How to turn it on SIM-Map on Xiaomi: from installation to network setting

You just bought a new Xiaomi smartphone or you’re faced with a problem when the device can’t see. SIM-This situation is familiar to many users of the brand, from owners of budget Redmi to the flagship Mi 13 Ultra. The reasons can be different: improper installation of the tray, software failure or even hardware malfunction. SIM-maps on Xiaomi devices, including models with support for two sims and eSIM.

Feature of Xiaomi smartphones - hybrid slots under SIM-These cards are often paired with a microSD card connector, which means that if you install them incorrectly, you can lose either a second SIM or an additional storage, and we'll tell you how to avoid these errors and what to do if the phone doesn't recognize the card after you restart. For older models (e.g. Redmi Note 5 or Mi) A2) We will give some recommendations - their firmware MIUI may require manual adjustment APN.

Preparation: what SIM-The card is suitable for Xiaomi

Before you insert the card into your smartphone, make sure it is compatible with your Xiaomi model.Most modern devices (starting with the Redmi Note 8 and later) support the nano-SIM format (4FF). However, older devices (such as the Mi 5 or Redmi 4X) could use micro-SIM (3FF) or even mini-SIM (2FF) in the earliest models.

Also check:

  • πŸ“Ά Frequency support: Make sure your carrier is operating on frequencies that the smartphone supports. e.g. Redmi 9A Band 20 (800 MHz) is not supported, which may result in a network failure in some regions.
  • πŸ”„ Slot type: Hybrid slot (SIM + microSD means you can't use two SIMs and a memory card at the same time, except for models with a separate microSD slot, like the one in the microSD system. POCO X3 Pro.
  • πŸ“± eSIM: Flagship models (Xiaomi 13, Mi 11) support virtual models SIM-To activate it, you will need to download the operator profile.

If you use a micro-SIM or mini-SIM card, you can cut it to nano-SIM with a stapler or in the cabin of the operator. Don't try to trim the card with scissors, this can damage the chip and make it inoperable.

πŸ“Š What slot for SIM-maps in your Xiaomi?
Hybrid (SIM + microSD)
Two separate SIM slots
Only one slot for the SIM
Supports eSIM

Step-by-step instruction: how to insert SIM-map

Installation process SIM-The maps seem simple, but many users make mistakes at this stage.Follow our instructions to avoid problems:

  1. Turn off your smartphone. It's a must-do step -- hot replacement. SIM-The card may cause the communication module to fail.
  2. Find a slot for SIM-In most models, it is located on the left end (for example, in the Redmi Note 10), but in some devices (for example, the Mi 11 Lite) - on the upper end.
  3. Use a paper clip or a tool to remove the tray. It comes with a special key. If it's not there, an unbended clip will do. Don't use needles or toothpicks, they can damage the mechanism.
  4. Place it. SIM-Make sure it's down the chip and matches the notches on the tray. For two sims, use both slots (usually SIM 1 and SIM 2).
  5. Put the tray back in before you click. It should come in smoothly, effortlessly.
  6. Turn on your phone and wait for the system to load.

If the smartphone does not recognize after switching on SIM-map, try it:

  • πŸ”„ Remove and insert the tray again (sometimes the contacts are not tightly pressed).
  • 🧹 Clear the contacts SIM-cards and slots with dry soft cloth (dust or oxidation may interfere with the bonds).
  • πŸ“± Reboot the phone in flight mode, then turn it off.

β˜‘οΈ Pre-installing check SIM-map

Done: 0 / 4

Network settings after installation SIM-map

Even if the smartphone recognizes SIM-map, the mobile network may not work due to incorrect settings:

  1. Activate Mobile Data: Go to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Mobile data and switch on. If you have two SIMs, select the main one for the Internet.
  2. Select Network Mode: In the same menu, click Network Type and install 4G (preferably) or 5G (if supported). To save charge, you can choose 3G, but the Internet speed will be lower.
  3. Set up an access point APN: If the internet is not working, manual setup may be required APN. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Access points (APN) and add a new profile with your operator's parameters. For example, for MTS, use: MTS Internet APN: Internet.mts.ru Username: mts Password: mts

If the network does not appear after these actions, check:

  • πŸ“‘ Coverage area: You may be outside the range of the tower. Try moving to another location.
  • πŸ”‹ Energy saving mode: Some models (e.g, POCO F3) Disconnecting the mobile network in ultra-low consumption mode.
  • πŸ”„ Update: Outdated firmware MIUI It may contain bugs in the communication module. β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system.

πŸ’‘

If the smartphone does not see the second SIM-check if the card is in the hybrid slot, in which case one of the sims will have to be removed.

What to do if Xiaomi doesn’t see it SIM-map

If after all the manipulations the phone still does not recognize SIM-map, the problem could be hardware or software. Let's look at the possible causes and solutions:

Reason.Signs.Decision
A damaged slot.The phone doesn't see any SIM, the tray is dangling or not fixed.Contact the service center to replace the connector
IMEI failureB Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ General information is displayed IMEI: unknownRestore the IMEI via the Engineering Menu (#4636##) or firmware
Locking the operatorSimka works on other phones, but not your XiaomiUnlock the phone (if it is tied to the operator) or use the SIM of another provider
Firmware problemsSymka stopped being determined after the MIUI updateReverse the firmware or reset the settings to the factory

One of the most common causes is the loss of IMEI after a failed update or reset. To check the IMEI, type in the dialer:

*#06#

If an error is displayed instead of a number, you will need to restore it through an engineering menu or flashing it. Self-changing the IMEI without special knowledge can lead to complete loss of communication and locking the device.

How to restore IMEI on Xiaomi?
Recovery of IMEI requires access to an engineering menu (code #3646633##), a backup of the original IMEI, and a firmware (e.g. QPST) that is risky and recommended only to advanced users.

Some Xiaomi models have unique nuances when working with the SIM-Let's look at the most common ones:

Redmi Note 11/12 Series

These smartphones support 5G, but activation requires:

  1. Install SIM-slot-card SIM 1 (only he supports) 5G).
  2. Set the regimen on 5G In Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Type of network.
  3. Update the firmware to the latest version of MIUI (in older versions, 5G could work unstable).

POCO F4 / F5

In these models, there is often a problem with the second SIM-- if it's from another operator:

  • πŸ”§ Turn off VoLTE for the second SIM in network settings.
  • πŸ”„ Reboot your phone after installing both cards.

Xiaomi 13 / 13 Pro

Flagships support eSIM, but activation requires:

  1. Download the operator profile through the application SIM-card-site.
  2. Confirm activation through SMS or QR-code.
  3. B Settings β†’ SIM-Maps and mobile networks select eSIM as the primary.

For models with MIUI for POCO (e.g., POCO X3 NFC), additional dual 4G (DSDS) setup may be required if both SIMs are to work simultaneously.

How to check if it works SIM-map

To make sure that SIM-The card is activated and works correctly, follow the following steps:

  1. Check network status: The status bar (top of the screen) should display a network indicator (e.g., 4G, 5G or E). If you see a cross or a message saying "No network" instead, the SIM is not active.
  2. Try making a call: Dial a number (e.g. 112 to check the connection) and make sure the call is coming. If the call doesn't pass, check the balance or status of the SIM with the operator.
  3. Send SMS: Send a message to a short number (e.g. *100# for balance checks). If the SMS is not sent, the message center may be blocked.
  4. Check the mobile Internet: Open your browser and try to load any page. If the Internet is not working, but the calls pass, the problem may be in the APN settings.

If none of these methods worked, use the diagnostic menu:

  1. Enter the dialer: ##4636##.
  2. Select Phone Information.
  3. Check the status of SIM 1 and SIM 2. If there is a problem with them Unknown, the problem is in the hardware.

πŸ’‘

If the smartphone sees SIM-The card, but it doesn't catch the network, check the balance and status of the service provider first. Often the problem is not the phone, but the blocked SIM.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make the same mistakes when working with the same person. SIM-These are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

⚠️ Attention: Never insert SIM-If it's on, it can short-circuit and cause the communication module to fail.

Mistake 1: Use of incompatible SIM-map

Some operators release SIMs that are not compatible with Xiaomi due to the features of the firmware. For example, virtual operators (Tinkoff Mobile, Yota) may not be defined on older versions of MIUI. The solution is to update the firmware or use the SIM of the main operator (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2).

Mistake 2: Incorrect installation in a hybrid slot

If you use a microSD card with two SIM-In a hybrid slot, you can only choose between two SIMs or one SIM. + memory-card.

Mistake 3: Ignoring MIUI Updates

Older firmware versions (e.g. MIUI 10 or 11) may not have profiles for new carriers or 5G support. Always update the software through Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update.

Mistake 4: Self-Self-Self Firmware

Once custom firmware is installed (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the IMEI often disappears or the communication module stops working. Always back up the IMEI and NVRAM before you install the firmware.

πŸ’‘

If you travel frequently, enable roaming and Automatic Network Selection in your network settings to avoid problems with connecting to foreign operators.

My Xiaomi doesn’t see my second. SIM-The card, although it works on a different phone?
The problem could be a hybrid slot or network settings. Try: Move the SIMs in places (in SIM 1 and SIM 2); disable VoLTE for the second SIM in the settings; check if the memory card is installed in the hybrid slot; if nothing helps, maybe the contact of the second slot is damaged, contact the service.
After the MIUI update, the mobile network stopped working. How do I get the phone back?
This is a well-known problem with some versions. MIUI. Decisions: πŸ”„ Reset network settings in Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Resetting network settings. πŸ“± Roll back the firmware to the previous version via Fastboot. πŸ”§ Restore. IMEI (if he's thrown off).
Can we use two? SIM-Memory cards and cards simultaneously on Xiaomi?
Not if your smartphone has a hybrid slot, and then you have to choose: SIM-card or one SIM-map + microSD card, except for models with separate slots for two sims and microSD, for example, POCO X3 Pro or Redmi 9 Power.
How to activate eSIM on Xiaomi 13?
To activate eSIM: Download the operator profile (usually provided as QR-code or file. Go to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Add a mobile network. Scan. QR-code or upload a profile file. Confirm activation (may be required) SMS-Once activated, the eSIM will appear in the list. SIM-map-point.
What if Xiaomi says β€œNo Service” or β€œEmergency Calls Only”?
This error means that the smartphone cannot connect to the operator's network. Causes and solutions: πŸ“΅ No coverage: Check the network coverage area or move to another location. πŸ”• Blocked SIM: Call the operator back or check the balance. πŸ”§ Settings Fail: Reset network settings or reinstall SIM-map. πŸ“± Problems with IMEI: Restore. IMEI through the engineering menu.