How to switch the Internet between SIMs on Xiaomi: the full guide

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to use two SIM cards at the same time, which allows you to separate personal and work contacts or save on tariffs of different operators. However, the standard setting of the system implies that mobile Internet works only through one selected data card, while the second is available exclusively for calls and SMS. This creates certain inconveniences when you need to urgently use the traffic package of another operator without physically changing the cards or disabling one of them.

Making matters worse, the MIUI or HyperOS shell interface can vary from version to version, and the usual paths to customization are sometimes not obvious to beginners. Unlike some other manufacturers, Xiaomi does not always put the button to quickly change the Internet source to a prominent place in the default notification curtain, requiring the user to dive deeper into the menu. Understanding the logic of working two-mode waiting in the Chinese brand ecosystem will help you effectively manage traffic.

In this article, we will take a look at all the ways you can switch the Internet, from standard system settings to creating automatic scripts that make this process instant. You will learn how to set priorities for different applications and what to do if the network stops working after changing your SIM card.

Standard way to switch through system settings

The most reliable and versatile method, which is guaranteed to work on all Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi models, is to manually change the settings menu. This approach requires several sequential actions, but it gives you complete control over which SIM card will be used to transfer data. You do not need to install third-party applications or obtain superuser rights.

First, you need to unlock the device and go to the main menu, find the Settings icon and open it. In the list of options, you are interested in the section that is usually called the Settings icon «SIM-Maps and mobile networks, or simply Mobile Network, is where all the key controls of your smartphone's communication module are concentrated.

⚠️ Note: After switching the access point, the system may require several seconds to reconnect to the operator's network, at which point the Internet may be temporarily absent, which is normal equipment behavior.

Inside the section, look for "Use the Internet" or "Data Map." When you click on it, you'll see a list of available SIM cards with radio buttons to choose from. Select the SIM you want (SIM 1 or SIM 2), and the system will immediately redirect all Internet traffic through the selected operator. The changes will take effect instantly, reboot the device.

There is also an alternative way through the control panel: If you lower the notification curtain and hold your finger on the mobile icon, the system may suggest you move to the choice of card, but this functionality is not available in all versions of the firmware.

Using widgets and shortcuts for quick change

Constantly logging into the deep settings menu can be annoying if you have to switch between SIM cards several times a day. Fortunately, the MIUI shell allows you to bring the option of selecting a SIM card to the desktop in the form of a widget or shortcut, which significantly speeds up the process and makes managing mobile traffic more convenient.

To create such a shortcut, you will need to use the built-in Settings app or third-party shortcut utilities if the standard functionality of your OS version is limited «SIM-The card usually displays the status of both cards and allows you to quickly change the priority for calls or the Internet).

• 📱 Open the widget menu and find the Settings block. SIM-map».
• 🖱️ Drag the widget to the desktop and select a size «2x2» or «4x2» for maximum convenience.
• ⚙️ In the widget settings (if available), you can assign a default action for quick activation.

Some users prefer to use the Shortcut Maker app, which allows you to create direct links to specific Android menu items. You can create a shortcut that leads directly to the data map selection screen, avoiding unnecessary transitions, this is especially true for owners of older models, where navigation through the menu can be slow.

💡

Create a Network folder on your desktop and put shortcuts there for quick access to SIM settings, flight mode and access point – this will save you time.

If you notice that your phone is slowing down, try removing unused widgets, but for frequent Internet source changes, this is the best compromise between speed and functionality.

Automation of switching through the application “Scenarios”

Xiaomi smartphone owners have a unique advantage: the built-in Scenarios app (formerly known as the Tasker-like system in MIUI) that allows you to automate many processes, including switching a sim card for the Internet depending on time, location or connected Wi-Fi.

To create this scenario, open the Security app or search for Scripts in the Tools folder. Create a new script and select a launch condition. For example, you can set a rule: “If your home Wi-Fi is connected, switch the mobile Internet to SIM 2 (working)” to save the main packet of traffic to SIM 1. Or vice versa, turn off mobile data altogether when you have Wi-Fi.

The implementation of switching data maps through standard MIUI scenarios can be limited to security access rights. In some versions of the firmware, the script can only notify you to switch or suggest you start the desired settings point. However, combining conditions, you can achieve partial automation, which will still make life easier.

For advanced users familiar with ADB, there are ways to implement more complex scripts, but this requires caution. With standard HyperOS tools, the automation functionality is gradually expanding, so it is worth checking out Scenarios updates periodically. Automation is a powerful tool for optimizing communication costs.

Setting priorities for individual applications

One of the most useful features of modern versions of Android and MIUI is the ability to assign different SIM cards to different applications, which solves the problem of constant manual switching: you can configure WhatsApp and Telegram to work through one SIM card, and the browser and YouTube through another, such flexibility allows you to use traffic packets efficiently.

This function is implemented through the Data Use menu. Go to the settings, select «SIM-maps and mobile networks, and then look for Data Use or Traffic Limit, and there is often a mobile traffic or apps option where you can write down the rules for each software you install.

Unfortunately, native support for separate traffic tunneling for different applications on different SIM cards in Android is not completely implemented and depends on the specific modem and firmware version. Often the system suggests choosing one main card and using it for other applications. However, some operators and special versions of MIUI allow you to specify the rule: “Always use SIM 2 for X application”.

• 📲 Open the settings and enter in the search “Data Use».
• 🔍 Find a list of apps and select the right one (for example, Instagram).
• 🔀 If the function is available, select the preferred one. SIM-map.

⚠️ Note: The app traffic sharing feature is not available on all Xiaomi models and depends on the Android version. On older devices (Android 10 and below), this feature may not be available completely.

If the usual means of separating traffic fails, you can use third-party firewall applications such as NetGuard (requires additional settings), which allow you to flexibly manage network access for each application, although you can not always use a specific SIM card, but rather block access for selected programs, leaving the rest on the main map, an important nuance of the network configuration.

Solving Data Transfer Problems After Switching

A common problem with changing a SIM card for the Internet is that the network seems to have switched, but the pages do not load, this can be due to caching of old APN settings or a temporary failure in the registration of the module in the network of the new operator, in which case a number of diagnostic actions must be performed.

The first thing to do is check the access point settings (APN). Each operator has different parameters, and sometimes when you switch, the system tries to use old or incorrect data «SIM-Maps and mobile networks, select an active SIM card and go to Access Points (APN)». Press the reset button to the default settings (usually in a three-point menu).

The second step is to reboot the communications module, and the fastest way is to turn on flight mode. 10-15 It's going to make the phone re-register and get the actual settings from the base station. If that doesn't work, try rebooting the device completely.

Also pay attention to the date and time. If they are downed, the site security certificates may not pass verification, and the Internet will not work even if the network is active. Make sure that the Date and Time settings tick the "Use Network Time" box, which is a common but overlooked cause of mobile connection problems.

The impact of 5G and VoLTE mode on switching sims

With the introduction of fifth-generation (5G) networks and VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology, switching between SIM cards has become more complex, with modems of modern Xiaomi smartphones having to simultaneously support high-speed data transfer and HD-quality voice calls on both SIM cards, which puts additional strain on the switching system.

With 5G enabled, switching the internet can take longer as the phone needs to rewire the connection with higher frequencies.In addition, if one of the SIM cards is actively calling (not via VoLTE, but via 3G/2G), the Internet on the second SIM card can temporarily shut down or lose speed, a feature of the DSDS (Dual SIM Dual Standby) architecture.

To minimize problems, it is recommended:

• 📶 Make sure that VoLTE is enabled for both operators (checked with operators).
• 📡 In the network type settings, select “Preferred” 5G» or «4G/3G/2G» depending on the coverage.
• 🔄 Avoid switching SIM cards while actively downloading large files.

💡

5G mode requires a more stable signal; with frequent switching between SIM cards in the area of uncertain reception, it is better to temporarily switch to 4G to maintain the stability of the connection.

Some users note that the disconnection 5G in settings ("Settings» → «SIM-maps and mobile networks» → «The preferred type of network") makes switching between sims more smooth and quick, as less time is spent searching and agreeing on communication protocols. 5G This step can improve the overall stability of the Internet connection.