How to enable a second SIM card on Xiaomi: instructions for all models

Two-sim smartphone Xiaomi has long become the standard for users who need to separate work and personal calls or use the advantageous rates of different operators. 2026 Many owners of Redmi, Poco or flagship series devices Mi/Xiaomi There are problems with activating the second SIM-So, whether the slot is not recognized, or the network disappears after the reboot, or you can't choose the priority SIM for the mobile Internet.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways to enable a second SIM on Xiaomi smartphones, from basic settings on the menu to hidden features for models with hybrid slots (where the second slot is combined with a microSD).

Compatibility Check: Does your Xiaomi support two? SIM-map?

Before you try to activate a second SIM, make sure your Xiaomi model supports this feature at all. Most of the brand's modern smartphones are dual-sim, but there are nuances:

  • πŸ“± Flagship Series (Xiaomi) 13/14, Mi 11): always support 2 nano-SIM or 1 nano-SIM + 1 eSIM (in new models).
  • πŸ”„ Hybrid Slots (Redmi Note) 10/11/12, Poco X3/X4): The second slot is combined with microSD - you will have to choose between the second SIM or memory card.
  • ⚠️ Exceptions: Some models for the Chinese market (e.g. Xiaomi Civi) may only have 1 physical slot.

Check the number SIM-slots:

  1. On the device box (look for the Dual SIM or Hybrid Dual SIM).
  2. In the specifications on the official website of Xiaomi (section "Characteristics β†’ Communication").
  3. Visually: Remove the tray for SIM-If there are two slots under the nano-SIM, then two physical cards are supported.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi is bought in China, even if you have two slots, you may need to unlock regional restrictions through an engineering menu. K50, Xiaomi 12S and other "Chinese" versions.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi model do you use?
Redmi (Note/Pro)
Poco (F/X/M)
Xiaomi (11/12/13/14)
Another model

Preparation SIM-maps: format, cropping, activation at the operator

Often the problem is not in the smartphone, but in the SIM-Make sure before installing the map that:

  • πŸ”Ή The map is trimmed to nano-SIM format (12.3 Γ— 8.8 If you have a mini or micro-SIM, use a cropping template.
  • πŸ“Ά The map is activated by the operator. SIM Sometimes they require registration through USSD-command (for example *111# for MTS or *105# for Beeline).
  • πŸ”„ If you switch from eSIM to physical SIM, Check if your number is linked to an electronic card (this blocks the physical work of the card).

Pay special attention to hybrid slots, and if you've used a microSD before, remove it before you install a second SIM, and you can't use both of them at the same time.

  • πŸ“ Data from the memory card can be transferred to internal memory through Settings β†’ Memory. β†’ Data portability.
  • πŸ”„ After removing the microSD, remember to restart the device – sometimes the system β€œhangs” on the old slot configuration.
How to trim SIM to nano format without an adapter
Use sharp scissors and a ruler to carefully trim the plastic on the markup, the main thing is not to damage the chip (gold chip). Alternatively, in the salons, they will trim the card for free in 5 minutes.

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

If your smartphone supports two SIMs and the cards are prepared, follow this instruction.The process is the same for all models on MIUI 12/13/14, but may differ slightly in older versions (up to MIUI 11).

  1. Install. SIM-cards in the tray: Turn off your smartphone (required!) Use a paper clip or a special key to remove the tray (the hole is usually on the upper or lateral face). Place the cards in the nest SIM1 and SIM2 (For hybrid slots, select priority: or second. SIM, microSD.
  2. Turn on your smartphone and wait for the MIUI to load.
  3. Activate the second. SIM: Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-Maps and mobile networks. SIM-map (it will be marked as SIM2 Turn on the switch on at the top of the screen.

Set priorities

  • Choose which SIM to use for Calls, SMS and Mobile Data.
  • Activate the Volte option for both SIMs if your carrier supports the technology.

β˜‘οΈ Check before activation of the second SIM

Done: 0 / 5

If the second SIM is not detected after activation, try:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot your smartphone.
  • πŸ”§ Remove and re-insert the tray (sometimes the contacts do not fit tightly).
  • πŸ“± Check it out. SIM In another phone, it may be the map problem, not Xiaomi.

πŸ’‘

On Xiaomi 13/14 Pro and Redmi K60 models, you may need to update your firmware after installing the second SIM. Check for updates in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update.

Setting up mobile internet and calling priorities

Once the second SIM is activated, you need to configure how it will be used, which is especially important if you have different rates for calling and Internet.

ParameterWhere to set upRecommendations
Default callsSettings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Choice SIM call-inChoose a SIM with the best coverage or cheap call rates.
Mobile InternetSettings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Mobile dataPriority is given to SIM with unlimited traffic or high speed 4G/5G.
SMS defaultSettings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Choice SIM for SMSUsually tied to the main SIM for calls.
RoamingSettings β†’ SIM-map β†’ [Choose. SIM] β†’ roamingTurn off roaming on the second SIM if you do not plan to use it abroad.

For models with 5G support (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50 and later) it is important to:

  • πŸ“Ά Energize Mode 5G In the mobile network settings for both SIM (if the operator supports).
  • ⚑ Turn off traffic savings in Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Saving charge, otherwise the speed of the Internet may be limited.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Poco) F4, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) active two SIM-Cards are shutting down support 5G This is a hardware constraint, because a smartphone can't physically hold two. 5G-network.

Problem Solving: Second SIM is down or the network is gone

If the second SIM-The card is not determined whether the network is periodically disabled or not catching, use this troubleshooting instruction.

1. Problems with recognition SIM-map

  • πŸ› οΈ Clear the contacts of the tray and SIM-cards with dry cloth (sometimes oxidation interferes with communication).
  • πŸ”§ Check if the tray will bend - this is a common problem after smartphone falls.
  • πŸ“± Update the firmware: in older versions MIUI There were bugs with hybrid slots.

2. no network or often missing signal

  • πŸ“‘ Switch the network mode from the car to only 4G (Sometimes the smartphone is mistakenly switched to 2G/3G).
  • πŸ”„ Turn on and off Flight Mode - this resets the communication module.
  • πŸ“Ά Check the operator's coverage: possibly the second SIM Just outside the safe zone.

3. MicroSD conflict (for hybrid slots)

If you used a memory card before and are now trying to activate a second SIM, the smartphone can "forget" the slot configuration. Solution: reset network settings through Settings β†’ Memory β†’ Reset β†’ Network settings reset.

πŸ’‘

If the second SIM is unstable, try swapping the cards (moving the SIM1 into the SIM2 slot and vice versa).

Hidden settings: engineering menus and commands for experienced users

If standard methods do not help, you can use the engineering menu or AT-It's risky, but it can sometimes save you in difficult situations (like when your smartphone doesn't see any of them). SIM post-fix).

To access the engineering menu:

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Enter the code ##4636##.
  3. Go to the phone information section.
  4. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block and select the optimal mode for each SIM (e.g. LTE only).

To reset the settings of the communication module:

  1. Enter ##7263867## (Field Test menu opens).
  2. Select Modem Reset and confirm the action.
  3. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu unless you understand their meanings! Incorrect settings can lead to loss of network on both SIM or even to "brick" the modem.

Features for new models: eSIM and 5G Dual Mode

Xiaomi 2023-2026 smartphones (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70, Poco F6) support a combination of physical SIM + eSIM.

  • πŸ“± Use one nano-SIM + eSIM (for example, for a corporate number).
  • πŸ”„ Activate eSIM via operator (MTS, Beeline, Tele2 support this function).
  • ⚑ Set priorities separately for each SIM, including 5G SA/NSA.

To activate the eSIM:

  1. Get it. QR-code or activation code of the operator.
  2. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-map β†’ Add eSIM.
  3. Scan the QR or enter the code manually.
  4. Set priorities (similar to physical SIM).

Important: On some models (Xiaomi 13T), the eSIM and the second physical SIM don’t work at the same time.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I use two SIMs and a microSD at the same time on Xiaomi?
Not if your model has a hybrid slot (like the Redmi Note 12 or Poco X5), in which case the second slot is combined with a microSD, and you have to choose: either a second SIM or a memory card, except for the flagship models (Xiaomi 14 Ultra), where there are separate slots for two SIM and microSD.
Why is the second SIM not catching the network, and the first one is working normally?
There are several reasons: Contact in the second slot is damaged (try swapping SIM places); Operator blocks the second SIM (for example, if it is not activated or linked to another device); Network settings for the second SIM select the wrong Network Mode (try only 4G); Software failure - reset network settings to Settings β†’ Memory β†’ Reset.
How can I get the internet to work with two SIMs at the same time?
Most Xiaomi smartphones can only have mobile internet on one SIM at a time. However, there are workarounds: Use Wi-Fi for a second SIM (for example, via the access point on the first one). Some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro) support Dual 4G VoLTE, which allows you to hold both networks, but the Internet will only be on one. Install third-party software like Dual Apps (in MIUI) to divide traffic across applications.
What if the second SIM stopped working after the MIUI update?
This is a common problem after major updates. Solutions: Reset network settings (Settings β†’ Memory β†’ Reset β†’ Network settings Reset). Update firmware to the latest version (sometimes bugs are fixed in the following patches). If it doesn't help, reset to factory settings (don't forget to make a backup!). For advanced ones, run modem through Fastboot (instructions are on 4PDA for specific models).
Can I use two SIMs from a single operator?
Technically yes, but there are nuances: πŸ“ž The operator can block the simultaneous operation of two of its SIM on one device (for example, MTS sometimes requires confirmation). πŸ’° If both SIM on one tariff, it makes little sense (except for the separation of personal / working calls). πŸ“‘ There may be problems with VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling if the operator links these functions to one. SIM. Better to use. SIM different operators for backup coverage.