What? SIM-The card is needed for Xiaomi Redmi Note 5

Owners of the legendary Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 smartphone (known in China as the Redmi Note 5 Pro) often wonder about the correct choice and configuration of SIM cards. This device, released in 2018, is still popular due to the excellent price-performance ratio, as well as the presence of two full-fledged slots for SIM cards Nano-SIM format. Understanding the technical limitations and capabilities of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 modem installed in this device will help you avoid problems with registration in the network.

Many users confuse the support of frequency bands and the physical format of the card, which leads to unnecessary calls to the salons.In fact, for stable operation of the Redmi Note 5 is enough standard modern SIM card issued by any major carrier in the last 10 years. However, to unlock the full potential of the device, especially in 4G LTE mode, you need to properly set priorities and check the compatibility of your carrier’s ranges.

In this article, we will discuss in detail what SIM cards this smartphone supports, how to activate the second SIM and what to do if the phone does not see the network. We will touch on the issues of roaming, the features of using old format cards and the nuances of setting up VoLTE for calls.

Format and type of supported SIM-map

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is equipped with a hybrid tray that allows you to install two Nano-SIM SIM cards or one SIM card and a microSD memory card. This means that you physically need the smallest existing SIM card – Nano-SIM. Using adapters or old format cards (Mini or Micro) without professional trimming can lead to a tray getting stuck or damage to contacts inside the phone.

It is important to note that the device supports the standard. USIM, What is a prerequisite for working in networks 4G/LTE. If you are using a very old SIM card issued more 10 Years ago, the phone could detect it, but it would only work in mode. 2G or 3G. In this case, the card replacement from the operator is free and takes a few minutes, saving your number and rate.

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When replacing your old SIM card with a new Nano-SIM, ask the operator to clone contacts from the chip if they are not synced with your Google account.

The modem technical specification in Redmi Note 5 allows you to work with SIM cards of any Russian and foreign operators, as it supports a wide range of frequencies. However, it is worth remembering that simultaneous operation of two SIM cards in 4G mode is impossible: one will work at high speeds, and the second will go into 2G/3G mode for waiting for calls.

Tray design and map installation

The process of installing the SIM card in the Redmi Note 5 has its own features, which are important to consider so as not to damage the mechanism. The tray is located on the lower end of the device to the left of the charging port. To extract you need to use a special clip included in the kit, or a thin needle, pressing on the hole next to the tray.

Inside the tray, you'll find two sites. The first is the main SIM card (SIM 1), which usually takes priority for mobile internet (SIM 2) often combined with a memory card space, making the slot hybrid. If you plan to use two SIM cards, installing a microSD card will become impossible without using cloud storage or OTG-adapter.

• 📱 Take a paperclip and press the hole on the end of the smartphone before clicking.
• 🔍 Inspect the retrieved tray: side with two rectangular cutouts - for SIM cards.
• 📶 Put Nano-SIM in the appropriate grooves with gold contacts down.
• 🔒 Carefully insert the tray back to the end, observing the orientation of the bevelled corner.

⚠️ Warning: Do not force the tray unless it enters easily.This can break the pin contacts inside the connector, requiring expensive motherboard repairs.

Once the cards are installed and the phone is turned on, the system automatically detects new subscribers. Unlike some other models, you do not need to manually select the network type for each slot when you first install it, but for optimal operation, you should check the settings in the menu.

Setting up two SIM-card MIUI

Operating system MIUI, The Redmi Note 5 provides flexible tools for managing two numbers. After turning on the phone, go to Settings, then select a choice. SIM-Maps and mobile networks. This is where the basic configuration of priorities and communication parameters takes place.

First of all, you need to specify a card through which you will access the Internet. In the "Use for the Internet" section, select SIM 1 or SIM 2. Remember that the second card at this point will work in 2G/3G mode, even if it supports 4G. This is a technical limitation of the chipset, not a software bug.

You can also set up a priority SIM card for voice calls and SMS-It has a default feature that will make your phone ask you every time you make a call what number to use it from, and it's convenient if you separate personal and work contacts.

• 🌐 To distribute Wi-Fi (access point), you can choose a separate SIM card, different from the one used for surfing.
• 📞 Enable the function "Receiving calls to the second one" SIM", to avoid missing calls when the first line is busy (operator support required).
• 💬 Set up the individual call keys for each number to know who is calling you without looking at the screen.

Work on 4G LTE and VoLTE networks

One of the key features of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is support for modern communication standards. Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 modem is capable of operating in the ranges used by all major operators in Russia and the CIS. For full use of high-speed Internet, make sure that the network type is selected in the settings Preferably LTE.

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology, which allows voice conversations over a 4G network without switching to 3G/2G, offers higher audio quality and the ability to use the Internet simultaneously while talking. On the Redmi Note 5, this feature is often hidden or activated automatically when supported by the operator.

If your carrier supports VoLTE but the function is not working, you can try activating it through the engineering menu. To do this, dial the code ##86583## in the phone app. A message will appear "VoLTE carrier check was DISABLED", which means that the check is enabled. Then the corresponding switch may appear in the SIM card settings menu.

Solution: The phone can't see the SIM

When the Redmi Note 5 stops seeing the SIM card, it is not common, but can be caused by software failure or oxidation of contacts.First of all, try to reboot the device. If it does not help, remove the tray and wipe the SIM card contacts with a soft eraser or cloth soaked in alcohol.

Sometimes the problem is updating the system or crashing network settings, and then the effective method is to reset the network settings. Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Restore and Reset → Reset the settings of Wi-Fi, mobile Internet and Bluetooth. This action will not delete your personal data, but return the network settings to factory settings.

⚠️ Note: Before resetting your network settings, make sure you remember the Wi-Fi passwords as they will be deleted from your phone’s memory.

If the phone says "No service" or "Emergency Calls Only" after all the manipulations, it may be the tray itself or the antenna module that is the problem, and a common reason is also the use of hand-cut SIM cards, which may be of unusual thickness or shape that does not provide close contact with the pins.

• 🔄 Check if the SIM card is working on another phone to prevent damage.
• 🔧 Carefully bend the contacts in the tray (very carefully!) if they look crushed.
• 📡 Make sure that the account has funds and the blocking service is not activated by the operator.

Use in roaming and abroad

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is a global version (Global Version), which means support for most frequencies used in Europe, Asia and parts of the Americas.When traveling abroad, the phone will automatically register with the network of an available operator if the option "Roaming data" is enabled in the settings.

It is important to distinguish between the global version and the Chinese version (CN Version).The Chinese version may not support the important European B20 bands (800 MHz), which will lead to a lack of 4G in the countryside and poor reception inside buildings, although 3G will work stable.

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For travel abroad, always enable automatic network selection so that the phone can switch between available carriers when signal loss occurs.

To save money in roaming, it is recommended to purchase a local operator SIM card in advance or use the international rates of your home provider. Redmi Note 5 allows you to quickly switch between SIM cards in the notification curtain, which is convenient when using local tourist cards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)