How to connect the second SIM-Map on the phone Xiaomi: all the ways + mistake-making

Use of the two SIM-Xiaomi has become the standard for many users: one for work, another for personal calls, or a combination of a local operator with a tourist service. SIM. However, not everyone knows how to properly activate the second slot, especially on new models with hybrid connectors, and this guide covers everything from the physical installation of the card to the software settings. MIUI, including solutions to typical problems such as network absence or operator conflict.

It is important to understand that the process differs depending on the Xiaomi model. For example, the flagship Xiaomi 14 and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ support a full Dual SIM (DSDS), while the budget POCO M6 can have a hybrid slot where the second slot is combined with a memory card connector. We will analyze both options, and also tell you how to check the compatibility of your model with two SIM before buying.

If you are faced with a mistake Β«SIM-The card is not supported, or the phone doesn't see the second line after installation -- don't rush to bring it to the service. 90 percent of the time, the problem is solved software-based, and we'll show you how to do it without losing data. And for those who plan to use eSIM, a separate section with current restrictions for Xiaomi devices in 2026 has been added.

1. Check the compatibility of your Xiaomi model with Dual SIM

Before buying the second one SIM-If you want to install a card or try to install it, make sure your Xiaomi supports two-line work:

  • πŸ“± Dual SIM (DSDS) β€” Two physical nano-SIM slots (e.g., Xiaomi) 13T Pro, Redmi K60).
  • πŸ”„ Hybrid slot - the second slot is combined with a microSD connector (found in the POCO X5, Redmi 12).
  • πŸ“² eSIM + nano-SIM - One physical card + built-in electronic (so far only in Xiaomi 13 Lite for the European market).

To find out the type of slot of your model:

  1. Go to the official Xiaomi website.
  2. Type the model name in the search and open the β€œSpecifications” section.
  3. Find the SIM Card line – there will be the number of slots.

πŸ’‘

If there is no information on the site, check the phone box - there is usually a pictogram with a number of SIM-map.

For hybrid slots, remember: you can use either the second one at the same time. SIM, Or a memory card. Priority is given. SIM-If you insert both, the microSD won't be recognized, except for the model with a dedicated microSD slot (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro).+ 5G).

Physical installation second SIM-maps: step-by-step process

If your Xiaomi supports Dual SIM, follow this instruction to install the second card.

  • πŸ“Œ Paperclip or tool for extracting the tray (goes with the phone).
  • πŸ”Ή Nano-SIM card (ordinary) SIM It will not work – it must be cut or replaced in the cabin of the operator).

Installation steps:

  1. Turn off your phone (optional, but recommended for safety).
  2. Find a tray for SIM-cards – usually located on the upper or lateral face of the device.
  3. Insert the paperclip into the tray hole and press gently until it is pushed out.
  4. Put the second nano-SIM in the free slot with tags upwards (the tray has proper placement schemes).
  5. Put the tray back in place before you click.

The tray is inserted to the point.|SIM-card doesn't stand for edges|Card contacts unscratched|The phone was not dropped during installation.

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After turning on the phone will be a notification of a new SIM-If it's not there, check it out:

  • πŸ”‹ Is the card inserted correctly (turn the tray over and try again).
  • πŸ“Ά Does the operator support work in your area (for example, Tele2 They may not be caught in some countries).
  • πŸ”„ Is the slot software blocked (relevant for phones purchased from telecom operators).

Two separate nano-SIM| Hybrid (SIM + microSD) |Only one slot |eSIM + nano-SIM-->

3. Set up a second SIM in MIUI: Selecting Priorities and Names

After the physical installation, you need to configure the second line parameters in the system. β†’ SIM-Maps and mobile networks. You'll see both of them here. SIM-maps, for example, SIM 1 and SIM 2).

Main settings:

  • πŸ“ž Names SIM-Cards: Click on each and assign convenient names (e.g., "Worker" and "PersonalΒ»).
  • πŸ“Ά Network Priority: Choose which one SIM It will be used for mobile data, calls and SMS default.
  • ⚑ 4G/5G: For each SIM You can turn on or off high-speed Internet (useful if one operator does not catch it). 5G).

V MIUI 14 and later, the function β€œSmart Data Switch” (Smart Data Switch), which automatically switches to the β€œSmart Data Switch” has appeared. SIM with the best signal for the Internet. To activate it, go to Settings. β†’ SIM-map β†’ Smart switching.

ParameterSIM 1SIM 2
Default callsβœ… Yes.❌ No.
Mobile Internet❌ No.βœ… Yes (4G)
SMS defaultβœ… Yes.❌ No.
Roamingβœ… On.❌ Unplugged.

Note: if you choose one SIM for calls and SMS, and the other for the Internet, then during a conversation on the first line, the Internet will work through the second (if supported by VoLTE technology).

4. Problem Solving: The phone doesn't see the second one SIM-map

If the second SIM is not determined after installation, follow this checklist:

  1. Reboot: Sometimes the system doesn't recognize the new card right away. Reboot the phone.
  2. Slot Check: Remove the tray and make sure the card is inserted with gold contacts down.
  3. Cleaning Contacts: Wipe Your Contacts SIM-cards and slots with dry fabric (without alcohol!).
  4. Test on another phone: Insert the SIM into another device to check its performance.
  5. Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Resetting mobile network settings.
What to do if the slot is damaged?
If after all the manipulations the slot does not work, the contact connector may be damaged. In this case: 1. Check the warranty - if the phone is warranty, contact the Xiaomi service center. 2. If there is no warranty, repairs will cost 1,500-3000 β‚½ (It depends on the model. 3. The alternative is to use USB-modem or eSIM (if supported).

⚠️ Note: If the phone was previously β€œlocked” under one operator (for example, bought under contract from MTS or Beeline), the second SIM Check with the operator or check the lock status via ##4636## (Phone Information section).

For models with MIUI 12 and older have a hidden diagnostic function SIM-map:

Enter the dialer in ##4636##


Go to the tab "Phone Information"




Scroll down to the SIM Status block, where both cards and their status will be displayed.

5. Features of using eSIM on Xiaomi in 2026

Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite and Xiaomi) 12T Pro for the European market) support eSIM - virtual SIM-It's a map that doesn't have to be physically inserted:

  • 🌍 Regional restrictions: eSIM is only available on firmware devices EEA (Europe) or Global, on the Russian versions (RU) function is disabled programmatically.
  • πŸ“± Operators: In Russia, eSIM supports MTS, Beeline and Tele2, but not all tariffs.
  • πŸ”„ Simultaneous operation: nano-SIM can be used + eSIM, but two eSIMs at the same time are not.

How to activate eSIM on supported models:

  1. Get it. QR-activation code with your operator (for example, through your personal account or communication salon).
  2. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Add a mobile fare.
  3. Choose Use eSIM and scan it. QR-code.
  4. Confirm activation – the phone will restart and the eSIM will become active.

⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone to factory settings, the eSIM data will be deleted. Save a backup of your eSIM profile (in the settings) SIM-Cards have the option to Save mobile fare).

6. Optimization of the two SIMs: battery and signal

Use of the two SIM-This can affect autonomy and stability of communication. Here's how to minimize the negative effects:

  • πŸ”‹ Charge savings: Turn off 4G/5G second SIM, If it's only used for calls, go to Settings. β†’ SIM-map β†’ [choose SIM] β†’ Type of network β†’ 3G.
  • πŸ“Ά Network Priority: If one operator is more stable, assign it to the main Internet in Settings β†’ Mobile network β†’ Priority SIM data-data.
  • ⚑ Background traffic: Limit background activity for second SIM In Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits β†’ Background data transmission.

For advanced users, there are hidden MIUI settings that allow you to fine-tune the operation of two SIMs:

Activate the engineering menu: ##4636##


Go to the tab "Phone Information"




Select the desired SIM in the drop-down menu




You can manually specify here:




Preferred network type (LTE only, 3G only, etc.)




- Network selection mode (auto/manual)




Disable unused ranges (useful in roaming)

πŸ’‘

On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (for example, Xiaomi 13) Dual 5G DSDS technology is supported - both SIMs can simultaneously work on a 5G network without switching.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even after installation is done correctly, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Second SIM does not catch the networkWrong APN settingsGo to Settings. β†’ SIM-map β†’ [choose SIM] β†’ Access points (APN) Download the operator settings automatically.
The phone is rebooted when you call.Firmware conflict with Dual SIMUpdate MIUI to the latest version or roll back to stable firmware.
The Internet does not work on the second SIMLimitation of operatorCheck if the tariff supports data transfer. Some carriers (for example, Yota) block the Internet on the second SIM.
SIM-map "not supportedΒ»Slot blocked by operatorContact the operator for unlocking or use the unlock code (you can buy on specialized sites).

If none of these methods worked, check if your Xiaomi model is β€œregionally locked.” For example, some phones for the Chinese market (CN) do not support Dual SIM outside of it. You can specify this by marking on the box or through Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version (if at the end there is a CN, IN or ID – it is a regional firmware).

Can we use two? SIM-Memory cards and cards simultaneously on Xiaomi?
Not if your phone has a hybrid slot (e.g., in the Redmi Note 11 or POCO M4 Pro), in which case you have to choose between a second SIM or a microSD. The exception is the models with a dedicated memory card slot (e.g., Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G), where you can use 2 SIM + microSD.
Why don’t you get SMS on the second SIM?
This may be due to several reasons: In default settings SMS first-placed SIM. Correct this in Settings. β†’ SIM-map β†’ SMS The operator is blocking. SMS On the second line (relevant to some corporate fares), the phone has "Do Not Disturb" mode on the second line. SIM (Check in the settings β†’ Notifications).
How to transfer contacts from one SIM to another?
You can do this right on your phone: Open the Contacts app. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Contact Management. Select Import/Export. β†’ Exports to SIM-map (specify the first one) SIM). Then perform the Import with SIM-cards, choosing the second SIM. Alternatively, export your contacts to VCF-File and import them to the second file. SIM same section.
Can I call WhatsApp with a second SIM?
WhatsApp is tied to one phone number, so officially use two. SIM You can't have one account, but there are workarounds: πŸ“± Install WhatsApp Business for the second SIM (separate number is required). πŸ”„ Use clone apps (like Parallel Space) to run a second instance of WhatsApp. 🌍 Some firmware (for example, Xiaomi.EU) has a built-in Dual Apps feature that allows you to duplicate messengers.
Why does the second SIM drain the battery quickly?
Two. SIM-Cards increase the load on the phone modem, especially if: Both cards are running in mode 4G/5G. The phone is constantly switching between networks (for example, in roaming), enabled the function Smart data switching (it actively scans networks). 4G/5G second SIM, If you only need it for calls, turn on Battery Savings mode in settings, turn off background activity for underutilized applications.