How to install the second line on the Xiaomi phone: all the ways and nuances

Two. SIM-cards in one smartphone is not a luxury, but a necessity for many users. Xiaomi offers a wide range of devices with Dual support SIM, But it's not always clear how to set up the second line correctly, especially if you're switching from a different brand or updating your firmware. SIM-maps on any Xiaomi models – from budget Redmi to flagship Xiaomi 14, including features of the new firmware HyperOS and other features. MIUI 15.

You will learn not only how to physically insert a card, but also how to set network priority, manage call forwarding, and solve typical problems like “no network” or “no network "SIM-Special attention will be paid to the hidden operator settings, which allow you to use two lines with the same number (for example, for work and personal calls) without buying additional SIM.

The material will be useful to both beginners and experienced users: the first will find step-by-step instructions with pictures, and the second - advanced chips like manual selection of networks or settings. 5G specific SIM. Let’s start with the most important thing: checking the compatibility of your device.

1. Check the support of Dual SIM with your Xiaomi model

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support two physical devices. SIM-For example, some models for the global market (especially flagships) may have a hybrid slot, where the second one is the first one. SIM It competes with a microSD card, even if your device theoretically supports Dual. SIM, Depending on the region of sale, there may be restrictions.

Here’s how to determine the capabilities of your device:

• 🔍 Look at the tray for SIM-maps: if there are two separate slots under the nano-SIM, then two physical maps are supported. SIM/microSD — It's a hybrid slot.
• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Characteristics of the device "SIM-The card must be marked "Dual". SIM" or "Hybrid Dual" SIM".
• 🌐 Check the official model page on the Xiaomi website (section "Specifications" → "Network & Connectivity. Search for the line "Dual" SIM: Yes".

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) activate SIM VoLTE support can automatically turn off on the first card. This is a known bug that fixes in updates.

If your model does not support two physical SIM, consider alternatives:

• 📲 eSIM: Some newer models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite) support a physical combination SIM + eSIM.
• ☁️ Virtual second line: operators like MTS or Beeline offer the service "MultiSIM" - one physical card emulates two lines.

Physical installation second SIM-map

If your device supports Dual SIM, The first step is to insert the map correctly. It seems difficult, but many users are facing problems due to improperly trimming the nano-SIM or contamination of contacts.

You'll need:

• 🔧 Paperclip or special key to extract the tray (comprised with the phone).
• 📱 Second nano-SIM (if you have a micro-SIM or mini-SIM, you need to trim or replace it with an operator).
• 🧴 Alcohol wipes for cleaning contacts (optional, but recommended).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone to avoid damaging your contacts.
2. Find a tray for SIM-(usually on the top or side edge) insert the paper clip into the hole before clicking.
3. Carefully remove the tray. Notice the tags: there are often inscriptions. SIM1 and SIM2, and arrows indicating the correct position of the map.
4. Put the second nano-SIM in the slot SIM2 Make sure the card fits tightly and doesn't stagger.
5. Put the tray back in before you click. Turn on the phone.

Make sure that SIM activated|Check the size compatibility (Nano-SIM only)|Clean the contacts of the tray from dust|Turn off the phone before installation-->

⚠️ Note: If the second installation is SIM It's not determined, don't try to retrieve the tray when the phone is on, it can short circuit. First turn off the device, then check if the card is inserted correctly (contacts should be directed towards the phone's chip).

On models with a hybrid slot (for example, Redmi Note 12) when installing the second SIM The microSD card automatically shuts down, the data on it remains secure, but access to it will be blocked until retrieved. SIM. If you need to use two cards and a flash drive at the same time, you will have to choose one.

After the physical installation, we move to software configuration. MIUI HyperOS is a little different, let’s look at both.

3. Set up second SIM into MIUI 14 and HyperOS

Once the card is installed, the system usually automatically detects it, but it requires manual adjustment to work properly. The interface may vary depending on the firmware version, so we will consider both current options: MIUI 14 (older models) and HyperOS (newer devices 2023-2026).

Common algorithm:

1. Open the Settings.
2. Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (HyperOS may be called the Mobile Network).
3. Tap on the second. SIM-map (it can be displayed as a map "SIM 2" or by the operator's name).
4. Activate the switch to turn on (if it is turned off).

Now let’s look at the features for each firmware:

Setting up MIUI 14 (Redmi Note 11, POCO X4 etc.)

• 📞 To choose SIM For default calls, go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Calls and indicate your preferred card.
• 🌐 For mobile Internet, select the Mobile Internet and activate the desired one. SIM. Note: Some models only use one card on the Internet!
• 🔄 In the section Additional, you can configure the forwarding of calls from one SIM It is useful if one card is used only for the Internet).

Setting up on HyperOS (Xiaomi 14, Redmi) K70 etc.)

HyperOS has a simplified interface, but new features have appeared:

• 📊 In the Mobile Network section → Management SIM-Cards can assign each card a usage profile (e.g., "Work" or "Personal Use").
• 🔄 There is an option Dual 5G Standby (on supported models) that allows both SIM standby 5G simultaneously.
• 📵 In the call settings, you can turn off notifications for SIM2, If the second line is used only for SMS.

Important point: on some firmware HyperOS when activating the second SIM may reset APN (If the mobile Internet stopped working after setting up the second card, check APN in the Mobile Network section → Access points (APN) If necessary, download the operator settings automatically.

4. Solving problems with the second SIM-card

Even after the correct installation and setup, the second SIM It may not work properly. Let's look at the typical problems and how to solve them. If your situation is not described below, check the section. FAQ end-of-article.

Problem 1: SIM-map not defined

If the phone doesn't see the second SIM:

• 🔄 Reboot the device – it helps 60% of the time.
• 📱 Check if the card is inserted correctly (contacts should be directed downwards).
• 🧹 Clear the contacts. SIM-card-tray.
• 🔧 Try to put the map in SIM1 — If it works, the problem is the slot. SIM2.
• 📡 Check if your operator supports regional operations (e.g. Tele2 may not catch the network in some areas).

Problem 2: No network on the second SIM

If the card is determined but the network is not:

• 🔄 Turn on and off flight mode for 30 seconds.
• 📡 Manually select the network: Settings → Mobile network → Name of operator → Select by hand.
• 🔧 Check the settings. APN (Especially if the operator is Yota or Tinkoff Mobile, which often require manual adjustment).
• 📶 Make sure the second one is SIM Supports your carrier’s frequencies (e.g. Redmi) 9A supportive 5G, so on the second SIM There may be no network if the main card is used. 5G).

Problem 3: The Internet is not working on the second SIM

If the phone calls are over and the internet is not:

• 🌐 Make sure that mobile data is included for the second SIM In Settings → Mobile network → Mobile Internet.
• 🔄 Switch Network Mode from 5G on 4G (Sometimes helps with unstable surfaces).
• 📱 Check balance and fare – some carriers block internet at zero balance, even if calls are working.

💡

If the second SIM stopped working after updating the firmware, try resetting the network settings: → System and device → Resetting settings → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings, which will delete all the saved networks, but often solves problems with the Internet. SIM.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F5) second-strong SIM VoLTE support may be lost on the first card, and that's a hardware limitation, and the only solution is to disable the second card. SIM Or use it only for calls without the internet.

5. Advanced settings: priorities, redirection, 5G

Basic settings for the second SIM Often not enough for comfortable use. Consider advanced features that will help optimize the two lines.

Setting Call Priorities and SMS

If you have two active SIM, can be tuned:

• 📞 SIM Default for calls: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Calls. → SIM for outgoing calls.
• 💬 SIM default SMS: similar path, but in the section "Messages".
• 🔄 Automatic choice SIM: On HyperOS you can enable an option that will offer you to choose from. SIM every time.

Redirect calls between SIM

A useful function if one of the SIM It is rarely used, but you don’t want to miss an important call:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Call forwarding.
2. Choose. SIM, from which you want to forward your calls.
3. Please specify the terms (e.g., "If unavailable" or "If no response").
4. Enter number two. SIM format +79XXXXXXXXX.
5. Save the settings.

Please note: redirects may be paid for by some operators (for example, MTS takes a charge of the transfer). ~3 rubles per minute of forwarded call).

Setting up 5G second SIM

If your Xiaomi supports Dual 5G (for example, Xiaomi 13T or Redmi K60), second SIM only works 4G:

• 📶 Make sure both of you SIM support 5G (check with the operator).
• 🔧 Turn on Dual. 5G Standby in Settings (see spoiler in previous section).
• 🔄 If you don’t have an option, upgrade to the latest version of HyperOS.

On models without Dual 5G (For example, Redmi Note 12) activated 5G first SIM the second automatically switches to 3G/2G. This is normal behavior and can only be corrected by changing the device.

💡

Dual setup 5G Standby is available only on Xiaomi flagship models 2023–2026 years 13/14, Redmi K60/K70). On budget devices, the second SIM will work at the maximum in 4G, even if the first one is 5G.

6. Alternatives to the Second Physical SIM

If your Xiaomi doesn’t support two physical SIM Or you want to save money on buying a second card, consider alternative options:

1. Virtual second line (MultiSIM)

Many carriers offer a service that allows you to use one physical number on two devices or as two lines on the same phone:

• 📱 MTS MultiSIM: One physical SIM + Virtual line with the same number (cost) ~100 rub/month).
• 📱 Multiphone Beeline: up to 5 virtual lines on one number (suitable for business).
• 📱 MegaFon Multicard: Two SIM-Single number cards (free when connected).

Advantage: You don’t have to buy the second one. SIM, But both lines will have the same number.

2. eSIM (electronic) SIM-map)

Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite or Xiaomi) 12T Pro) support eSIM - virtual SIM-A card that is activated through software to connect:

1. Make sure your operator supports eSIM (MTS, Beeline, Tele2 – yes; Yota – no).
2. Get it. QR-activation code from the operator (usually in the personal account or sales office).
3. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Add a mobile fare → Scan. QR-eSIM.
4. Scan the code and follow the instructions.

Limitations of eSIM on Xiaomi:

• 🚫 You can not use eSIM and two physical SIM simultaneously (eSIM only) + physical SIM).
• 🔄 On some firmware, eSIM may conflict with VoLTE.

Annexes to the second line

If none of the above options are suitable, you can use applications for calls over the Internet with the second number:

• 📞 Google Voice (requires a US number but works in Russia via Google Voice) VPN).
• 📞 Dingtone or TextNow – Free Wi-Fi Call Numbers.
• 📞 WhatsApp Business – allows you to use a second WhatsApp number on the same phone.

The disadvantage of such decisions is the dependence on the Internet and possible delays in calls.

7. Optimization of the two SIMs: tips and life hacks

Use of the two SIM-A card on a single device can cause fast battery drain and network conflicts. Here are some tips on how to make two lines more stable and economical:

1. Battery charge savings

• 🔋 Turn it off. 4G/5G second SIM, If it is used only for calls: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Mobile Internet → SIM2 → Type of network: 3G/2G.
• 📵 Turn on traffic savings for the second SIM mobile network settings.
• 🔄 Use the Power Saving Mode for the Second SIM (on HyperOS: Settings → Battery → Energy conservation for SIM2).

2. Notification management

To avoid confusion:

• 🔔 Assign different ringtones for each SIM: Settings → Sounds and vibrations → The ringing melody → SIM1/SIM2.
• 📱 Turn off notifications about SMS second SIM, If it is used only for the Internet: Settings → Notifications → Communications → SIM2 → Shut down.
• 🏷️ Use contact tags (for example, add the prefix “Work” or “Personal” to names) to quickly understand which ones you want to use. SIM ring.

3. Quick switching between SIM

HyperOS and MIUI 14+ You can add a widget to switch quickly:

1. Press and hold the empty space on the main screen.
2. Select the Widgets → Settings.
3. Find the Mobile Network widget and drag it to the screen.
4. Now you can quickly turn on/off SIM Change your priorities from the main screen.

💡

If you travel frequently, set up roaming rules for each SIM For example, you can ban the second one. SIM Connect to roaming to avoid unexpected costs: Settings → Mobile network → roaming → SIM2 → Turn off data in roaming.

4. Backup of settings SIM

If you're often rearranging SIM-cards or drop your phone, save your settings:

1. Take a picture or take a picture of the settings. APN each SIM (section).
2. Export contacts tied to a specific SIM (If you use this function).
3. Save your redirect and priority settings (you can take screenshots of your settings screens).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second SIM on Xiaomi