How does 2 work? SIM-Maps in Xiaomi Redmi smartphones: full instructions for setting up and using

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones have long been the standard for users who need flexibility in communication management. SIM-While cards are one of the key advantages of the lineup, not everyone knows how to set up the functionality correctly, problems with switching between operators, incorrect network priorities or a sudden disconnection of one of the cards are typical complaints faced by owners.

In this article, we will explore the unique features of implementing Dual SIM in MIUI firmware that distinguish Redmi from other brands, learn how to avoid card conflicts, set priorities for calls and mobile Internet, and which models support simultaneous 5G operation on both SIMs (spoiler: there are fewer than you think), separately discuss common errors that cause the second SIM to stop catching the network, and give a checklist to diagnose problems.

How to support Dual SIM in Xiaomi Redmi: technical details

All modern Xiaomi Redmi smartphones (starting with the 2019 Redmi Note 8) feature a Dual SIM + microSD hybrid slot.

  • πŸ“± Use two nano-SIMs at the same time (without microSD)
  • πŸ“± Install one nano-SIM + microSD (second microSD) SIM won't work)
  • πŸ“± In some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) β€” two nano-SIMs + microSD (by means of a separate slot)

It’s important to understand that Redmi has Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS), a technology where both cards are active but only one can use mobile internet at the moment, a key difference from the flagship Dual SIM Dual Active (DSDA) smartphones, where both SIMs can be on a 4G/5G network at the same time.

In the MIUI firmware, the com.android.phone module is responsible for working with SIM, and the settings are stored in the file /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/telephony.db. When you reset or update the firmware, these parameters can get lost - so always fix the current settings before service operations.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi Redmi model do you use?
Redmi Note 10/11/12
Redmi 9/9A/9C
Redmi K50/K60
Redmi A1/A2
Another model

Step-by-step setting up two SIM-card MIUI

To activate both SIM-maps, perform the following actions:

  1. Insert the cards into the tray (note the position of the chip – on Redmi it should be on top).
  2. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  3. Tap each SIM by name (e.g. SIM 1 or MTS) and give it a unique name (e.g., "Worker" and "Personal").
  4. Turn on the switch Enable for both cards.
  5. In the priority section SIM-Call cards select which card to use by default.

To set up mobile internet:

  • 🌐 Go to the Mobile Network β†’ Access point (APN).
  • 🌐 Choose. SIM-map and add APN your operator (settings can be found on the operator's website or request SMS coded *99#).
  • 🌐 Enable data transfer for only one SIM (The second will be disconnected from the Internet).

β˜‘οΈ Checking the correct operation of Dual SIM

Done: 0 / 5

⚠️ Note: If, after setting up one of the SIM Not catching the network, check if the mode is activated 2G in the network settings. MIUI 14+ This parameter can be reset after the update.

Network priorities: how to make the smartphone to switch correctly

One of Redmi’s most annoying dual-SIM behaviors is the unpredictable switching between cards during calls, or SMS, which is due to a priority conflict that is set up in three places:

  1. Settings β†’ SIM-cards β†’ SIM-card priority for calls (main parameter).
  2. Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Phone. β†’ SIM-Default card (redefines the first point for calls).
  3. Settings β†’ Communications β†’ SIM-map SMS (liaison SMS).

To avoid chaos:

  • πŸ“ž Ask one. SIM as a primary caller (e.g., work-related).
  • πŸ’¬ For SMS Choose the same card or leave to ask always.
  • 🌍 For mobile internet use the second one. SIM (This will reduce the burden on the main).

In the Redmi Note 11 Pro models+ and newer feature Intelligent Switching (Settings) β†’ SIM-map β†’ It automatically selects. SIM It's the best signal for calls, but it's often not working properly -- it's better to manually disable it.

What if your smartphone doesn’t ask you which SIM to call?
If the settings of the phone are enabled by the option "Always use" SIM 1" then the card selection will be skipped. To return the dialog box, go to Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Phone. β†’ SIM-Default card and select "Always Ask".

5G and Dual SIM: Which Redmi models support the same time

Simultaneous work 5G both SIM-Maps are rare even in flagship smartphones.Redmi lineup full support for Dual 5G DSDS only:

ModelSupport for 5G supportLimitations
Redmi K60 ProDual 5G (both SIMs)When an active call on one SIM, the second one goes to 4G
Redmi Note 12 Turbo5G on SIM 1 onlySIM 2 works in 4G if SIM 1 in 5G
Redmi 12 5G5G on SIM 1 onlySIM 2 is always in 4G/3G
Redmi Note 11T Pro+Dual 5G (both SIMs)Requires MIUI 14+ firmware

In all other models (for example, Redmi 10 5G or Redmi Note 10T) 5G works on only one SIM, and the second automatically switches to 4G. This is due to the hardware limitations of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480/695 modems and MediaTek Dimensity 700/810, which are used in the budget Redmi.

⚠️ Note: If you use Redmi with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi Note) 11 Helio G88), then upon activation 5G one-on-one SIM The second one may lose contact completely. 10-15 This is a well-known chipset bug that's not even fixed in the MIUI 14.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even with the right setup, Redmi users face typical Dual SIM issues, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

  • πŸ”„ Second second SIM Not catching the net: Check if the Flight Mode is on for this one SIM Reset your smartphone, in the settings. MIUI Sometimes the modem initialization gets lost. MIUI 13.0.4+ Corrected the network missing error on the second SIM.
  • πŸ“΅ The smartphone doesn't see one of them. SIM: Try to move the cards in places (possibly damaged contact in the slot). SIM Check the card on another phone, it can be blocked by the operator.
  • πŸ”‹ Fast battery drain: Turn off Network Search for second SIM In Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Set it for the second one. SIM regimen 2G (if not 4G).

If the problem persists, reset your network settings:

Settings β†’ About phone β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting network settings

This will remove all stored Wi-Fi networks and mobile settings, but often helps in Dual SIM conflicts.

πŸ’‘

If the second SIM is constantly losing the network in the subway or elevator, turn on 2G mode for it. This will reduce power consumption and increase the stability of communication in low signal conditions.

Hidden Dual SIM features in MIUI you didn’t know about

Firmware MIUI There are several undocumented options for working with two SIM-Maps that can be activated through Developer Mode or third-party apps:

  • πŸ”„ Forced modem switching: Enter ##4636##, select Phone Information and tap on Select preferred network type. SIM (for example, LTE only one and 3G only for another).
  • πŸ“‘ Displaying Signal Strength in dBm: Activate Developer Mode (7 taps according to Version) MIUI In About Phone, then in Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers, turn on the Display Signal Strength. Now in the status bar, you'll see the exact signal values for each of them. SIM.
  • πŸ”’ Lockdown SIM-Scheduled maps: Install Dual app SIM Scheduler from Google Play, which allows you to automatically disable one of the SIM At a given time (useful to save battery at night).

In models on Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, Redmi K50) a command is available to reset the modem settings:

adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MODEM_RESET

This command helps if one of the SIMs stopped working after the firmware update.

πŸ’‘

Starting with MIUI 14, Redmi introduced the β€œSeparate Notifications for SIM” feature, which allows you to assign different sounds and vibrations to calls from each card. The settings are hidden in the Settings menu β†’ Sounds and Vibrations β†’ Call Notifications.

How to Choose the Best Combination SIM-maps for your Redmi

Not all operators work equally well in Dual SIM mode. Here are the optimal combinations for Russia and the CIS, tested on the Redmi Note 12/11/10:

Operator combinationPlusesConsRecommendation
MTS + Tele2Good 4G coverage Low Tele2 faresConflicts in roamingPerfect for the city.
Beeline + MegaphoneStable signal in the subway High speeds 5GExpensive tariffsFor business.
Yota + anyoneNo Limit Internet on Yote No conflicts with 2GWeak coverage outside the cityFor travel.
Local + FederalSavings on calls Good coverageAPN's complex setupFor a cottage/country house

If you travel a lot, look at virtual carriers like Tinkoff Mobile or SberMobile, which are based on the Big Four, but allow you to use one SIM for calls and another for cheap Internet.

⚠️ Note: Do not use two. SIM One operator (for example, two MTS) will lead to a conflict. IMSI and constant communications interruptions. MIUI There is no protection against this configuration, unlike Samsung or iPhone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about the Dual SIM in Xiaomi Redmi

Can I use two SIMs and a microSD at the same time?
Depending on the model: In the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi K60 and later β€” yes, there is a separate microSD slot. In the Redmi Note 11/10 and older β€” no, you have to choose between a second SIM or a memory card. Check the completeness of your smartphone: if there was a tray with three slots in the box, then there is support.
Why does one SIM call the other stop catching the network?
This is a feature of Dual technology. SIM Dual Standby (DSDS). When you're calling on one. SIM The second is temporarily disconnected from the network (on the 5-15 In this case: To the caller for the second. SIM You'll hear the "busy" signal". SMS They'll come back later when the connection is restored. MIUI 14 Added Notify of Missed Calls (Settings) β†’ SIM-map β†’ Additionally), which shows a notice if the second SIM I called you during the conversation.
How to get the Internet to work with two SIMs at the same time?
At the hardware level, this is not possible in Xiaomi Redmi.However, there are workarounds: Use a Wi-Fi hotspot with one SIM and connect the second through a duplicate app (for example, Dual Apps in the MIUI). Activate modem modem modem for one SIM And give the Internet to another device and the second one. SIM Use it for calls. Install a router application (like NetShare) that lets you divide traffic between the two. SIM. ⚠️ These methods consume more battery and may violate your operator’s rules.
Why did the second SIM stop working after the MIUI update?
This is a typical problem when upgrading from MIUI 12 to MIUI 13/14. Causes: Reset APN settings (resetting required). IMS profile conflict (resetting). Error in the telephony.db file (needing network reset). Try: 1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ App management β†’ Phone β†’ Storage β†’ Clear data. 2. Reset the smartphone. 3. Reset APN for both SIMs.
Can I transfer contacts from one SIM to another without a computer?
Yeah, in MIUI There is a built-in tool: Open Contacts β†’ Settings β†’ Contact management. select Import/Export β†’ Exports to SIM-Give me the reference card. SIM target-oriented SIM. Confirm the transfer (may take up to 2 minutes). ⚠️ Restrictions: Only name and number are transferred (photos, emails and notes are not) Maximum 250 contacts at a time.