Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro: How many? SIM-Supports maps and how to set them up?

Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is the flagship smartphone of 2018, which is still relevant thanks to the powerful hardware and flexible settings. SIM-This model supports cards and how to configure them correctly? In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of working with physical nano-SIM and virtual eSIM, as well as talk about possible limitations and life hacks.

Many people mistakenly think that the number of SIM slots depends only on the firmware version or the region of sale, but in fact it is determined by the hardware platform and the device modification. We tested the Mi 8 Pro on various firmware (including MIUI 14 and custom builds) and collected up-to-date information that will help avoid errors in the configuration.

If you are planning to use two SIM-Cards at the same time – for example, for work and personal calls – it is important to know not only the number of slots, but also about the support. 4G And we'll go through it Step-by-step, both slots, network priorities and carrier compatibility.

How many? SIM-Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro: official data

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

• 📱 Two physical SIM-maps (nano-SIM) + nano-SIM)
• 📱💾 One. SIM-map + Memory card (nano-SIM) + microSD)

Important: There is no eSIM support in the Mi 8 Pro, only physical nano-SIM. If you need a virtual SIM, consider newer models like the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+.

The official specifications from Xiaomi confirm:

• 🔄 Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) — Both cards are active, but only one can work in the 4G (second-hand 2G/3G ring-bell)
• 📶 Support 4G LTE in both slots, but with limitations (more in the next section)
• ⚡ Rapid shift of priority SIM via settings MIUI

How Dual SIM works in Mi 8 Pro: Limits and Opportunities

Despite the support of two SIM-There are a few key nuances that many people don’t know about:

1. Limitation 4G: one-on-one SIM-The card can work on the network 4G/LTE. The second automatically switches to 3G or 2G It's a hardware limitation that you can't get around even through an engineering menu.
2. Network priority: in settings MIUI You can choose which one. SIM will be used for mobile Internet by default (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Priority of data).
3. Calls and SMS: both SIM-Cards can receive calls and messages at the same time, but if one of them is busy talking, the second becomes temporarily unavailable.

An example from real use: if you set up SIM 1 as the main one for 4G and SIM 2 for calls, then when you call the second card, the Internet on the first card will temporarily shut down (switch to 3G), which is standard behavior for all smartphones with DSDS.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using SIM 2 for the Internet, and SIM 1 for calls, download speeds may drop when incoming calls.

Step-by-step setting up two SIM-maps in Mi 8 Pro

To avoid problems with the two SIMs, follow this instruction:

1. Insert both nano-SIMs into the tray (if you use a memory card, install it instead of the second SIM).
2. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
3. Click on each SIM and give it a unique name (e.g., “Worker” and “Personal”).
4. In the Data Priority section, select which SIM will be used for mobile internet by default.
5. In Call Settings, specify which SIM to use for outbound calls by default.

If one of them SIM-maps not defined:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 🛠️ Check if the card is inserted correctly (the chip must be turned downwards).
• 📶 Make sure the operator supports the operation in your area (some virtual operators may not work in hybrid slots).

💡

If your smartphone doesn't see the second SIM, try swapping the cards, and sometimes the problem is that one of the slot's pins malfunctions.

Can I add eSIM to the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro?

The Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro does not have eSIM hardware support, as both official documents and enthusiast tests confirm.

• 🔧 eSIM adapters → Nano-SIM: some operators (e.g, Tele2 Or MTS) offer physical cards that are linked to an eSIM profile, and you get a regular nano-SIM that works like a virtual one.
• 📱 External modules of eSIM: there are USB-C eSIM-enabled adapters (such as Gemalto or Thales) but they require root rights and don’t always work well.

Important: eSIM → nano-SIM adapters are often blocked by operators after a firmware update. Before buying, check with your provider for the relevance of the solution.

⚠️ Note: Using uncertified eSIM adapters may result in a lock IMEI Xiaomi does not officially support such solutions.

Xiaomi Comparison with Other Models: Which Is Better for Two SIMs?

If the Mi 8 Pro doesn’t like the Dual SIM restrictions, consider the alternatives:

If you need full support for Dual 4G (both SIMs work in 4G at the same time), look for the POCO F4 GT or Xiaomi 12 Pro. These models are equipped with separate modules for each SIM, which eliminates network switching problems.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Mi 8 Pro users often face the following problems when working with two SIMs:

• 🔴 Second second SIM Not catching the network: check if the "Only" mode is activated 4G» For the first card, go to Settings. → SIM-map → Network settings and select 3G/2G second SIM.
• 📵 No Internet connection: This is normal behavior DSDS. The solution is to use Wi-Fi for the Internet while talking.
• 🔄 The smartphone itself switches priority SIM: Reset network settings in Settings → SIM-map → Resetting mobile network settings.

If the problems persist, try:

1. Update the firmware to the latest version of MIUI (via Settings → About Phone → System Update).
2. Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-map → Resetting settings.
3. Check it out. SIM-Cards on another device (possibly the operator has a problem).

💡

If the second SIM stops working after the firmware update, reset the network settings, often solving the problem without losing data.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions