How to insert two SIM- cards in Xiaomi Redmi 9: instructions with photos and nuances

Xiaomi Redmi 9

two SIM- cards

Many people mistakenly think that Redmi 9 has separate slots for each SIM and microSD. In fact, here is a hybrid design: one slot is universal (nanoSIM + microSD or the second nanoSIM), and the second one is only under nanoSIM. This means that two SIM cards will have to sacrifice the ability to expand memory. But there is also good news: the smartphone supports Dual 4G VoLTE, meaning that both SIMs can work on 4G networks simultaneously (subject to support by the operator).

Before you start the installation, check:

• 📱 Your SIM- card type: Redmi 9 only supports nanoSIM (the smallest format). If you have a microSIM or a standard SIM, you need to trim or replace it from the operator.
• 🔧 A paper clip/key to extract the tray (company with the phone) will do, and an unbended stationery clip, but be careful - the metal can scratch the case.
• 📶 Dual 4G support by your operator. Not all Russian providers work correctly with two 4G- Sims at the same time (for example, Tele2 may have limitations).

If you're planning on using a memory card, consider that in a hybrid slot, the SIM is the priority, so if you insert a microSD with a nanoSIM into a second slot, the phone may not see the SIM, and you can see more about this in the section on typical errors.

Preparation: What SIM- cards and tools will you need

Before you open the tray, make sure you have everything you need. Xiaomi Redmi 9 requires nanoSIM (12.3×8.8 mm) – this is critical. If you try to insert a microSIM (15×12 mm) or a standard SIM (25×15 mm), it either won’t enter or will get stuck, which can break the slot.

How to check the size of your SIM:

• 📏 Compare it to the template from the phone kit (if it's saved).
• 🔍 Look at the corner of the SIM: nanoSIM has minimal plastic edges, and the chip covers almost the entire area.
• 📱 Insert the SIM into the tray without fixing - if it dangles or doesn't lie flat, the format doesn't fit.

Tools for tray extraction:

• 🔑 Special key from the kit (optimum option).
• 📎 Office paper clip (untighten it so that the end is straight and thin).
• 🔧 Needle or toothpick (in extreme cases, but the risk of damaging the O-ring is higher).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use knives, scissors or other sharp objects - they can scratch the metal case of the slot or break the locking mechanism. If the tray is jammed, contact the service center.

If you have an old SIM, you can cut it to nanoSIM with a special stack (sold in communication salons) or with template scissors. But be careful: if you do not trim it carefully, you can damage the chip. You better contact the operator for a replacement - it is free (if you save the number).

2: Where is the slot for SIM in Redmi 9: Photo and description

In Xiaomi Redmi 9, the SIM card tray is located on the left end of the case (when you look at the screen with your face), it is easy to recognize by the small hole next to it, this is the extraction connector. On some models (for example, Redmi 9A), the slot may be on the right, but in the base version of Redmi 9 - always on the left.

The outside of the tray looks like a small metal plate with a slot for the SIMs. It has two notches:

• SIM 1 is the main slot (nanoSIM only).
• SIM 2 / microSD is a hybrid slot (you can choose either a second SIM or a memory card).

📷 Slot SIM1 is always active, and SIM2 conflicts with microSD.

To get the tray out:

1. Turn off your phone (but not necessarily).
2. Insert the key or paperclip into the hole before clicking.
3. Carefully pull the tray over yourself - it should come out effortlessly.

⚠️ Warning: If the tray doesn't come out after you press it, don't force it! It may be jammed due to dust or warping. Try swaying the key slightly to the sides or contact the service.

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Before removing the tray, place the phone on a soft surface (such as a napkin) so as not to scratch the screen or body in the event of an accidental fall.

3 Step-by-step: How to insert two SIM- cards

Now, to the most important thing, installing SIM cards, follow the instructions in strict order to avoid errors:

Step 1. Remove the tray.

• 🔌 Insert the key into the hole on the left end and press before clicking.
• 👉 Carefully pull the tray over the protruding part - it should come out 2-3 mm, after which it can be removed completely.

Step 2. Install the first SIM- card (SIM 1)

• 📱 Place the tray on a flat surface (chip up).
• 🔄 Insert the first nanoSIM into a slot SIM 1 (it's signed on the tray) and it should be down on the chip and lock without backlash.

Step 3. Install the second SIM- card (SIM 2)

• 🔀 Place the second nanoSIM in a hybrid slot (SIM 2/microSD). Note: here the SIM must lie chip-up (as opposed to SIM 1!).
• ❌ Don't insert microSD with SIM 2 - the phone doesn't recognize either.

Step 4. Put the tray back in place.

• 🔙 Carefully insert the tray back into the slot before the click. Make sure it sits flat - skewing can lead to poor contact.
• 📵 Turn on your phone and wait for network recognition (can take up to 1-2 minutes).

If one of the sims is not determined after inclusion:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 🔧 Check if the cards are inserted correctly (especially pay attention to the position of the chip).
• 📶 Make sure the SIM is active (call from another phone or check the balance).

4: Setup of two SIM- cards: network priority, names, mobile Internet

Once the SIM card is installed, you need to configure it correctly. By default, Redmi 9 can use both SIMs for calls and SMS, but for mobile Internet you need to choose the main one.

How to rename SIM- cards:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Slip the name of the SIM (for example, "SIM 1").
3. Choose a Name. SIM-cards and enter a convenient designation (for example, "Worker" or "Personal").

How to choose a SIM- card for the Internet:

1. Go to Settings → SIM-cards and mobile networks → Mobile Internet.
2. Select the SIM that will be used for data transfer (e.g. SIM 1).
3. 🔄 If you need to switch, just change the selection in this menu.

Priority setting for calls:

• 📞 The default phone asks which SIM to call from.
• Open Settings → SIM- Cards and Mobile Networks → Priority SIM- Cards for Calls.
• Choose Always Ask or choose your preferred SIM.

Redmi 9 has a hidden feature: if you hold your finger on the SIM icon in the status bar, you will see a menu to quickly switch between them.

⚠️ Warning: If you use mobile internet on SIM 1, and then switch to SIM 2, the connection will break. To avoid this, turn on Automatic Data Switch in mobile network settings (not available from all carriers).

Typical problems and their solutions

Even if you install SIM cards correctly, there can be problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The phone doesn’t see one of the SIM cards

• 🔍 Check the installation: Remove the tray and make sure the SIM is flat, chip in the right direction (for SIM 1 down, for SIM 2 up).
• 🧹 Clean the contacts: Wipe the SIM chip and contacts in the slot with a dry cloth (you can slightly moisten with alcohol).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone: Sometimes the system doesn't recognize the SIM immediately after installation.
• 📶 Check the SIM on another phone: If it doesn't work there, the operator has a problem (the card may be blocked).

Problem 2: Mobile Internet is not working on one of the sims

• 🌐 Set up the access point (APN): Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access Points (APN). Select a SIM that doesn't have internet. Press Reset to default values or enter your operator's APN settings manually.

Check the background limitations:

Background restriction

Update:

Settings → About the phone → System update

3 problem: Phone asks for PUK- code

• 🔐 This means that the SIM is locked after three mistyping attempts PIN to unlock:
• Enter PUK- code (it is on the plastic carrier of the SIM or you can find out from the operator by passport).
• After unlocking, set a new PIN or turn it off in the SIM settings.

Problem 4: You can’t use two SIMs and a memory card at the same time

• 📱 This is a feature of the hybrid slot. Solutions: Use Google Drive instead of microSD. Buy a OTG- flash drive adapter (but less convenient). Move frequently used files to internal memory (in Redmi 9 it 64/128 GB — usually enough).

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If the phone stopped seeing both SIMs after falling or getting moisture, don't try to disassemble it yourself! it could be damage to the motherboard - contact the service.

6 Can Redmi 9 use two SIMs and a memory card at the same time?

Unfortunately, no. Xiaomi Redmi 9 has a hybrid slot, which means:

• ✅ Or two nanoSIMs (without microSD).
• ✅ Or one nanoSIM + microSD (up to 512 GB).

This is a technical limitation that you can't get around software, but there are a few life hacks.

• 📁 Use cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud, Yandex.Disk) to store files.
• 🔌 Connect an external drive via a OTG- adapter (e.g., a flash drive or hard drive).
• 📱 Optimize internal memory: Remove the app cache to Settings → Apps. Move photos and videos to your PC. Use the lightweight versions of apps (like Facebook Lite).

If you are critically important to two SIMs + memory card, consider models with separate slots, for example:

• Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (3 separate slots)
• Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro (also with a dedicated slot under microSD).