How to call from the second SIM on Xiaomi: the full guide

Owning a smartphone with two active SIM cards has long since ceased to be a luxury and has become a standard for most Android users. However, the interface of the shell MIUI or HyperOS from Xiaomi sometimes hides the obvious features, making the owner of the gadget feel insecure at the time of an important call, especially when you need to urgently contact a subscriber, and the default is not the number you planned to use for outgoing communication.

The situation when the user does not know how to call from the second SIM on Xiaomi is quite common due to different versions of firmware and device models. The logic of the system may differ from the budget Redmi and flagship Mi, but the basic principles remain the same. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available switching methods, default settings and hidden features that will help you stay connected.

Before we delve into the complex menus, it’s worth noting that modern Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with a smart call management system. It analyzes your actions and offers the most convenient way to choose the operator. The correct setting of these parameters will eliminate the awkward moments when you call from your personal number for work issues or vice versa, spending extra money on long-distance communication.

Basic setting SIM-card

The foundation for the correct operation of two SIM cards is their correct initial configuration in the system. Once the cards are installed in the tray and the device is turned on, the operating system will automatically detect new communication modules. However, automatic settings do not always meet the user's expectations, so manually checking the parameters is a mandatory first step.

To start, you need to go to the main settings menu. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (or two) SIM-This is where you have the control center for all the communication functions of your smartphone, and in this menu you will see a list of installed cards, their status and basic parameters of operation.

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Rename the SIM card in the settings (for example, “Work” and “Personal”) – this will help you to quickly navigate when choosing a number for a call during the time of rush.

Within this section, it's important to look at a few key points: First, make sure both cards are activated -- sliders need to be enabled; second, check your Internet and SMS settings so they don't conflict with voice calls. Often, the problem with not being able to call is that one card is software deactivated.

Special attention should be paid to choosing the default card for voice calls. The system allows you to set a priority SIM, which will be used automatically when dialing from contacts or call history, if you did not choose a specific number manually.

Direct selection of operator when dialing the number

The fastest way to call from the second SIM on Xiaomi is to use the built-in functionality right while dialing. When you open the standard Phone app and dial a number (or select a contact from a list), the current selected operator is usually displayed before the call button.

Click on the SIM icon or operator name next to the call button, and a pop-up menu will open to select which card to call from for a given time, which doesn't change the global settings, but only works for the current call, which is very convenient for one-off actions.

• 📞 Click on the SIM icon next to the call button in the Phone app».
• 📲 Select the desired card from the list that appears (SIM 1 SIM 2).
• ✅ The call button will change the color or signature, confirming the choice of the second SIM.

It's worth noting that after making a call through the second SIM, Xiaomi can remember that choice for that particular contact, and the next time you dial that same caller, the phone can suggest using the same card as the last time, and it's part of the MIUI intelligent system that tries to predict your actions.

If you want the operator's choice to be reset after each call, or vice versa, you can configure this in the additional settings of the Phone application. Go to the call settings (three dots or a gear) and find the item related to the SIM selection behavior. There may be an option to Always Ask or Remember the choice for contact.

Configure default calls for contacts

For users who clearly share the scope of communication, the function of attaching the SIM card to a specific contact is relevant, so that you do not think about switching every time you need to call your mother, colleague or courier, and the system will itself suggest the desired number when you start a call.

To do this, open the Contacts app or Phone app and find the phone book entry you want, and if you click on the name of the subscriber, the contact card will turn up, and if you've already called that person, the system can show which card the last call was made from, but you have to do something different to force the call.

In the contact card, find the call button. Next to it, there's usually a little arrow or SIM icon. When you click on it, you'll see a list of available SIM cards. When you select the one you want, you'll record that choice. Now, every time you dial that number, the phone will automatically switch to the second SIM you've chosen.

It’s important to understand that linking a SIM to a contact only works inside the standard Xiaomi phonebook. If you use third-party calling apps (like Truecaller or Google Phone in the pure Android version), the mechanism may work differently or require a separate setup in the app’s menu itself.

Use of widgets and hot keys

MIUI is famous for its flexibility in personalizing the desktop, and one effective way to quickly access a second SIM is to create widgets or use hotkeys, especially for those who need to make a lot of calls throughout the day.

You can add a Contacts or Direct Dial widget to your desktop, and when you create a contact widget, the system often allows you to select not only the contact itself, but also the SIM card that you will call, so you will have a separate icon on the screen that you can click on immediately initiates call through the desired gateway.

Another method is to use the Speed Dial feature, where you can set long-press numbers (e.g., hold the number 2, 3, etc.) to call certain numbers in the settings of the Phone app to call certain numbers. In some firmware versions, you can specify your preferred SIM card when you assign a quick dial.

Also worth mentioning is the voice assistant. If you have Google Assistant or Xiao AI set up, you can just say, "Call [Name] on the second SIM" (or "working" if you give it the appropriate name). Voice control in Xiaomi works fairly accurately and recognizes operator switching commands, which is convenient on the road or when your hands are busy.

Solving problems with choosing a second SIM

Often, users are faced with a situation where the second SIM seems to be defined, but it is impossible to call from it or the select button is inactive, the reasons can be several: problems with network coverage to software failures in the communication module.

First, check the status of the second SIM in the Settings menu. → SIM-If it says "No network" or "Emergency Calls Only," the problem is not the phone settings, it's the physical connection or the tariff. PIN-code and has an active status with the operator.

⚠️ Note: If the second SIM card is used only for the Internet (mode) 4G/LTE), If you are trying to use VoLTE technology for calls, make sure your carrier and tariff plan support voice calls through the Internet. LTE. Otherwise, the phone may be trying to switch to the 2G/3G, In areas of poor coverage will cause a call reset.

Another common problem is the conflict of communication standards: if the first SIM is busy talking or transmitting data in 2G mode, the second SIM in some Xiaomi models (especially older ones) can temporarily lose network. In modern devices with DSDS (Dual SIM Dual Standby) technology, this is solved, but periodic failures are possible.

If the SIM button just disappeared or doesn’t respond, try the following:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – it will restart the radio module.
• 🔌 Remove and insert SIM cards again by cleaning the contacts.
• ⚙️ Reset the network settings in the menu Additional → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.

Features of work in Dual 4G and VoLTE mode

Modern Xiaomi smartphones support Dual 4G mode, where both SIM cards can be simultaneously on the network of the fourth generation. This significantly improves the quality of communication and switching speed, but requires the right setup. For calls from the second SIM in this mode, support for VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology is critical.

If VoLTE is only on one card, then when you are actively talking on it, the second card can switch to 2G/3G mode or become unavailable. To call from the second SIM in this situation without interrupting the first conversation (if the phone supports Call Waiting) or simply have constant access, you need to activate VoLTE on both numbers.

Activation path: → SIM- Maps and mobile networks → Select SIM → Use VoLTE

Turning on this feature makes the SIM selection process smoother: switching between operators is almost instantaneous, without the characteristic delays and wait beeps of network registration, which is especially important for business users, for whom every second matters.

⚠️ Warning: Make sure your mobile operator supports VoLTE in your area. Even if the phone is enabled but the operator is not providing it, calls may not pass or be dropped.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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The main secret to successfully using two Sims on Xiaomi is the correct initial setting of priorities in the SIM-card menu and VoLTE activation for both operators, which provides instant switching without losing the network.