Where is and how to open a slot for a memory card on Xiaomi: instructions with photos and tips

Have you bought a new Xiaomi smartphone but can’t find the memory card jack hidden, or are you afraid of damaging the device by trying to open the microSD tray? This problem is familiar to many owners of the brand’s gadgets – especially those who are first faced with hybrid slots or non-standard arrangement of elements. Unlike older models, where the memory slot was brought to the side of the edge, modern Xiaomi often hide it under the lid or combine it with a tray for the memory. SIM-map.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to safely open the memory card jack on different Xiaomi models - from the budget Redmi to the flagship Mi and the new model. POCO. You'll learn what tools you'll need, how to avoid a latch break, and what to do if the slot is jammed, and we'll also tell you which models support memory expansion, and in which hybrid slot eats one of the slots. SIM-map.

Where is the memory card slot on Xiaomi

The location of the slot depends on the model of the smartphone and the year of release, in most cases, the manufacturer adheres to three options:

• 📱 The side face is a classic solution for models up to 2019 (e.g. Redmi Note 7, Mi 8). SIM.
• 🔧 Under the back cover - typical for old devices with a removable battery (for example, Redmi). 4A, Mi A1). Here, the microSD slot is located next to the battery.
• 🔄 Hybrid tray is a modern standard (since 2020) with one slot that combines space for two nano-SIMs or one. SIM + Memory cards (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro).

To determine exactly where the connector is, check the specifications of your model on the official Xiaomi website or look at the device box — there is usually a pictogram with the location of the slots. If the smartphone supports memory expansion, but you do not see a separate slot, most likely you have a hybrid version.

What Xiaomi models support memory cards

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with a microSD slot. Flagship models (for example, Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 12 Pro) are often deprived of this option - the manufacturer relies on built-in memory of large volume, POCO) usually support expansion.

In the table below, we have collected the current models (2020-2026) indicating the type of slot and the maximum amount of supported memory card:

If your model is not in the table, check the specifications on the Xiaomi website or in the GSMArena service.Please note: even if the smartphone supports microSD, the card speed may be limited to the UHS-I standard (up to 104 MB / s).For video recordings in 4K or frequent file transfer, it is better to choose A2 or U3 cards.

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Before buying a memory card, check if your smartphone supports the exFAT format – it is needed for cards with a capacity of more than 32 GB. If not, you will have to format a microSD in FAT32, but this will limit the maximum file size to 4 GB.

What you will need to open the slot

To safely remove the memory card tray, prepare the following tools:

• 🔧 Paperclip or needle - comes with the phone (usually in the box there is a metal "key"). If you lost, an unbended stationery clip will fit.
• 📱 Flashlight – will help to consider the hole for extracting the tray, especially if the smartphone is in the case.
• 🧲 Magnet (optional) - useful if the latch tray weakened and the part may fall out.
• 🛠️ Plastic blade – needed for models with removable back cover (for example, Redmi) 5A).

If you have a hybrid slot, consider: you will have to sacrifice a second one to install a microSD. SIM-In this case, prepare the map:

• 📇 Nano-SIM (if you plan to use one card).
• 🔄 MicroSD adapter (to transfer data from an old card).

⚠️ Note: Do not use sharp metal objects (knives, toothpicks) to open the slot - they can scratch the case or damage the latch mechanism.

Step-by-step: how to open a slot for a memory card

The process of retrieving the tray depends on the type of slot, and below we will discuss both options: for hybrid trays (modern models) and for individual slots under the back cover (old models).

Option 1: Hybrid tray (sideway arrangement)

This method is suitable for most Xiaomi smartphones 2020-2026 (Redmi Note 11, POCO F4, Mi 11T, etc.).

1. Turn off your smartphone (recommended, but not required) and this will prevent accidental button pressing or rebooting while you are removing the tray.
2. Find a small hole near the tray on the side of the phone for SIM-It can be marked as a map. SD/Tray or indicated by a memory card pictogram.
3. Put a paper clip or a needle in the hole to the point, and you'll feel a slight click, which means that the latch of the tray has turned off.
4. Carefully pull the tray over you. Don't make any effort -- if it doesn't come out, check if the paperclip has fully entered the hole.

If the tray is jammed, don't try to pull it out by force.

• 🔄 It's easy to swing the paperclip inside the hole.
• 📱 Turn the phone over and shake (sometimes the tray falls under its own weight).
• 🔧 Use a magnet to “pull” the metal part of the tray.

Make sure the smartphone is turned off

Check the maximum supported card size

Backup your data with an old microSD (if any)

Clean the contacts of the tray from dust with a dry brush-->

Option 2: Slot under the back cover

This method is relevant for older models with removable battery (Redmi 4X, Mi A2, Redmi 6), where the microSD slot is located next to the battery.

1. Turn off your phone and remove the back cover, and then put a plastic shoulder blade on the side (usually there's a small gap).
2. Carefully remove the battery by pulling a special film pen (do not pull the wires!).
3. Find a memory card slot – it can be labeled as a TF Card or microSD.
4. Insert the card with the contacts down (usually there is a picture with the correct position).
5. Collect the phone in reverse order: first the battery, then the lid (it should click around the perimeter).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on after assembly, check if the battery is installed correctly and if the plumes are not clogged. In Xiaomi models with a removable lid, there is often a problem with the contacts of the power button - they can be accidentally moved during disassembly.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you're working with a memory card slot, you're going to have a typical problem, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1.The phone doesn't see the memory card

If the microSD device does not recognize it after installing it:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📱 Check if the card is inserted correctly (contacts should be directed downwards).
• 🛠️ Format the map in FAT32 or exFAT via computer or computer.
• 🔧 Update your phone firmware in older versions MIUI There are bugs with the recognition of drives.

2. The tray is not fixed or falls out

This is because of the latch wear or the tray deformation.

• 📎 Put a thin scotch under the tray to increase friction.
• 🔧 Replace the tray (costs 100-300 rubles, sold on AliExpress or in service centers).
• 🧲 Use a magnetic case - it will hold the tray in place.

3.The memory card is heated or slowed down

If the microSD gets too hot when writing files or slows down when reading, it is a sign of incompatibility with the UHS standard. Xiaomi limits the speed of card operation to UHS-I (up to 104 MB / s), but cheap drives without certification can overheat.

Decision:

• 🔥 Replace the card with a class model A2 or U3 (For example, SanDisk Extreme, Samsung EVO Plus).
• 📉 Transfer heavy files (video, games) to the internal memory.
• 🔧 Turn off Adoptable Storage in settings (if enabled) – it can cause lags.

How to transfer data to a memory card

Once you have a microSD, you have to configure it as a storage for files, and MIUI has two options for using the card.

1. Portable storage – the card works like a flash drive (files need to be transferred manually).
2. Adoptable Storage – The card is formatted and becomes part of the system (applications can be installed on it).

We recommend using the first option, which is safer and doesn't cause any failures when you retrieve the card, so you can transfer the data.

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Select Memory Card and click Transfer Data.
3. Mark the files (photos, videos, music) and confirm the transfer.

For applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application and click Storage.
3. Click Change and specify Memory Card (if the option is active).

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support porting to a memory card, system utilities and some games (e.g, PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact may not work properly when installed on a microSD.

Xiaomi models without a memory card slot: what to do

If your smartphone doesn’t support memory expansion (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra, Black Shark 4 Pro), there are a few alternatives:

• ☁️ Cloud storage - Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Yandex Disk. Free give 5-15 GB, paid tariffs - from 100 rubles / month.
• 🖥️ USB-OTG drive - flash drive with a Type-C or Micro-USB connector. Suitable for temporary file transfer.
• 📱 Wireless hard drive – for example, Xiaomi Mi WiFi Router HDD portable SSD (connect).
• 🔄 Replacement with a microSD-enabled model – if memory is critically short, consider switching to a microSD model POCO X5 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+.

For photos and videos, it is convenient to use automatic upload to the cloud. For example, in Google Photos you can set up backup in original quality (free to 15 GB) or in compressed format (unlimited).

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If your smartphone doesn't see your memory card, check it on another device first. If the problem persists, the card is damaged. Don't format it on your phone if it has important data on it: use a computer and programs like Recuva or TestDisk.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the memory card slot on Xiaomi