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 if you stop using it, POCO Or Mis are faced with a problem: even after deleting the physical card, the slot remains active in the system, and the phone continues to search for the network. SIM β From standard settings to hidden engineering menu features.
It's important to understand that simply removing a card doesn't always solve the problem. On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11 Pro+), the slot remains hot and consumes charge even if the SIM is not available. We tested methods on MIUI 13/14/15 firmware and identified those that work steadily. If you need to not just turn off but completely deactivate the slot (e.g. to save power), look at the sections on the engineering menu and ADB commands.
1. Standard disconnection through settings SIM-map
The most obvious and safe way is to use the built-in MIUI options, which is suitable for most models, including the Xiaomi 13 Lite, POCO F5 and Redmi A2+.
Instructions:
- π± Open the Settings app (cog icon on the home screen).
- π Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (some firmware may be called Double Networks). SIM mobile).
- π΅ Choose the second. SIM-map (usually marked as SIM 2 or Slot 2).
- βοΈ Click on the On/Off switch next to the card name to deactivate it.
After turning off, check the status: the second network indicator should disappear in the status bar (top right corner of the screen). If this does not happen, restart the device. Some models (Xiaomi 11T Pro, Redmi K50) may require additional action:
Make sure the switch is grey | Check for no network indicator |Reboot phone |Try calling with the main SIM
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β οΈ Attention: On firmware MIUI 12 and older after the shutdown SIM through settings, the slot can remain active in the background. This leads to increased battery consumption (up to the time of the slot). 5-7% If you notice this effect, use the methods in the following sections.
2. Quick shutdown via notification panel
If you need to temporarily disable the second SIM (for example, in roaming or to save charge), you can do this through the notification curtain.This method works on all models with MIUI 11 and later, including the POCO X5 Pro and Redmi Note 12.
Step-by-step:
- Swipe your finger down to open the notification panel.
- Find the label Mobile data or Flight mode (aircraft icon).
- Press this shortcut for 2-3 seconds and the SIM Quick Settings menu will open.
- In the window that appears, select the second SIM and turn it off by moving the slider to the left.
The advantage of this method is speed. The disadvantage: after restarting the phone, the settings can reset (depending on the model). Also note that some devices (Xiaomi 12S Ultra) display separate switches for each SIM in the curtain - they can be turned off independently.
Every day | Several times a week | Only on trips | Virtually never | I have one SIM
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3. Complete deactivation of the slot through the engineering menu
If standard methods don't work, and the second SIM continues to hang in the system, you'll have to use an engineering menu, which is suitable for advanced users and requires caution - wrong actions can disrupt the mobile network.
How to open the engineering menu:
- Open the phone (calling) application.
- Enter the combination: ##4636###.
- In the menu that appears, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
- Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
To disable the second SIM:
- π§ Find a drop-down list with the name of the second SIM (for example, SIM 2 or Slot 2).
- π΄ Choose the option Turn off radio or Disable.
- β Confirm the action and restart the phone.
β οΈ Note: On some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, POCO F4 GT) After deactivation through the engineering menu, the slot can disappear completely from the settings until the next reboot. To return it, you have to manually turn the radio module back on.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
4. Disconnection via ADB (for power users)
If you need to lock the slot completely at the system level (for example, for testing or if the slot is physically damaged), you can use ADB commands. This method requires a connection to the computer and the developer mode is turned on.
Preparation:
- π₯οΈ Install. ADB Tools on PC.
- π² Turn on Debugging. USB on the phone (Settings) β The phone. β Version. MIUI β Press 7 times, then return to Additional β For developers).
- π Connect your phone to your computer and confirm your debugging permission.
Commands to disable the second SIM:
adb shell
su
Service call telephony 19 i32 2 # Disables SIM 2 (slot 2)
Service call telephony 18 i32 2 # Check statusTo return the slot to working condition, use:
service call telephony 17 i32 2β οΈ Attention: Teams ADB You can disrupt your mobile network if you enter it incorrectly. Before experimenting, back up through Settings. β Additionally. β Backup and reset: On models with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (e.g. Xiaomi 13) after ADB-commands may need to reboot to Fastboot to reset module settings.
π‘
If so, ADB-The phone has stopped catching the network, try to enter adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.AIRPLANE_MODE --ez State false, then restart the device.
5. Physical shutdown of the slot (for repairmen)
If software methods donβt help, and the second SIM is constantly draining the battery (for example, due to a hardware defect), you can physically turn off the slot.
What you need:
- π§ Set of screwdrivers (star) T3-T5, flat).
- π§² Screen removal suction cup (optional).
- π₯ Dryer for softening the glue (if you want to remove the back cover).
Step-by-step process:
- Turn off the phone and remove the tray for SIM-map.
- Remove the back cover (on models with a non-removable battery, for example, Xiaomi 12S, you will need to heat the hairdryer around the perimeter).
- Find a connector on the motherboard SIM-cards (usually marked as SIM2 or UFS_SIM).
- Carefully disconnect the plume or seal the contacts with tape (if the connector is not removable).
| Xiaomi model | Type of SIM2 connector | Difficulty shutting down |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | Removable plume | Low (access without charge) |
| Xiaomi 11T | soldered connector | Medium (swinging iron needed) |
| POCO F3 | A separate chip | High (risk of damage) |
| Xiaomi 13 Ultra | Integrated into the module | Extremely high (experience required) |
β οΈ Attention: Physical shutdowns are insecure and can lead to loss of communication if you damage the antenna tracks. 5G-With a modem (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro), disabling the second slot sometimes blocks the main slot. SIM next-generation network.
6. Alternative solutions: virtual SIM and eSIM
If you need to leave a second SIM but no physical card, consider options with eSIM. Many new Xiaomi models (starting with Xiaomi 12 and POCO F4) support virtual SIMs.
- π Use two numbers without a second physical slot.
- β‘ Reduce battery consumption (e)SIM consume less energy).
- π Quickly switch between operators without changing cards.
How to activate eSIM:
- Get eSIM from your operator (support MTS, Beeline, Tele2, MegaFon).
- Go to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Add a mobile network.
- Scan it. QR-code from the operator or enter data manually.
If your model does not support eSIM, you can use virtual SIM applications (such as Airalo or Dent), but they work only for mobile Internet, without the possibility of calls.
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eSIM is the best solution for saving charge and flexibility, but requires operator support. Before activating, check the compatibility of your model on the Xiaomi website.
Comparison of methods of disabling the second SIM
| Method | Difficulty | Required. root/ADB | Battery effect | Reversibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard settings | β | β No. | Medium (the slot remains active) | β Yes. |
| Fast panel. | β | β No. | Low (temporary) | β Yes. |
| Engineering menu | ββ | β No. | High (complete shutdown) | β Yes (after the reboot) |
| ADB-team | βββ | β Yes. | Maximum | β Yes. |
| Physical shutdown | ββββ | β No. | Maximum | β No (repair required) |