How to install the second line on the phone Xiaomi Redmi: 3 proven ways

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 doesn’t officially support Dual, it’s 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:

  • πŸ“± Your Redmi is unlocked (not tied to the operator).
  • πŸ“Ά Both SIM-Cards are active and not blocked by a PIN (if yes, remember the code!).
  • πŸ”„ The latest version is installed on the phone. MIUI (Check in the settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system).
πŸ“Š Why do you need a second line on your smartphone?
Separation of work and personal calls
Savings on roaming
Use of two operators
Tariff testing
Other

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:

  1. Remove the tray for SIM-cards (use a paper clip or a special key from the kit).
  2. Look at the slot markings: πŸ”„ Dual SIM + MicroSD: You can insert two nano-SIMs and a memory card. ⚠️ Hybrid SIM β€” second-slot SIM, MicroSD (you have to choose one). πŸ“± Single SIM β€” Only one physical card (but it is possible to connect eSIM).

Xiaomi

Model RedmiSlot typeSupport for eSIMNotes
Redmi Note 12 Pro+Dual nano-SIM + microSD❌ No.Supports 5G on both SIMs
Redmi 11 PrimeHybrid (SIM + SIM/microSD)❌ No.Using two SIMs cannot expand memory
POCO X5 ProDual nano-SIMβœ… Yes (starting with) MIUI 14)Software update required to activate eSIM
Redmi A2Dual nano-SIM + microSD❌ No.Budget model without 5G support

⚠️ 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:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Select β€œManagement” SIM-mapΒ».
  3. Activate both SIMs by assigning them convenient names (e.g., β€œWorker” and β€œPersonal”).
  4. 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:

AnnexType of numberCostFeatures
Google VoiceVirtual (USA)Free*Calls only, SMS to American number
DingtoneVirtual (RF/USA/EU)99. β‚½/monthCall support and SMS, you can choose a Russian number
ZadarmaVirtual (RF)50. β‚½/monthIntegration with CRM, call recording
SkypeSkype number150. β‚½/monthCalls 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):

  1. Download the app from Google Play.
  2. Register and select a Russian virtual number (cost) ~100 β‚½/month).
  3. Configure call forwarding from the main SIM to a virtual number (in your phone settings).
  4. Include notifications about the incoming app.

⚠️ 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:

  • πŸ”‹ Turn off network search for the second SIM, If it is rarely used (Settings) β†’ SIM-map β†’ Searching the net β†’ Manually).
  • πŸ“΅ Set up the "In the Airplane" mode for the second. SIM overnight (saves up to 15% of charge).
  • πŸ”” Turn off missed call notifications for non-mainline calls SIM (Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ Missed challenges).

πŸ’‘

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 causeDecision
SIM is not definedIncorrect installation in the trayRemove and reinstall SIM, check contacts
No network on the second SIMOperator not supportedCheck the network frequencies in the settings (Settings) β†’ SIM-map β†’ Type of network)
You can't make a call.SIM blocked by PIN codeEnter the PIN in the SIM settings or reset via the operator
eSIM is not activatedAn outdated version of MIUIUpdate the firmware to MIUI 14+
Calls are interruptedNetwork conflictTurn off VoLTE for one of the SIM (Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ A challenge through LTE)

If the problem is not solved, try:

  1. Reboot the phone.
  2. Reset network settings (Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset β†’ Network settings reset).
  3. Update the firmware to the latest version.
  4. 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:

  • πŸ”’ Set a separate PIN code for each SIM (Settings β†’ Security β†’ Lockdown SIM-map).
  • πŸ“± 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.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Turn off autocomplete for SMS and calls in Google settings (Settings) β†’ Google β†’ Auto-filling).
  • πŸ”„ Regularly check the permissions of apps that request access to calls/SMS (For example, banking applications should not have access to non-core SIM).

⚠️ 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).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second line on Xiaomi Redmi

Can I use two SIMs from different operators at the same time?
Yes, Redmi with Dual SIM allows you to use cards from different carriers (for example, MTS and Tele2). the main thing is that both SIMs are active and not blocked. Note that when you call on the same line, the second one may be temporarily unavailable (depending on the model).
How to transfer contacts from one SIM to another?
1. Open the Contacts app. 2. Click on three dots (menu) β†’ Β«Contact managementΒ» β†’ Β«Import/Export. 3. Select "Export to Export" SIMΒ» and point out the target. SIM-Important: Contacts to SIM limited in number (usually up to 250 records).
Why is the second SIM not running 4G?
Possible reasons: The operator does not support 4G on your tariff (check in your personal account) in the phone settings for the second SIM selected Only 3G/2G (Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Network type) Hardware model constraint (e.g. Redmi) 9A supportive 4G Solution: Manually select the type of network LTE/4G second SIM Contact the operator to check for support.
Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?
Yes, if your Redmi model supports Dual SIM + eSIM (like the POCO F5 or Xiaomi 13T). In this case, you can combine one physical SIM and one virtual. Note that some carriers (like Iota) do not support eSIM, so check in advance.
How to turn off missed call notifications for a second SIM?
Go to Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ Missed calls and disable the option for non-main SIM. Alternatively, you can configure Do Not Disturb mode separately for each line in Settings β†’ Sound and Vibration β†’ Do Not Disturb.