The number of supported SIM cards is often a crucial issue when choosing a new smartphone, especially for those who are used to sharing work and personal contacts or travel frequently. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, released in 2019, became a real bestseller thanks to its powerful processor and high-quality camera, but its communication capabilities are also worth considering. Many users still actively use this device, and understanding the logic of the tray is critical for them.
The answer to the question, "Saomi Redmi Note 8 about how many SIM cards" lies in the hardware configuration of a particular tray that was installed by the manufacturer. Unlike some budget models, where you had to choose between a second SIM card and a memory card, here the engineers went to meet the user. The device supports simultaneous operation of two Nano-SIM cards, which is the de facto standard for the middle market segment of the period.
But just knowing the number of slots isn't enough -- it's important to understand how MIUI manages these communication modules. The flexibility of settings allows you to prioritize calls and mobile Internet, creating a comfortable environment for use. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the physical device of the tray, software settings, and answer frequent questions related to communication modules.
Tray design and physical characteristics
Physical tray for SIM-maps in Redmi Note 8 Pro is located on the lower end of the body, to the left of the connector USB Type-C. It uses a special paper clip that comes with a kit, or a thin needle, and it's designed like this"2+1", This means that there are two full-fledged SIM card slots and one separate microSD card slot.
Both slots for communication modules are designed exclusively for the Nano-SIM format. This is the smallest of the existing standards of plastic cards, so using adapters or old-format cards (Micro-SIM or standard) without professional trimming is impossible and can lead to a stuck mechanism.
The unique feature of this model is that it allows you to install two operators and a memory expansion card simultaneously, so you don't have to choose which is more important: an extra gigabyte or a second number. The tray is designed so that the microSD contacts do not overlap with the SIM contacts, ensuring that all three components work smoothly.
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Use only the original paper clip or needle no more than 0.8 mm thick to remove the tray so as not to damage the extraction sensor mechanism inside the housing.
Software configuration and management of two numbers
After the modules are physically installed, the MIUI-enabled Android system automatically recognizes them, manages them through a settings menu where the user can flexibly configure the behavior of each slot, which is especially convenient when you need to divide the streams of incoming calls and Internet traffic between different tariff plans.
To access the settings, you need to go to the Settings section, then select the item SIM-Maps and mobile networks. This shows both of the operator-named slots, and you can rename them for convenience (e.g., "Work" and "Home"), and you can also set colored tags that will be displayed in the call log and when dialing.
The key parameter is to set up the preferred slot.
- π Default calls: Select a specific slot for outbound calls or Always Ask mode when the phone will request a choice before each set.
- π Mobile Internet: Only one card can transmit data at a particular time, switching between them is fast, but requires a connection break.
- π¬ SMS: similar to calls, you can fix the sending through a certain operator or leave the choice to the user.
βοΈ Checking network settings
Support for 4G frequency and communication standards
Not only does it matter how many SIM cards are in the Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro, but how they work on fourth-generation networks. The smartphone supports VoLTE (Voice over LTE) standard, which allows voice calls over a 4G network without dropping speeds to 3G. This provides high sound quality and faster connection.
The configuration of antennas in Redmi Note 8 Pro allows both slots to work on networks 4G, But with one important limitation. At any given time, there's only one. SIM-The card can operate in high-speed mode. LTE, while the second one is in waiting mode (2G/3G) either 4G (depending on the firmware version and operator, but without data transfer. When an incoming call to a second card, if the first card is a conversation or data transfer, the connection can be interrupted or switched if the Call Waiting function is not configured.
The list of supported frequencies is quite wide and covers the main ranges used in Russia and the CIS:
- π‘ FDD-LTE: Band 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40.
- π‘ TDD-LTE: Band 34, 38, 39, 40, 41.
- π‘ WCDMA/GSM: Full support for legacy networks to provide coverage in remote areas.
β οΈ Note: When using two active SIM-map-mode 4G The battery energy consumption may increase 15-20% Due to the constant search of the network and switching between the towers of different operators.
Comparison of slot modes
Understanding the difference between modes of operation helps optimize smartphone usage. Users often confuse the ability to physically install with the capabilities of software. Below is a table showing the possibilities of combining installed modules.
| The combination in the tray | Work SIM 1 | Work of SIM 2 | Memory map |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIM + SIM + microSD | Active (4G/3G/2G) | Active (4G/3G/2G) | Active. |
| SIM + microSD | Active (4G/3G/2G) | Not used. | Active. |
| SIM + SIM | Active (4G/3G/2G) | Active (4G/3G/2G) | Not installed. |
| Only SIM 1. | Active (4G/3G/2G) | Not used. | Not installed. |
As you can see from the table, having a memory card does not limit the functionality of SIM cards, which is the advantage of a hybrid tray type 2+1, which is not found in all smartphones in this price segment, and in some competitive models, you had to sacrifice memory expansion for the second number.
When you switch the mobile Internet between SIM cards, you have a short-term disconnect, which is normal for a radio module to reconfigure the antennas to the frequencies of another operator, and it takes 2 to 5 seconds for all the applications to access the network.
Possible problems and solutions
Despite the reliability of the device, users may encounter a situation where the second SIM card is not determined or is not functioning stable. Often the reason lies in the oxidation of contacts or a loose landing of the tray. It is recommended to gently wipe the contacts of the SIM card with a soft cloth and make sure that it fits tightly to the tray frame throughout the area.
Another common problem is that you don't have a network after you update your firmware, and you have to reset your network settings. β Connection and sharing β Resetting Wi-Fi, cellular networks and Bluetooth.This action won't delete your personal data, but will return network settings to factory values.
If your phone is constantly writing βNo Serviceβ on one of the slots, check the following points:
- π§ Card Integrity: Try installing the problematic SIM card in another phone or in the first slot of the current device.
- π§ Settings APN: Make sure that the mobile internet access points are filled with the correct data of your operator.
- π§ Network Mode: Select Preferred Network Type in Settings: LTE, to avoid getting stuck in EDGE.
What to do if the tray is stuck?
Features of use in roaming
For travelers, the Redmi Note 8 Pro offers great features thanks to support for many frequency bands. Having two slots allows you to use a local SIM card for cheap Internet, leaving your native number active for important calls and calls. SMS-bank codes.
When roaming is activated, it is important to monitor data transfers. Even if you are not using the Internet, background applications can consume traffic, which will lead to huge bills. It is recommended in the mobile network settings for the second SIM card (roaming) explicitly turn off data transfer, leaving only voice and SMS active.
Fast Roaming function in MIUI It helps you find the networks that are available faster when you cross the border, but it's worth remembering that in some countries, communication standards may differ. If your phone can't see the network, try manually selecting the operator from the Settings menu. SIM-map β Selecting the network by disabling automatic mode.
β οΈ Before traveling abroad, be sure to check with your operator the conditions for charging incoming calls and SMS, Even accepting a confirmation code can cost money in international roaming.