How to properly install 2 SIM-cards in the smartphone Xiaomi: instructions with photos and tips

Double. SIM-Xiaomi smartphones are no longer a luxury, the standard for most models, but even experienced users sometimes face problems when installing: the phone does not see the second SIM, incorrectly identifies the operator or constantly switches between networks. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of installing two SIM-Cards – from choosing the right slot to setting network priority.

It is important to understand that the procedure differs depending on the model: in the Redmi Note 12 and POCO X5, a hybrid slot (SIM + microSD) is used, and in the flagship Xiaomi 14, two full-fledged nano-SIM slots. We will look at universal rules that will suit 90% of the brand’s devices, and also point to hidden MIUI settings, which the manufacturer does not advertise.

If you’ve just bought a smartphone and are first encountering a dual-sim system, don’t worry. After reading this article, you’ll be able to not only physically install the cards, but also fine-tune them: split contacts, assign individual tunes for each SIM, and even limit traffic consumption for each.

1. Which one? SIM-Maps support your Xiaomi: types and formats

Before installing, check which cards are compatible with your model. Most modern Xiaomi smartphones work with nano-SIM format (12.3 × 8.8 mm), but there are nuances:

• 📱 Flagship models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Mi 11): Two nano-SIM slots without microSD support.
• 💰 Budget series (Redmi) 10/12, POCO M/X): hybrid (SIM + microSD or two SIM).
• ⚡ Old models (up to) 2019 Years: may require micro-SIM (15 × 12 mm or even mini-SIM.

To find out the format exactly, check the characteristics of your model on the official Xiaomi website or use the table below:

⚠️ If your smartphone supports only one physical device SIM-map (e.g. Redmi) A1), But the features indicate Dual support SIM — This means that the second SIM is running over the eSIM. To activate it, contact the operator. 2 Step-by-step: how to insert two. SIM-The installation process is the same for most models, but there are critical points that many miss.Follow this instruction to avoid damaging the slot or card: Turn off the smartphone.This is a must: hot replacement SIM-The card may cause the communication module to fail. SIM-It is usually located on the left end (y) POCO) Or on the top (Redmi Note) insert a paper clip (or a special key from the set) into the hole next to the slot and press gently until the tray is pushed out. SIM-cards in the tray contacts down, observing the marking. For hybrid slots: 📶 Slot 1 — always SIM (usually 4G/5G). 💾 Slot 2 — second SIM, Or microSD (but not at the same time!) Carefully insert the tray back before the click. Make sure it sits flat - skews can damage the contacts.|SIM cards are downward contact|The tray is not skewed.|Smartphone's off.--> Important: If after turning on the phone does not see one of the SIM cards, remove the tray and check: 🔍 Are there any scratches or chips on the map (especially on contacts). 📏 Is it clipped correctly (sometimes users try to insert micro-SIM into a slot for nano-SIM, cutting it with scissors is unacceptable). 🔄 Try swapping the cards -- if the problem persists, is it the slot or the SIM itself. What if the tray is jammed? If the tray is not pushed by the paper clip, do not use force. Use a thin thread (such as a dental thread): put it in the gap between the case and the tray and pull carefully. In extreme cases, contact the service center - self-attempts to pull the tray can damage the antenna module. 3. SIM-card MIUI: Priorities and names After installing cards, the smartphone will automatically determine operators, but for convenience, it is recommended to configure: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks. Click on the name SIM-cards (e.g., "MTS 1") and select Name SIM-Cards – assign clear names (e.g., "Worker" and "Personal"). SIM-Select which card to use by default for: 📞 Calls. 💬 SMS 🌐 Activate the option Double call notification if you want to see which SIM call came to. 💡If you travel frequently, in the settings SIM-Enable the option to automatically select the network. This will allow the smartphone to switch between operators in roaming without manual search. ⚠️ Attention: In some firmware MIUI (particularly POCO) Option Priority SIM-To find it, activate the developer mode (7 times click on the version). MIUI in the phone settings) and turn on Show settings SIM-4 Common problems and solutions Even after installation can cause failures. Consider typical situations and ways to fix them: Problem Possible cause Solution Phone does not see one of the most common SIM-Bad contact, damaged card Wipe the contacts of the card with a sweep, reinstall the tray No network on one of the sims Wrong settings APN Go to Settings. → SIM-map → Access points (APN) and reset to factory Constantly switches between SIMS Network Priority Conflict Disable Network Auto Select in Settings SIM It's not working. 4G/5G second SIM Slot 2 Do not support high-speed Internet Change the cards or check the model specifications If the smartphone stopped seeing both SIM cards after the update MIUI, Try: Reset your network settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings. Update your firmware to the latest version (sometimes bugs with your mobile phone). SIM patch-fix). In extreme cases, reset to factory settings (don’t forget to make a backup!). 📊 What's the problem with two? SIM-Phone does not see one of the simokNo network on the second cardConstant switching between simksNot working 4G/5GThere was no problem. 5. How to share contacts and calls SIM-One of the key advantages of the two SIM cards is the ability to distinguish between personal and work contacts. MIUI This is done through: Linking contacts to SIM-Map: Open the Contact app. Select the Contact → Edit → SIM-Tell me which SIM the number is attached to, and tell me the tunes for each. SIM: Go to Settings. → Sounds and vibrations → The ringing melody. Select the ringing melody. SIM 1 and the ringing melody SIM 2. Call filtering: In the phone settings, you can turn on the option to always ask, so that when an outgoing call choose which SIM to call from. 💡If you use Google Contacts, link to SIM-The card will not work – this feature is only available for contacts saved on the card itself. SIM 6 Optimize the flow of traffic and battery for two SIM-Two active cards SIM-The cards increase battery consumption by 10 to 15 percent, as the smartphone is constantly scanning two networks to reduce the load: 🔋 Turn off the background data transmission for the second SIM, If it is used only for calls: Settings → SIM-map → [Choose. SIM] → Background data transmission. 📶 Set up Traffic Saving Mode for Mobile Internet: Settings → Connections → Use of data → Saving traffic. ⚡ Enable Background Limitation for 2 SIM (readily MIUI 13+): Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → Limit background activity for SIM 2. For advanced users: in developer mode (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — press 7 times, you can turn off the network search for the second SIM background: Settings → System system → Additionally. → Developer parameters → Network search in the background (disable to SIM 2) ⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) Disabling background network scanning may delay incoming calls to the second SIM Test this function before active use. 7. 5G and VoLTE at two SIM-If your Xiaomi supports the cards 5G or VoLTE (voice through) LTE), Take into account the following nuances: 🌐 5G It only works on one. SIM-If you put two in the card. 5G-SIM, the smartphone will use 5G Only for the one that is selected as the main mobile Internet. 📞 VoLTE can conflict between two SIMs. If you call through the second SIM interrupt, disable VoLTE for it: Settings → SIM-map → [Choose. SIM] → Use VoLTE. 🔄 On some operators (e.g. the body)2) active 5G first SIM The second one may lose the network. 4G. In this case, prioritize 4G To check if your model supports Dual 5G (simultaneous 5G-See the specifications on the Xiaomi website or use the table: Dual model 5G VoLTE on both sides SIM Xiaomi 13 Utra Yes Yes Yes Redmi Note 12 Pro+ No, only. 1 SIM) Yes. POCO F5 Pro Yes No (conflict) Xiaomi 12T No, no. 8. Alternatives: eSIM and adapters for two SIM If your Xiaomi model doesn’t support two physical models SIM-maps, consider the following options: 📱 eSIM: Modern flagships (Xiaomi) 13/14) Supports virtual SIM card. To activate it: Go to Settings → SIM-map → Add eSIM. Scan it. QR-- code from the operator or enter data manually. Which operators in Russia support eSIM? 2026 eSIM years officially provide: MTS, Beeline, MegaFon (for individuals - only in some regions), and Television2 You need to visit the passport communication salon to activate it. 🔄 Dual adapters SIM: For single-slot models (e.g. Redmi) A1) adapter "2 SIM into 1", But consider: ⚠️ Possible problems with the quality of communication (interference, cliffs). ⚡ Not supported 4G/5G both Sims at the same time. 🔧 It requires a pruning of one of the SIM-nano-format. 💡Before buying an adapter, check the reviews for your model – some Xiaomi smartphones block the work with adapters at the software level (for example, POCO X3 NFC). FAQ: Frequent questions about two SIM-Xiaomi cards can be used in two ways SIM-MicroSD cards and microSD cards simultaneously? Not if your model has a hybrid slot (like the Redmi Note). 11). In this case, you will have to choose: either two SIM-card SIM + The exception is three-slot models (rare, for example, Redmi). 9 Power for India? Why the second? SIM-The card only works in 2G? This is a hardware limitation: in many budget models, Xiaomi supports the second slot only. 2G/3G. Check the specifications of your smartphone or swap the cards. Also make sure that the network settings for the second one are in place. SIM switched on 4G/3G/2G (How to transfer contacts to one car SIM-You can do this through the standard application Contacts: Open Contacts → Settings → Import/Export. Select Export with SIM 1 (Then you can click Import on the phone. SIM 2 and select the file you saved: SIM-The card has a limit on the number of contacts (usually) 250–500). If you have more, break up exports. Can you call two at the same time? SIM-Xiaomi (like most smartphones) doesn’t support simultaneous calls from two phones SIM. If you speak on one SIM, the second will not be available for incoming calls (the subscriber will hear "busy" or forwarding to voicemail). 12/13), But they work with limitations. How to turn off roaming notifications for a second one. SIM? Go to Settings. → SIM-map → [Choose. SIM] → Roaming notifications and disable the option, and you can completely disable background activity for the second. SIM in battery settings, but this may cause a delay SMS.