Shutdown SIM-Cards on Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco smartphones can be needed in a variety of situations: from saving battery power to temporarily switching to another operator. However, many users are faced with the fact that standard deactivation methods do not always work as expected β especially on dual-device devices. SIM-In this article, we will discuss all possible ways, including little-known tricks through the engineering menu and the design of the device. USSD-Teams that are not described in official documentation.
It's important to understand that simply removing a card doesn't always amount to software shutting it down. For example, on some Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11 models, even after the SIM is physically removed, the system can continue to scan the networks, consuming charge. And in the case of eSIM, the deactivation process requires a separate approach. We tested all methods on current versions of MIUI 14 and 15, so the instructions will work on new devices in 2026.
1. Standard shutdown via MIUI settings
The most obvious and safe way to do this is to use the built-in options, which is suitable for 90% of users and does not require technical skills.
- Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
- Go to the SIM-cards and mobile networks section (on some firmwares, the Mobile Network may be called).
- Choose. SIM-The card you want to disable (if there are two, they will be marked as SIM 1 and SIM 2).
- Move the slider Include SIM-map off.
After that, the signal level icon in the status bar should disappear or cross out. However, there is a caveat: on some models (for example, Poco F5), this method only disables voice and SMS, but not mobile Internet. To completely deactivate the card, you will have to additionally disable the Mobile data item in the same menu.
The network icon in the status bar has disappeared or crossed out
In the SIM settings, the gray slider
When you try to call, a notification appears "SIM-map off"
Mobile Internet is not working (if activated)
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Method Limitation: On eSIM devices (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra), this method only works for physical nano-SIMs. To deactivate a virtual card, you need to use a separate eSIM Management section or contact the operator.
2. Disconnection through the engineering menu (for experienced)
If the standard settings did not work or you need to completely lock the slot (for example, to stop the system scanning the networks), you can use the engineering menu.
Instructions for most Xiaomi models:
- Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
- In the menu that appears, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
- Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block and select Disable radio for the desired SIM.
- Confirm the action and restart the device.
This method completely blocks the radio module for the selected SIM-This is a card, which can be useful if you want to save battery life on a trip or use only Wi-Fi temporarily.
What to do if the engineering menu does not open?
3. USSD-deactivation SIM
Many operators provide special services USSD-Codes for managing services, including temporary shutdowns SIM-This method is convenient if you want to save the number, but suspend its use (for example, while traveling abroad).
Here are the current teams for popular Russian operators (2026):
| Operator. | Command to shut down | Team for status check |
|---|---|---|
| MTS | *111*55# | *111*5# |
| Beeline | *110*180# | *102# |
| MegaFon | *105*500# | *105# |
| Tele2. | *155*1# | *155*0# |
Once you have the command, you will have to confirm the action via SMS or call from the operator.
- π Recovery of the room can take up to 24 hours.
- π° Some operators charge a reconnection fee (for example, 50β100 rubles).
- β³ For long-term simple (more than 3 months) number can be canceled.
Through MIUI settings
Physical extraction of the card
USSD-commands of the operator
Engineering menu
Never turn it off.-->
4. Physical extraction SIM-map
If the software methods don't work, or if you want to completely remove the card from the device, you can use a mechanical method.
- π± Smartphones with a hybrid slot (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro, where the second slot is combined with a microSD).
- π Battery savings (the radio module does not waste energy on network search).
- π‘οΈ Improved security (if you fear data leakage over mobile network).
Instructions for extraction:
- Turn off your smartphone (required! Removing the card on the device on can damage your contacts).
- Find a tray for SIM-maps - usually located on the upper or lateral face of the body.
- Insert a paperclip (or a special key from the kit) into a small hole next to the tray to push it out.
- Carefully remove the tray, remove SIM-map and insert the tray back in.
π‘
If the tray is jammed and it is not retractable, do not make excessive efforts! Try to slightly heat the body with a hairdryer (no more than 60 Β° C) or contact the service center. On Xiaomi 11T models and newer ones, the trays often have additional fixation - they need to be pulled up with a little effort after retracting.
On eSIM devices, physical extraction is not possible β you will have to use software methods or contact the operator to deactivate the profile.
5. disable individual SIM functions (calls, internet, SMS)
Sometimes you donβt need to shut down everything. SIM-You can leave the mobile Internet, but block calls, or vice versa. MIUI This is implemented through a section SIM-maps and mobile networks:
- π Calls: Disable the item Voice calls for the desired SIM.
- π Internet: Deactivate Mobile Data or Data Transfer.
- π¬ SMS: In the Messages menu, select Settings β SIM-map SMS and uncheck the box.
On models with Dual VoLTE support (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro), you can additionally configure SIM priority for calls over 4G.
- Go to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Challenges.
- Select VoLTE calls and select your preferred SIM.
- Turn off VoLTE for the second SIM if it is not in use.
π‘
Disabling mobile internet for one SIM does not affect the performance of the second card, which is convenient if you use one number for calls and the second one for data only.
6. Features for devices with eSIM
Virtual SIM-The eSIM is gaining popularity, and Xiaomi has started supporting them in flagship models since Xiaomi 12 and Mix Fold:
To deactivate the eSIM:
- Go to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks β eSIM.
- Select an active profile and click Delete or Disable.
- Confirm action. Some operators require input. PUK-code.
Important nuances:
- π Deleting an eSIM profile erases it forever β a new one will be required to reactivate it QR-operator.
- π± Multiple eSIM profiles can be stored on a single device, but only one can be active.
- β‘ The eSIM is not powered by battery power, unlike the physical SIM standby.
If you need to temporarily suspend eSIM services (for example, during your trip), it is better to use the eSIM service. USSD-Operator commands as described in Section 3.
7. Challenges and solutions
When disconnected SIM-Xiaomi cards are often unexpectedly difficult for users, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Simka shuts down on her own. | Failure of the radio module or firmware | Reset network settings: Settings β SIM-map β Resetting mobile network settings |
| Not working disconnection through settings | Operator restrictions or custom firmware | Use an engineering menu or physical extraction |
| After SIM extraction, the phone does not see the network | Damage to the contacts of the tray or antenna module | Blow the slot with compressed air or contact the service |
| USSD-teams are not working | The operator has changed codes or blocked the service | Clarify current commands on the operatorβs website or through support |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- π§ Updates MIUI: Outdated firmware versions may contain bugs. Update system in Settings β The phone. β Updating the system.
- π οΈ Developer Settings: Sometimes it helps to disable the Network Autosearch option in the developer menu.
- π‘ Flight mode: Turn it on and off β it will reset the connection to the network.
π‘
If after the shutdown SIM-card phone began to discharge faster, check the background activity of applications in the Settings section β Battery β Battery usage: Some messengers (like WhatsApp) can continue to scan networks even when they are disabled. SIM.