How to install SIM-Default card on Xiaomi smartphones: all ways

Selection SIM-Xiaomi smartphones are a challenge that every owner of a device with two sims faces. Incorrect settings can lead to calls leaving the wrong card, SMS They don't reach the destination, and the mobile Internet will shut down at the most inopportune moment, and this is especially true for users who use one SIM for work and the other for personal needs.

In this article, we’ll take a look at all the current ways to assign SIM defaults to Xiaomi (including models on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS), talk about the nuances of settings for calls, messages and mobile traffic, and give recommendations for eliminating typical errors. If you recently bought a Redmi, POCO or Xiaomi 13/14 smartphone and can not understand the settings of the SIM – this guide is for you.

Why it is important to set up the SIM by default correctly

Many users ignore the setting of the main SIM-And the problem is that the smartphone will choose the best option, but it's a few problems:

  • πŸ“ž Calls from the wrong number: if you do not specify the main SIM, the smartphone can use for outgoing calls the card on which the money ran out or there is no network.
  • πŸ’¬ Missed. SMS: Some banks and services link notifications to a specific number, and if the main SIM is not selected correctly, you will not receive important messages.
  • 🌐 No Internet: Mobile traffic can automatically switch to a SIM with a limited package, which will lead to additional costs.
  • πŸ”„ Conflicts when roaming: on trips, the smartphone may try to connect to the network through a sim with high roaming tariffs.

For example, if you use one SIM for Tele2 with unlimited Internet, and the second for MTS with cheap calls, then without the right settings, traffic will β€œeat” from the MTS card, and outgoing calls will go through Tele2, which will result in unnecessary costs.

πŸ“Š How do you use the two? SIM-maps on Xiaomi?
One for work, the other for personal
Both for personal use
One for the internet, the other for calls
Don't use the second SIM.

Method 1: Configure via the menu "SIM-cards and mobile networks"

This is the most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the MIUI or HyperOS version. The instruction is relevant for the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T and other devices with support for two sims.

To assign SIM by default, follow the following steps:

  1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
  2. Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (some firmware may be called Double Networks). SIM mobile).
  3. Select the Settings item SIM-maps or management SIM-map.
  4. Click on Calls, SMS or Mobile Data (depending on what you need to configure).
  5. In the window that appears, select the desired one. SIM-map, SIM 1 SIM 2).
  6. Confirm the choice by clicking Ready or OK.

Open "Settings"|Go to the "SIM-maps and mobile networks"|Select "Settings" SIM-map"|Assign the main SIM for calls/SMS/internet|Save the changes-->

Note that on some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 for the global version), menu items may vary slightly. If you don't find the right section, try using the search bar in the settings - enter a SIM request or mobile network.

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If you have a smartphone with HyperOS (like Xiaomi 14), the path to settings may look like this: β†’ Connections β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Settings SIM-map

Method 2: Quickly switch over notification panel

If you need to temporarily change the main SIM (for example, for a single call), you do not need to climb into the settings. MIUI and HyperOS have a quick switch feature.

How it works:

  1. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
  2. Find the label Mobile Data or SIM-maps (if not, click on pencil to edit panels).
  3. Hold your finger on the label Mobile data – the menu of SIM selection for the Internet will open.
  4. For calls: when dialing in the Phone application, a down arrow will appear next to the call button - click on it to select a SIM.

This is useful if you need to use a different SIM once, but do not change the default settings, for example, when you call a corporate number from a work SIM, and all other calls must go through a personal one.

What to do if the label SIM-The card disappeared from the notification panel?
If the label SIM-The card is missing from the quick settings, it can be returned: 1. Open the notification panel and click on the pencil (Edit). 2. Find in the list of unavailable shortcuts SIM-Maps or Mobile Data. 3 Drag it to the active area. 4. Click Ready to Save.

Method 3: Set up for specific contacts

Xiaomi has a useful feature that allows you to link a particular SIM to specific contacts, which eliminates the need to choose a card every time you call.

How to set up:

  1. Open the Contacts app.
  2. Select the right contact and click on it.
  3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Edit.
  4. Scroll down to the field. SIM-Default card (or preferred card) SIM).
  5. Choose SIM 1 or SIM 2.
  6. Save the changes.

Now all calls and SMS to that contact will automatically go through the selected SIM, which is convenient if you have, for example, a separate work SIM for colleagues and clients.

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SIM for contacts only works for outgoing calls and SMS. Incoming calls and messages will arrive on the SIM they are sent from, regardless of your settings.

Table: Differences in SIM settings on different versions of MIUI and HyperOS

Depending on the version of the firmware, the path to settings SIM-The following is a comparison table for popular versions of the maps:

Firmware versionThe Way to SIM SettingsFeatures
MIUI 12/13Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Settings SIM-mapThe menu is divided into three tabs: Calls, SMS, Mobile data.
MIUI 14Settings β†’ Connections β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networksAdded the default 4G/5G option to select the priority network.
HyperOS (Xiaomi 14)Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ SIM- MapsThe interface is simplified, SIM and mobile data settings are combined in one menu.
POCO LauncherSettings β†’ SIM-maps and networksSome options may not be available if custom firmware is used.

If your version of MIUI is not listed in the table, try searching in the settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner). Enter a SIM request or a mobile network - the system will tell you the current path.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after setting the default SIM correctly, Xiaomi users may experience problems, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The smartphone does not remember the SIM settings

If you reset your settings after restarting or updating your firmware, try the following:

  • πŸ”„ Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Network resets, which will delete all stored Wi-Fi networks and mobile connection settings, but often solves the problem.
  • πŸ“± Firmware Update: Check for Updates in Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Update the system, new versions MIUI HyperOS and similar bugs are usually fixed.
  • πŸ”§ Manual Settings: If the problem persists, try assigning the main SIM through Developer Mode (included in Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β€” press 7 times).

Problem 2: Mobile Internet is not working on the main SIM

If the Internet is not activated on the selected SIM, follow these steps:

  1. Make sure that mobile data is included for the right SIM-cards (in the notification panel or in the settings).
  2. Check that APN-The settings are set correctly. Pathway: Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [choose SIM] β†’ Access points (APN). If the list is empty, ask the operator for settings (usually come by the SMS).
  3. Reboot your smartphone – sometimes it helps to restore the connection.
  4. If nothing helps, remove and insert again. SIM-card (by pre-switching off the phone).

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Some Xiaomi smartphones (such as the Redmi Note 11) have a bug where mobile data is turned off after connecting to Wi-Fi. Solution: disable the option of Auto Connect to Wi-Fi in network settings.

Problem 3: Calls are leaving the wrong place SIM-map

If the smartphone ignores the settings and uses the wrong SIM for calls:

  • πŸ“΅ Check the settings of a particular contact: it is possible that another SIM is assigned to it (see Method 3).
  • πŸ” Update the Phone app: go to Google Play, find the Phone app from Xiaomi and check for updates.
  • πŸ“² Reset the application settings: go to Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Phone. β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the data. Attention: this will delete the call history!
What to do if the smartphone does not see the second SIM-map?
If the second SIM is not identified: 1. Check if it is inserted correctly (the chip should be pointing down). 2. Try inserting it into another slot (if supported). 3. Clean the SIM card contacts with soft cloth (sometimes the oxidation of the contacts interferes with recognition). 4. If nothing helps, contact a service center - possibly faulty SIM-reader.

Additional settings for experienced users

If standard methods don’t work or you want to manage SIMs more flexibly, you can take advantage of additional features.

Customization through USSD-team

Some operators allow services to be managed through USSD-For example, to activate data transmission to the MTS, send:

*111*55#

For Beeline, balance check:

*102#

This won’t replace the default SIM setting, but it will help control the spending on each card.

Using applications for SIM management

Google Play has third-party utilities that extend the dual SIM experience, such as:

  • πŸ“± Dual Apps: allows you to duplicate messengers (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) for each SIM.
  • πŸ”„ SIM Toolkit: gives access to hidden SIM card settings (not working on all models).
  • πŸ“Š Network Signal Guru: Shows detailed network information for each SIM.

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Be careful with third-party apps! Some require root rights or may contain ads. Read reviews and check permissions before installing.

Adjustment through ADB (for Advanced)

If you're familiar with ADB, you can manually set the main SIM through the command line.

  1. Enable debugging over USB in the developer settings.
  2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command:
adb shell settings put global multi_sim_vibration_enabled 1

This command is going to vibrate when you change the SIM, but you can also use other parameters to control your priorities, and be careful, the wrong commands can disrupt the system.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up SIM on Xiaomi

Can we make the main SIM-A call card and another for the internet?
Yeah, in the settings. SIM-Maps and mobile networks can be independently selected for the main SIM for calls, SMS And mobile data, for example, calls will go through SIM 1, and the Internet through SIM 2.
Why did the SIM settings drop after the MIUI update?
This is a known problem with some versions of MIUI. After major updates (e.g., version 13 to version 14), the system can reset user settings. Solution: reassign the main SIM manually or back up the settings before updating via Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Backup.
How do I know which one SIM-card is used by default?
There are two ways: Open the Settings β†’ SIM-Maps and mobile networks – next to each option (Calls, SMS, Mobile data will tell you which SIM is selected. Look at the network icon in the status bar: if there is a number 1 or 2 next to the signal indicator, this indicates an active SIM.
Can we use two? SIM-MicroSD and cards simultaneously on Xiaomi?
It depends on the smartphone model: πŸ“± Hybrid slot: on most Redmi devices and POCO The second slot is combined with a memory card connector. SIM, microSD. πŸ”„ Separate slots: flagship models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Xiaomi 14) often have three separate slots: two SIM + Check the characteristics of your model on the official website of Xiaomi.
What to do if your smartphone asks PUK-post-change SIM?
That means that SIM-The card is blocked after three incorrect attempts to enter PIN. To unlock: Enter PUK-code (specified on the plastic SIM media or available from the operator) After unlocking, set a new one PIN-If PUK Incorrectly entered 10 times, the SIM will be permanently blocked – a replacement will be required. ⚠️ Attention: Never enter PUK-After 10 wrong attempts to restore the SIM, it will be impossible to restore the SIM.

Now you know how to set up correctly. SIM-default card on Xiaomi smartphones, avoid common errors and solve possible problems. If your model has specific features (for example, Xiaomi Black Shark for gamers or Xiaomi Mix Fold), check the additional settings in the user manual or on the official website.