How to switch correctly SIM-Map on the smartphone Xiaomi: instructions for all models

Switching SIM-Xiaomi cards seem like a simple task, but in practice, users face nuances from a jammed tray to problems with network recognition. SIM — From physical card extraction to software activation of the second slot or eSIM. Particular attention will be paid to models with hybrid slots (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro).+), where the choice is SIM And the memory card requires compromises.

How to Avoid Common Mistakes: Why Your Phone Doesn't See a New One SIM After restarting, how to properly trim nano-SIM under the micro (if the tray is outdated model), and what to do if the smartphone requests PUK-And we'll also look at the hidden settings. MIUI, These instructions are applicable to all Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO base MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.

Preparation for replacement SIM-Cards: What to check before removing the tray

Before removing the tray, make sure that the new one is SIM-Xiaomi of the latest generations (starting with the Redmi Note 10 and Mi 11) only support the nano-SIM format. If you have an old-style card (micro-SIM or mini-SIM), it will have to be cropped or replaced in the cabin of the operator. Adapters are not recommended – they can damage the slot contacts.

Also check:

• 📱 Type of slot: single, double or hybrid (SIM + In hybrid models (e.g. microSD, POCO X5 Pro) priority is given to the second slot - if it has a memory card, the second slot SIM won't work.
• 🔄 Support for eSIM: Xiaomi models 13/14 series, Mix Fold 2/3 Some Redmis support virtualization. SIM. Check with the operator if this option is available for your rate.
• 📡 Network Frequency: If you are switching from 4G on 5G-SIM, Make sure your smartphone supports the right ranges (for example, n78 for Russian operators).

⚠️ Note: If you are using two-factor authentication (SMS-codes for banks, social networks, before extraction SIM Link backup method (email or authenticator) or you risk losing access to your accounts!

Don’t forget to turn off your smartphone before removing the tray, which will prevent damage to your contacts. If your phone doesn’t respond to the power button, use Forced Reboot: Press Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds.

Step-by-step instructions: how to extract and insert SIM-map

The SIM replacement process is the same for most models, but there are nuances for devices with a retractable mechanism (such as the Xiaomi Mix Fold) or without a traditional tray (like some POCOs).

1. Find a SIM tray. It's usually on the top or side of your smartphone. On some models (like the Redmi 9A), the tray is hidden under the lid, so you need to tamper with the mediator carefully.
2. Use a paper clip or key from the kit. Put it in the hole next to the slot before you click. If the key is lost, an unbended stationery clip will fit.
3. Remove the tray and put it on a flat surface. Don't force it -- if it doesn't come out, check if it's clamped in dust.
4. Set the SIM pins down (the tray has a circuit).The second slot in hybrid models may require a choice between SIM and microSD.
5. Put the tray back before you click. Make sure it sits flat, and the skews will lead to poor contact.

Make sure the SIM is inserted with the contacts down |

Check that the tray has latched without skewing |

Turn on your smartphone and wait for the initialization of the network (up to 2 minutes) |

Check the signal level in the status bar

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If the phone doesn’t see SIM after turning on, try:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📶 Manually select the operator in the settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choice of network.
• 🛠️ Clear the cache of the Phone application (in Settings) → Annexes).

Regular nano-SIM|

eSIM|

Two physical SIM|

hybrid: SIM + microSD-->

Network Setting Up After SIM Replacement: Why There’s No Signal and How to Fix It

Even if SIM-The card is physically installed correctly, the smartphone may not connect to the network, most often due to incorrect settings. APN (access point) or lock-in IMEI. Let's look at both cases.

1.APN setup

If the operator is not automatically determined, add the APN manually:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Choose. SIM] → Access points (APN).
2. Click Add and enter your operator's settings, for example, for MTS:
3. Save the settings and restart the phone.

2. IMEI verification

If your smartphone says "No Network" or "Not Registered on the Network", it may have lost IMEI. You can check it by typing *#06#. If zeros or incorrect numbers are displayed, restore the IMEI through the engineering menu:

1. Click ##4636## and select Phone Information.
2. Check your IMEI status. If it's not available, use programs like ChimeraTool or contact the service.

⚠️ Note: If after replacement SIM stopped coming SMS (For example, from the bank, check if the service is activated "SMS-filter in the Message settings → Spam filter. Turn it off or add a bank number, except for the exceptions.

Features of hybrid slots: how to choose between a second SIM and a memory card

Xiaomi models with hybrid slots (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro, POCO X4 Pro) force users to choose between a second SIM or a memory extension.

1. When to sacrifice a second SIM for a microSD:

• 📸 You are actively shooting videos in 4K or 8K — memory ends quickly.
• 🎮 Install a lot of heavy games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile).
• 📱 Use your smartphone as a working tool with a lot of files.

2. When the second SIM is more important:

• 📞 Separate personal and business calls on different numbers.
• 🌍 Travel frequently and use local SIM roaming-saving.
• 🔄 Backup communication is needed (for example, if the main operator often falls").

If you do choose a memory card, look at its speed class: 4K video requires UHS-I (U3) or higher, and cheap Class 10 cards may not be able to handle the load, leading to recording errors.

How to activate eSIM on supported Xiaomi models

Xiaomi started supporting eSIM with Xiaomi 12T and Mix Fold 2 models.

1. Make sure your operator supports eSIM (in Russia it is MTS, Beeline, Tele2).
2. Get it. QR-activation code in the operator's office or through the personal account.
3. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Add a mobile network.
4. Select Download. SIM and scan. QR-code.
5. Confirm activation and restart the phone.

On HyperOS models (such as Xiaomi 14), the path to eSIM settings may be different: look for the Mobile Network section in the main settings menu.

The advantages of eSIM:

• 🔄 Quickly switch between fares without physically replacing the card.
• 🌍 Travel Convenience – Local Activation Can Be Available SIM remotely.
• 🛡️ Less risk of damaging the slot with frequent card changes.

⚠️ Note: Not all operators allow the main number to be transferred to eSIM. For example, MegaFon in 2026 supports only additional numbers!

Frequent SIM Replacement Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to loss of communication or damage to the phone.

1. Using an incompatible SIM. For example, a hand-cut micro-SIM may not be in contact with the slot chip. Solution: order a new nano-SIM from the operator.
2. SIM installation in an inverted form, the contacts should be directed downwards, and the beveled corner of the card should coincide with the bevel on the tray.
3. Ignoring PUK-After 3 misentry attempts PIN SIM blockage. PUK You can find out through the operator’s personal account or by the hotline number.
4. Forgetting to turn on mobile data. After replacing the SIM, sometimes the data settings are reset. Check the switch in the notification curtain.

💡

If the smartphone does not see the SIM after a fall or impact, do not try to disassemble it yourself. Most likely, the slot contacts have gone away - this requires soldering in the service center.

Another common problem is "restricted network access" (the exclamation mark icon next to the signal indicator), which means that the phone is connected to the network but cannot transmit data.

• 🔄 Switch the network mode to Only 3G (sometimes 4G/5G unstable).
• 📱 Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.
• 🔧 Update the firmware - in new versions MIUI frequently correct errors of modems.

Additional settings: SIM priority, call forwarding and roaming

If you use two of them SIM-maps, set their priorities to avoid missing important calls:

1. Select SIM for calls and SMS by default:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Select SIM for calls and SIM for SMS.
3. Activate the option to always ask if you want to select SIM before each call.

Configuring forwarding:

If one of the SIMs is not available (for example, roaming), redirect calls to the second:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Press. ⋮ → Settings → Call forwarding.
3. Select the SIM you are setting up the redirect for and specify the second SIM number.

3. Roaming optimization:

• 🌐 Turn off automatic roaming for savings: Settings → SIM-map → roaming → Manually.
• 📵 Use Mode on a plane with Wi-Fi enabled if you don't need calls.
• 💰 Check the operator's roaming rates - sometimes it's cheaper to buy a local one SIM.

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If you travel frequently, consider unlimited internet roaming rates (such as MTS No Borders or Beeline Travel Easy) which are cheaper than paying for every megabyte.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about replacing the SIM in Xiaomi