Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro: How many? SIM-The cards are supported by the smartphone and how to set them correctly

Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is the flagship smartphone of 2018, which is still relevant thanks to the powerful hardware and flexible settings. SIM-Unlike many modern gadgets with hybrid slots, the Mi 8 Pro offers a classic solution, but with nuances.

In this article, we will analyze the technical characteristics of the slot, the capabilities of Dual SIM, eSIM compatibility (and why it isn’t) and practical tips for setting up two operators, with a focus on the common bug with the second one. SIM activated 4G First, and how to fix it.

If you are planning to buy the Mi 8 Pro for dual-room work or travel frequently, the information below will help you avoid typical problems and make the most of your smartphone’s capabilities.

Technical specifications: how many SIM-Maps in Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro

Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is equipped with a hybrid slot for two nano-SIM (4FF format) or one nano-SIM + microSD memory card (up to 256 GB).

• 📱 Two. SIM-cards (Dual) SIM Dual Standby, DSDS)
• 💾 One. SIM + microSD (memory extension)

Important: you can't have two SIMs and a microSD at the same time, you have to choose between them. The slot is Tray 1 (SIM1) + Tray 2 (SIM2/microSD), where the second tray is combined, and the cards are physically installed using a key-clip at the top of the case (on the left, if you look at the screen).

Network support:

• 🌐 SIM1: 4G LTE (Cat.12), 3G, 2G
• 📶 SIM2: 4G LTE (Cat.12), 3G, 2G (but with limitation - see section "Nuances of work»)

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If you travel frequently, it is better to use SIM1 for the main number and SIM2 for the local operator, which is due to the priority of the network when roaming.

Dual SIM in Mi 8 Pro: How it works and what standards are supported

Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro uses Dual technology SIM Dual Standby (DSDS). Which means that both SIM-Cards are active at the same time, but only one can work on the network. 4G — the second automatically switches to 3G/2G. This approach saves battery power, but imposes limitations.

Key features of DSDS in this model:

• ⚡ Both SIM They can take calls, but if one is busy, the other will go to voicemail.
• 📶 4G It only works on one. SIM (selectable).
• 🔄 Automatic switching between networks at weak signal.

For comparison, newer Xiaomi models (such as the Mi 11 or Redmi Note 10 Pro) support Dual SIM Dual VoLTE, where both SIMs can run in 4G at the same time.

Step-by-step: how to insert and configure two SIM-map

SIM installation in the Mi 8 Pro is standard, but there are nuances with setting priorities.

1. Turn off your smartphone (required!) Find the SIM tray on the top edge (left).
2. Insert the key-clip into the hole and carefully remove the tray.
3. Place nano-SIM in SIM1 and SIM2 slots (or microSD instead of the second SIM).
4. Insert the tray back before the click and turn on the phone.

After inclusion:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Select the priority SIM for calls, SMS and mobile internet.
3. Activate the option to Enable 4G for the desired SIM (only one!).

If the second SIM is not detected after installation:

• 🔧 Check if the card is inserted correctly (sometimes the tray is not fixed until the end).
• 📵 Reboot your smartphone.
• 🔄 In settings, enable Automatic Network Selection for Problem SIM.

Dual SIM: Limitations and How to Get Around Them

The main problem with the Mi 8 Pro with two SIMs is that you limit 4G on one card. If you activate 4G on SIM1, then SIM2 will automatically switch to 3G/2G, and vice versa.

• 🐢 Slow Internet on the second SIM (if she 3G).
• 📞 Missed calls if the first one SIM busy.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption with frequent switching between networks.

How to minimize inconvenience:

⚠️ If you are critically important to call both SIM, turn off 4G One of them is hand-held (Settings) → Mobile network → Type of network → 3G/2G). This will reduce the speed of the Internet, but will increase the stability of communication.

Mi 8 Pro

eSIM

Mi 11

Xiaomi 12

Compatibility with operators: which SIM-The cards work better.

The Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro supports most communication standards, but there are nuances with some carriers:

• 🇷🇺 Russia (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2): Full compatibility, but 4G second SIM only works in mode 3G.
• 🇺🇦 Ukraine (Kyivstar, Vodafone, Lifecell): Possible problems with VoLTE in the second SIM.
• 🇪🇺 Europe (T-Mobile, Orange, Vodafone): Roaming is stable, but Internet speed is second SIM may be limited.
• 🇨🇳 China Mobile, Unicom: Officially supported, but there may be restrictions on foreign SIM.

For maximum stability:

• 🔄 Use it. SIM-Cards of one operator (for example, both MTS) – this reduces the risk of network conflicts.
• 📡 Manually select networks (Settings) → Mobile network → Choice of network → Hand-held).
• 🔋 Turn off the network auto search on the second SIM, if rarely used.

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For travel, it is optimal to use the local SIM in the second slot with 4G disabled, and leave the main SIM on 4G for the Internet.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Mi 8 Pro users often face typical problems when working with two SIMs.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI one of them stopped working. SIM, Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting the mobile network settings. That'll bring back the settings. APN factory-wise.

Problem 1: The second SIM is not registered on the network.

• 🔧 Check if the slot is contaminated (wipe your contacts). SIM dry-cloth).
• 🔄 Restart your phone in Safe Mode (hold the power button) → Safe regime).
• 📵 Make sure that SIM Not blocked by the operator (check on another phone).

Problem 2: Low Internet speed on the second SIM.

• 📶 Manually select the network 3G instead 4G second SIM.
• 🔧 Update the firmware MIUI (Sometimes bugs are fixed in new versions).
• 📡 Check the settings. APN (They may be confused by updates).

Problem 3: The phone doesn't see the SIM after the crash.

• 🛠️ Perhaps the contact of the slot has gone away - disassembly and verification of the plume are required.
• 🔧 Try inserting. SIM in another slot (if it works, the problem is in the tray).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions