How to make a call from the second SIM card on the Xiaomi smartphone: all ways

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 between them during a call. If you are faced with a situation where the phone automatically rings from the main SIM, and you need to urgently use the second one, this article will help you understand the MIUI settings and alternative methods.

Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.) and the firmware version, the interface may vary slightly, but the principles remain unchanged. We will look not only at the standard methods through the phone menu, but also at hidden combinations for emergency switching without opening the settings, and also understand why sometimes the second SIM does not appear in the list available for calling.

We'll focus on common mistakes, like when people try to call from a second SIM, but the phone stubbornly ignores the choice, often due to misconfigured APNs or operator restrictions.

1. Standard method: Selecting a SIM before a call

The most obvious method is to specify the SIM card you want when you dial, and this is how it works on the latest versions of MIUI 14/15:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Enter a number or select a 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 a second SIM (for example, SIM 2 or operator name).
5. Press the call button and the call will go from the selected SIM card.

If the SIM icon is not displayed, then the “Always Ask” mode is enabled in the phone settings (more on this below) or the firmware with stripped-down functionality is installed (for example, on some Poco models for the European market).

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On some models (e.g. Redmi 10C), the SIM icon is hidden under three dots in the upper right corner of the dial screen. Click on the menu to see the selection option.

Important: if you call through the Call Log, then before dialing again, you also need to manually select a SIM - the phone does not save the last choice!

2.Setting up the default SIM for calls

So you can choose not to select a SIM card every time, you can prioritize outgoing calls, which is convenient if you use one SIM card 90% of the time and the second one is only for specific contacts.

Instructions for MIUI 12-15:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose a Choice SIM-Default cards (or settings) SIM-maps on older versions).
3. Click on Calls.
4. SIM 1, SIM 2 or Always Ask.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g. Global) ROM Xiaomi 12T) You may not have the "Always Ask" option, so you'll have to manually select a SIM before every call or install third-party apps.

3. Quickly switching the SIM through the notification panel

Few people know, but MIUI has a hidden SIM card switch right in the notification curtain, which is the fastest way to change the SIM without opening the Phone app:

1. Swipe your finger down to open the notification panel.
2. Swipe down again to turn the full panel around.
3. Find a Double SIM tile, and if it's not available, click on the pencil and add it to the active tiles.
4. Touch the tiles - the menu of SIM selection for calls and mobile Internet will open.

This method works even while you’re talking: If you need to switch to another SIM without completing the current call (for example, for a second outgoing call), just open the curtain and change the settings.

4.Secret. USSD-smic-control

For power users, there is an alternative way to manage SIM cards through USSD-These commands allow you to quickly switch between SIMs without a graphical interface, which is useful if the sensor is not working or you need to automate the process.

Major teams:

• 🔢 ##4636## - opens the testing menu where you can see an active SIM (Section Information about the phone).
• 🔢 *#06# - shows IMEI Both SIM cards (useful to check that both SIMs are recognized by the system).
• 🔢 ##62# – Checking for call forwarding (sometimes conflicting with the second SIM).

⚠️ Attention: USSD-codes may vary depending on the operator (e.g. MTS, Beeline, Tele2). Some commands (e.g. ##7780##) reset settings - do not use them unnecessarily!

5. Linking the SIM to specific contacts

If you often call certain people from the second SIM (for example, colleagues from the work number), you can link the SIM card to the contact, then when you call this caller, the phone will automatically use the desired SIM.

How to set up:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Select the contact you want and click Edit (pencil icon).
3. Scroll down to the default SIM card field (or Preferred SIM for calls).
4. Select SIM 2 (or the SIM you want).
5. Save the changes.

Now, when you call that contact from anywhere (magazine, messenger, keyboard), you'll use a SIM attached, which eliminates the need to manually select it.

Contact edited and saved|In the field "Sim card by default" selected SIM 2|Phone reset (unless the changes are applied)|Test call for this contact checked-->

6. Problems with the second SIM: why can't you call

Sometimes the second SIM card refuses to work for outgoing calls, even though it shows the network.

If none of these methods worked, try physically removing and inserting the SIM card back (by turning off the phone beforehand).On some models (Redmi 9A, Poco M3), the SIM lot contacts oxidize over time, leading to poor connection.

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Before contacting the service center, check if the second SIM is working on another phone. If yes, there is a problem in the settings of your Xiaomi, if not, the SIM is defective or blocked by the operator.

7. Alternative methods: third-party applications

If standard methods don’t work (for example, there is no “Always Ask” option), you can use third-party apps from Google Play, which add advanced SIM card management features:

• 📱 Dual Sim Selector – allows you to set rules for automatic selection of SIM by time of day or contact.
• 📱 Sim Manager – Shows detailed information about both SIMs (IMEI, operator, signal level) and allows for rapid switching.
• 📱 Tasker – for advanced users: you can configure automatic switching of the SIM by geolocation or Wi-Fi connection.

⚠️ Note: Apps require permission to manage calls and read contacts. Install them only from the official store and check reviews - some programs may collect data.

For example, Dual Sim Selector allows you to create a whitelist of contacts that will always use the second SIM and the first for the rest, which eliminates manual selection.

FAQ: Frequent questions about calls from the second SIMKA