Modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO Supports two physical SIM-cards (or eSIM), but many users have difficulty trying to call from the second line. The default system often uses the first SIM for outgoing calls, and switching between them is not always intuitive. SIM-Call cards – from basic settings to hidden features MIUI.
Complicating the problem, the interface may vary depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12/13/14) and the device model. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro, the algorithm differs from the Redmi Note 10, and in some regional versions of the software, the options are hidden deeper, we took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that work on 90% of the brand’s devices.
It is important that your second SIM-The card is not defined by the system, so check it on another phone first, and it may be that the problem is that the nano-SIM is cropped incorrectly, that contacts are damaged, or that the operator has blocked it.
1. Quickly switching SIM during a call
The easiest way to do this is to select a SIM directly when dialing, which works on all versions of MIUI and doesn't require any presetting.
Algorithm of action:
- 📱 Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- 🔢 Dial a number or select a contact from the list.
- 📞 Click on the SIM card icon (usually located to the right of the call button).
- 🔄 In the window that appears, select the second SIM (for example, «SIM 2" or the name of the operator).
- ☎️ Click on the green phone to make a call.
If the icon SIM-The card doesn't show, so the phone's settings activate the "Always Ask" option. How to turn it on, read the next section.
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In some models (for example, POCO F5) icon SIM-The card appears only after the first set 3-4 Try dialing if the button is not active.
2.Tune in. SIM-default card for calls
So you don't have to choose a SIM every time, you can set a priority line for outbound calls, which is convenient if you make more calls with the second SIM.
Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14:
- Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Select the "Settings" option SIM-maps (or “Doubles”) SIM» on some models).
- Slip on the line "SIM card for calls."
- In the list, select the second. SIM-map, «SIM 2" or the name of the operator).
- Confirm your choice by pressing “OK”.
After that, all outgoing calls will be automatically made from the second line, to return the choice. SIM-Before each call, set the option “Always ask” in the same menu».
What to do if there is no "Settings" item SIM-map"?
3.Using widgets for quick switching
MIUI It allows you to add a widget to the main screen for control SIM-This is convenient if you switch between lines often.
How to add a widget:
- 🖱️ Press and hold your finger to the free space on the main screen.
- 📱 In the menu that appears, select “Widgets».
- 🔍 Find the widget «SIM-cards (or “Double cards”) SIM»).
- 📲 Drag it to the main screen.
Now you can change quickly. SIM-The widget also displays the current balance (if supported by the operator) and the signal level of each line.
Select when calling | Default setting |Vidget on the home screen | Voice assistant |Another way-->
4. Voice commands for selection SIM-map
If your smartphone supports Xiaomi (or Google Assistant), you can switch SIM-This is especially convenient when driving or when hands are busy.
Examples of teams:
- 🎤 «Okay, Google, call your mom from the second SIM»
- 🎤 «Help me call 89123456789 s SIM 2" (for Xiaomi assistant)
- 🎤 «Change. SIM-call-card»
To activate this function:
- Open Settings → Xiaomi Voice Assistant.
- Activate the voice control switch.
- In the “Command Settings” section, make sure that the “Management” option is enabled. SIM-map».
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Voice commands only work when an active Internet connection (mobile data or Wi-Fi) and some models (Redmi 9A) may require additional permission adjustments for the assistant.
5. Solving problems with the second SIM-card
If the second SIM-The card is not defined or available for calls, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| SIM is unrecognizable. | Improper trimming of nano-SIM | Check the tray compatibility (use the original micro-SIM adapter if needed). |
| No network on the second SIM | Mobile data is disabled | Go to Settings. → SIM-map → Include data for the second line. |
| You can't call the second SIM. | The operator blocked outgoing | Call the operator from another SIM and clarify the status of the line. |
| SIM icon doesn’t appear when you call | Firmware failure | Reboot your phone or reset your network settings (Settings → About Phone → Network Reset). |
⚠️ Note: If after installation of the second SIM-The phone has started to reboot or warm up frequently, which may indicate a firmware conflict with the communication module. MIUI Before the latest version or contact the service center.
To diagnose hardware problems:
- Put the second in. SIM-card to the first slot (change the SIM places).
- If it works, the problem is in the contacts of the second slot.
- If it doesn’t work in both slots, check the SIM on the other phone.
6. Features for models with eSIM
New devices (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Xiaomi 14) can use embedded SIM (eSIM) instead of a second physical slot.
How to activate eSIM for calls:
- 📱 Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Add eSIM.
- 🔍 Scan it. QR-code from the operator or enter data manually.
- 🔄 After activation, eSIM will appear in the list of available lines for calls.
Importantly, one eSIM can only work on one device at a time, and if you transfer it to another phone, it will automatically deactivate on the old one (this is the rule of operators, not Xiaomi).
⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO X5 Pro) eSIM does not support voice calls, only mobile Internet. Please check with the operator before activating this information.
7. Alternative methods (for experienced users)
If the standard methods don't work, you can use an engineering menu or third-party apps, and these methods require caution.
Method 1: Engineering menu (for advanced only):
##4636##In the menu that opens, select Phone Information and check the status of the second SIM. If it shows as Unknown, it may be the firmware problem.
Method 2: Applications for SIM management:
- 📌 Dual SIM Selector (Play Market) – allows you to switch between lines quickly.
- 📌 SIM Toolkit – built-in application for managing operator services.
Backup data | Charge your phone at least 50% | Remember current SIM| Do not change unknown settings-->