How to use two of them SIM-Maps in Xiaomi smartphone: the full guide 2026

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones support two SIM-While not all users know how to configure this feature correctly, some have problems with the distribution of calls, others with fast battery discharge, and others simply do not understand how to switch between operators. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of using Dual. SIM on Xiaomi devices, from selecting slots to fine-tuning network priorities.

It’s important to consider that the logic of the two SIMs depends on the firmware version: MIUI 14/15 and the new HyperOS have different ways to access the settings. We’ll look at both options, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors – for example, why one of the SIMs can suddenly turn off or why SMS does not come to the second card. If you just bought a Redmi Note 13, POCO X6 or Xiaomi 14, this guide will help you set up communication as efficiently as possible.

Before you go to the settings, check if your model supports Dual. SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) — This means that both cards are active at the same time, but only one can work on the network. 4G/5G. Outdated models (e.g. Redmi) 9A 2020 year) may use the Dual scheme SIM Single Standby (DSSS), second SIM It turns off when you call the first one, and you can specify this in the device specifications or in the Settings menu. → The phone. → Version. MIUI/HyperOS.

1. How to insert two. SIM-Xiaomi cards: the choice of slots and types of cards

Before setting up, you need to physically install SIM-Most Xiaomi models use a hybrid slot, where the second connector is combined with a microSD card slot, which means that you can only choose one of the options:

• 📱 Two nano-SIMs (without memory card)
• 📱 One nano-SIM + microSD (second microSD) SIM not available)

The exception is the flagship models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or MIX Fold 3), which provides two separate slots for SIM and an additional for microSD.

To insert the cards:

1. Turn off your smartphone (required!).
2. Find the SIM tray on the side face (usually on the right).
3. Use a paper clip or a special key from the kit to remove the tray.
4. Place the cards according to the scheme (it is often applied to the tray itself).
5. Put the tray back in before the click.

Important: If you are using eSIM (virtual) SIM), You can activate it in the Settings menu. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → However, not all Xiaomi models support eSIM – check compatibility on the operator’s website.

Setting Priorities: Which SIM is used for calls and the Internet

Once the cards are installed, the smartphone will automatically identify them as SIM 1 and SIM 2. However, by default, both cards may not work optimally: for example, calls will go through the first SIM, and the Internet will go through the second.

MIUI 14/15:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Select Control. SIM-map.
3. Press the right one. SIM and set priorities: 📞 Calls: Always use this one SIM 🌐 Mobile data: turn on/off 📩 SMS: default

In HyperOS, the path has changed a little:

1. Open the Settings. → Connections and sharing → SIM-map.
2. Slip the name of the SIM (for example, MTS or Beeline).
3. In the section Priority of use select: 📞 Calls: preferred SIM 🌐 Internet: primary/secondary 🔄 Auto-switching: if one network is not available

A critical nuance: if you chose SIM 1, but it is in the area of poor coverage, the smartphone will not automatically switch to SIM 2, even if there is a better signal. To fix this, activate the AutoSwitch option (available on not all models).

Make sure both SIMs are recognized in the settings menu | Check call priority for each card |Configure the primary SIM for mobile internet |Activate auto-switching (if available) |Reboot your smartphone after changes

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3. How to distribute traffic between two SIM-map

One of the main problems with using two SIMs is uncontrolled traffic consumption, for example, you may not notice how background apps eat up gigabytes on an expensive roaming SIM. To avoid this, adjust the restrictions:

MIUI:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data.
2. Select the SIM you want to limit traffic for.
3. Activate Background Traffic Limitation.
4. Set a limit (e.g. 500MB per month) or turn off mobile data entirely.

In HyperOS:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Data Use.
2. Slip on the data usage schedule.
3. Select SIM and set the Mobile Data Limit.

Important: If you use both SIMs for the Internet at the same time (for example, one for social networks, the other for work), the smartphone will consume 15-20% more power due to the constant scanning of the two networks. To save charge, turn off mobile data on the secondary SIM when they are not needed.

4.Why One SIM Doesn't Work: Typical Problems and Solutions

If one of them SIM-Cards suddenly no longer identified, does not catch the network or can not make calls, the reasons may be as follows:

A specific problem for Xiaomi: if one of the SIMs stopped working after the firmware update, try resetting the network settings:

Settings → System → Resetting → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth

This will delete all stored networks and passwords, but often solves connection problems. If it doesn't work, check if the power saving mode blocks the second SIM (disable it in Settings → Battery).

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If the smartphone does not see a new one SIM, Try to activate it through USSD-Operator command (e.g. *111# for Beeline or *100# for MTS) Sometimes the card requires additional activation even after installation.

5 How to call and text with the right SIM

By default, the smartphone uses the SIM you chose as the primary for calls and SMS, but you can change the SIM right while you are acting:

For calls:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the number and click on the SIM icon (near the call button).
3. Select the card you want (SIM 1 or SIM 2).

For SMS:

1. Open messages and create new ones.
2. In the field From: select SIM (if the option is not visible, tap the line with the number).

HyperOS adds Smart SIM Selection, which analyzes which card you use to call a particular subscriber more often, and offers it automatically to enable:

Settings → Applications → Phone → Smart SIM selection

⚠️ Note: If you use WhatsApp or Telegram with a number binding, please note that these messengers work only with one. SIM. When changing the number, re-registration of the account will be required.

6 Dual SIM and 5G: Compatibility and Limitations

Many Xiaomi users are faced with the fact that when activating 5G on one SIM, the second stops catching the network or works only in 2G.

• 📶 Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 (For example, in Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K60 Pro: Supports Dual 5G (both SIM may work in 5G simultaneously).
• 📶 Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (e.g. in POCO F5): one-on-one SIM into 5G, The second automatically moves into 4G.
• 📶 MediaTek Dimensity 9000/1200 (For example, in the Redmi Note. 12 Pro+): similarly, only one SIM into 5G.

To check the current regime:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Type of network.
2. Select SIM and see the available options (e.g. 5G/4G/3G/2G or 4G Only).

If you are critical to have both SIMs running in 5G, choose Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 models. Otherwise, you will have to put up with a restriction or manually switch 5G priority between cards.

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On most Xiaomi smartphones (except flagships) at the same time can only work one SIM in the 5G network. the second automatically switches to 4G, even if the settings specified 5G.

7. battery saving when using two SIMs

Two active SIM-These cards increase battery consumption by 10 to 30 percent because of the constant scanning of the networks:

• 🔋 Turn it off. 4G/5G secondary SIM, If it is used only for calls: Settings → SIM-map → [Choose. SIM] → Type of network → 3G or 2G
• 🔋 Enable Power Saving Mode for Background Data: Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime → Limit background activity
• 🔋 Use the Mobile Data Schedule (available in HyperOS) to turn off the internet on the second SIM nightly.

Also note the location settings: if both SIMs use geolocation services (e.g., Google Maps), this further drains the battery. disable location access for unnecessary applications in Settings → Privacy → Permissions → Location.

⚠️ Note: if you turn off mobile data on one of the SIM And then, through the notification panel, the smartphone will still be wasting energy finding the network to make calls. SIM, Use the settings → SIM-map → [Choose. SIM] → Shut down.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Dual SIM in Xiaomi