Modern smartphones, including the popular Xiaomi Redmi 7, are equipped with combined slots, which often raises questions among new users when the device is first activated. Proper installation of communication modules and the drive is a critical step, since an error in orientation or sequence of actions can lead to temporary failure of the phone or even damage to contacts. In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of installing SIM-based Nano-SIM cards and microSD cards so you can quickly start using all the functions of your gadget.
Many owners face difficulties precisely because of the design features of the tray, which has specific cutouts and locks. Incorrect location of the chip can cause the smartphone will no longer see the network or will not be able to write data to an external drive. Below we will consider all the nuances of this procedure, from the preparation of tools to the software configuration after turning on the device.
Preparation for the installation of communication modules
Before you start to physically affect the body of the device, you need to make sure that all the necessary components are at hand and ready to work. For a successful operation, you will need the Redmi 7 smartphone itself, an active SIM-card of the Nano-SIM format (the smallest standard at the moment) and, if necessary, a microSD card with a capacity of up to 256 GB. Also, an indispensable tool will be a special metal clip that usually comes with the box, or a neat substitute for it, for example, a thin needle.
If you need to expand your device memory using microSD, you will have to donate a second one. SIM-This is often overlooked by planning to use two numbers and a flash drive at the same time, which is technically impossible in this model without the use of cloud services or external card readers.
Before starting the procedure, it is recommended to turn off the smartphone, although modern devices support hot replacement of SIM cards. However, to correctly determine the size of the memory card and prevent potential software failures in the file system, a full reboot or pre-shutdown will be a safer and correct solution, which will allow the system to re-interview all connected ports and slots at start.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to force a tray into the nest. If it does not enter easily, you have chosen the wrong side or misdirected the tray.
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Use the original paperclip from the kit as it has the perfect thickness and length.The paperclips can be too thick and get stuck inside the mechanism, requiring the phone to be disassembled to be retrieved.
Instructions for tray removal
The process of extracting the tray on Xiaomi Redmi 7 is standardized, but requires care. On the lower end of the device, next to the microUSB connector (or USB-C depending on the revision, although in Redmi 7 it is microUSB) and the speaker, there is a small circular hole, which you need to press with a special key.
Place the phone down on a soft surface so that you don't accidentally scratch the display or back cover during the manipulation. Place the clip point into the hole perpendicular to the plane of the case and press until you click it. The tray should extend outwards a few millimeters, after which it can be carefully removed with your fingers.
Notice the design of the extracted tray: it has an asymmetrical shape with chip cutouts. On one side of the tray there is a cutout under the Nano-SIM, and on the other there is a combined notch that can take either a second Nano-SIM or a microSD card. The shape of the Redmi 7 tray does not allow you to insert it back if you do not make excessive efforts, but it is still worthwhile to visually check the correct orientation.
☑️ Pre-installing check
Proper installation SIM-map
SIM installation is a process that requires attention to detail, because the chip needs to be oriented in a specific way. Take your Nano-SIM and look at it: one side is completely plastic, and the other shows golden contacts. In the Redmi 7 tray, the card is placed with contacts down, that is, the golden side should look at the floor (or table), and the plastic one should look up.
Redmi 7 tray has two SIM card seats, but they have different uses depending on your plans. If you only use one SIM, it can be inserted into any of the slots marked with the number 1 or 2. Usually slot 1 is the main one for the default data, but the system allows you to change this in the settings. Make sure that the bevelled corner of the card matches the beveled angle in the tray, otherwise the card will simply not lie in the designated place.
After you've laid the card, check if it's out the edges of the tray, if it's lying right, it's tightly locked within its boundaries, and it doesn't stagger, and any shifting can cause the tray to push back, or it will crash into the frame.
- 📱 Place the tray so that the cutouts coincide with the shape SIM-map.
- 📉 Make sure that the golden contacts look downwards.
- 🔍 Check the match of the beveled corner of the card and tray.
- ✅ Make sure the card does not protrude beyond the plastic frame of the tray.
Installation of a microSD memory card
If you plan to expand the internal storage of the smartphone, you need to use a combined slot. In Xiaomi Redmi 7, the microSD memory card is installed in the second compartment, which is on the back of the tray relative to the first. SIM-The card, or in the adjacent compartment, depending on the tray configuration (in this model, it is often a single plate with two sides or adjacent cells). For microSD, the rule also applies: contacts down, the bevelled angle must match the marking on the tray.
It is important to note that when installing a memory card in the second slot, the use of the second slot is SIM-It's a physical limitation of the hybrid slot. If you insert a memory card, the phone will only see one SIM card (from the first slot) and a memory card. To switch back to two SIMs, you'll have to retrieve the microSD.
After installing the memory card and/or SIM card, gently insert the tray back into the phone case. The tray has only one correct entry position - make sure its profile matches the hole. Push it smoothly, without jerking, until it equals the frame of the case and snaps.
Memory card compatibility
Starting and initial network setting
After successfully installing all the modules and returning the tray to its place, turn on the smartphone with the power button. If the device was turned off, the boot process will take about a minute. After the MIUI logo appears and the desktop loads, pay attention to the top status bar.
During 10-30 seconds after the full system load, the phone should detect the installed SIM-This will be evidenced by the icons that appear with the cellular signal level (columns) and the operator designation (for example, MTS, Beeline, Tele2). If you use two SIMs, you'll see two of them. In the case of a memory card, the notification of its connection may appear in the notification curtain or in the Explorer app".
If the network does not appear automatically, you may need to enter PIN-If you have a code that you have installed on your SIM card before, enter the code using your on-screen keyboard, and the system may suggest you set up the Internet (APN) Automatically – Accept this offer for instant access to mobile internet.
| Element | Format | Location of contacts | Max. Volume. |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIM-map | Nano-SIM (4FF) | Down (to the tray) | Standard |
| Memory map | microSD / microSDHC / microSDXC | Down (to the tray) | 256 GB |
| Tray | Hybrid | - | - |
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Redmi 7 supports the two SIM-Cards at the same time only standby (Dual) SIM Dual Standby, active conversation is only possible on one of these, unless VoLTE is enabled on both lines.
Setting priorities and the Internet in MIUI
Once the phone has seen the SIM cards, it is advisable to set their priorities for calls and mobile Internet. SIM-maps and mobile networks. Here you'll see a list of installed maps.
In this section, you can assign which SIM will be used by default for voice calls and which will be used for data transfer. This is especially convenient if you have a tariff with a large package of Internet on one SIM and unlimited minutes on another, and you can also specify the names for each card (for example, "Work", "Personal"), so as not to confuse the dialing interface.
Special attention should be paid to settings 4G/LTE. Make sure that the preferred network type has a value selected. LTE. This will provide the maximum connection speed where the carrier's coverage allows. 3G E (Edge) check if the service is activated 4G your operator.
⚠️ Note: If you format a memory card as "Internal Storage", all the data on it will be deleted and it will be encrypted to work only with this particular smartphone.
Possible problems and solutions
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, sometimes users are faced with situations where the phone does not see the SIM card or memory card.The most common reason is oxidation of contacts or dust in the slot. Try gently wipe the golden contacts of the SIM card with a soft dry cloth or eraser, and then blow the slot in the phone (without using your mouth to keep moisture out).
Another common problem is that the card format is incompatible: If you use a very old memory card or a large card (over 256 GB), the file system may not be recognized, so try formatting the card on your computer into FAT32 (for cards up to 32 GB) or exFAT (for larger cards), although Redmi 7 may require formatting on its own.
If the phone is writing "SIM-Card not found" or "Service required SIM", If you try to insert the card into another phone, if it doesn't work there, the card is damaged or blocked by the operator, and you need to replace it in the communication room. If everything is working on another phone, the problem may be a software failure of Redmi 7 – try resetting the network settings through the menu. → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile internet and Bluetooth settings.
- 🔄 Restart the device after installing the card.
- 🧹 Clean SIM card contacts from contamination.
- ⚙️ Check the settings. APN internet-access.
- 🔍 Make sure the card is not physically damaged (cracks, chips).