Two numbers on the same smartphone are no longer a luxury, but a necessity for many users. Xiaomi Redmi supports this feature, but not everyone knows how to set it up correctly. SIM-The process will be different, and in this article we will analyze all possible scenarios: from the basic activation of the second SIM pre-subtle MIUI, Flexible management of incoming calls and mobile Internet.
It is important to understand that even if your Redmi doesnβt officially support Dual, itβs not a good idea. SIM (Two physical cards), there are workarounds - for example, using a virtual card. SIM (eSIM) or applications for IP-We tested all methods on the Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi 12 and POCO X5 Pro (2023-2026), so the instructions are relevant for most modern Xiaomi devices. If you have an older model (before 2019), check the specifications on the official website - some budget versions had restrictions on the number of products. SIM.
Before proceeding, make sure that:
- π± Your Redmi is unlocked (not tied to the operator).
- πΆ Both SIM-Cards are active and not blocked by a PIN (if yes, remember the code!).
- π The latest version is installed on the phone. MIUI (Check in the settings β The phone. β Updating the system).
1. Dual SIM Support Check: Which Redmi Models Can Implement Two Physical Cards
Not all Xiaomi Redmi smartphones support two physical devices SIM-For example, some models of the Redmi Note series (for example, the Note 8 Pro) had a hybrid slot where the second slot could work either as a single slot. SIM, But Redmi 10 (2021) and the newer are already equipped with a full Dual. SIM compromiseless.
To find out if your Redmi supports two SIMs, do the following:
- Remove the tray for SIM-cards (use a paper clip or a special key from the kit).
- Look at the slot markings: π Dual SIM + MicroSD: You can insert two nano-SIMs and a memory card. β οΈ Hybrid SIM β second-slot SIM, MicroSD (you have to choose one). π± Single SIM β Only one physical card (but it is possible to connect eSIM).
Xiaomi
| Model Redmi | Slot type | Support for eSIM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Dual nano-SIM + microSD | β No. | Supports 5G on both SIMs |
| Redmi 11 Prime | Hybrid (SIM + SIM/microSD) | β No. | Using two SIMs cannot expand memory |
| POCO X5 Pro | Dual nano-SIM | β Yes (starting with) MIUI 14) | Software update required to activate eSIM |
| Redmi A2 | Dual nano-SIM + microSD | β No. | Budget model without 5G support |
β οΈ Note: If your Redmi is purchased from an operator (for example, in the MTS or Beeline salon), it can be blocked under one of the following conditions: SIM. In this case, activation of the second line will require unlocking (refer to the operator or use the Fastboot service).
2. Method 1: Activation of the second physical SIM-Cards (for models with Dual) SIM)
If your Redmi supports two physical SIM-The process of setting up the cards will take no more than a minute, the main thing is to insert the cards correctly into the tray (usually the first slot is designed for the main slot). SIM, The second one is for the extra. Here's the step-by-step instruction:
1. Turn off the phone and remove the tray for SIM-map.
2. Place the first nano-SIM in slot 1, the second in slot 2 (if the slot is hybrid, choose SIM or microSD priority).
3. Turn on the device and wait for network recognition.
After the phone is turned on:
- Go to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Select βManagementβ SIM-mapΒ».
- Activate both SIMs by assigning them convenient names (e.g., βWorkerβ and βPersonalβ).
- Set network priority for calls and mobile internet (you can choose which SIM will be used by default).
The best apps for the second line on Redmi:
| Annex | Type of number | Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Voice | Virtual (USA) | Free* | Calls only, SMS to American number |
| Dingtone | Virtual (RF/USA/EU) | 99. β½/month | Call support and SMS, you can choose a Russian number |
| Zadarma | Virtual (RF) | 50. β½/month | Integration with CRM, call recording |
| Skype | Skype number | 150. β½/month | Calls to mobile/city, but not all operators support incoming calls |
Google Voice does not officially support Russian numbers, but you can use it for international calls.
To set up the second line via Dingtone (the most versatile option for Russia):
- Download the app from Google Play.
- Register and select a Russian virtual number (cost) ~100 β½/month).
- Configure call forwarding from the main SIM to a virtual number (in your phone settings).
- Include notifications about the incoming app.
β οΈ Note: Virtual numbers from apps will not replace the full SIM-For example, you can't: Use the mobile Internet via a virtual line, log in to banking applications (physically required) SIM). Get SMS from public services (for example, public services or Sberbank).
5. Setting Challenge Priorities and Mobile Internet
After adding a second line, it is important to properly configure how Redmi will handle incoming calls and traffic. By default, all calls can be received on both SIMs at the same time, which drains the battery.
1. Go to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Default call.
2. Select which SIM will be used for outgoing calls (you can ask a question before each call).
3.In the section "Mobile Internet" specify which SIM will be the main for data transfer (or turn off mobile Internet on the second line, if it is not needed).
Additional settings to save charge:
- π Turn off network search for the second SIM, If it is rarely used (Settings) β SIM-map β Searching the net β Manually).
- π΅ Set up the "In the Airplane" mode for the second. SIM overnight (saves up to 15% of charge).
- π Turn off missed call notifications for non-mainline calls SIM (Settings β Notifications β Missed challenges).
π‘
If both SIMs are active, the phone uses energy to maintain two network connections. To save charge, turn off background activity for the non-main line in the battery settings.
6 Problem Solving: Why the Second SIM Doesn't Work
If after setting up the second line does not catch the network, can not make calls or is not determined by the system, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| SIM is not defined | Incorrect installation in the tray | Remove and reinstall SIM, check contacts |
| No network on the second SIM | Operator not supported | Check the network frequencies in the settings (Settings) β SIM-map β Type of network) |
| You can't make a call. | SIM blocked by PIN code | Enter the PIN in the SIM settings or reset via the operator |
| eSIM is not activated | An outdated version of MIUI | Update the firmware to MIUI 14+ |
| Calls are interrupted | Network conflict | Turn off VoLTE for one of the SIM (Settings β SIM-map β A challenge through LTE) |
If the problem is not solved, try:
- Reboot the phone.
- Reset network settings (Settings β System β Reset β Network settings reset).
- Update the firmware to the latest version.
- Contact Xiaomi Support or the operator.
The Secret Method for Older Models: If Your Redmi Doesn't Support Dual SIM, But you have two physical ones. SIM-maps can be used USB-modem or Bluetooth headset with SIM-slot (for example, Huawei) E5577). This will allow you to receive calls to the second number through the headset, and the main one. SIM phone.
7 Security: How to protect data on the second line
Using two SIMs on one device increases the risk of data breaches, and the following steps will help protect privacy:
- π Set a separate PIN code for each SIM (Settings β Security β Lockdown SIM-map).
- π± Use separate spaces in the MIUI (Function Second Space in Settings β This will create an isolated profile with its own apps and settings for the second line.
- π‘οΈ Turn off autocomplete for SMS and calls in Google settings (Settings) β Google β Auto-filling).
- π Regularly check the permissions of apps that request access to calls/SMS (For example, banking applications should not have access to non-core SIM).
β οΈ Note: If you use the second line to work with clients or financial services, never save your bank card details or passwords in notes or SMS on SIM. Attackers can access information through vulnerabilities in protocols SS7 (Used by operators to route calls).