Modern Xiaomi smartphones provide users with extensive network connectivity management, but sometimes it is necessary to temporarily stop mobile communication, this may be necessary to save battery power in the area of poor signal reception, when being in roaming to avoid unnecessary write-offs or to solve software conflicts. Device owners often look for a way to turn off the SIM on the Xiaomi phone without physically removing the chip from the slot.
The process of deactivating the communication module requires no deep technical knowledge and takes only a few seconds. MIUI HyperOS has built-in management tools SIM-In this article, we will discuss in detail the software methods of disabling, the use of the engineering menu and the nuances of working with dual-sim devices so that you can fully control your network connections.
It is important to understand the difference between On-Air mode and turning off a particular SIM card. If the first option completely cuts off all radio modules, the second allows you to keep Wi-Fi or Bluetooth active, while maintaining access to the Internet and local phone functions, while blocking incoming calls and SMS to the selected number.
Software Disconnection through Standard Settings
The easiest and most secure method available to every user is in the system settings menu, which requires no third-party software installation and ensures that the device will work smoothly once the card is turned on back, and to use it, you need to unlock the screen and find the Settings icon, which usually looks like a gear.
In the menu that opens, scroll down to the section. SIM-maps and mobile networks. Some versions of the shell MIUI This paragraph may be called simply two. SIM-Maps and mobile networks or located within the Connectivity and Sharing category. The interface may vary slightly depending on your smartphone model, whether it’s a budget Redmi or a flagship Xiaomi.
Once you log into the map management menu, you'll see switches opposite each SIM installed. To deactivate, you just click on the slider, changing its position from active to inactive. The system can request confirmation of action, warning that the phone will become unavailable for calls.
- 📱 Open the Settings app on the main screen.
- 📡 Go to section. SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- 🔘 Find the map you want (SIM 1 SIM (2) and press the switch.
- ✅ Confirm the action in the pop-up window if it appears.
⚠️ Attention: After the program disables the SIM card on the screen, the signal level icon may disappear in the status bar, but the icon 4G/LTE or 5G It can stay if the second card is active or Wi-Fi Calling is running.
This method is preferred for daily use, as it correctly ends network sessions and does not lead to errors in the registration on the network when you turn on.
Management of SIM cards in the shell of MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi’s shells offer advanced management functionality that goes beyond standard Android. In newer firmware versions like HyperOS, the menu is more intuitive, but retains all the necessary features, not only disable the map, but also prioritize data use and voice calls.
The SIM card settings section often includes Smart Limits or Saving Mode, which can automatically turn off mobile internet when connected to Wi-Fi, but leave the voice module active. However, to completely turn off the SIM you need to use the manual switch described above.
Users of dual-symbol devices should pay attention to the default settings. Even if one SIM is disabled programmatically, the system may try to use it for some background services, unless there are strict restrictions, and it is recommended to check which card is assigned for data and voice calls to avoid confusion.
- 🔍 Use the search by settings by entering the word «SIM».
- ⚙️ Check the mobile internet settings for each card separately.
- 📞 Make sure that no default disabled card is selected for outbound calls.
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If you switch between SIM cards frequently, add the two widget. SIM-maps" to the desktop for quick access to switches without logging into the deep settings menu.
Importantly, in some regions, firmware may have hidden limitations or altered logic of network modules. If the standard path is not working or the switch is inactive (serrated), this may indicate a system failure or carrier limitations stitched into the profile.
Use of the Engineering Menu for Advanced Users
For those who are looking for deeper control over hardware, there is an engineering menu, a hidden section of the system designed to test hardware components by engineers, which allows you to force the radio module of a particular SIM card to be turned off, which sometimes helps solve problems when the software switch is stuck.
To enter the engineering menu, you need to open the Phone app and enter a special code. The most universal code for Xiaomi devices is ##4636##. After entering the last digit, the menu should open automatically, without having to press the call button.
##4636##In the menu that opens, select Phone Information. Here you will see the drop-down list with network settings. Find the option Set Preferred Network Type. To turn off the radio for this SIM, select Turn off radio. To turn it on, select any standard, such as NR/LTE/GSM.
⚠️ Attention: Be extremely careful in the engineering menu. Changing the wrong settings can lead to signal loss, inability to log in to the network or incorrect operation of communication modules.
What if the code doesn't work?
This method is useful when the system does not respond to shutdown commands with standard means, or if the SIM card is getting stuck and does not accept incoming calls even after the reboot, but it is redundant and less convenient for regular use.
Flight mode as an alternative to shutdown
Users often confuse switching off a SIM card with activating flight mode, which, denoted by an airplane icon, completely disables all wireless interfaces of the device: cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC. It is a radical but effective way to instantly break all connections.
The main advantage of flight mode is speed, which can be activated through the control panel (curtain) just swiping down from the top of the screen, which is ideal if you need to quickly stop all connections, for example, when boarding a plane or during a meeting.
But there's a significant downside to this method for those who want to leave the Internet over Wi-Fi. In modern Xiaomi smartphones, once the flight mode is turned on, you can manually activate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, leaving the cellular network off. But it requires two actions: turn on the mode and then turn on Wi-Fi.
- ✈️ Swipe down to open the control center.
- 🛑 Click on the aircraft icon to activate mode.
- 📶 Turn on Wi-Fi manually if necessary after activation of mode.
The use of flight mode also has a positive effect on the autonomy of the device, since the phone ceases to constantly scan the air in search of base stations, which is especially important in areas of uncertain reception.
Comparison of methods of disabling the SIM card
To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the pros and cons of each method depending on your specific situation and smartphone model.
| Method | Speed. | Impact on Wi-Fi | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIM settings | Medium | It doesn't. | Low. |
| Flight mode | Tall. | Shutting it down. | Low. |
| Engineering menu | Low. | It doesn't. | Tall. |
| Physical extraction | Low. | It doesn't. | Medium |
As you can see from the table, software shutdown through settings is the “golden mean”, allowing you to flexibly manage connections without unnecessary actions.
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For everyday use, a regular shutdown through the settings menu is best, as it is safe and does not require a device reboot.
Physical extraction and tray work
If the software methods are not available or the SIM card is defective, the classic option is the physical extraction, which requires a special clip (key) that was bundled with the smartphone, or a thin needle.
Find the SIM card tray hole. On most Xiaomi models, it's located on the bottom end of the case, next to the USB Type-C connector, or on the top end. Carefully press the clip into the hole before you click and remove the tray.
Once you take out the SIM card, you're guaranteed to disconnect it from the network. The phone will detect the card's absence and notify it with a message. This method is also useful for cleaning the chip's contacts if there are connection problems.
- 📌 Use the original paper clip to avoid damage to the mechanism.
- 🧹 Wipe the SIM card contacts with a soft dry cloth before installation.
- 🔒 Make sure the tray is inserted to the point and fixed.
⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to retrieve the SIM card tray while the phone is on if it is actively recording to the memory card at this time (if the slot is combined), although modern Android file systems are usually protected from this.
Once the card is reset, it can take the phone 30 seconds to 2 minutes to log in to the operator's network. If this does not happen, check if the chip is installed correctly relative to the contact area.