Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones allow users to use two SIM cards at the same time, which is incredibly convenient for separating work and personal calls or saving on tariffs from different operators. However, there is often a situation when the connection speed on the current SIM drops, and the user urgently needs to redirect mobile traffic to a second card with more stable coverage. In the MIUI shell, this process is implemented quite simply, but hidden in the depth of the settings menu, which can confuse the inexperienced owner.
SIM priority settings for data transfer are not just a matter of convenience, but also a way to extend the battery life of the device. If the phone is constantly trying to keep the weak signal on the main SIM, battery consumption increases significantly. Switching the Internet to a card with better coverage in a particular location helps optimize power consumption and speed up page loading.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the algorithm for all current firmware versions, the nuances of 4G and 5G, and answer questions that arise when using two different carriers, learn how to quickly change priority without rebooting and why sometimes the system itself changes the settings.
Why you should manage priority SIM-map
The main reason why owners of two-sym Xiaomi want to know how to switch mobile Internet from one SIM to another lies in the uneven coverage of carrier networks. In one area of the city, MTS can catch confident 4G, while Tele2 barely holds EDGE. In another location, the situation can be diametrically opposite. Manual control allows you to always stay in the zone of fast connection.
In addition, tariff plans often differ in the amount of traffic provided. One SIM can be designed exclusively for calls with a small megabyte package, and the second one can contain unlimited Internet. Automatic switching or manual priority setting ensures that you do not use up the limits of the main card accidentally.
β οΈ Note: If you turn off data transfer on both SIM cards or choose a card without an active plan, applications will stop working even if there is Wi-Fi, if the system mistakenly tries to use the mobile network for background processes.
Priority management is also important for those traveling, and when roaming is used, it is critical to assign the internet to a local SIM card to avoid traffic bills from a home carrier, and Redmi and Poco smartphones allow for flexible settings.
Basic settings through the main MIUI menu
The easiest and fastest way to change the SIM for the internet is in the standard settings menu. MIUI interface may vary slightly depending on the Android version, but the logic remains the same. You don't need to be an expert to perform these actions in a couple of clicks.
To start, open the Settings app and find the section that handles wireless networks. In newer versions of the shell, it's often called the "Settings" app Β«SIM-maps and mobile networks. That's where all the key connectivity parameters are concentrated.
- π± Click on the item "Use mobile dataΒ».
- πΆ In the list that opens, select the right one. SIM-card (1 or 2).
- β The system will automatically apply the changes, and the icon 4G/5G move to the selected map.
It's important to understand that mobile Internet can only work on one SIM card at a time. Even if both cards support 4G, the phone cannot physically transmit data over two channels at the maximum speed at once, although calls will go to both lines.
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For a quick change of the Internet SIM, you can use the widget "Two" SIM-Maps on the desktop, if added to the system.
After the switch, it is recommended to wait a few seconds for modem to adjust to the new frequency.If the speed icon does not appear, try briefly to turn on and off flight mode.
Use of notification curtain for quick access
For those who have to change priorities frequently during the day, constantly logging into the deep settings menu can be uncomfortable. Xiaomi engineers have envisioned a faster way to control through the control panel (curtain), which is especially true when you need to quickly respond to signal loss.
Lower the top notification curtain down. Depending on the display settings, you may need to swipe again to see the full set of buttons. The standard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons often feature a SIM card management widget.
If you don't see the icon you want, it's probably hidden. Click on the panel edit button (usually a pencil icon or a tripod) and add the "Two" element. SIM-Maps" or "Mobile Internet" to the active zone. Now switching takes seconds.
Using a widget in a curtain allows you not only to switch the Internet, but also to quickly turn on / off the SIM cards themselves if one of them is temporarily not needed. This is a useful feature for saving charge when you are in an area where one of the operators does not catch the network at all, and the phone is constantly looking for a tower.
4G setup and preferred network type
Just choosing a SIM for the Internet is sometimes not enough. It is important to make sure that the card you choose has the right network type. In some cases, the phone can get stuck on 3G or even 2G if the network priority settings are incorrect, a common problem when changing operators.
Go to the settings. SIM-You can select the one you have assigned for the Internet, and you can find the "Preferred Network Type" option. 4G (recommended 5G/4G/3G/2G (This will give the modem the command to search for the fastest connection.
However, in areas of uncertain reception, constant 4G search can land the battery faster. If you are traveling outside the city, it makes sense to temporarily switch the network type to 3G/2G to maintain charge even if the Internet speed drops.
| Type of network | Speed. | Stability | Battery consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5G | Very high. | Low (depending on coverage) | High-pitched |
| 4G (LTE) | Tall. | Medium | Medium. |
| 3G | Low. | Tall. | Low. |
| 2G | Minimum | Very high. | Minimum |
Choosing the right type of network directly affects how fast pages load once you decide to switch to mobile Internet, and donβt ignore this option, especially if youβre switching from a 3G carrier to another carrierβs 4G.
Switching problems and their solution
Despite the fact that MIUI is well-functioning, users sometimes experience situations where the Internet does not work after switching the SIM, the phone shows the 4G icon, but the pages do not load, and most often the problem lies in the settings of the access point (APN).
Each carrier has its own unique settings for accessing the global network. When you change the Internet SIM, the phone must automatically download the settings of the new operator, and if this does not happen, you need to manually check them in the section "Access Points (APN)".
βοΈ Diagnosing Internet Problems
Also, you should pay attention to the limitations set by the system itself: in the "Security" or "Applications" section, you can set a data ban for certain programs, make sure that the browser or messenger is allowed to use mobile Internet.
β οΈ Note: After changing your SIM card for the Internet, some applications may require re-authorization or may not be able to send SMS to confirm the number if they are tied to an old SIM.
If nothing works, try extracting both SIM cards, erasing the contacts and inserting them again, and sometimes oxidation of the contacts or a bad press causes one card to malfunction and the system cannot properly switch the data stream to it.
Engineering menu and hidden network settings
For advanced users who want to gain full control of their Xiaomi radio module, there is an access to the engineering menu, where you can force a communication standard to be fixed or see detailed information about the signal. Be careful, changing unknown parameters can lead to unstable operation.
To get to the menu, open the Phone app and dial the combination ##4636##. You will see a list of tests. Select Phone Information. This shows the status of both SIM cards.
In this menu, you can find a drop-down list, "Install preferred network type," which duplicates the settings from the regular menu, but sometimes allows you to select more specific modes, such as LTE only, ignoring 5G, which is useful for battery saving.
Can the signal be amplified through the engineering menu?
Using these tools requires understanding what you're doing. A random reset of the radio module settings can cause the phone to stop seeing the network at all, and have to perform a complete reset of the network settings.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share the Internet over Wi-Fi from one SIM and call from another?
Why is the Internet slow after switching SIM?
Are your internet settings reset after Xiaomi reboots?
Does Switching SIMs Affect Voice Call Quality?
Mobile traffic management on Xiaomiβs two-symbol smartphones is a powerful optimization tool. Knowing how to switch mobile internet correctly gives you complete control over costs and connection speeds. Use the methods described above to ensure that your smartphone stays online where it really needs to be.
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Proper management of two SIM cards allows not only to save money on tariffs, but also significantly prolongs the life of the battery by avoiding the mode of constant search of the network.