Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, which is still actively used due to its reliability and functionality. SIM-But it's not obvious to everyone how to install a second SIM, especially if you've used a single slot or a hybrid connector before.
In this article, we will not only discuss the mechanical part of the process (where and how to insert cards), but also the nuances of network configuration, the choice of a priority operator, as well as typical errors that can lead to a lack of signal. Can you use a microSD with two? SIM, What card formats are supported and what to do if the smartphone does not see the second SIM after installation.
If you just bought a Redmi Note 5 b/d or pulled it out after a long downtime, this guide will help avoid common problems. And for those who are planning to buy, we have prepared a comparison table with other Xiaomi models by number of products. SIM-slots.
Technical characteristics of SIM slots in Redmi Note 5
Before you start installing, it is important to understand what slots are in your device. Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) is equipped with a hybrid tray that supports:
- 📱 Two nano-SIM cards (4FF) — main and secondary slot;
- 💾 One nano-SIM. + microSD card (up to 256 GB) – in hybrid mode.
This means that two people are used simultaneously. SIM-You can't have a card or a memory card. You have to choose between two SIMs or one SIM. + This approach is typical of most budget Xiaomi smartphones of that period (2018).
Important: the model supports the work of networks 2G/3G/4G, second SIM-The card can only work in mode. 2G, if the main one is 4G. This is a hardware limitation, it can not be circumvented software.
What you will need to install the second SIM-map
Before you open the tray, prepare everything you need.
- 🔧 Paperclip or needle (complete with phone) - to remove the tray;
- 📱 Nano-SIM card (if you have a regular card) SIM Micro-SIM, it must be trimmed or replaced by the operator);
- 🔍 Good lighting – so as not to damage contacts during installation;
- 📸 Photo from the original SIM (Optional – in case you have to restore contacts.
If you don't have a paper clip, you can use an unbended stationery or even a toothpick (but carefully so you don't break it inside the hole). Some users try to open the tray with a nail or a plastic card, which is risky, since you can scratch the case or bend the mechanism.
Check the format of the card (should be nano-SIM)
Find a paper clip or needle to remove the tray
Turn off your phone (recommended, but not required)
Prepare a place with good lighting-->
Attention, if you're circumcised SIM-The card itself, use a template or a special cutter. Uneven edges can lead to poor contact or jamming of the tray.
Step-by-step: how to insert a second sim
Now, let's get to the process. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid mistakes.
- Turn off your smartphone (optional) This is not necessary, but is recommended to avoid accidental taps or failures when removing the tray.
- Find a slot for SIM-In Redmi Note 5, it's on the left end of the case (when you look at the screen with your face), and the clip hole is small, next to the volume buttons.
- Remove the tray. Put the paper clip in the hole until the tray is extended by 1-2 mm. Then gently pull it with your fingers. Don't put too much effort into it!
- Install. SIM-Put the first nano-SIM in the slot. SIM 1 (usually marked), the second in SIM 2.Make sure the card bevel matches the bevel on the tray (it is needed for correct orientation).
- Put the tray back in place. Put it back in before you click. Make sure it sits smoothly, without any skewing.
- Turn on your phone and wait for the load to be loaded. If done correctly, the status bar will show two carriers.
If after turning on one of the sims is not determined, remove the tray and check:
- 🔄 Installation correctness (map should be placed with contacts downwards);
- 🧹 Clean contacts (wipe them with dry cloth if there is dust);
- 📶 Operator Compatibility (some virtual operators may not be supported).
What if the tray is jammed?
Setting up two SIM-postcard
After successful installation, you need to properly configure the two sims. Go to the Settings menu. → SIM-Maps and mobile networks. The following options are available here:
- 📞 Names SIM-Cards: Assign each SIMKA a unique name (e.g., "Worker" and "Personal") to avoid confusion;
- 📶 Network Priority: Choose which SIM to use for data, calls and SMS default;
- 🔄 Switching SIM: Set up rules for outgoing calls (e.g., always call from the phone) SIM 1 or ask every time you call).
Pay special attention to setting up mobile Internet. in Redmi Note 5 one-on-one SIM-map can be used 4G (usually SIM 1). The second SIM automatically switches to the 2G/3G, If the first one is active on the fourth generation network, to change the priority:
- Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Mobile network settings;
- Choose. SIM-map for which you want to change the regime;
- Install the preferred network type (e.g. 4G/3G/2G or 3G only).
Attention! If you use VoLTE (calls on the phone) 4G), Make sure that this function is enabled in the settings SIM-Otherwise, the calls will be made by 2G, Which can impair the quality of the communication.
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If you travel frequently, set up roaming separately for each. SIM-In the Mobile Network menu, you can turn off roaming data for one SIM, leaving it for another, which will help save money.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even if you do everything according to the instructions, there can be problems.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone doesn't see the second. SIM-map | Incorrect installation, contamination of contacts, card malfunction | Reset the card, wipe the contacts, check the card on another phone |
| No net on one of the sims. | Incorrect network settings, operator problems | Restart your phone, check your APN settings, contact your carrier |
| The mobile internet is not working. | Incorrect APN profile, operator restrictions | Reset your APN settings or request them from the operator automatically |
| The phone overheats when working with two SIMs | Actively using two networks at the same time | Turn off background data for the second SIM or use it only for calls |
If none of the solutions worked, check if yours is not yours. SIM-Virtual card (e.g. from Tinkoff Mobile or Yota) Some virtual operators are not supported on Redmi Note 5 due to firmware limitations, in which case only replacing the card with a physical one from the main operator (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) will help).
Another possible cause is damage to the IMEI. If the phone doesn't see any SIMs, check the IMEI by dialing *#06#. If the numbers are zeros or "unknown", you will need to restore the IMEI through an engineering menu or firmware.
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If the problems started after the firmware update, try rolling back to the previous version. MIUI. Some builds have bugs with two jobs SIM-map.
Can you use a microSD with two? SIM-map?
As we mentioned earlier, the Redmi Note 5 has a hybrid slot, so use two at the same time. SIM-There are no maps or memory cards. There are a few ways around this:
- 🔄 OTG-Adapter: Connect the flash drive through USB-connector (support required) OTG, Which is in the Redmi Note 5);
- ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move files to Mi Cloud, Google Drive or Yandex Disk;
- 📁 Memory Optimization: Delete Unnecessary Files, App Cache, and Transfer Photos to PC.
If you’re critically interested in having both SIMs and extended memory, consider buying a smartphone with a separate microSD slot. For example, Redmi’s lineup has such models since the Redmi Note 8 Pro (2019).
For those who still want to use microSD, we remind you: when installing a memory card, the second one is the first one. SIM-The card automatically turns off. To get it back, you'll have to re-extract the tray and swap the cards.
Comparison with other Xiaomi models by the number of SIM-slots
If you’re considering Redmi Note 5 as an option to buy and support for two is important SIM-maps, it is useful to compare it with other popular models of the brand. Below is a table with key characteristics:
| Model | Slot type | 4G support for both SIMs | Max, the volume of microSD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 5 | Hybrid (2 nano-SIM or 1 nano-SIM + microSD) | No (SIM 1 only) | 256GB |
| Redmi Note 8 Pro | Separate (2 nano-SIM + microSD) | Yes. | 512GB |
| Poco X3 NFC | Hybrid | No (SIM 1 only) | 256GB |
| Mi 10T | Separate (2 nano-SIM + microSD) | Yes. | 512GB |
As you can see from the table, the Redmi Note 5 is inferior to newer models in flexibility: it does not have a separate microSD slot, and the second SIM does not support 4G. If you are critical to the work of two SIMs at high speed, pay attention to the Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi 10T.
On the other hand, the Redmi Note 5 remains one of the most affordable options with support for two. SIM-The reliability and maintainability of these cards often outweigh the small limitations of the use of the used technology market.