Users who first encounter a Chinese brand’s smartphones often feel confused when they first install a communication module. The design of trays in Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco has its own characteristics that differ from the standards of other manufacturers. Incorrect orientation of the chip can lead to the fact that the device simply does not see the network, and in the worst case, damage the contacts of the reader.
In this article, we will take a look at how to determine the correct orientation of the chip for different models, from budget series to flagships. You will learn how to safely remove the tray, what to do if the card does not fit in size, and why marking on the tray is crucial.
It's worth noting that today's smartphones are getting thinner and the space inside the case is getting smaller, and that dictates the way the elements are arranged, and understanding the physics of the process will help you avoid the mistakes that beginners often make when they try to force plastic into the nest.
Types of trays for SIM-cards in Xiaomi smartphones
Engineers use several types of trays depending on the price segment and year of the device. Understanding the type of tray is the first step to successful installation. Most modern models released after 2018 use a combined slot that allows you to flexibly manage two physical SIM cards or a memory card.
The most common option is a Nano-SIM tray, which is a thin plastic frame where the chip fits. In older or budget models, you can find hybrid slots, where the second place is reserved exclusively for microSD, which limits the ability to use two SIM cards at the same time. Flagship models often do not have a memory card slot at all, offering two full seats for SIM cards.
In these smartphones, one of the cards is virtual and sewn into the board at the factory. The physical tray may be smaller or absent in some regional versions. It is important to always check the specification of a particular model before buying if you are critical to the presence of two physical slots.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to put it in the tray. SIM-Old-format map (Mini or Micro) without special adapter or cropping, guaranteed to lead to a tray getting stuck and breaking the extraction mechanism.
How to determine the orientation of the chip
The most common question users ask is, "Which side should I put the SIM?" The answer lies in the geometry of the tray itself and the shape of the chip. The plastic tray base always has a cutout that repeats the outlines of the map. If you look closely, you will notice that one of the corners of the chip is beveled. This beveled angle should match perfectly with the same cutout in the plastic tray frame.
When you put the contacts in the tray, the golden part, you have to look down to the phone's motherboard if the tray is inserted horizontally. However, in some Xiaomi models, the design is reversed and the contacts have to look up. To be safe, look at the icon that's squeezed right on the plastic tray, and it's schematically depicting how the card should lie.
If the icon is worn or poorly readable, use visual comparison. Put the map on the tray without putting it in. If the angle is bent and the map is in the same plane as the edges of the tray, without standing for them, the orientation is correct. If the card is walking or protruding, flip it.
- 🔍 Carefully inspect the plastic tray in good lighting to find the squeezed installation scheme.
- 📐 Combine the beveled angle SIM-The card with the cutout in the tray is the main physical limiter.
- 👆 Make sure the card fits tightly to the bottom of the recess and doesn't stagger with a light touch.
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Use a magnifying glass on another phone’s camera to view a worn icon on the tray – often there are barely noticeable arrows pointing the direction.
Step-by-step instructions for installing Nano-SIM
The installation process does not require special skills, but requires accuracy and the right tool. Before you start, make sure that your hands are dry and clean, so as not to leave greasy marks on the contacts. It is also recommended to turn off the smartphone before manipulation, although modern devices support hot replacement, reinsurance will not hurt.
To extract the tray, you use a special paper clip that comes with the kit, or a thin needle. Put the tool in a round hole next to the tray and press before you click. The tray must go out a few millimeters, after which it can be carefully pulled out with your fingers. Do not use excessive force so as not to damage the mechanism.
After the tray is removed, lay down. SIM-Make sure it's sitting tight, then put the tray back in the phone, and it's important not to mix up the sides, because the tray is inserted by the same side that was removed. Usually, there's a bevel on the outside of the tray that helps you navigate.
☑️ Installation algorithm SIM-map
Push the tray smoothly, without jerking. If it doesn't go, don't push. Take it out, flip it 180 degrees and try again. A properly oriented tray enters easily and to the end, leaving only a small gap or flush with the body outside.
Features of hybrid slots and memory cards
Many Xiaomi budget models feature a hybrid slot, which means that physically fits two. SIM-There are more cards and microSD cards than there are seats in the tray. You have to choose between two SIM cards or one SIM card and flash memory.
When installing a microSD memory card, the orientation error here is less critical for phone contacts, as the memory card is usually thicker and may simply not fit, but the risk of damaging plastic tray lockers remains high.
If you use two of them SIM-cards in a hybrid slot without a memory card, make sure both cards are locked. In some designs, the second card can "walk" if the microSD is not installed, which leads to poor contact. In such cases, sometimes the use of special plugs helps, although this is not a standard recommendation of the manufacturer.
| Slot type | SIM 1 | SIM 2 | microSD | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Triple (separate) | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. | It works at the same time. |
| Hybrid | Yes. | Yes/No | No, yes | You have to choose between 2 SIM and memory. |
| Single | Yes. | No. | Yes/No | Only one physical card. |
| eSIM + Physical | Yes (eSIM) | Yeah (Nano) | Depends on the model. | Virtual + Physical Card |
What do I do if there's no paper clip?
Problems with adapters and card trimming
In the era of Nano-SIM, older Micro or Mini cards often use frame adapters, which are plastic adapters that insert a small SIM to make it big, and there are risks in using them on Xiaomi phones.
The main problem with adapters is the thickness and quality of the plastic. Cheap frames can be thicker than standard, which will keep the tray from closing or jamming inside the phone. Removing a stuck tray can be extremely difficult, often requires disassembling the device. In addition, the adapter can shift inside the tray, disrupting contact.
If you still have to use an adapter, choose models labeled Ultra Thin. Before installing, make sure to check if the card is free inside the frame. If it hangs around, fix it with a tiny piece of paper tape (not on the contacts!). However, the best way is to contact the operator's salon for a free replacement card with Nano-SIM.
⚠️ Warning: The use of homemade cardboard adapters or glued frames is strictly prohibited. The glue can leak out when the phone is heated and stick the tray firmly to the body.
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The safest option is to use the original Nano-SIM without adapters, which ensures perfect contact and no risk of getting stuck in the tray.
What to do if your phone can’t see SIM-map
There are situations when after the correct, seemingly installation, the smartphone writes No SIM-"Put in the cards" or "Put in" SIM". Don't panic first. Often the problem is the banal contamination of contacts. Wipe the golden SIM card chip with a soft dry cloth or a lastic (very carefully) to remove oxides or fat.
The second step is to check the settings in the system. MIUI or HyperOS, SIM card management is on a separate menu. → SIM-Make sure the slider opposite the SIM card is activated, sometimes after the system update, the settings are reset, and the slot is software disabled.
If the software isn't working, try putting the card in another phone, and if it doesn't work there, it's the problem with the card itself, and you have to go to the operator's salon to replace it, and if the other phone is working, maybe your Xiaomi has got contaminated or oxidized the reader contacts inside the socket, and then only professional cleaning of the service will help.
- 🔄 Try restarting the device after installing the card – this will update the registration in the network.
- 🧹 Carefully clean the SIM card and tray contacts with a dry toothbrush.
- ⚙️ Check in the settings, is not the mode "Flight" and activated the desired slot.