaving Wi-Fi under control.
Travelers are familiar with the situation where you need to avoid accidentally connecting to foreign carriers. Even if you don't make calls, background processes can initiate a connection, which will lead to a charge-off. SIM-Cards in settings are the only reliable way to guarantee zero cost in roaming without removing plastic.
Also, disabling the second SIM is often required when setting Internet priorities. If you want mobile traffic to be spent on just one particular card, the second one is easier to deactivate software than permanently rearranging them physically, which is especially convenient for owners of models with two active slots.
⚠️ Attention: After disconnection SIM-All incoming calls will be reset by software, and the sender will receive a message that says "subscriber is unavailable." Make sure you don't miss a really important call.
Let’s look at the main reasons more structured:
- 🔋 Energy saving: Reducing battery consumption in areas of poor network coverage.
- 🛡️ Privacy: Temporary isolation of the number from calls and SMS.
- ✈️ Roaming: Preventing accidental connections to pay networks abroad.
- 📶 Traffic Management: Forced use of the Internet from only one card.
Classic method through the settings menu
The most reliable and standard way to disable the SIM on Redmi and Xiaomi smartphones is to use the built-in settings menu, which is universal and works on all versions of the MIUI shell, regardless of the year of release of the device. The algorithm of actions is simple and does not require a connection to a computer or install additional software.
First, you need to unlock the device screen and find the Settings icon, which usually looks like a gear. In the menu that opens, you should scroll down to the section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks. In some firmware versions, this item may be simply called Connections and Sharing or located in the Additional section.
Once you go to the right section, you'll see a list of all the SIM cards installed, and there'll be a switch next to each of them, and to deactivate the card, you just press the switch, changing the switch from "On" to "Off," and the system will immediately request confirmation of action, warning that the card will be disabled.
☑️ Algorithm of disabling through settings
Importantly, when you turn off the phone, you may have a timer or button on the menu to turn on quickly, which allows you to quickly return the connection if you receive an urgent call, and it is also worth remembering that when you reboot the phone, the settings may remain, and you will have to manually turn on the card again, although in modern versions of MIUI, the state is usually restored.
Using flight mode as an alternative
If you want to quickly turn off all kinds of communications, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, you can use the Air Mode feature, which is the fastest, but it has its own peculiarities. SIM-maps, air mode blocks all radio modules of the device.
You can activate this mode in two ways: One is through the control panel, swipe from top to bottom (or bottom to top, depending on the navigation settings); the second is through the settings menu in the Connections and Sharing section; when you turn on air mode, the airplane icon will appear in the status bar, and the network will disappear on all SIM cards.
The main advantage of this method is speed. However, if you need to keep Wi-Fi active for calls through messengers or listening to music, you will have to manually activate Wi-Fi after the airtime is turned on. In some versions, MIUI turns off Wi-Fi automatically when the air mode is on, but you can turn it on again without turning off the air mode itself.
⚠️ Warning: Emergency calls are not running in flight mode (112, 911), even if you have funds in your account.
Compare the functionality of the methods:
| Parameter | Disabling SIM in Settings | Air mode | Physical extraction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed. | Medium | Instant. | Low. |
| Wi-Fi work | It's still there. | Shutting down (usually) | It's still there. |
| Risk of card loss | No. | No. | There is. |
| Impact on the battery | Moderate. | Maximum. | Moderate. |
Setting up profiles and schedules
The MIUI shell offers advanced users the ability to automate the process of turning off a SIM card using the “Schedule on and off” feature.** This is especially convenient for those who want the phone to “fall asleep” at night or not distract while working, automatically disabling communication at a given time.
To set up this feature, you need to go to Settings → Battery and Performance (or simply Battery) → Schedule on/off. Here you can set a time when the phone will automatically go to standby or turn off certain functions. However, it is worth noting that standard MIUI tools often implement a schedule for full on/off of the phone, not just the SIM card.
For more flexible management of SIM cards on a schedule, third-party automatics applications such as Tasker or MacroDroid are often used, which can emulate on-screen clicks. But for basic needs, it is enough to use the built-in Do Not Disturb mode, which silences calls without turning off the card itself.
Can you turn off only 4G, leaving 2G?
If your goal is silence, not a complete shutdown, consider using a Do Not Disturb profile.** It allows you to set exceptions for favorite contacts so you won’t miss a call from loved ones, even if the main stream of calls is blocked.
Solution: the card won't turn off
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the switch in the settings menu does not respond to the pressing or immediately returns to the original position, this can be caused by a system failure, a lack of RAM or a conflict of programs, first of all, it is recommended to reboot the device.
If the problem persists after the restart, it may be the damage to the system files or the system itself. SIM-Try to remove the map, wipe the contacts with a soft eraser and paste back, and check for system updates in the About Phone section. → Version. MIUI.
In rare cases, the problem is mechanical damage to the tray or contacts inside the smartphone, and if the phone falls or is exposed to moisture, the software shutdown may not work due to loss of contact with the card, in which case only diagnostics at the service center will help.
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If the shutdown slider SIM-If you want to start the flight mode, then turn it off. This will restart the radio module and may remove the software bug.
Impact on Applications and Notifications
Once the SIM card is disabled, some apps can change their behavior. Messengers tied to a phone number (such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) will continue to work over Wi-Fi, but the system can periodically request confirmation of the number or report the absence of a network.
Banking applications that use SMS to confirm transactions will no longer receive codes. Two-factor authentication will no longer be available via SMS, so it is important to anticipate alternative ways of login, such as through push notifications or a code generator application.
Geolocation services may work less accurately, as they often use cell tower data for triangulation alongside GPS. If you are critically important to the accuracy of the navigator, disabling the SIM card may have little impact on the speed of location in difficult conditions.
⚠️ Note: When the SIM card is disabled, it will not come SMS This increases security in the event of a phone theft, but you won't see real-time notifications of your spending.
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Shutdown SIM-Software-based cards are a reversible process that does not affect the safety of contacts and data recorded in the phone’s memory or on the card itself.