Owners of popular budget smartphones often wonder about the technical capabilities of their device, especially when it comes to communication. Xiaomi Redmi 5, released in late 2017, became a real hit with sales thanks to a successful combination of price and characteristics. One of the key parameters for many users is the support of working with multiple carriers at the same time, which allows you to save on calls and mobile Internet.
The answer to the question of how many sim cards there are in the Xiaomi Redmi 5 is clear: the device supports two Nano-SIM cards. However, simply installing chips in slots is only half the battle. For stable operation and no conflicts in the network, you need to properly set your call priorities and mobile traffic. In this article, we will discuss all aspects of dual-SIM configuration in this device.
It's worth noting that the hardware is fully ready to receive signals from two different operators at the same time, which means you don't have to constantly switch between profiles or remove one of the cards to take an important call to the second number.
Tray design and map installation
The first step to activate the two numbers is to physically fit the modules correctly. The tray in Xiaomi Redmi 5 has a combined design, which often causes confusion among beginners. It is a single platform that fits two Nano-SIM chips and a microSD memory card.
To extract the tray, you need to use a special clip that comes with the kit, or a thin needle. The extraction hole is on the lower end of the case, to the left of the microUSB charging connector. It is important not to confuse it with the microphone hole that is located next to it. Careful pressing will lead to the platform being extended.
And on the platform itself, you'll see three seats, two of which are designed to be used for the purpose of landing. SIM-And the card is marked with the appropriate icons, and the third, wider card is set aside for memory, and the design feature is that the SIM card space is on one side of the tray, which makes it easier to install them.
☑️ Proper installation SIM
When you install, pay attention to the position of the contacts. The chip should lie exactly in the recess, not protruding beyond the edges. If you try to insert a tray with a protruding card, there is a risk of damaging the contacts inside the smartphone or breaking the tray mechanism itself. After installation, make sure that the platform entered the case tightly and without gaps.
Programmatic setting of two numbers
Once the cards are physically installed and the smartphone is turned on, MIUI will automatically detect new modules, and notifications will appear on the screen, but for comfortable use, you need to go to the settings and distribute roles between the numbers.
To do this, go to the Settings menu. → SIM-And you'll see here a list of maps installed, usually marked as maps. SIM 1 and SIM 2, and they're color-coded, and that's where the whole basic configuration is made.
First, you should specify names for each card, such as "Worker" and "Personal", or specify the names of operators, which will help you visually navigate the interface when making calls, then you should adjust the parameters for each card separately by clicking on its name.
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Use different colors to indicate SIM-maps in the settings - this will help you instantly determine which number will be called from without reading the text.
The choice of network is an important parameter. For each card, you can set the preferred network type: 4G (LTE), 3G or 2G. It is recommended for a card with an Internet tariff to prioritize 4G, and for the second, if it is used only for calls, you can leave an automatic choice or 3G to save charge.
Internet setting and APN access point
One of the most common problems with using two SIM cards is the setup of mobile Internet. In Xiaomi Redmi 5, only one card can transmit data at a particular time. You have to choose which SIM card will be responsible for the Internet connection.
On the menu. SIM-The card has a "Use to transfer data" option, and if you select the card you want, you activate the Internet through it, and if the tariff on this card runs out, the Internet will disappear, even if there is money on the second card, and you switch between them manually on the same menu.
Often, when you install a card, the Internet does not automatically appear, and you need to manually configure the APN hotspot, and the system usually loads the settings from the operator itself, but in rare cases you have to manually enter them by taking data from the provider's official website.
| Parameter | Value for most operators | Where to find out. |
|---|---|---|
| Name (Name) | Arbitrary (e.g. Internet) | APN settings |
| Access Point (APN) | Internet (or operator-specific) | Operator's website |
| Type APN | default,supl | By default. |
| Protocol | IPv4/IPv6 | APN settings |
To enter the access point settings menu, go on the Settings path → SIM-maps and mobile networks → (Choose. SIM) → Access points (APN). In the lower right corner of the screen, click the "New Access Point" button (or plus-plus). In the window that opens, fill in the fields according to your operator's data.
What to do if the APN is not saved?
Call and message management
The use of two numbers imposes certain features on the process of making calls. When dialing in the phone application or from contacts, the system will always ask which one from which one. SIM-cards to make a call unless priority is set by default.
You can customize your smartphone behavior for outgoing calls, and you can set your call settings to always ask, or you can select a specific SIM for everyone outgoing, and you can set a rule: always call your favorites from a certain number.
With incoming calls, it's easier: the phone will ring when a call is made to any of the active cards. The lock screen or call interface will show you which number you're calling to, allowing you to accept or reject a call. You can reject both a specific call and all calls from a specific SIM through the notification curtain.
Sending messages also requires choosing the sender. In the standard MIUI Messages app, the card is selected before sending or is configured as a permanent default. Be careful when sending confirmation codes to banks so as not to send SMS from a card that does not have the means to charge.
Problems with the definition of the second card
It is not uncommon for users to experience a situation where Xiaomi Redmi 5 sees only one SIM card, even though two are installed. This can be caused by a software failure or incorrect installation. The first thing you try to reboot the device, often this solves the problem of logging in.
If the reboot does not help, check the contacts on the most SIM-They may have oxidized or contaminated. Gently wipe the gold chip with a soft dry cloth or a slider. Also make sure the card is not physically damaged and has the correct Nano-SIM size without steps.
⚠️ Note: If you use adapters with Micro-SIM or standard SIM On Nano-SIM, make sure they're quality. Cheap plastic frames can get stuck in the tray or not provide close contact, which will lead to signal loss.
In some cases, the problem is software. Check for system updates in the Settings menu → About Phone → System Update. The MIUI update often contains bug fixes for the communication module. Also reset network settings, but this will delete the saved Wi-Fi passwords.
The Impact of Two SIMs on Autonomy
Using two active SIM cards inevitably affects battery life, and the smartphone needs to communicate with two base stations at the same time, which leads to increased energy consumption, especially in areas of uncertain reception.
If you are in a place where one of the networks catches very poorly, the phone will constantly look for a signal that will quickly land the Xiaomi Redmi 5 battery. In such situations, it is more rational to temporarily disable the second card through the settings or put the phone into flight mode if communication is not needed.
To optimize power consumption, you can turn off 4G search on the second card if it is used only for rare calls. Switching to 2G/3G Only mode for the second SIM will significantly reduce the background activity of the radio module and prolong the life of the device.
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Two active SIM cards increase battery consumption by 10-15% in standby mode and up to 20% in active use.