How many? SIM-maps in Xiaomi Redmi 6A: detail + setup

Xiaomi Redmi 6A β€” One of the most popular budget smartphones of 2018, which is still in use today for its reliability and easy maintainability. SIM-maps: is it a model with one SIM, or supports two nanoSIMs, or maybe there is a slot under microSD? In this article, we will analyze all the nuances - from technical specifications to step-by-step configuration of two sims.

The big question is that Redmi 6A officially supports 2 nanoSIMs in a hybrid slot, which means you can use either two SIMs or one SIM + memory card. But there are pitfalls: not all operators work correctly in pairs, and setting network priority requires manual intervention. Next, detailed analysis of photos, compatibility tables and solutions to typical problems.

Technical characteristics of the SIM slot in Redmi 6A

The smartphone is equipped with a hybrid slot type nanoSIM + nanoSIM/microSD. It means:

  • πŸ“± Two nanoSIMs – two SIM cards work simultaneously (for example, MTS) + Tele2).
  • πŸ’Ύ One nanoSIM + microSD – if you need a memory card, you will have to sacrifice a second SIM.
  • ⚠️ No eSIM support, only physical cards.

Important: the slot does not support microSIM or miniSIM format - only nanoSIM (size 12.3Γ—8.8 mm). If your SIM is old, it will have to be cropped or replaced in the cabin of the operator.

πŸ“Š How to use the slot in Redmi 6A?
Two. SIM-map
One SIM + MicroSD
Only one SIM.
I don't know.

The manufacturer claims support for Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) - this means that both SIMs are active at the same time, but during a conversation on one of them the second will be unavailable (calls are forwarded to voice mail).

Where is the slot for SIM-map 6A?

The SIM tray is located on the left side of the smartphone (if you hold the screen to yourself).

  1. Turn off your phone (but not necessarily).
  2. Take a paper clip or a special key from the kit.
  3. Insert it into a small hole next to the slot and press before clicking.
  4. The tray will move out - carefully pull it out.

Turn off the phone (optional)

Prepare a paper clip or key

Check the size of the SIM card (nanoSIM)

Clean the tray of dust (dry napkin)-->

⚠️ Warning: Do not use needles or sharp objects - this can damage the locking mechanism of the tray. If the slot is jammed, do not apply force: contact the service center.

There are tags on the tray for proper installation:

SIM1 - top connector (closer to the camera).

SIM2/microSD - the bottom connector (you can insert either a SIM or a flash drive).

If you insert a microSD into the SIM1 slot, the phone won’t recognize it!

How to set up two SIM-maps 6A?

After installing the sim phone will automatically determine the network, but for proper work you need to set priorities:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Select Control. SIM-map.
  3. Set up: πŸ“ž Calls – Select the SIM for the outgoing default. πŸ“Ά Mobile data – specify which SIM will be used for the Internet. πŸ’¬ SMS – set up a SIM to send messages.

Always ask

πŸ”Ή Tip: If one of the sims does not catch the network, try to manually select the operator in the Settings menu β†’ Mobile network β†’ Network selection. Sometimes automatic search fails.

πŸ’‘

If the phone doesn't see one of them after you install the SIMs, take out the tray and check if the cards are tightly seated in the connectors, and often the problem is not enough contact.

Operator compatibility: Which SIMs work together?

Theoretically, Redmi 6A supports any combination of operators, but in practice there are conflicts.

Operator 1Operator 2Stability of workNotes
MTSTele2.βœ… Great.No problem, both operators are on 4G.
BeelineMegaFon⚠️ Middle-AverageThere may be a disruption to the VoLTE on Beeline
iotaAnybody.❌ Bad.Iota often conflicts with other SIMs.
MTSMegaFonβœ… Good.Recommended for business (personal/working division)

⚠️ Note: If you use MegaFon or Beeline with active VoLTE option, the second SIM may be disconnected from the network periodically.Solution: disable VoLTE in the settings or use SIMs without this feature.

Problems also arise if:

  • πŸ”„ Both SIMs are online. 4G β€” The phone can "hang" when switching.
  • πŸ“‘ One of the sims uses 3G, second β€” 2G (For example, to save the battery).
  • πŸ”’ Parental control or operator restrictions activated on the SIM.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Redmi 6A sees the other SIM-map 30% cases due to improper installation of the tray or conflict of operator profiles.-5 problems and ways of eliminating them:

  1. The Simka is not detectable: Check if the card is inserted correctly (chip down). Clean the contacts of the tray with alcohol. Try inserting the SIM1 into the SIM1 - sometimes SIM2 is glitchy.
  2. No network in one of the sims: If the network goes missing after the software update, reset the network settings: Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset β†’ Network settings Reset. This will delete the stored Wi-Fi and passwords, but restore the connection. Reboot the phone. Manually select the operator in the settings. Check the balance and activity of the operator.
  3. Mobile Internet is not working: Make sure the Internet is connected to the right SIM (Settings) β†’ Mobile network. Check it out. APN-settings (request the operator).

If nothing helps, try resetting your network settings:

Settings β†’ System β†’ Additional β†’ Reset β†’ Network settings reset

This will remove all stored Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices, but often resolves SIM problems.

Can you use a microSD with two? SIM-map?

No - the Redmi 6A hybrid slot doesn't physically allow you to set two SIMs and a memory card at the same time.

  • πŸ“± Two. SIM-cards without microSD.
  • πŸ’Ύ One. SIM + microSD – maximum flash drive capacity up to 256 GB (officially supported).

πŸ”Ή If you need two SIMs and memory critically, consider options:

Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Yandex.Disk).

- Buy it. OTG-adapter to connect the flash drive through USB (But it's inconvenient for permanent use).

- Move frequently used files to the second SIM (if the operator supports storage on SIM, as some Tele2 tariffs do).

πŸ’‘

The hybrid slot is the Redmi 6A’s main compromise. If you need two SIMs and memory, you’ll have to choose between sacrificing a second SIM or using cloud solutions.

Comparison with other Xiaomi models

For clarity, compare Redmi 6A with other popular Xiaomi smartphones for SIM-card support:

ModelSIM countSlot typeSupport for microSD support
Redmi 6A (2018)2 nanoSIMHybridYes (instead of SIM2)
Redmi Note 72 nanoSIMSeparate slotYes (up to 256GB)
Poco X32 nanoSIMHybridYes (up to 512GB)
Mi 11 Lite2 nanoSIMSeparate slotNo.

As you can see, the Redmi 6A is playing out to newer models with a dedicated microSD slot (like the Redmi Note 7).If you’re critical to being able to use two SIMs and a memory card at once, consider upgrading to a separate slot model.

Can Redmi 6A use both SIM and microSD at the same time?
No, the slot is hybrid: either two nanoSIMs or one nanoSIM + microSD. You can't install three elements at the same time.
Is the Redmi 6A suitable for the iPhone SIM (nanoSIM)?
Yes, Redmi 6A supports nanoSIM, the same format as the iPhone, and you can use a SIM without cropping.
Why is the second SIM not catching the 4G network?
Possible reasons: Operator does not support 4G on the second SIM (check tariff). Network settings have selected only one SIM for 4G (Settings β†’ Mobile Network β†’ Preferred Network Type). VoLTE conflict (turn it off for the second SIM).
How to transfer contacts from the old SIM to the new one in Redmi 6A?
Methods: Export contacts to VCF: Contacts β†’ Settings β†’ Export/Import. Sync with your Google account: Settings β†’ Accounts β†’ Google β†’ Contact Sync. Use the Mi Mover app to transfer data from another Xiaomi.
Where to buy a tray for SIM-map 6A, if it breaks?
Original tray can be ordered: AliExpress (search on request "Redmi" 6A SIM tray"). Xiaomi service centers (cost ~300-500 rubles in phone parts stores (e.g. Fix Price or local repair shops). ⚠️ Beware of cheap fakes – they can be poorly fixed or damage contacts.