How to turn on the second SIM-Map on Xiaomi Redmi: full instructions with nuances

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones support Dual technology SIM, It allows you to use two mobile lines at the same time, which is convenient for separating work and personal calls, saving on roaming or using tariffs from different operators. SIM-Cards – the system may not recognize it automatically, there are problems with the choice of network 4G/5G or prioritize calls.

In this article, we will discuss all the official and hidden ways to activate the second line on Redmi (including Note models). 12 Pro+, Redmi 13C, POCO X5 and others, explain the difference between the slots SIM 1/SIM 2 andSIM, We will also give recommendations on how to optimize the performance of two cards, and we will pay special attention to the typical errors that cause the second card to work. SIM It may not be determined – from incorrect installation to conflicts with firmware MIUI.

Checking the compatibility of your Redmi with Dual SIM

Before you try to activate the second line, make sure your Xiaomi Redmi model supports two-line operation. SIM-Most modern devices (released after the 2018 year) equipped with a hybrid slot nanoSIM + nanoSIM/microSD or a full-fledged dual SIM. The exceptions are some budget models for specific regions.

Support can be checked:

• 🔍 In the characteristics on the official website - look for the line "Dual" SIM" or "2 nanoSIM".
• 📱 Settings menu → The phone. → Characteristics of the device.
• 🛠️ Physically, remove the tray for SIM: If there are two separate slots under the nanoSIM, then there is support.

Note that some models (e.g. Redmi K50 Gaming) have a hybrid slot where the second SIM and microSD card share the same slot, and then you have to choose between the second line and the memory extension.

⚠️ Note: If you use Redmi with firmware for the Chinese market (without Google services), the Dual feature SIM Some operators are not supported due to regional restrictions.

Step-by-step: how to turn on the second SIM on Xiaomi Redmi

The second line activation process consists of three steps: physical installation of the card, software configuration in MIUI and verification of the connection.

Installation of the second SIM-cardboard

Turn off the phone (required!) Use a paper clip or a special key to retrieve the tray (usually included). Place SIM-chart:

• 📶 SIM 1 — The main slot (usually supports) 4G/5G).
• 📶 SIM 2 — Additional Slots (may be limited) 3G/2G on some models).

Important: if you have a hybrid slot, the second SIM should be installed instead of a microSD. The cards should be trimmed to nanoSIM format - a standard or micro size will not work.

2.Setting up in MIUI

After the phone is turned on:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Slip on the inactive SIM (it will be marked as "Disabled").
3. Turn on the switch "On." and wait for registration in the network (can take up to 2 minutes).
4. Set up a SIM name (such as “Worker” or “Personal”) for convenience.

Make sure that SIM-card activated by the operator

Check the balance on the second line (sometimes positive is required)

Turn off "On the plane" mode in the notification curtain

Restart your phone after installing the cards-->

If the second SIM is not determined, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 🔧 Move the cards in places (sometimes) SIM 2 only works in the slot SIM 1).
• 📞 Call from another phone to the second line number – sometimes registration occurs after an incoming call.

3. Set network priorities and calls

By default, MIUI can only use one SIM for mobile Internet.

1. B Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks select "Settings" SIM-map".
2. Please indicate which one SIM exploit: 📞 Calls (you can ask "always ask"). 🌐 Mobile Internet (usually choose the one where the best coverage is) 4G/5G). 📩 SMS (default — SIM 1).

"Allow data switching"

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If you have problems with 5G on the second SIM, check Settings → Mobile Network → Network type that is chosen for it “5G/4G/3G/2G (auto)”. Some Redmi defaults to “4G only”.

Table: Compatibility of Redmi models with Dual SIM and 5G

If your model is not listed in the table, check the specifications on the official Xiaomi website by entering the name of the device in the search.

Problem Solving: The Second SIM is Not Working

Even after the proper installation, the second SIM may not be detected. Let's look at the typical causes and ways to fix them.

1. SIM-map not recognized

If the phone doesn’t see the second card:

• 🔧 Check your physical condition. SIM: Do you have any chips or any dirt on your contacts.
• 🔄 Try restarting your phone in safe mode (press the power button). → "Restarting in Safe Mode").
• 📲 Update the firmware MIUI Up to the latest version: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

2. no network or registration error

If the second SIM is detected but does not catch the network:

• 📡 Make sure the operator is supported in your area (check the coverage on the provider's website).
• 🔄 Manually select the network: Settings → Mobile network → Choice of network → Handheld.
• 📶 Check if the "only" mode is on. 2G" this SIM.
• 🔧 If you use eSIM, delete it and add it again.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmis with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi) 10A) second-second SIM If the Internet is lost during active calls, turn off the option "Wi-Fi Calling" in the settings. SIM.

3.Problems with 4G/5G on the second SIM

If the second SIM only works in 2G/3G,

1. Check if your carrier supports VoLTE and ViLTE for the second line.
2. Settings → Mobile Network → Network type, select “4G/3G/2G” (not “4G only”).
3. If you have Redmi with Qualcomm Snapdragon, activate Dual VoLTE via the engineering menu: ##4636## → Phone Information → Install your preferred network type → LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM auto

Features of working with eSIM on Xiaomi Redmi

New Redmi models (starting with Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ and POCO F4) Support eSIM – Virtual SIM-This card can be used in place of or together with the second physical card (depending on the model).

To activate the eSIM:

1. Get it. QR-code or activation code of your operator (eSIM support is available from MTS, Beeline, Tele2, MegaFon).
2. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Add eSIM.
3. Scan it. QR-code or enter data manually.
4. Set your phone and internet priorities (similar to a physical SIM).

The advantages of eSIM:

• 🔄 Quickly switch between fares without replacing cards.
• 🌍 Travel convenience (you can add a local eSIM without removing the main one).
• 🛡️ Protection against physical damage (no risk of breaking the tray).

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with MIUI 13 and below the eSIM may conflict with the physical SIM In this case, it is recommended to use only eSIM or update the firmware.

Optimization of the two SIM: tips and life hacks

Two. SIM-The cards worked consistently, follow these guidelines:

1. Mobile Internet Management

By default, MIUI uses only one SIM for the Internet.

• 📶 Enable "Automatic Data Switching" in the settings SIM, So the phone can choose the network with the best signal.
• 📊 Keep track of traffic consumption for each SIM separately: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Using traffic.
• 🔄 If one of them SIM Used only for calls, turn off mobile internet to save battery power.

2. Battery saving

Two active SIM-These cards increase battery consumption by 10 to 15 percent to reduce consumption:

• 🔋 Turn off background mode 4G/5G second SIM, if rarely used.
• 📵 Enable "charge savings" in battery settings to limit background activity.
• 🔄 Use the "Only" mode. 3G" second SIM, If you don’t need high-speed internet.

3. Separation of Contacts and Notifications

Not to confuse personal and business calls:

• 📇 Assign unique melodies to each SIM: Settings → Sounds and vibrations → The ringing melody SIM 1/SIM 2.
• 📩 Set up separate notifications for SMS: in the application "Messages" you can filter correspondence by number SIM.
• 🔖 Use contact tags (for example, add the prefix "Worker:" to the names in the phone book).

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On models with MIUI 14 and later, the Dual SIM Profiles feature is available, which automatically switches the priorities of calls and the Internet depending on the time of day (for example, the work profile during the day and personal evening).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second SIM on Xiaomi Redmi