How to replace SIM-Map in the phone Xiaomi: instructions for all models

Replacement SIM-The cards in Xiaomiโ€™s smartphone seem like a simple procedure, but in practice users face nuances from the non-obvious location of the tray to the risk of damaging contacts. SIM-In this article, we'll look at the process of replacing by steps, from tool preparation to post-installing checks.

It is important to consider that the design of trays in Xiaomi has changed over the years. For example, the flagship Xiaomi 13 and Redmi Note 12 uses a unified design, and in older models like the Mi A2, the tray can be located on the upper edge.

If you never opened it. SIM-If you're in a tray or you're afraid of damaging your phone, don't worry, if you do it right, you're minimal, and if you do it right, you don't have to use force and follow the manufacturer's instructions. SIM-The card is not determined, at the end of the article you will find a checklist to diagnose the problem.

Preparation for replacement SIM-maps: what you need

Before you take out the tray, make sure you have everything you need. Unlike the old push-button phones, where you can get the tray. SIM-The card was inserted right into the nest, and modern Xiaomi requires care:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง A paper clip or needle to remove the tray (usually bundled with a phone) will do any thin metal part, but do not use pins or toothpicks - they can break inside.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ New SIM-Nano-SIM card (all Xiaomi models since 2016 support only this standard) If you have a micro-SIM or mini-SIM, it will have to be trimmed or replaced from the operator.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Good lighting and flat surface. The tray is small and the contacts are fragile, so it's better to work in daylight or under a desk lamp.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Backup of contacts (if you change number) Even in 2026, many users only keep numbers on the phone. SIM-Transfer them to Google Contacts or export them through Settings โ†’ Contacts.

Pay special attention to the format SIM-Xiaomi does not use eSIM (except for the Xiaomi 13 Ultra for the Chinese market), so a physical nano-SIM is mandatory. If you crop the old card yourself, check it on another phone before installing it in Xiaomi โ€“ some carriers block the cards after improper cropping.

๐Ÿ“Š What? SIM-You are using the card in Xiaomi?
Regular nano-SIM
eSIM (if supported)
Two physical SIM-map
SIM + memory card

Also prepare your phone for the procedure:

  1. Turn off the device (not necessarily, but recommended for contact safety).
  2. Place it on a soft surface with the screen down โ€“ so you avoid scratches.
  3. If the phone is in the case, remove it - the case may interfere with access to the tray.

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If you have Xiaomi Black Shark (Gaming Smartphones), the tray for the game SIM-The card may be under a removable lid, in which case you will need a plastic blade to carefully open the case.

Where is the tray for SIM-card in Xiaomi

In most Xiaomi models, the tray is located on the left side of the screen.

Series/modelLocation of the trayFeatures
Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5Left face (top)Hybrid tray: either 2 SIM-card, or 1 SIM + microSD.
Xiaomi 12/13/14, Mi 11Left face (lower part)Only nano-SIM, no memory card support.
Xiaomi Mi A2/A3, Redmi 9Upper edgeThe tray may be less noticeable due to the design of the case.
Xiaomi Mix Fold 2/3Right edge (at base)In folding models, the tray is often moved so as not to interfere with the mechanism.
Xiaomi Civi 1/2/3Left face (middle)The tray may be less deep โ€“ do not make any effort to extract.

To determine exactly where the tray is in your model, look at the phone's body. Look for a small hole ~1 mm in diameter with a metal rim. In some models (such as the POCO F4), the hole can be almost invisible - use a flashlight.

In Xiaomi models 12S Ultra and Xiaomi 13 Pro trays for the SIM-And the card is hidden under a decorative stub, and to open it, you need to gently attach the stub with a plastic card, which is attached to the latches, not to the glue.

How to find a tray in Xiaomi with a non-standard design?
In some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mix Alpha or concept devices), the tray may be on the back panel under the removable lid. In this case: 1. Check the complete set - there should be a plastic blade. 2. Heat the back cover with a hairdryer (not higher than 60ยฐC) to soften the adhesive. 3. Carefully apply the lid from the corner where the tray is located. 4. Do not apply force - if the lid does not lend itself, contact the service center.

Step-by-step instructions: how to extract and install SIM-map

When you find the tray, proceed to replace it. Follow the instructions strictly in order to avoid damage:

  1. Tray extraction: Put the paper clip in the hole next to the tray to the end. You should hear a slight click. The tray will extend 1-2 mm - carefully pull it with your fingers. Do not use tweezers or other metal objects! If the tray does not come out, check if it jammed. Try to press it slightly on the back side (through the body).
  2. Removing the old SIM-Cards: Put the tray on a flat surface. SIM-The card is usually fixed with a small ledge. Put your nail or a plastic card on the card. Don't press the gold contacts. If the card is stuck (sometimes in high humidity), shake the tray slightly.
  3. Installation of a new SIM-Check that the new map format nano-SIM (12,3 ร— 8,8 Put it in the tray with the contacts down, matching the bevelled corner with the notch in the tray, make sure that the map is flat and does not protrude beyond the edges.
  4. Put the tray back in place: Put the tray into the nest to the end. It should enter smoothly, without resistance. If the tray does not enter, check if it is installed correctly. SIM-If you press the tray before you click, it means that the locker has gone off.

New SIM-map is downward contact|

The bevelled corner of the map coincides with the notch in the tray |

No dust or debris in the tray nest|

The tray enters the nest without effort

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Once installed, turn on the phone (if it was turned off) and wait for the network to be determined. Depending on the operator, this can take anywhere from 30 seconds to 2-3 minutes "SIM-Not found, go to the section "What to do if you do not find a card". SIM-card".

โš ๏ธ Warning: Never insert a tray with a skew. This can bend the contacts inside the phone, and they will cost 3-5 thousand rubles. If the tray is tight, remove it and check the installation correctly. SIM-map.

Features of replacement SIM-card

Many Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) equipped with hybrid slots where you can install either two SIM-card SIM-microSD card and memory card. There are a few nuances here:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Slots priority: Usually a slot 1 (upper) supports 4G/5G, slot 2 (the lower one may only work in 2G/3G. Check in Settings โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Memory card restrictions: If you use microSD, the second is the SIM-The card will be disabled. In some models (for example, Redmi). 9A) Slot 2 only supports the only 2G.
  • โšก Speed of operation: When using two SIM-The speed of mobile Internet can be reduced simultaneously, this is due to modem limitations.

If you want to use two of them. SIM-cards, and memory card, consider the following options:

  1. Buy duality. SIM-Card (one physical card with two numbers) with your operator.
  2. Use Google Drive (Mi Cloud) instead of a memory card.
  3. Move some applications to the memory card via Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ [Select an application] โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Change.

In Xiaomi models 13T No newer hybrid slots are used โ€“ there are either two separate slots for the game. SIM-card or one slot for SIM + This simplifies the replacement, but makes it impossible to expand the memory.

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If you need two. SIM-Select a model with a separate microSD slot (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+).

What to do if SIM-map not defined

If, after the replacement, SIM-The phone doesn't see the card, don't panic, 90% of the time, the problem is solved without going to the service:

  1. Check the installation: Remove the tray and make sure that SIM-The map is downwards, blow through the nest of the dust tray (you can use a can of compressed air), try to insert the tray in an upside down form, which sometimes helps.
  2. Reboot your phone: Hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a reboot. After turning on, wait 2-3 minutes - sometimes the network does not register immediately.
  3. Check your network settings: Go to Settings โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks. Make sure the switch is near the SIM-Click on the operator name and select Network Search manually.
  4. Update: Go to Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ System update. If you have an update available, install it -- sometimes bugs from the system. SIM-The cards are corrected in new versions MIUI.
  5. Check it out. SIM-card in another phone: If the card does not work on another device, contact the operator - it may be damaged or blocked.

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be:

  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Damaged contacts of the tray (repair required).
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Faulty modem (requires diagnosis in the service).
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Blocking IMEI (If you have a phone, check it with *#06#).

โš ๏ธ Note: If you dropped your phone before replacing it SIM-The card, the malfunction may be due to damage to the antenna module. SIM-The card will not help - you need a diagnosis in the service center.

How to transfer contacts with the old SIM-new-card

Many users keep their contacts directly on SIM-If you change a card, these contacts don't automatically transfer. Here's how to save them:

Method 1: Export through phone settings

  1. Open the Contacts app.
  2. Press three points (โ‹ฎ) in the upper right corner and select Contact Management.
  3. Go to Import/Export โ†’ Export to SIM-card.
  4. Select contacts for export and confirm the action.

Method 2: Copying through a Google Account

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Accounts โ†’ Google.
  2. Make sure that the contact sync is enabled.
  3. After installing a new one SIM-Contacts will automatically be drawn from the cloud.

Method 3: Manual transfer (if the phone is not turned on)

If the old phone is broken, but SIM-map:

  1. Put the old one in. SIM-card.
  2. Copy contacts into the device memory or export them to a.vcf file.
  3. Transfer the file to a new phone and import contacts.

It's important: SIM-The card can store a limited number of contacts (usually up to 250).If you have more, break up exports into pieces or use a cloud service.

Frequent errors in replacement SIM-maps and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to breakdowns or idle work. SIM-Here are the most common ones:

  • ๐Ÿ”จ Use inappropriate tools. You can't open the tray with a knife, scissors or a toothpick, they can scratch the case or break inside. Use only a paper clip or a special key from the kit.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Installation SIM-The contacts should be facing down to the bottom of the tray, if you mix them up, the phone won't see the map, and the contacts may scratch.
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Use force to remove the tray. If the tray doesn't come out, don't push harder, make sure it's jammed because of the trash.
  • ๐ŸŒก๏ธ Replacement SIM-If the phone has been in the rain or in the bathroom, before changing SIM-Dry it in rice or silica gel for at least 12 hours.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Replacement SIM-If the phone is low to 0%, it may not turn on after installing the new card. Charge it to at least 20% before the procedure.

Another common mistake is ignoring regional restrictions: some Xiaomi models (especially those bought in China) donโ€™t support all Russian carrier frequencies.

๐Ÿ’ก

If you change often SIM-card (e.g., on trips), use a nano-SIM adapter with a retractable mechanism, which will allow you to retrieve the card without a paper clip and reduce the risk of damage to the tray.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can we replace it? SIM-card without turning off the phone?
Yes, it's safe on most Xiaomi models, but we recommend turning off your phone if: You're changing. SIM-The phone has recently fallen or been exposed to moisture. You use a hybrid tray (to avoid a failure when switching between the two). SIM-If the phone is on, after replacement SIM-Reboot it so that the network registers faster.
What to do if the paper clip breaks in the hole of the tray?
Don't try to pull the piece out with tweezers, you risk pushing it deeper. Instead: Use superglue: apply a drop to the end of another paperclip, press it against the wreckage and wait for the grip. Go to the service center. Removing the wreckage costs ~500-1000 rubles, but it's cheaper than repairing a damaged tray. If the wreckage is small and doesn't interfere with inserting the paperclip, you can leave it, but use a stronger needle in the future.
Does my Xiaomi eSIM support?
For 2026, only the following Xiaomi models officially support eSIM: Xiaomi 13 Ultra (only for the Chinese market). 12T Pro (in some regions). Xiaomi Civi 3 (hybrid slot: nano-SIM) + To check for support in your model, go to Settings. โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ Add a mobile fare. If you have the option "Add eSIM", your phone is compatible.
Can I use it? SIM-card from another operator without changing the number?
Yes, if: You have a multi-format SIM-A card (e.g., from Tele2 or MTS) that can be trimmed to nano-SIM. You use a virtual operator (e.g., Yota or Tinkoff Mobile) that runs on a network of one of the main carriers. SIM-card of another operator in the same number (for example, replaced the physical card "Beeline" on "Megaphone"), the number will change. To save the number, make a transfer (port) through the website of the new operator.
Why not after the replacement? SIM-The card does not work mobile Internet?
The reasons may be different: Not configured APN. Go to Settings. โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ [Yours. SIM] โ†’ Access points (APN) And download the settings automatically. Operator restrictions. Some tariffs block the Internet on new ones. SIM-- pre-activation cards. SMS Flight mode or power saving. Make sure these functions are off. Network problems. Try manually selecting the network in Settings. โ†’ Mobile network โ†’ Network operators. If nothing works, contact the operator, possibly on your own. SIM-The card does not activate the data transfer service.