Smartphone users Huawei i Honor often face the same annoying situation: every time you turn on the device or after waking up from sleep mode, a system notification about choosing a SIM card appears on the screen. This pop-up window obstructs the desktop, prevents applications from launching, and makes the system feel unfinished. This problem is especially relevant for owners of devices with two SIM card slots, where the system constantly requests confirmation of an active line for calls or mobile data.
In fact, it is impossible to completely “remove” the system SIM card selection menu, since this is a critical component of the operating system Android EMUI or Magic UI, responsible for routing voice calls and data. However, you can customize the behavior of this menu so that it no longer bothers you with visual notifications or requires constant confirmation. In this article, we will look at all the legitimate ways to hide unnecessary interface elements and optimize the operation of the communication module.
Before proceeding with the settings, it is worth understanding the nature of the appearance of these windows. Most often they appear due to a network reset, firmware update, or physical replacement of the SIM card. The security system Huawei is on the safe side and requires the user to explicitly indicate preferences. Ignoring this request may result in the smartphone not being able to make outgoing calls, so our task is not to disable the function, but to configure it once and for all.
Setting SIM card priorities in the settings menu
The first and most effective step is to fix the default settings. If the system does not set a clear priority for calls and the Internet, SIM selection menu will appear regularly. You need to go into the main settings of the device and explicitly tell the system which card to use for what purposes. This action transfers the operation of the communication module from the “demand” mode to the “automatic execution” mode.
Go to the section Settings and find the item SIM card management. Depending on the shell version EMUI, this item may be located in the “Wireless networks” or “Mobile network” section. Here you will see a list of installed cards. Your task is to check the boxes or switches next to the “Calls by default” and “mobile data by default” items. As soon as you select a specific card, the system will remember this choice in non-volatile memory.
⚠️ Attention: If you remove the SIM card that you selected as the main one, the system will automatically reset the settings and again prompt you to select the active card the next time you boot. This is a protective mechanism, not a software bug.
Additionally, this menu often contains the “Ask every time” option. Make sure that this switch is in the Offposition. Enabling this feature forces the phone to display a dialog box every time you try to make a call, which many users find overly controlling. Disabling this option greatly simplifies the everyday use of the gadget.
☑️ Fixing communication settings
Disable notifications about network selection
Sometimes the selection menu itself is already configured, but the phone continues to send annoying messages push notifications to the curtain with the text “Select a SIM card for a call” or similar content. These messages are generated by a system application Phone or service TelephonyProvider. To remove them from view, you need to fine-tune the notification channels of a specific application.
Find the “Phone” application icon (green tube) on the desktop. Click on it and hold your finger for 2-3 seconds until the context menu appears. Select the item About the application or the icon with the letter “i” in a circle. In the menu that opens, find the section Notifications. Here you will see a list of all types of notifications that the phone book and call module can send.
Please study the list carefully. You need to find the category related to SIM selection or network settings. In modern versions Android these notifications are often hidden in the “Other notifications” subsection or have a specific name like “SIM card”. Disable the switch next to this item. Now the system will silently process the card selection without displaying a banner on the lock screen or status bar.
- 📱 Open the settings of the “Phone” application by long pressing the icon.
- 🔔 Go to the “Notifications” section and find the category related to SIM.
- 🚫 Block the display of notifications for this category, leaving only missed calls active.
- ⚙️ Check if the settings in the “SIM Card Management” section are not duplicated.
If, after turning off notifications, you accidentally miss an important system request (for example, when changing the region), simply restart the phone - critical system requests often take precedence and may appear again in the form of a modal window, and not a regular notification.
Hide SIM card status icons
In addition to pop-up windows, many users are annoyed by the constant icons of telecom operators at the top of the screen (in the status bar). While it's not exactly a "SIM menu", visual noise from the two network logos is often perceived as part of the problem. On smartphones Huawei it is possible to hide these indicators while maintaining full communication functionality.
To do this, go to Settings → Notifications and status bar. In some firmware versions, this path may look like Home screen and wallpaper → Other settings. Look for an item with the name Display SIM card icons or Network indicators. Unchecking this item will remove operator logos from the top line, making the interface cleaner and more minimalistic.
It is worth noting that hiding icons does not affect operation communication module. You will still see the signal strength as bars (unless this option is disabled separately) and will be able to make calls. However, if you experience network problems, they will become more difficult to diagnose because the visual clue to which card is currently active will disappear.
| Display parameter | Impact on the system | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Operator icons | Visual display only | Can be hidden for a clean interface |
| Pop-up menu | Selecting a card by default | It is necessary to configure, but not delete |
| Push notifications | Informing about events | It is recommended to disable unnecessary ones |
| Indicator 4G/5G | Show network type | It is better to leave it on |
Solving problems with double menu display
There is a specific problem that is typical for some models Huawei P20, P30 and series Nova, when the SIM card selection menu appears twice: immediately after turning on and again after a few minutes. This is a software bug associated with a conflict between the network update service and the main telephony module. The usual priority setting does not help in this case.
To eliminate this defect, try resetting the network settings. This action will not delete your personal files, photos or contacts, but will return all Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular settings to factory defaults. Go to Settings → System → Reset → Resetting network settings. Confirm the action and wait until the device reboots.
⚠️ Attention: After resetting the network settings, you will have to re-enter passwords for all saved networks Wi-Fi and re-pair Bluetooth headsets. Make sure you remember your home Internet credentials before performing this procedure.
If the problem persists, it may be due to an outdated version of the Baseband. Check for system updates in the System and updatessection. Sometimes manufacturers release patches that correct the logic of working with dual SIM cards. Installing the latest firmware often solves problems with the cyclic appearance of system windows.
What to do if the reset did not help?
If resetting the network settings did not eliminate the double menu, try removing both SIM cards, turning off the phone, inserting only one card and turning on the device. If the menu appears once and is fixed, the problem may be a physical malfunction of the second slot or the second SIM card itself (for example, an old cut-off card).
Using third-party launchers for disguise
If system methods do not give the desired result and the pop-up window continues to overlap the content, you can resort to a radical method - changing the desktop shell. Third-party launcherssuch as Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Lawnchairhave their own mechanisms for managing notifications and pop-ups that can ignore system requests. EMUI.
By installing a third-party launcher, you You get the opportunity to customize the behavior of notifications more flexibly. Some launchers allow you to completely disable pop-up notifications for system applications. This will not remove the menu itself from memory, but it will prevent it from appearing on top of your desktop. You will only be able to see the request in the notification panel, which is less intrusive.
However, it is worth considering that replacing the standard launcher may affect the operation of navigation gestures and some proprietary features Huaweisuch as smart folder or certain types of animations. Before installation, it is recommended to create a backup copy of the icon layout so that in case of failure you can quickly return to the standard interface.
- 🚀 Download a popular launcher from the Google Play Store (for example, Nova).
- 🎨 In the launcher settings, find the “Notifications” or “Pop-up windows” section.
- 🛑 Prevent the display of pop-ups for the Phone and Settings application.
- 💾 Save the current desktop layout before experimenting.
Factory reset as a last resort
In situations where software The failure is profound and none of the above settings removes the constant appearance of the SIM menu, leaving the last option - a complete reset of the device. This action will return the smartphone to the state it was in when purchased, deleting all user data, applications and accumulated registry errors.
Before performing this operation, it is critical to save all important data to external media or cloud storage Huawei Cloud / Google Drive. The reset process is irreversible. Go to Settings → System → Reset → Reset data. Enter your screen unlock password to confirm.
After reboot and initial setup installation wizard, the system will immediately ask you to configure SIM cards. At this point, carefully follow all the steps, set priorities and turn off the asking options. If the problem returns immediately after a clean start, this may indicate a hardware problem with the motherboard or power controller, in which case you will need to contact a service center.
A hard reset deletes all data from the phone. Always make a backup copy of your contacts and photos before starting the procedure, as it will be impossible to restore them without a backup.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the SIM menu appear even after I selected the default card?
This may occur due to an unstable network signal. When the phone loses contact with the operator's tower and reconnects, the system can recheck the routing settings. Also, the reason may be a loose contact of the SIM card in the slot - try removing it, wiping the contacts and inserting it back.
Is it possible to completely remove the application responsible for selecting the SIM?
No, this is a system component Android Telephony. Deleting it or freezing it via ADB will result in a complete loss of the ability to make calls and use the mobile data. The phone will turn into a kind of tablet without communication.
Does the Android version affect the frequency of appearance of this menu?
Yes, in newer versions Android 10, 11, 12 and higher, the logic for working with two SIM cards has been redesigned. On older versions EMUI (based on Android 8 or 9), bugs with repeated requests are much more common.
What to do if the phone says “No SIM card” even though it is inserted?
Try clearing the cache of the “Phone” and “Contacts” applications. If that doesn't help, check to see if your SIM card is PIN-locked. Sometimes, after three incorrect attempts to enter the PIN, the card is blocked and requires entering a PUK code, which can be obtained from the operator.
Can a virus cause constant SIM menu requests?
Theoretically, yes, malware can try to intercept call control. Check your device with an antivirus, for example, the built-in scanner in the Phone Manager application from Huawei or a third-party solution like Dr.Web.