Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face a situation where the standard network selection algorithm no longer meets current needs. For example, one SIM card ran out of traffic pack, and the second tariff is much more profitable for surfing in a particular application. In such cases, it becomes necessary to manually redirect the data flow to another slot, which allows you to save money and maintain high connection speeds without physically replacing the cards.
The switching process in the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS is simple enough, but hidden in several menu levels that are not always obvious to beginners. Moreover, the settings interface may differ depending on the firmware region (Global, Russia, China) and the version of the Android operating system. Understanding the logic of the communication modules will help avoid typical errors, such as loss of signal or inability to make calls after a change of priority.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the steps of changing the active data channel, look at the hidden settings of the engineering menu for advanced users, and answer frequent questions about the operation of dual-SIM modes. You will learn how to force a phone to use a particular network and what to do if the switch slider is inactive.
Basic settings SIM-card MIUI hyperos
The primary configuration of communication channels is through the main screen settings system. This is where the logic of the smartphone behavior when incoming calls and entering the global network is set. To start, you need to go to the Settings section, which is usually represented by a gear on the desktop or in the notification curtain.
In the list of parameters, you should find a paragraph SIM-Maps and mobile networks. In some versions of the firmware, it may be called simply Connect and Share or have a subitem Manage. SIM-This section is the central control node for the radio module of the device.
- π± Both installed maps are displayed here, indicating the operator and the type of network (4G/LTE/5G).
- π Separately configured preferred SIM-default voice call card.
- π There is an independent switch for mobile Internet, which needs to be changed.
- βοΈ Additional roaming settings and traffic restrictions are available for each card separately.
It's important to understand that the priority of calls and the priority of the Internet are two different parameters: you can call through one SIM and the Internet can distribute through another, and the system allows you to flexibly combine these settings to create the optimal use case for each user.
β οΈ Attention: When changing SIM-The active connection may break for a few seconds. 4G/LTE It will disappear β this is a normal procedure for re-registration in the network of a new operator.
Step-by-step instructions for changing SIM for the Internet
The immediate switching process takes no more than a minute, if you know the exact sequence. SIM-If one of the cards is marked "Not installed", switching will not be possible.
Being on the menu SIM-maps and mobile networks, find a block called "Default" or "Default settings." This block will have a line called "Mobile Internet" or "Internet." When you click on it, you will see a list of available SIM cards.
Select the card you want from the list. The system will instantly apply the changes. In some cases, especially when switching between 3G and 4G standards, you may need to confirm the action in a pop-up window.
βοΈ Pre-switch check
After selecting a new card, pay attention to the status bar of the screen. Next to the signal level indicator should appear a 4G, LTE or 5G token. If only H+ or 3G is displayed, it is possible that the access point (APN) settings of the selected card are incorrect settings.
Use of operating modes and communication standards
Modern Xiaomi smartphones support various radio network modes. Switching the Internet often requires understanding what communication standard is preferable for your location.
Options like LTE, LTE/3G/2G (auto) or 3G Only are available here. If you switched the internet to a second SIM, but the speed is still low, try changing the network type manually. Sometimes the automatic selection is incorrect due to interference or the characteristics of the operator's tower.
| Network mode | Description | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 5G/LTE/3G/2G | Automatic selection of the best signal | Everyday use in the city |
| Only LTE. | Forced work in 4G | For a stable ping in games |
| 3G/2G | Disconnection of high-speed networks | To save charge in the area of poor reception |
| Only GSM. | Just the voice and EDGE | Critical energy savings |
It is worth noting that when choosing LTE Only mode on some older models, SMS or incoming calls may stop coming if the operator does not support VoLTE technology.
What is VoLTE and how does it affect the Internet?
Access Point (APN) problems when changing maps
A common cause of internet failure after switching a SIM card is the lack or incorrect settings of the APN hotspot. These are technical parameters that tell the operator exactly how to route your traffic. They usually come automatically, but sometimes manual editing is required.
To check or change the settings, go to Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β select the desired SIM card β Access points (APN). Here you'll see a list of profiles. If the list is empty or the Internet is not working, create a new access point by clicking on the plus or the New button. APN".
The data to fill out (name, APN address, login and password) can be found on the official website of your carrier. After entering the data, be sure to click the Save button (often located in the three-point menu) and activate the created access point.
- π‘ The name of the access point (Name) can be any, for example, "MyInternet".
- π APN β critical parameter, for example, Internet.mts.ru or Internet.beeline.ru.
- π Type APN It usually has the default value, supl.
- πΎ Donβt forget to save your profile before leaving the menu.
β οΈ Note: If you have manually entered the settings and the Internet is not working, try to delete all access points you created and click the button "Reset to default settings." The system will download the current settings from the operator itself.
Diagnostics and troubleshooting
Sometimes a software failure prevents the correct switching between SIM cards. The phone may "think" that the Internet is on, but the data is not transmitted. In such cases, resetting the network settings helps, this action will return all the parameters of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile networks to factory values, but will not delete your personal files or contacts.
You can reset via the Settings menu β Connection and Sharing β Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Confirm the action and wait for the communication modules to restart. After that, try switching the Internet to another SIM card again.
Also worth checking is whether the traffic saving mode or background limiter for system processes is turned on. In rare cases, the lock can be on the operatorβs side: make sure that the selected SIM card does not exhaust the limit of gigabytes and does not block the data service.
Hidden functions and engineering menu
For advanced users who want to gain maximum control over the radio module, there is an engineering menu, which is logged in through a set of special code in the Phone application. For most Xiaomi devices with MediaTek processors, the code ##3646633## is suitable, and for Qualcomm - #4636##.
In the menu that opens (usually Phone Information), you can force the radio to switch modes, frequencies, and even temporarily disable one of the SIM cards at the software level. Be extremely careful: incorrect changes here can lead to loss of communication.
Codeset: ##4636##
Phone Information 1 (for SIM 1) or Phone Information 2 (for SIM 2)
Set Preferred Network TypeThese tools are only justified if standard methods donβt work or youβre testing equipment in specific conditions.
π‘
If you switch between SIM cards frequently, give them clear names in the settings (e.g., "Work" and "Personal"). This will help you avoid confusion by choosing a traffic source in a hurry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the internet with two SIM cards at the same time?
Why did the 4G icon disappear after the switch?
Does the choice of SIM for the Internet affect the quality of communication?
How can you make apps use only Wi-Fi without mobile internet?
π‘
The main conclusion: Switching mobile Internet to Xiaomi is a safe operation that does not require a reboot, the main thing is to make sure that the new SIM card has the correct APN access points configured and there is a positive balance.