How to choose SIM-Default card on Xiaomi Redmi: the full guide

Why it's important to set up SIM-Default card on Xiaomi Redmi

Modern smartphones Xiaomi Redmi support the work with two SIM-Cards at the same time, but without the right settings, you risk missing an important call or sending a message. SMS from the wrong number, for example, if the main number SIM It's used for work, and it's used for personal contacts, and it can automatically select the wrong number for outgoing calls, which creates confusion and requires constant manual switching.

V MIUI 12–14 (Firmware for most Redmi Note models 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/11, POCO X3/X4) setup SIM-The default card takes less than a minute, but many users don't know where to look for these options. SIM It resets, and it has to be reconfigured. In this article, we'll look at all the ways, from basic to hidden functions for advanced users.

We will focus on three key scenarios:

  • πŸ“ž Calls: How to secure the main number for outgoing and incoming calls.
  • πŸ’¬ SMS/MMS: Why do messages go wrong? SIM And how to fix it.
  • 🌐 Mobile Internet: How to link traffic to a specific map and avoid unexpected write-offs.

Method 1: Quickly adjust via "Settings" SIM-mapΒ»

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI menu, which is suitable for all Xiaomi Redmi models based on Android 10–13 and works even without root rights.

  1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
  2. Go to section. SIM-maps and mobile networks (on some firmware - Double) SIM mobile).
  3. Slip on item Parameters SIM-maps (or settings) SIM).
  4. Choose. SIM-The card you want to make the main one, and check the boxes opposite: πŸ“± Calls for outgoing/incoming calls; πŸ’¬ SMS β€” message-post; 🌐 Mobile data for the Internet (if the card supports the 4G/5G).

After saving the changes, check the work: try calling or sending an SMS. If the settings do not apply, restart the phone - this will reset the cache of the communication module.

Calling the test number (e.g., 112) | Sending an SMS to your second number | Checking mobile internet activity (open browser) | Rebooting your phone to apply changes

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Method 2: Separate settings for calls, SMS and the Internet

In some cases, flexibility is required: for example, the main calls are made through the SIM1, and the Internet through SIM2 (If it has an unlimited rate, then it's in MIUI Detailed configuration is provided:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ SIM-cards and mobile networks.
  2. Select Calls and select your preferred SIM.
  3. Go back and tap the SMS – you can choose another card here.
  4. For mobile Internet go to Mobile Data and select the desired one SIM in the section Use SIM-map.

⚠️ Note: If you are using eSIM (virtual) SIM-The card may be in conflict with the physical cards, in which case you must first disable the eSIM in the Mobile Network section. β†’ Manage eSIM, then set up physical cards, and then activate eSIM back.

πŸ’‘

After the shift SIM Mobile Internet is missing by default, check it out. APN-Settings: Go to Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ [choose SIM] β†’ Access points (APN) and select your operator profile (for example, Internet.beeline.ru for Beeline).

Method 3: Configure through USSD-Teams (for experienced users)

If the standard settings do not work (for example, after firmware or reset), you can apply USSD-This method is suitable for Redmi models. 8/9/10 older, but requires caution:

  1. Open the Phone app and go to the Set tab.
  2. Enter one of the commands (depending on the task): πŸ“ž For calls: ##4636## β†’ Phone information β†’ choose SIM In the Set preferred network type section. πŸ’¬ For SMS: ##7465625## (opens the test menu) SIM, where to set the priority).

A challenge

⚠️ Attention: USSD-The teams may differ depending on the version MIUI And the phone models. On the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+ and newer, some commands are blocked - in this case, use the standard settings from Method 1.

What to do if USSD-teams are not working?
On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global Stable for European Region) Engineering menu disabled: 1. Install the app MTK Engineering Mode from Play Market (MediaTek processors only). 2. Or use it. ADB-Command: Adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.TestingSettings 3. If the phone is on Qualcomm Snapdragon, try the command ##4636## In the air (sometimes it works).

Table: Methods compatible with Xiaomi Redmi models

Model phoneMethod 1 (Settings)Method 2 (Separate setting)Method 3 (USSD)Notes
Redmi Note 12 Pro+βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.❌ No (lockdown)Use MIUI 14.
Redmi 10/10Aβœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.⚠️ Partially (##4636##)Requires rebooting after changes
POCO X3 Proβœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.Supports everything. USSD-team
Redmi 9T (NFC)βœ… Yes.❌ No (bug in) MIUI 12.5)βœ… Yes.Update the firmware to MIUI 13+

If your model is not listed in the table, focus on the MIUI version:

  • πŸ”Ή MIUI 14: All methods work except USSD flagship.
  • πŸ”Ή MIUI 12.5–13: Bugs with separate settings are possible SMS.
  • πŸ”Ή MIUI 12 and older: use Method 1 or USSD.

Redmi Note 10/11/12|Redmi 9/10/11|POCO X3/X4/X5|Redmi 8/8A| Other model|I don't know

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Addressing problems: SIM-The card is not retained as the main

Sometimes, after setting up the main SIM, the phone ignores the changes.

  1. Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Reset the network settings. This will clear the cache of the communication module, but it will not delete personal data.
  2. Conflict with Dual Apps: If you cloned messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) through Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Dual Apps, they can override SIM settings. Disable cloning for the test.
  3. Operator error: Some operators (e.g. Tele2 or Iota) block the shift SIM Check if your tariff supports this feature β€” call support or enter USSD-squadron#.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Redmi with Android 13 and MIUI 14 there is a bug: after the update, the system may reset the settings SIM To avoid this, prior to updating, record the current settings through Settings. β†’ Memory. β†’ Backup.

πŸ’‘

If none of these methods work, try extracting and inserting again. SIM-Sometimes the contacts oxidize, and the phone doesn't recognize the card as the primary card.

Additional settings: priority for specific contacts

V MIUI can be assigned separately SIM-This is a contact card, and it's convenient if you use one. SIM The other one is for work, and the other one is for family:

  1. Open the Contacts app.
  2. Select the contact you want and tap Edit (pencil icon).
  3. Scroll down to the field. SIM-Default card and specify your preferred card.
  4. Save the changes.

Now when you call or SMS This phone will automatically select the given SIM. This function only works for contacts stored in the phone’s memory, not on the phone. SIM-map.

You can also set up a quick SIM switch during the call:

  • πŸ“± During an outgoing call, tap on the icon. SIM top-of-screen.
  • πŸ”„ Select another card from the pop-up menu.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up SIM on Xiaomi Redmi

Can we make the main SIM-a mobile card, and for calls - another?
Yeah, in MIUI It supports separate settings. β†’ SIM-Select one card for Calls and another for Mobile Data, but some operators (such as MTS) may block this scenario at traffic-restricted rates.
After the MIUI update, the SIM settings were reset.
The firmware update often resets network settings. To restore: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version and tap 7 times to turn on Developer Mode. Return to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers, and select Network Settings Reset. Reset SIM by default (see Method 1).
Redmi Note 9 Pro does not retain the basic SIM for SMS.
On this model in MIUI 12.0.3–12.5 has a bug with settings SMS. Decisions: πŸ”„ Update the firmware to MIUI 13+. πŸ“± Set up a third-party. SMS-Messenger (for example, Google Messages) and configure it SIM default. πŸ› οΈ Reset using ##7465625## (see Method 3).
How to check which SIM is used for the Internet?
Open the notification bar and look at the mobile network icon (for example, 4G or 5G). Next to it will be a number. SIM (for example, SIM1). You can also go to the settings. β†’ SIM-map β†’ Mobile data – the active card will be marked with a tick.
Can you make a basic eSIM instead of a physical one? SIM-map?
Yes, but with limitations: πŸ”Ή Xiaomi. 12T Pro, Redmi K50 The newer eSIM is fully supported. πŸ”Ή On the Redmi Note. 11 Pro+ eSIM is only for mobile internet, not for calls/SMS. πŸ”Ή To activate, go to Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Add eSIM and scan it. QR-operator.