The modern Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro smartphone is designed to meet the needs of active users who often have to use multiple numbers to separate work and personal calls. The ability to work simultaneously with two SIM cards is standard for most Android devices, but the physical installation of modules and their subsequent software configuration can cause questions for beginners. In this article, we will discuss in detail the installation process, the features of the tray and the nuances of network configuration for stable communication.
Before starting the procedure, you must make sure that you have the necessary tools and compatibility. SIM-The Redmi Note 8 Pro uses the nano-SIM format, which is the most common standard at the moment, but older micro or standard cards will require replacement from the operator. Incorrect card trimming can cause contacts to be damaged or the tray stuck inside the case, so it is best to contact the communication salon for the correct size.
It is also important to note that the model supports 4G LTE networks on both SIM cards, but at the same time, high-speed Internet will only work on one of them while the second is in standby mode or 2G/3G. Understanding these technical limitations will help you avoid confusion when setting data priorities after the physical installation of the modules.
Preparation for installation and types of trays
The process begins with a visual inspection of the end of the smartphone. In the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the SIM card tray is located on the lower edge, to the left of the USB Type-C connector. The design of the tray in this model is combined: it allows you to install two nano-SIM cards, but lacks a separate slot for microSD cards, since the memory in this version is not expanded. This means that both compartments are exclusively for communication modules.
Removing the tray will require a special paper clip coming in the kit, or a thin needle.Be careful not to use too thick objects that could damage the mechanism or scratch the body. Carefully press the hole and wait until the tray is extended a few millimeters, after which it can be removed with your fingers.
Notice the shape of the notches in the tray. They have rounding on one side, which corresponds to the shape of nano-SIM. There is no hybrid slot in the Redmi Note 8 Pro, so using a memory card instead of a second SIM is impossible. Make sure that the contacts on the SIM cards are clean and do not have oxidation that can prevent reading data.
💡
Always turn off your smartphone before removing or installing your SIM cards to avoid software errors and possible chip damage.
Step-by-step installation instructions SIM-map
Installing communication modules requires care to be taken to the orientation of the chip. Put the extracted tray on a flat surface and consider the circuit applied next to the compartments, if present, or simply follow the shape of the cutout. The SIM card must lie tight, without gaps, and must not protrude above the edges of the tray, otherwise you risk damaging the mechanism when pushed back into the phone.
- 📱 Take the first nano-SIM and make sure the cut angle matches the tray shape.
- 🔌 Place the map with contacts down (in most cases, but it is better to check with the picture on the tray).
- 📲 Insert the second SIM card into the second compartment, observing the same orientation.
- 🔙 Carefully move the tray into the case until the characteristic click, without applying excessive efforts.
After you physically install it, turn it on. MIUI automatically recognizes the new modules and suggests you adjust them. If you don't, check the density of the cards by re-extracting the tray. Sometimes it takes several attempts to get the contacts to fit perfectly.
☑️ Checking the installation of SIM cards
Set up network and priorities in MIUI
After successful launch, you will need to configure the settings for the two SIM cards. → SIM-Maps and mobile networks. Both active maps are displayed here, and you can give them names like "Work" and "Personal" so you don't get confused later on.
The key is to choose a mobile internet card. In the Internet settings block, select the SIM card that has the best rate or coverage in the area. The second card will use the network only for calls and SMS, or switch to 2G/3G for background data, if allowed by the settings.
Also available in this section is the SIM card switching feature for calls, so you can set up a permanent selection or leave a request every time you call, which is convenient if you change operators often depending on the quality of communication in different areas of the city.
Solving problems with the definition of the second SIM
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the phone sees only one card or the second one is displayed with an error. The first step should always be to restart the device. If this does not help, try swapping the SIM cards in the tray to prevent a malfunction of a particular compartment.
⚠️ Warning: If one of the SIM cards is not identified, check it on the other phone.Perhaps the problem lies in the module itself or its damage, not in the smartphone.
Another common reason is frequency incompatibility or an outdated firmware version.Make sure your Redmi Note 8 Pro is updated to the latest available version of MIUI.Telecommunication operators periodically change network settings and old settings may conflict with current standards.
In rare cases, network resets help. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth.This action will remove stored Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but often solves network logging problems.
What to do if the SIM card is stuck?
Features of 4G and VoLTE on two sims
VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology allows voice calls over a 4G network, providing high audio quality and fast dialing. In Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, support for this feature depends on the operator and regional settings. With active VoLTE on the main SIM, the second can remain in standby mode without losing communication quality.
Note that when you actively talk on the first SIM, the second one may temporarily become unavailable for incoming calls if the call switching function is not enabled or if the operator does not support Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDSDS) technology in full.
| Parameter | SIM card 1 | SIM card 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type of network | 4G / 3G / 2G | 4G / 3G / 2G |
| Mobile Internet | Active (priority) | Background only/Off |
| Voice calls | Supported | Supported |
| VoLTE | Depends on the operator. | Depends on the operator. |
💡
For maximum internet speed, always assign 4G-The mode for the SIM card that has the best coverage in the area of your stay.
Optimizing battery consumption with two SIMS
Using two active SIM cards inevitably leads to increased battery consumption. The smartphone has to constantly communicate with two base stations, which increases the load on the radio module. To minimize the impact on autonomy, turn off 4G on the second SIM, if it is used only for rare calls.
Go to the mobile network settings for the second card and select your preferred 3G/2G network type. This will significantly reduce power consumption, as finding and holding a 4G signal requires more resources, and you can completely turn off the second SIM at night through the Quick Access Panel.
Watch the temperature of the device. When you are actively using navigation or games with two SIM cards on, the heating can be more intense, in such cases it is recommended to use Wi-Fi for data transfer, freeing up mobile networks only for voice communication.