Modern Xiaomi smartphones, such as the popular Redmi 9A model, often come with a protective film pre-installed on the case.This film can create the illusion that the SIM card tray is missing or closed, which confuses inexperienced users. In fact, the slot is located on the top of the device, and it requires only a small effort and a special tool to access it.
The process of installing the communication module is standard for most gadgets of the Chinese manufacturer, but has its own nuances related to the design of the tray. It is important to be careful not to damage the contacts or the body of the phone. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to insert a SIM into the Xiaomi Redmi 9A, consider the types of cards supported and solve possible problems with their definition.
Before you start physically affecting the device, you need to make sure that you are holding the tool that is designed to extract the tray. Usually, a special metal clip is included with the Redmi 9A, but if it is lost, a regular sewing needle or a thin pin will fit, the main thing is not to use thick objects that can get stuck in the opening of the mechanism.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to remove the tray while the phone is on and is actively recording data or updating the system, although for the purpose of SIM-This is less critical than memory cards, but to avoid software failures in network definition, it is better to manipulate when the device is switched off or in flight mode.
Preparation for installation and search for a slot
The first step in the installation process is to visually inspect the body of the smartphone. The Redmi 9A has a classic layout of controls. The SIM card slot is on the top of the device if you hold the screen to yourself. It is a narrow slot in a metal frame. Near the slot, you often notice a barely noticeable hole where you need to insert the tool.
Some users mistakenly try to find the second slot on the opposite side or bottom, which is typical for some older phone models. Xiaomi uses a combined or separate tray located exclusively on the top. Before inserting the tool, it is recommended to wipe the upper end of the device with a soft cloth so that dust does not get inside the case when opening the tray.
Make sure you have a Nano-SIM card on hand.This is the smallest SIM card standard to date. If your card is larger (Micro or Mini), it needs to be carefully trimmed along the circuit or replaced with a carrier.
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If you don't have the original paperclip out of the box, use a thin sewing needle, and the key is don't use toothpicks, they'll break inside the hole, and it'll be extremely difficult to remove them without disassembling the phone.
Instructions for tray removal
To extract the tray, take a paper clip or a needle and insert its tip into a circular hole next to the slot on the end of the case. The movement should be perpendicular to the face of the phone. You don't need to push hard; the mechanism will work with a light but confident press. You hear a quiet click, and the tray will slightly extend outwards.
Once the tray jumps, gently pull it over the edge. Don't pull it sharply so as not to damage the spring mechanism. The tray in Redmi 9A has a specific shape: on the one hand it is designed for one SIM card, and on the other it is either for a second SIM card or for a microSD card, depending on the tray modification. In this model, the most common option is where two cells for SIM and one for memory, but they can be spread on different sides of the tray.
Notice the orientation of the cutouts on the metal plate of the tray. They have a bevelled angle that corresponds to the shape of the SIM card. This is done so that the user cannot physically insert the card incorrectly. If the card does not fall into the notch smoothly and effortlessly, then you have chosen the wrong side or turned it over.
☑️ Pre-installing check
Proper installation of SIM and memory card
Putting a communication card in a tray requires attention to detail. Put the tray on a flat surface with the light side up. Take the SIM card so that the golden contacts look down and the bevelled corner is in the correct position relative to the notch in the tray. Carefully place the map in the designated area. It should lie tightly, without staggering.
The Redmi 9A often uses a combined slot, which means you can use two SIM cards at the same time, either one SIM card and one memory card to expand storage. If you plan to use a microSD card, make sure its contacts also point down and the logo or inscription looks up (or according to the schematic squeezed on the tray itself).
Do not use glue to fix the cards in the tray. The card should be held by the exact size of the cell. If the card is hanging, you may have an adapter or a non-standard size card in your hands, which can lead to the closure of contacts when you turn on the phone.
Scheme of installation in a combined slot
Once you have all the modules in place, carefully insert the tray back into the phone body. Make sure it comes in smoothly. If you feel resistance, don't push. Take out the tray and check if it's oriented correctly. The tray should enter the case with the same side that was removed and match the profile with the face of the device.
Completion of installation and initial setup
When the tray is fully recessed in the case and leveled with the frame, you can turn on the smartphone. MIUI (Xiaomi's shell automatically recognizes the new module. PIN-If the code is not requested but the network is not catching, check if the SIM card is activated from the operator.
After loading the desktop, pay attention to the top status bar, and there should appear signal level icons and operator designation (for example, MTS, Beeline, Megafon. If you have two SIM cards, you'll see two SIMs. In the phone settings, in the section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks, you can allocate roles: which card is used for mobile Internet, and which for voice calls by default.
⚠️ Note: If after installing the SIM card, the phone says “No network” or “Emergency calls only”, try restarting the device again. In rare cases, a complete power outage is required (it is impossible to remove the battery, so we wait for a discharge or use a software reboot) to reset modem errors.
Table of supported formats and frequencies
For proper 4G (LTE) operation, it is important not only to insert the SIM correctly, but also to make sure that your tariff and operator support the required frequencies. Redmi 9A is a budget device, but it supports the main ranges used in Russia and the CIS.
| Type of card | Form factor | Support for 4G/LTE | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nano-SIM | 12.3 × 8.8 mm | Yes. | The basic standard for the Redmi 9A |
| Micro-SIM | 15.0 × 12.0 mm | Pruning required | It does not fit without an adapter/trimming |
| Standard SIM | 25.0 × 15.0 mm | No. | Replacement of the operator is required |
| microSD | 15.0 × 11.0 mm | Up to 512GB | To expand memory |
You can't use old-style cards without trimming them, and trying to insert a large card by force will break the reader, and today's telecom operators are free to swap old SIM cards for new Nano-SIM form factors in the salons when you present your passport.
Solution: Phone doesn't see SIM card
The situation when after all the manipulations Xiaomi Redmi 9A does not see the SIM card, is rare, but possible. The first cause of contamination of contacts.
The second reason could be a software failure: try to go to network settings and switch network mode. For example, choose forcefully 4G only or vice versa, 2G/3G only to check if the signal appears. If there is a 2G network in 2G mode and there is no 4G, the problem may be operator settings or coverage.
It is also worth checking whether the phone is locked for a specific operator (SIM-lock), if the device is brought from abroad and locked, it will only work with the SIM card of a particular provider, in which case the unlock code request may appear on the screen.
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If your phone doesn't see the SIM card, first wipe the contacts and check the integrity of the card on the other device, which will eliminate 90% of the problems.
Setup of two SIM cards in MIUI
After successfully installing two SIM cards, the user is faced with the question of how to use them optimally, the MIUI shell allows you to manage traffic flexibly, you can assign one card to the Internet (for example, the one with more gigabytes), and leave the other for calls.
To set up, go to Settings. → SIM-You'll see a list of installed cards here, you can click on a particular SIM card, you can prioritize it, and you can also use Smart Restrictions, which saves traffic to the main card by switching to Wi-Fi when you have it.
It is important to note that in the mode of two active SIM cards, the mobile Internet speed on one of them can be limited to the 2G standard while the second one is running in 4G. This is a technical limitation of most modern smartphones, when one line is occupied by voice call or active date session.