How do you put in the second? SIM-Map in Xiaomi Redmi 8: hybrid slot, settings and nuances

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, which is still actively used due to its reliability and functionality. SIM-If there is only one physical slot in the device, the Redmi 8 supports two SIM-But with an important caveat, it's a hybrid slot, which means you have to choose between the other. SIM and a microSD card.

In this article, we will understand how to properly install the second. SIM Redmi 8, what are the nuances of the hybrid slot, how to set up the network after installation and what to do if the phone does not see the new card. SIM-cards with MicroSD (spoiler: officially not, but there are workarounds).

If you just bought a Xiaomi Redmi 8 or plan to use two SIM-This guide will help you avoid common mistakes and save time. And if you already have experience with hybrid slots, share it in the survey below!

Xiaomi Redmi 8 Hybrid Slot: What Does It Mean?

The main feature of Redmi 8 is a hybrid slot for the SIM-This means that the device has only two sockets physically, but they are combined: one is designed for the first nano-SIM, and the second can be used either for the second nano-SIM or for a microSD card (up to 512 GB). SIM-MicroSD and card systems are not possible without additional adapters.

This approach saves space inside the case, but it makes it difficult for users who want both two SIMs and extended memory, and the table below shows a comparison of possible configurations:

Redmi 8 supports Dual. SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) — that means both SIM-The cards may be active at the same time, but during a conversation on one of them the second will be inaccessible for calls (SMS Mobile Internet can work).

⚠️ Note: If you use MicroSD as internal memory (Adoptable Storage in Android), retrieving the card will result in data loss. SIM You will first have to transfer data from the microSD to your phone or computer.

What you will need to install the second SIM-map?

Before you insert the second SIM into the Xiaomi Redmi 8, prepare everything you need:

• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi 8 (off!).

If you don't have the key to extract the tray, any thin metal clip or needle will do, and the key is not to use objects that are too sharp to damage the slot's O-ring.

Turn off your phone (required!)

Check that the second SIM is a nano format.

Prepare a paper clip or key to remove the tray

Make sure there is no important data on the MicroSD (if installed)

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If you've used a MicroSD before, you'll have to take it out. Remember, when you format the card as internal memory, the data is erased when you retrieve it, to avoid loss.

1. Transfer important files from the MicroSD to your phone or computer.
2. In your phone settings, format the card as a portable storage (if it was internal).
3. Remove the MicroSD before installing the second SIM.

Step-by-step: how to insert a second SIM in Redmi 8

Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions carefully so that you don't damage the tray or the contacts:

1. Find a slot for SIM-In Redmi 8, it's on the left end of the body (if you look at the screen), and you'll see a little hole with a metal ring.

Put the tray back in.

Turn on the phone.

If, after inclusion, one of the SIM-The cards are not defined, try it:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📶 Check if it is inserted correctly SIM (Contacts should be addressed to the back of the phone).
• 📡 Manually select the network in the settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Choice of network).

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If the second SIM is not identified, try inserting it into the first slot and the main one into the second slot, and sometimes the contacts in the slots wear out unevenly, and this helps.

Setting up two SIM-Maps in Xiaomi Redmi 8

After successful installation of the second SIM You have to configure the settings. In Redmi 8, it's done through the Settings menu. → SIM-maps and mobile networks. That's what you can set up:

• 📞 Names SIM-Cards: Assign each card a unique name (e.g., "Worker" and "Personal") to avoid confusion.
• 📶 Default Network: Choose which Network SIM will be used for calls, SMS and mobile Internet by default.
• 🔄 Data Switching: Set up automatic switching to second SIM, if the first one is not covered.
• 🚫 Traffic Limitation: Set limits for each SIM, avoiding unexpected expenses.

Pay special attention to the setting of mobile Internet:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Access point (APN).
2. If the APN settings are not automatically loaded, add them manually (you can request data from the operator).
3. Make sure that the correct SIM is selected for mobile data.

If you use two of them SIM-card of one operator, there may be problems with registration in the network:

⚠️ Note: Some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) block the work of two SIM If both cards are from the same operator, one of them may not be able to catch the network. SIM different operators.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even if you did everything right, with two. SIM-Redmi 8 can be difficult to use:

If none of these things worked, there might be a hardware problem.

• Check the tray for damage (bent contacts, cracks).
• Try inserting. SIM-Cards to another device – if they don’t work, the problem is the cards.
• Contact the Xiaomi Service Center for Slot Diagnostics.

Can I use two SIMs and a MicroSD at the same time?

The Redmi 8 hybrid slot doesn't allow you to install two. SIM-There are several ways around the cards and microSD at the same time:

• 🔄 Use Google Drive (Mi Cloud) instead of MicroSD.
• 📱 Buy OTG-MicroSD connector adapter – this will allow you to connect the memory card as needed, but is inconvenient for constant use.
• 🛠️ Set second SIM However, Redmi 8 does not have an eSIM module, so this option is not suitable.
• 🔧 Use the adapter "2" SIM + MicroSD (sold on AliExpress and in accessories stores) allows you to insert two nano-SIM and MicroSD into one slot, but there are risks:

The 2 SIM + MicroSD adapters are not certified by Xiaomi and can result in:

• Loss of communication on one of the SIMs.
• Overheating the phone.
• Damage to the slot contacts.

⚠️ Note: If you decide to use an adapter, be prepared for the phone warranty to be cancelled, and these adapters often cause conflicts in the operation of the communication module, especially if both are not available. SIM active simultaneously.

If you are critically interested in both SIM and MicroSD, consider buying a phone with a separate memory card slot (like the Redmi Note 10 or POCO X3).

Advice on the use of the two SIM-maps in Redmi 8

Avoid problems with working with two SIM-Maps, follow these recommendations:

• 📶 Turn off automatic network selection for one of the SIM, If you have coverage issues, it will prevent you from constantly switching between networks.
• 🔋 Keep an eye on the battery – two active SIM-The cards use energy faster. Turn on the power saving mode if necessary.
• 📵 Use the "In Airplane" mode for one of the SIM, If you don't need it right now, it'll reduce the load on the communications module.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone regularly (once in a week). 2-3 day) to eliminate possible errors in the work SIM-map.

If you travel frequently, set up roaming in advance:

1. Check with the operator the roaming rates for each SIM.
2. Disable automatic connection to networks in roaming (Settings) → SIM-map → [choose SIM] → roaming).
3. Use the locals. SIM-Savings cards (for example, buy temporary numbers in the host country).

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Two. SIM-Redmi 8 cards are Dual Standby, meaning that one of them will be inaccessible to call (but not the other). SMS And the Internet can work).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions