How to turn off the second SIM-Map on Xiaomi: All ways + lip-service MIUI

Two. SIM-The cards in Xiaomi's smartphone are convenient, but not always necessary. The second SIM can drain the battery, interfere with calls or simply be superfluous after a change of operator. SIM-maps on Redmi devices, POCO and other Xiaomi lines – from standard settings to hidden shell features MIUI.

It is important to understand that simply removing a physical card does not always solve the problem: the slot can remain active in the system, and the virtual eSIM can continue to work. We will show how to completely deactivate the unnecessary SIM so that it does not consume charge and interfere with the main communication. The instructions are relevant to MIUI 12–14 and all modern smartphone models of the brand.

Why is the second SIM-map?

Even if you don't use the second SIM actively, it still works in the background. Here are the main problems that this causes:

• 🔋 Increased battery consumption – the communication module constantly scans the networks of both operators, which increases power consumption by 10-15%.
• 📶 Network conflicts - with a weak signal of one of the sims, the smartphone can "hang" when switching between them.
• 📞 Missed calls – if the main SIM is busy, the second one can receive incoming calls, but the user does not always know about it.
• 💰 Unexpected costs – some operators charge money for roaming or services even from an inactive SIM.

According to tests from DXOMARK, two-sim smartphones in standby mode consume 8-12% more power than single-sim phones. On Xiaomi with Snapdragon 7xx/8xx, the difference can be as much as 15% due to the peculiarities of Qualcomm modems.

Method 1: Disconnecting through the basic MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the standard MIUI menu.It is suitable for all models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and older devices on the MIUI 11+.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to section. SIM-maps and mobile networks (or mobile network on some firmware).
3. Tap the second name. SIM-maps, for example, "SIM 2" or the name of the operator or).
4. Move the slider Include SIM-map off.
5. Confirm the action if the system request appears.

After that, the SIM will be deactivated, but its data (number, APN settings) will be stored in the system, and to return it to work, you just need to re-enable the slider.

Make sure the second SIM icon is gone in the status bar |

Try calling the number of the second SIMKA - it should be unavailable |

Check battery consumption in Settings → Battery (should decrease)|

Restart your phone – settings should be maintained

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⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI for POCO When you turn off the SIM, you may lose the option to turn it back on, in which case only rebooting or resetting the network settings (Settings) will help. → SIM-map → Resetting network settings).

Method 2: Use of the Engineering Menu (for advanced)

If standard settings do not work (for example, on custom firmware), you can turn off the SIM through the engineering menu, which requires caution, since improper actions can disrupt the modem.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
2. In the menu that appears, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the SIM Slot Status block.
4. Click on Disable next to the second SIM (usually SIM2 or Slot 1, if the first SIM is physical).
5. Confirm the action and restart the device.

This completely disables the slot at the hardware level, which can be useful if the SIM interferes with the main communication, but after the reboot, the settings can reset — you have to repeat the procedure.

Method 3: Disconnection through USSD-operator

Some operators provide the option to temporarily deactivate SIM-This is convenient if you plan to use the SIM again later, but you don't need it now.

USSD-teams for popular operators:

After sending the command, the operator will send an SMS with confirmation. This method does not turn off the slot in the phone, but only deactivates the SIM from the operator. The advantage is that the number and tariff are saved, the disadvantage is that payments for the "frozen" SIM are possible (check with the operator).

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Before using USSD-commands, check the balance of the second SIM-card – some operators write off money for deactivation (usually 1-3 rubles).

Method 4: Disable eSIM (for virtual SIM cards)

If the second SIM is the eSIM (virtual), the disabling process is different. On Xiaomi with eSIM support (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro, POCO F5 Pro), you can do it like this:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → eSIM.
2. Select the eSIM profile you want to disable.
3. Click Remove or Disable (depending on the version of MIUI).
4. Confirm the action. If necessary, enter PUK-code (usually indicated on the eSIM plastic carrier).

Important: Deleting your eSIM profile erases it forever, so you have to contact your operator to re-use your SIM, and if you plan to temporarily shut down, choose the option to Disable rather than Delete.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi devices may not have the option to re-install the eSIM after you delete it. This is a firmware bug that can only be fixed by factory reset!

Method 5: Hardware shutdown (extract) SIM-map)

If all software methods fail, the physical extraction of the card remains, which is true for devices with a hybrid slot (for example, the Redmi Note 11, where the second slot is combined with a memory card).

How to extract correctly:

• 🛠️ Use a needle or paperclip from the phone kit - it is thinner and won't damage the tray.
• 📱 Turn off the phone before removing to avoid damaging contacts.
• 🔄 If the slot is hybrid, remember: after extracting the SIM, you can insert a microSD, but not at the same time.
• 🧲 Do not touch the SIM card contacts with magnets or metal objects.

After extraction, restart the phone. The system must automatically detect the card missing and deactivate the slot. SIM, Reset the network settings (Settings) → SIM-map → Resetting network settings).

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Physical extraction SIM-Cards are the most reliable way to disable, but not suitable for eSIM and require rebooting the device.

Additional settings to save charge

Disconnection two SIM-The cards are only part of the solution. To maximize battery life, adjust the following settings:

• 🔍 Turn off background network scanning for second SIM: Settings → SIM-map → [Name. SIM] → Background scanning. → Off.
• 📡 Set the network mode Only 4G (if not 5G): Settings → SIM-map → [Name. SIM] → Preferred type of network → 4G.
• 🔄 Turn off automatic network selection: Settings → SIM-map → [Name. SIM] → Choice of network → Manual (select your network manually).

According to GSMArena’s tests, these settings, combined with the second SIM turned off, can increase battery life by 18–22% in standby mode.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When the second is off SIM-Xiaomi cards users are faced with typical errors. Here's how to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, check if there are any control apps installed on the phone. SIM-Maps (like Dual Apps or Second Space) can block changes to settings.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions