How to call from the second SIM card on Xiaomi: all ways for MIUI

The dual SIM cards in Xiaomi smartphones are a convenient feature for separating work and personal contacts, but not all users know how to quickly switch to a second SIM before calling. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T) and the version of MIUI (12-14), the methods may differ. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from standard settings to hidden commands for power users.

The thing about MIUI is that by default, the system can automatically select a SIM card for outgoing calls based on last use or network priority. This isn't always convenient, especially if you need to make an urgent call from another SIM, and we'll show you how to set up manual switching, create shortcuts on your desktop, and even use voice commands to speed things up.

It is important to consider that on some models (for example, Black Shark 5 or Xiaomi Mix Fold 3) the logic of working with SIM cards may differ due to custom firmware or hardware platform features. If your smartphone does not respond to standard methods, check the section with alternative solutions.

1. Standard method: Selecting a SIM card when calling

The most obvious method is to select a SIM card at the time of dialing, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones with two physical or one physical + eSIM card.

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Enter the subscriber number or select the contact from the list.
3. Click on the SIM card icon (usually located to the right of the call button).
4. In the window that appears, select the desired SIM (for example, SIM 1 or SIM 2).
5. Press the green call button.

If the SIM icon doesn't show up, you've automatically selected it in the settings to return it:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose a Choice SIM-call-card.
3. Activate the option to always ask.

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If you often call from one SIM card, but sometimes you need to use a second one, set up Favorite Contacts to automatically select, for example, you can link work numbers to SIM 1, and personal numbers to SIM 2.

2.Sim card setting by default for all calls

If you use one SIM card more often, you can make it a priority so you don't have to choose every time, which is convenient for those who rarely switch between cards.

• 📱 Open Settings and go to the section SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• 🔄 Tapping on the item Choice SIM-call-card.
• 📞 Choose to Always Use SIM 1 SIM 2 (depending on the card required).
• 🔒 Confirm the changes.

Note that this setting does not block the ability to manually select a SIM card when you call, it just sets the priority card for automatic dialing. If you need to temporarily use a second SIM, the method in the first section will still work.

3. Quick switching through the notification panel

MIUI 12-14 has the ability to quickly change the SIM card for calls right from the notification curtain, which saves time if you need to switch urgently.

• 📲 Swipe your finger down to open the notification bar.
• 🔍 Find the tile. SIM-card (if it is not - tap the icon of the pencil and add to the active one).
• 🔄 Click on the tile and select the desired SIM (SIM 1 SIM 2).

This is convenient because it doesn't require you to open the Phone app or set up the phone, but it has a limitation: tile. SIM-The map is not available on all models. POCO F4 It may not be available, but on the Xiaomi 12 Pro, it may be available.

4. Creating Desktop Shortcuts for Quick Access

If you have to make multiple SIM calls often, you can create separate shortcuts on the home screen, which will eliminate the need to manually select the SIM each time.

1. Click the empty space on the desktop and select Widgets.
2. Find the shortcuts widget (or shortcuts on English firmware).
3. Drag it to the screen and select Call with SIM 1 or Call with SIM 2.
4. Assign a label to an understandable name (for example, “Call from work”).

Now, clicking on the shortcut will open the Phone app with the SIM card already selected, a method that is particularly useful for older users or those who are often confused between cards.

🔹 Check that there is a free space on the desktop

🔹 Make sure the "Tags" widget is available on the menu

🔹 Remember what SIM is used for what purposes

🔹 Create short and clear names for labels-->

5. Voice commands for switching SIM cards

Xiaomi smartphones support Google Assistant, which can make switching between SIM cards easier.

• 🎤 Activate the voice assistant by saying OK, Google or pressing the Home button.
• 📞 Tell the command: Call [contact name] with SIM 2.
• ✅ Confirm the action if required.

This method doesn't work on all firmware, but on MIUI 13/14 with the latest updates it should be available.

• 🔊 Is Google Assistant enabled in settings (Settings) → Annexes → All applications → Google).
• 📶 Internet access (voice commands require connection).
• 🔄 Is Google Play Services Updated.

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Voice commands only work for outgoing calls, and SMS will have to use other methods (see Section 6).

6. Alternative methods for experienced users

If standard methods are not suitable (for example, due to custom firmware or an older version of MIUI), you can use alternative solutions:

For use ADB-Commands to follow the following steps:

1. Turn on Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in your phone settings).
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global multi_sim_voice_call_subscription [1 or 2] where 1 — first-sim, 2 — second-second.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB-commands can cause malfunctions in the phone. Before experimenting, back up your data through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When working with two SIM cards on Xiaomi, users experience typical errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🔋 SIM card not detected: Restart the phone or retrieve/paste the SIM back. If the problem persists, check the tray for damage.
• 📵 No SIM selection option: Update MIUI Up to the latest version or reset your network settings (Settings) → SIM-map → Resetting network settings).
• 🔄 Automatically switch to another SIM: Disable the Smart Selection function SIM sim-card settings.
• 📞 You can't call with eSIM: Make sure eSIM is activated via carrier. On some models (Xiaomi 13 Lite), eSIM doesn't support voice calls.

⚠️ Note: On hybrid-slot smartphones (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro), you can’t use two physical SIM cards and a memory card at the same time. SIMs are given priority – if you insert a microSD, one of the SIM cards will turn off.

Xiaomi models with a MediaTek processor (such as the Redmi 10C or POCO M4 Pro) may not support VoLTE on the second SIM card.This means that with active 4G on the SIM 1, the second SIM will only work in 2G/3G mode.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions