Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often face the need to use two numbers at the same time, whether it is the separation of work and personal calls or connecting tariffs of different operators to save. SIM-The design of the trays varies significantly from model to model, some devices have a combined slot, others have a full triple tray, and the latest flagships use eSIM technology.
Incorrectly installing a card can not only lead to the fact that the phone will not see the network, but also to mechanical damage to the contacts of the device or card. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of how to insert a second SIM in Xiaomi, consider the types of trays, configuration features through the MIUI or HyperOS software menu and answer frequent user questions.
Determination of the type of tray for SIM-card
Before you look for a paper clip or a needle, you need to be clear about what design you're dealing with. Redmi and Xiaomi's lineup have seen three major slots arrangement options in recent years, the first and most common being the hybrid tray. It is a flat frame, where one place is allocated under the SIM-The card, and the second can be used either for the second "Sim" or for a microSD memory card. SIM And the flash drive in such a design is impossible.
The second option is a full-fledged triple slot (2). SIM + In models such as the Redmi Note 8 or Redmi 9, the tray has a special shape that allows you to place two Nano-SIM and a memory card independently of each other. SIM-The cards are on different levels or sides of the tray, which eliminates confusion. The third option, typical of flagships like Xiaomi 13 or 14 global versions, is eSIM support in combination with one physical Nano-SIM.
To determine the type of tray you have, look carefully at the end of your smartphone. Usually, there's a schematic image next to the extraction hole. If you see two SIM cells and one for memory on the same line, you have a combined slot. If the holes are arranged so that the cards don't overlap, you're lucky with independent slots.
⚠️ Note: Never try to insert a microSD card into a slot SIM-If the shapes of the contacts do not match perfectly, this can lead to short circuit or breakage of the reading mechanism.
Tools and training required
To successfully install a second SIM card, you'll need a minimal set of tools, which usually comes with the device. The main tool is a special key clip (ejector). If the original one is lost, you can use a regular stationery clip, straightening one of the ends, or a thin needle. The main thing is that the tool is strong enough and has a sharp, but not too thin tip, so as not to get stuck in the mechanism.
Also make sure that yours SIM-The cards are in line with the current Nano-SIM standard, the smallest card format used in all current Xiaomi models. If your card is old format (Mini or Micro), it must be replaced by a carrier or carefully trimmed in a special form, although the latter option carries the risk of damage to the chip. Before the procedure is recommended to turn off the smartphone, although modern devices support “hot replacement”, the reboot ensures the correct determination of new network parameters.
Prepare a clean, dry and well-lit surface. fine details such as a tray and SIM-cards, easy to drop and lose, especially if they are similar to carpet or furniture upholstery color. Put a soft cloth next to protect the smartphone screen from scratches during operation.
☑️ Preparation for installation SIM
Step-by-step: installation in a hybrid tray
If your device is equipped with a hybrid slot, the process requires care, as you will have to choose which is more important: a second SIM card or a memory extension. First find a small hole on the end of the smartphone next to the long slot of the tray. Push the tool perpendicular to the body and press with moderate force before clicking. The tray must leave a few millimeters, after which it can be removed with your fingers.
Notice the shape of the cells. Xiaomi's hybrid trays often use a mechanism where SIM-The card and the memory card have different thicknesses of the seat or are located on different sides of the frame. SIM-The card should be placed in a cell marked with the appropriate icon, usually the inside of the tray, closer to the center of the device.
Carefully place the card in a recess. It should lie flat, not protruding beyond the edge of the frame. If the card dangles or protrudes, the tray may get stuck when you try to insert it back. After installation, carefully push the tray into the phone until the characteristic snap of the lock. Do not use excessive force.
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Use blunt-ended tweezers to make it easier to pick up and position a small Nano-SIM card, especially if you have thumbs.
Once you turn on your phone, go to the settings. The system should automatically detect a new card. If that doesn't happen, check if it's sitting tight. Sometimes you need a little pressing on the tray when closed (without retrieving) to make the contacts connect better, but do it very carefully.
Installation of SIM in a model with independent slots
In independent slots like the Redmi Note 10 or POCO X3, the tray design allows you to choose between a second SIM and a memory card. The tray here often looks like a two-way frame or has special protrusions to fix the cards at different levels. The extraction process is similar: use a paper clip, take out the tray.
The uniqueness of these trays is that SIM-The cards can be inserted from different sides or have different guides. SIM Usually, the frame is set on one side and the second on the other, or they are located next to each other, but do not overlap the microSD slot. Carefully study the engraving on the tray itself: there is always a diagram showing which side and in which cell to insert the card.
It is important to navigate the cards correctly. Unlike hybrid slots, where position is often dictated by shape, you can make the mistake of trying to insert the card "chip up" or "down." The chip must look in the direction indicated on the circuit (usually down or sideways, to the contacts of the phone). After installing both cards and flash drives (if necessary), collect the design and return to the phone.
| Type of tray | Maximum SIM | Support for microSD support | Feature of the installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | 2 (or 1 SIM + 1 SD) | Yes (instead of the 2nd SIM) | You have to choose between 2 SIM and memory. |
| Independent (Triple) | 2 | Yes (at the same time) | Cards are placed in separate cells without conflict. |
| eSIM + Nano | 1 Phys + 1 Virtual | No (usually) | The second card is activated through QR-menu |
| Single (rarely) | 1 | Yes. | The second SIM is not supported hardware |
Setting up two SIM-card MIUI HyperOS
After the physical installation, you need to configure the software part. Go to Settings and select the item SIM-Maps and mobile networks. Here you'll see a list of installed cards. If one of them doesn't show, click Add a tariff plan or check the activation switch next to the operator name.
The key is to set priorities. In the Mode menu, you can choose which card will be used for mobile Internet by default, and you can also configure options for voice calls and SMS. The MIUI system allows you to ask a question every time you call, which card to make a call from, or pin a specific number for certain contacts.
Remember to rename the cards for convenience, such as "Worker" and "Personal" to make it easier to understand which line the call is from or megabytes are spent. SIM-A card that automatically switches the mobile internet to a card with a better signal if the current network is lost.
What is VoLTE and how to turn it on?
If you use one card only for the Internet and the second card only for calls, make sure that the access point settings are in place (APN) There's no conflict. Usually the system will set the right parameters, but sometimes you need to manually input the data of the operator whose data is not available. SIM-map selected for data transmission.
Possible problems and solutions
One of the most common problems is the message «SIM-The card is not installed" or "No network. Before you panic, try restarting the device. If that doesn't work, remove the tray and wipe the contacts. SIM-The map and the tray itself are dry soft cloth, oxidation or dust may disrupt contact.
Another common situation is that the phone only sees one card, even though you've set two. Check if the second card is inserted correctly into the hybrid slot. Sometimes users insert it upside down or into the memory slot. Also make sure that the settings do not limit the work of only one person. SIM-cards (flight mode for one slot).
If the phone says "Incorrect format" SIM» require PUK-code, do not enter random combinations. PUK-The code is issued by the operator when you purchase the card or is available in your personal account on the provider's website. PUK-code will lead to a complete lock of the card, which can be restored only in the communication salon.
⚠️ Attention: If the tray SIM-The card is stuck and not taken out, do not pick it with a knife or screwdriver.Try to gently tap the end of the phone on the palm or use superglue (with extreme caution) on the end of the paper clip to glue it to the tray, but it is better to contact the service.
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Most problems with the definition of the second SIM-cards are solved by simple cleaning of contacts or correct reinstallation of the card according to the scheme on the tray.