The modern Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is a powerful multimedia device that users often use for work and entertainment. One of the key features for business communication or separation of personal and work contacts is the ability to use two devices. SIM-However, after buying or resetting the settings, many owners are faced with the question of how to properly activate and configure the second link.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of working with two SIM cards on the shell of MIUI. You will learn not only about the basic activation of the slot, but also about the intricacies of setting call priorities and mobile Internet. The correct configuration will avoid missed calls and unexpected costs for roaming or traffic charging.
The system interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version installed on your Redmi Note 8 Pro. We will look at the current algorithms of actions that are applicable to most versions of Android and the MIUI shell. Following the instructions will help you quickly bring communication settings in order.
Physical installation SIM-cardboard
Before you go to the software settings, you need to make sure that the physical installation of communication modules is correct. The sim card tray in Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is located on the lower end of the case, to the left of the USB Type-C connector. To extract the tray, a special clip that comes with the kit, or a thin analogue is used.
It is important to note that this model uses a combined slot, which means that you can install two nano-SIM cards, or one SIM card and one microSD memory card. You can not use two SIM cards and a memory card at the same time, so you will have to choose between extended memory or a second number.
⚠️ Warning: Before removing the tray, make sure the phone is turned off or at least not actively recording data to avoid potential read errors or damage to contacts.
When installing, pay attention to the shape of the card cutout. Nano-SIM has a specific shape, and you need to insert it strictly according to the contour of the tray. Do not make excessive efforts, as this can damage the contacts inside the smartphone or the SIM card plate itself.
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Use the original paperclip out of the box or a very thin needle.The paperclips may be too thick and damage the tray mechanism.
Once the cards are installed and the device is turned on, the system must automatically identify new modules. If this does not happen, it is worth checking the purity of the contacts or trying to rearrange the SIM cards in places to prevent a malfunction of a particular slot.
Basic activation through the settings menu
After successful physical installation, MIUI usually suggests setting up the cards when you first download them. If you missed this step or want to change the settings later, go to the settings menu. Find the Settings item in the main menu or through the notification curtain.
In the settings section, you're interested in the SIM card category and mobile networks, and that's where all the link management tools are concentrated. As you go to this section, you'll see a graphical display of both slots, and if the second line is not active, the slider next to it will be turned off or gray.
☑️ Verification of second line activation
To enable the second line, it is enough to move the corresponding switch to the active position. The system may request confirmation of the action or ask to enter the PIN-When activated, the signal level indicator and the name of the mobile operator will appear next to the slot number.
Some users prefer to give SIM cards names for convenience, such as "Work" or "Home" and this is done on the same menu by clicking on the operator name, which makes navigation easier when choosing a line for an outgoing call.
Setting Call Priorities and the Internet
When both lines are activated, it is critical to properly allocate tasks between them. In the Redmi Note 8 Pro, by default, one operator can be selected for all actions, which is not always convenient. Priority management is at the top of the SIM card and mobile network menu.
Here you can select the default card for the following actions:
- 📞 Calls: Select the SIM card that you most often make outgoing calls with, or leave the option "Always ask".
- 🌐 Mobile data: determine the tariff with more profitable Internet traffic for permanent work on the network.
- 💬 SMS: Specify the main line for sending text messages.
Special attention should be paid to the setup of mobile data. In dual-symbol smartphones, only one channel of the Internet can be active. If you switch the Internet to a second SIM card, the first one will go into data standby mode, although voice calls will be available on both.
⚠️ Note: When switching mobile Internet between SIM cards, there may be a short-term connection break.
Traffic restriction is also available in this section, and you can set consumption limits for each card separately, which will help control costs, especially if one of the SIM cards is used for roaming or has a batch rate.
Standby and management of two numbers
The technology that allows both numbers to be active at the same time is called Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDSDS), which means that both SIM cards are registered on the network, but when you actively talk on the same line, the second one becomes temporarily unavailable for incoming calls.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro owners will benefit from the “Switch during a Call” feature. If it is activated, when the second incoming call arrives during a call, you will hear the signal and be able to take the call by putting the first person on hold. To activate this option, go to the Phone app, click on three dots in the corner and select Settings.
The next way is through the Operator Services menu or the Additional Settings, and you have to find Wait for Answer or Switch and make sure it's on both SIM cards, which is standard service for the operator, but you can control it through the smartphone interface.
| Parameter | SIM card 1 | SIM card 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Active. | Active. |
| Type of network | 4G / LTE | 4G / LTE |
| Voice calls | Permitted. | Permitted. |
| Mobile Internet | Basic | Waiting. |
It is important to understand that while using mobile Internet on one card, the second can switch to 2G/3G mode to allow for the reception of calls, if VoLTE technology is not enabled.
Using VoLTE technology on the Redmi Note 8 Pro
VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology allows high-quality voice transmission directly over a 4G network without switching to older communication standards. For dual SIM card holders, this is a critical feature, as it allows you to simultaneously talk on one line and use high-speed Internet on the other.
On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, VoLTE is supported at the iron level, but its activation depends on the operator and firmware. To check the status, go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → select the desired SIM card. If the operator supports the technology, here will be a switch Use VoLTE.
Why can VoLTE not work?
With VoLTE enabled and an active call on the first SIM card, the second one continues to work in 4G mode, allowing you to receive instant messenger notifications and email without delay. Without this technology, when calling, the smartphone can reset the connection to LTE to 3G, interrupting data transfer.
It's worth noting that VoLTE quality depends on network coverage. If you're in a 4G hot spot, your phone can automatically switch to a standard voice call, and you can also activate Wi-Fi calls in your settings if your carrier allows you to.
Solution: Second SIM card is not defined
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where a physically installed second SIM card is not displayed on the system or catching the network.The first step should always be to reboot the device.This trivial action often eliminates software failures in the Xiaomi communication module.
If the reboot didn’t help, try the following diagnostic methods:
- 🔄 Slot change: move the SIM cards in places. If the problem goes along with the card, it may be the SIM card itself (old chip, damage).
- 🔧 Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings → Connections and sharing → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth, bringing network settings back to factory settings.
- 📶 Network type selection: In the settings of a particular SIM card, try manually changing your preferred network type, for example, with a"5G/4G/3G/2G" Only" 4G" or"3G/2G".
In rare cases, the problem may lie in the incompatibility of the operator’s frequencies and the regional settings of the smartphone, especially if the device is imported from another region.
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If none of the software settings work, check the integrity of the tray and contacts. Oxidation or mechanical damage to the contacts is a common cause of signal loss.
It is also worth checking whether the second SIM card is blocked. PIN-In this case, the system will request the code immediately after turning on the phone. If the code is entered incorrectly three times, you will need to PUK-code that can be found on the plastic card-based SIM card or in the personal account of the operator.