How to turn on the second line on Xiaomi: instructions with pictures and tips

You bought a Xiaomi smartphone with support for two SIM-You don't know how to activate the second line, or you suddenly stop catching the network on one of the sims after the update? This article will help you understand all the nuances from basic settings to solving typical errors.

Xiaomi dual-sim phones (including Redmi models and POCO) They support two operators at once, but it doesn't always work out of the box. Sometimes you need manual activation, you need to select a priority network, or you need to reset your settings. We'll go through every step of the way, from checking your model's compatibility to fine-tuning the switching between sims.

Important: The procedure may differ depending on the version MIUI (Global, Chinese, European and smartphone models. If your Xiaomi doesn't see the second one SIM-Do not rush to bring it to the service - in 90% of cases the problem is solved software.

1. Verification of support for two SIM-maps with your model

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support two physical devices. SIM-Some models (especially for the Chinese market) have a hybrid slot - the second one. SIM Or a memory card, but not both at the same time:

• 🔍 Card slot: Inspect the tray – if there are two separate slots under the nano-SIM, your model supports Dual SIM. If one nest is marked as SIM2/microSD, It's a hybrid slot.
• 📱 Specifications: Find your model on the official Xiaomi website (Specifications section). SIM or Hybrid Dual. SIM.
• 🛠️ Software Verification: Go to Settings → The phone. → All specifications → Status SIM-If you see two slots, you have hardware support.

Special attention to owners POCO F1, Redmi Note 7/8 Pro (Chinese versions) and Mi 9 SE — These models often have hybrid slots. SIM-Cards, you will have to donate a memory card or use eSIM (if supported).

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with Chinese firmware (MIUI China, some settings SIM-They can be hidden, and activation will require a change of region or a global firmware installation.

2.Insertion SIM-maps: correct sequence

It would seem that it is difficult to insert cards and everything, but in practice, many users are faced with the fact that the smartphone does not see one of the cards. SIM-Follow this instruction to avoid errors:

1. Turn off the phone before removing the tray, which will prevent damage to the contacts.
2. Use the original key to retrieve the tray (or a paper clip of neat diameter).
3. Put it in. SIM-The tray usually has a diagram with the correct position.
4. In hybrid slots SIM2/microSD insert first SIM-The map, then (if necessary) micro-SD.
5. After installing the tray, turn on the phone and wait for initialization (can take up to 2 minutes).

If, after inclusion, one of the SIM-maps not defined:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📶 Check if your operator supports the work in the region (especially for tourists). SIM).
• 🛠️ Carefully remove and paste the map again – perhaps the contacts do not fit tightly.

Critical error: if after insertion SIM-The phone says "No network" on both slots, which may indicate damage to the antenna module (often after falls.

Activation second SIM-card MIUI

Even if your smartphone supports two SIM-So, the second line can be disabled, software-wise, here's how to turn it on:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Stick on the inactive. SIM-map (it will be marked as "Disabled").
3. Switch the switch to the on position.
4. Select the type of network (recommended) 4G for better compatibility).
5. Give me a name. SIM-cards (e.g., "worker" or "personal"), so as not to confuse lines.

On some firmware (MIUI 13+) Additional adjustments may be required:

• 📶 Network Priority: In the Mobile Network section, select which network SIM will be used by default data.
• 📞 Calls: Call settings can be set to which SIM The calls will be made by default.
• 💬 SMS: It's similarly tuned. SIM-message-card.

If the paragraph SIM-Mobile and mobile networks are not on the menu:

• You have Chinese firmware installed (requires a change of region).
• The smartphone doesn’t support two. SIM-maps (check the specifications).
• There was a software failure (try resetting the network settings).

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If after activation of the second SIM-The card is missing mobile Internet, check the settings APN. Often, operators automatically upload a profile only for the first one. SIM. Manually add it. APN for the second operator in the Mobile Network section → Access points (APN).

Setting priorities: calls, SMS, mobile

One of the key features of Dual SIM Xiaomi has a flexible way of managing priorities:

• 📞 Appoint the primary SIM for calls (for example, for work).
• 🌐 Choose which one SIM used for mobile internet.
• 💬 Separate SMS card-wise.

How to set up:

1. Default calls: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Calls. → SIM-Here you can select "Ask always" (the phone will ask which one to use). SIM call or set a priority card.
2. Mobile data: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Mobile data → Choice SIM-Cards Important: If the mode is selected 4G/5G, second-second SIM switch over automatically 2G/3G call-in.
3. SMS: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Communications → SIM-map SMS

In the models with MIUI 14 Intelligent Switching – the phone automatically selects SIM-The card with the best call signal, so you can turn it on:

→ SIM-maps and mobile networks → Additional → Intelligent Switching

⚠️ Attention: If you are using 5G one-way SIM-The second one can only work in the mode 2G (This is a limitation of the hardware platform of most Xiaomi smartphones (except flagships like Xiaomi 13 Pro).

5 Problem Solving: Why the Second SIM doesn't work

If the second SIM-The card is determined but does not catch the network, cannot call or is not connected to the Internet, check the following:

If none of these methods helped, reset your network settings:

Settings → About phone → Resetting settings → Resetting network settings

This will remove all stored Wi-Fi networks and passwords, but often solves problems with the Internet. SIM-If that didn't work, there are two options:

1. Update your firmware to the latest version (possibly the bug has been fixed in new versions). MIUI).
2. Make a complete reset (backup data is mandatory!).

6. Features of Dual operation SIM differentially MIUI

Interface and management capabilities SIM-The maps differ depending on the firmware version:

• 📱 MIUI 12 and older: Support 5G + 4G Dual SIM (on selected models, intelligent switching between networks.
• 📱 MIUI 11: No automatic switching, you need to manually select SIM internet-based.
• 📱 MIUI China: There is no management menu SIM-maps (requires a change of region to the India/Global).
• 📱 POCO Launcher: Some settings are hidden – use the standard menu MIUI.

Nana MIUI 14 Dual function appears SIM Dual Standby (DSDS), It allows both cards to remain active at the same time (the second one was turned off when the first one was called:

→ SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks → Additional → Dual SIM Dual Standby

If you have Xiaomi with Chinese firmware, to unlock Dual settings SIM:

1. Install global firmware via Fastboot (risky, can lead to bootloader lock).
2. Or use the Hidden Settings app from Google Play to access hidden menus.

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Starting with MIUI 13, Xiaomi has added eSIM support on some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T This allows two lines to be used without a physical second. SIM-Check eSIM support in your model specifications.

7. Optimization of the two SIM-maps: tips and life hacks

Both of you. SIM-The cards worked consistently, follow these guidelines:

• 🔋 Saving Charge: Turn off Network Search for Unused SIM roaming (Settings) → SIM-map → Searching the net).
• 📶 Network priority: If one of the SIM It is used only for calls, set a mode for it. 2G — It'll save energy.
• 🔄 Automatic Switching: Enable the option to Switch Data Automatically (available on the MIUI 14+), You can choose your phone. SIM better-signaled.
• 📵 In the "Airplane" mode: In this mode, you can manually turn on only one SIM-charge-saving.

For business users, it is useful to configure:

• 🏢 Separate Profiles: Use Second Space (Settings) → Special facilities → Second space for separating work and personal data.
• 📊 Traffic statistics: In Settings → Mobile data → The use of data can be tracked by each SIM separately.

If you travel frequently, pay attention to the roaming setting:

Settings → SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks → [Select SIM] → Roaming → On.

⚠️ Attention: In roaming, some operators block the work of the second SIM-Check the terms and conditions with your provider before traveling.

8.Alternatives: If your Xiaomi doesn't support Dual SIM

What to do if your Xiaomi model has only one slot for your smartphone SIM-maps, but you need two lines? There are a few solutions:

• 📱 Use eSIM: If your Xiaomi supports eSIM (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite), activate the second line in electronic format.
• 🔄 Bluetooth headset with SIM: Devices like Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth SIM Card Reader allows you to connect the second SIM Bluetooth and call through it.
• 📶 Wi-Fi Calling: Some operators (e.g. MTS, Beeline) support calls over Wi-Fi. You can use the second line as a virtual number.
• 🔧 Modem with SIM: Connect. USB-modem SIM-Map to phone and use it for Internet/calling via apps like Google Voice.

For owners. POCO M3, Redmi 9A and other budget models with one slot under SIM The best option is to switch to a Dual model. SIM (For example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5). The cost of these smartphones starts from 10-15 thousands of rubles, which is often cheaper than buying additional equipment.

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If you use two of them SIM-One carrier card (e.g. two MTS cards), check if your tariff supports multisim mode.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second SIM on Xiaomi