Xiaomi Redmi smartphone owners often face the need to use two SIM-cards simultaneously for work and personal needs, to save on roaming or to divide traffic, but not all models support this feature in the same way: somewhere there is a dedicated slot for the second. SIM, And you have to sacrifice a memory card somewhere, and in this article, we're going to figure out how to insert the second one. SIM Redmi has different generations, avoiding common mistakes.
Xiaomi smartphones feature hybrid slots in most budget and mid-budget models, which means that the second slot can work with either nano-SIM or microSD, but not at the same time. If your model supports a full Dual SIM (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Redmi K50 Ultra), then there will be no problems. Otherwise, you will have to choose between a second SIM and a memory extension.
Before you start installing, make sure your Redmi supports two. SIM-You can check this in the official specifications on the Xiaomi website or in the Settings menu. → The phone. → Status. SIM-If it's on the map. SIM 1 and SIM 2, the device is ready to work with two operators.
Types of SIM-slots in Xiaomi Redmi smartphones: what do you have?
All Redmi models are divided into three categories by slot type:
- 📱 Two separate slots (Dual) SIM + microSD: found in flagships and some Note series models. Example: Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, Redmi K40 Gaming, you can use two at the same time. SIM memory card.
- 🔄 Hybrid slot (SIM + SIM/microSD): The most common variant. Example: Redmi 10A, Redmi 9C. The second slot is combined with a connector for a memory card - you will have to choose.
- 📶 Only one. SIM: rarely, usually in outdated or regional versions (e.g. some versions of the Redmi Go).
To accurately determine the type of slot in your model, look at the tray for SIM-If it's two nano-SIM circuits and one microSD, it's a hybrid slot. If you have three separate circuits, you have full Dual support. SIM + microSD.
| Xiaomi Redmi Model | Slot type | Dual SIM Support Support | Support for microSD support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G | Two separate | Yes (5G + 5G) | Yes (up to 1TB) |
| Redmi 10C | Hybrid | Yes (4G + 4G) | Just instead of SIM2. |
| Redmi A2+ | Hybrid | Yes (4G + 4G) | Up to 512GB |
| Redmi K60 Pro | Two separate | Yes (5G + 5G) | Yes (up to 1TB) |
Important: In hybrid slots, when you install the second SIM, the memory card automatically turns off, and vice versa. The data from the microSD is not deleted, but access to it is blocked before the SIM2 is extracted.
Step-by-step: how to insert a second SIM in Xiaomi Redmi
The process of installing the second SIM is the same for most models, but there are nuances depending on the type of slot.
- Turn off your smartphone. This is a must to avoid damaging the slot contacts. Press and hold the power button, then select Turn off.
- Find a tray for SIM-It's usually on the left side or the right side side, in some models (e.g. Redmi Note). 11S) The tray may be at the top of the body.
- Remove the tray with a paper clip or a special key (comes in the kit). Insert the paper clip into the hole before you click, the tray will be pushed out.
- Place it. SIM-map: 📇 For hybrid slot: in SIM1 — main map, in SIM2/microSD — second-second SIM (if needed, or a memory card. 📇 For two separate slots: in SIM1 and SIM2 — Both nano-SIMs, in microSD, memory cards.
Put the tray back in.
Turn on the phone.
☑️ What to check before installing the second SIM
After turning on the phone, it may take a few minutes to activate the second SIM. If the network does not appear, restart the device or check if the cards are installed correctly.
Set up the second SIM in Xiaomi Redmi: choosing priorities
Once you have the second SIM installed, you have to configure it, and by default, Xiaomi offers you to choose which card to use for calls, SMS and mobile Internet.
- Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Select the Settings item SIM-map.
- Press on. SIM2 and set priorities: 📞 Calls: Always ask, SIM1 or SIM2. 💬 SMS: default SIM1 (change). 🌐 Mobile data: select the main SIM internet-based.
Enable 4G/5G for SIM2
💡
If the second SIM Do not catch the network, try to manually select the operator in the Settings menu → SIM-map → Network selection. Sometimes automated search doesn't work properly.
In models with Dual 4G/5G support (for example, Redmi K50 or Redmi Note 12 Pro) you can use high-speed Internet on both SIMs at the same time. In budget devices (for example, Redmi 10A), the second SIM often only works in 2G/3G mode, even if the main one is on 4G.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When installing the second SIM, Xiaomi Redmi users encounter common errors.
- 🚫 The smartphone doesn't see the second SIM: Check if the card is inserted correctly (contacts should be facing down). SIM And a tray of dry cloth (sometimes oxidation interferes with the bonding). SIM — Maybe it's the card problem, not the phone.
- 📵 No network on second. SIM: Make sure the operator supports your area. Manually select the network in the settings (sometimes automatic search “hangs”). Check if the mode is activated SIM1 call-setting.
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Two active SIM Increase power consumption. Turn off background data transfer for the second card in Settings → SIM-map → Mobile data, if you don't need the Internet on the second SIM, Just leave the calls./SMS.
What if the smartphone stopped seeing both SIMs after installing the second?
⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal objects (needles, pins) to remove the tray - this can damage the mechanism. Always use a plastic clip or a brand key from the kit.
Operator Compatibility: Which SIMs Work in Redmi
Xiaomi Redmi smartphones support all standards SIM-maps of Russian and foreign operators, but there are nuances:
- 📶 Card format: nano-SIM only (older models could have micro-SIM before 2018).
- 🌍 Frequency: Budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) They may not support certain ranges. 4G/5G foreign operators.
- 🔄 Dual SIM + 5G: In models with MediaTek Dimensity (for example, Redmi Note) 11T Pro) both SIM may work in 5G. In Snapdragon devices (e.g. Redmi) K40) 5G available only on one SIM.
If you travel frequently, check compatibility with local carriers on the FrequencyCheck website.For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro does not support American 5G n71 (600 MHz) bands, which could limit internet speeds in the US.
How to save a memory card if you need a dual SIM
If your Redmi has a hybrid slot and you need a second SIM and a memory extension, there are a few options:
- Use cloud storage: 🖥️ Transfer photos and documents to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex.Disk. 🎵 Store music and video in streaming services (YouTube Music, Spotify).
- Buy a smartphone with a separate slot: 📱 Example: Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro (both have two). SIM-slot + microSD).
Use it. OTG-adapter
- 🔌 Connect the flash drive through USB-C → USB-A Adapter (sold for 200-500) ₽).
- ⚠️ Cons: the flash drive will stick out of the phone, which is inconvenient for constant use.
Alternatively, copy your contacts to your Google Account and then sync them with your new SIM.