How to insert a card in Xiaomi: SIM, microSD and eSIM

Inserting a card into a Xiaomi smartphone seems like a simple procedure, but in practice users face typical errors, from the wrong location of the chips to damage the tray. Especially relevant problem for hybrid slots, where you have to choose between a second SIM and a microSD card. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances from tool preparation to network configuration after installation, including the rare cases when the phone does not see the card.

Xiaomi models after 2020 (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ Xiaomi 13 Ultra is often supported by eSIM, a virtual one. SIM-A card that doesn't require a physical tray to activate, and we'll look at this separately, and for owners of older devices, like Redmi. 5A or Mi A2) We will provide diagrams of the location of contacts on the tray to avoid errors during installation.

Types of cards supported by Xiaomi smartphones

Modern Xiaomi devices work with three types of cards: physical nano-SIM, microSD (for memory expansion) and virtual eSIM.

• 📱 Nano-SIM: the standard for all smartphones after 2015 Size of the year — 12.3×8.8 Inserted into the tray with the contacts down.
• 💾 MicroSD: memory cards up to 1TB (depending on the model) are not supported by all devices, such as Xiaomi 12S Ultra doesn’t have a microSD slot.
• 📲 eSIM: virtual SIM, activated via the settings menu. Available in flagships (Xiaomi) 13T Pro, Redmi K60 Pro) and some models for the European market.

The main pitfall is hybrid slots, where the second slot can work either as a SIM or as a microSD. For example, in Redmi Note 11 Pro+, when installing a memory card, you lose the ability to use a second SIM. Before buying, check the configuration of the slot on the official Xiaomi website or in the model specifications.

Preparation for installation: tools and precautions

To extract the tray of cards in Xiaomi will need a paper clip or a special SIM-extractor (complete with phone) If only a paper clip is on hand, untighten it so that the end enters the tray hole by 1-2 mm. Never use needles or sharp objects - this can damage the locking mechanism of the tray.

Before installing the card:

Turn off your smartphone (required for models until 2019)

Check the integrity of the chip on SIM-map (no scratches or chips)

Make sure the microSD is formatted in FAT32 (for cards up to 32GB) or exFAT (over 64GB)

Prepare a paper clip or extractor-->

Pay special attention to the direction of installation. The tray usually has a diagram indicating which side to insert the card. If there is no diagram (as in some budget Poco models), remember the rule: the bevelled angle of the chip must coincide with the bevel on the tray.

⚠️ Note: In Xiaomi Mi 10 and Mi 11 models, if the microSD is installed incorrectly, the tray can jam. If the card does not enter easily, do not apply force, but check its orientation.

Step-by-step instruction: how to insert SIM-map

The installation process is the same for most models, but there are nuances for devices with a single tray (for example, Xiaomi 12) and hybrid slots (for example, Redmi 9A).

1. Turn off your phone (for Android 10 and older models, this is optional, but recommended).
2. Find a card tray — usually on the top or side of the tray. In Xiaomi Black Shark, the tray can be hidden under a stub.
3. Put the paperclip in the hole before you click. The tray will extend 2-3 mm - carefully pull it out.
4. Put it down. SIM-card in the corresponding slot chip down, combining the beveled corner with the tag on the tray.
5. Click the tray back to the point. Make sure it sits straight -- if there's still a gap, repeat the procedure.

After turning on the phone will be a notification of a new SIM-If it's not there, check it out:

• 🔄 Correct installation (turn the map over).
• 📶 Compatibility with the network operator (some Xiaomi does not support the CDMA, for example, in the United States).
• 🛠️ Availability of software updates (in Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).

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If the tray is not extended, try to heat the phone body with a hairdryer (not higher than 50 ° C) - sometimes the locking mechanism sticks from moisture.

Installation of a microSD memory card: compatibility and formatting

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support microSD. For example, the flagships of the Mi series and Xiaomi 12/13 lack a memory card slot, whereas the budget Redmi and Poco often allow you to expand memory to 1 TB.

If your Xiaomi supports microSD, look out for two key options:

To format microSD:

1. Connect the card to the PC through the card reader.
2. Open Disk Management (Win + X → Disk Management).
3. Select a map, right-click → Format.
4. Specify the file system (exFAT for cards >64 GB) and start the process.

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi on MIUI 14 When you first connect a microSD, the system will suggest using it as an internal memory (Adoptable Storage), which formats the card and links it to the phone, and once it is retrieved, the data will not be available on other devices. Choose this option only if you plan to use the card on this smartphone all the time.

Set up eSIM in Xiaomi: activation and transfer of the number

Virtual SIM (eSIM) is available in Xiaomi’s flagship models starting with the Mi 12 and Redmi K50 Pro. The main advantage is the ability to use two numbers without physical cards.

• 📡 Not all operators support eSIM (in Russia – MTS, Beeline, Tele2, MegaFon).
• 🔄 Transferring the number from the physical SIM eSIM can take up to 24 hours.
• 🌍 In roaming, eSIM may operate unstablely (depends on the operator).

To activate the eSIM:

1. Get it. QR-code or activation code from the operator (for example, through the application My MTS).
2. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Add a mobile network.
3. Select Download. SIM-map and scan QR-code.
4. Confirm activation – the phone will restart and the eSIM will become active.

If the eSIM is not activated:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and repeat the scan. QR.
• 📱 Check if your eSIM model supports the list (the list is available on the forum). MIUI).
• 📡 Make sure the operator has enabled eSIM support for your rate.

Problem Solving: The phone can't see the card

If after installing SIM or microSD, the phone does not recognize the card, act according to the algorithm:

1. Check the physical connection: Remove the tray and re-set the card, making sure the contacts are clean (wipe them with a smoother if necessary).
2. Test the card on another device: if it doesn’t work there, the problem is in the card, not the phone.
3. Update the software: in Settings → About the phone → Update the system check the relevance of the firmware.
4. Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-map → Resetting mobile network settings.

For microSD, additional steps are:

• 🔧 Format the map in exFAT via PC.
• 🛠️ Check the map for errors with chkdsk (in Windows Command Prompt: chkdsk E: /f, where E is the letter of the disk).
• 📱 V MIUI Go to Settings. → Warehouse → Storage settings → Format (if the card is defined but does not work).

⚠️ Note: In Xiaomi models on the MediaTek processor (for example, Redmi) 10C) There may be a conflict between the two SIM-Solution: Turn off automatic network selection in settings SIM.

Comparison of Xiaomi models for card support

To make the choice easier, we have collected data on popular Xiaomi models (2020-2026):

Please note that in the Chinese versions of smartphones (marked) CN in the model) may not support some ranges 4G/5G, This will cause problems with online registration. Please check the firmware version before buying, EEA china).

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Hybrid slots are the biggest compromise on Xiaomi’s budget: If you need two SIMs and a memory card, choose models with a separate microSD slot (like the Redmi 9 Power).

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing cards in Xiaomi