The first thing to do immediately after buying a new smartphone Xiaomi or Redmi is to activate it by connecting to the network of the cellular operator. SIM-The device turns into a powerful media player, deprived of the ability to make calls, send messages. SMS The installation process seems trivial, but modern standards for miniaturizing components require accuracy and an understanding of the physical limitations of the tray.
Mi device owners often face confusion about card types, as a single slot can combine two SIMs or one SIM with a microSD card. An installation error can result in the phone not seeing the network or not reading files. That is why it is important to clearly understand the tray architecture of your particular device before you start manipulating.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to find a slot, how to open it, in what sequence to place the cards and what to do if your card is not available. SIM-We'll also touch on compatibility and troubleshooting to avoid any network recognition issues once the device is turned on.
Preparation of the workplace and tools
Before you start physically affecting the body of your smartphone, you need to be safe to operate. You need a flat surface with good lighting to keep the small parts from falling off. The main tool for removing the tray is a special metal clip (ejector) that comes with the phone.
If the original paper clip is lost, don't panic. A regular paper clip straightened to a straight needle or a thin pin is great for this purpose. The main requirement for the tool is that it must be thin enough to enter the hole, but strong enough not to bend when pressed. Using thick objects such as toothpicks can cause the mechanism to break.
It is also recommended to wipe your hands or use antistatic gloves to avoid leaving greasy marks on contacts or the body.Although modern Xiaomi smartphones have protective coatings, excessive caution will never hurt when working with electronics.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to remove the tray while the phone is on and in active use, although Hot-Swap technology allows you to change cards on the go.To prevent software errors, it is better to put the device in flight mode or turn it off completely before removing the tray.
Definition of tray type and card format
Xiaomi’s current smartphones are predominantly nano-SIM, the smallest existing SIM standard, which is a chip with minimal plastic edges, and if you have a mini-SIM or micro-SIM card on hand, it needs to be replaced by a carrier or carefully cut around the chip contour, which requires high accuracy.
The design of the tray can vary depending on the price segment of the device. In budget models Redmi often found a combined slot, where the second place is intended for either second place or second place. SIM-cards, or for a microSD card. In flagship models Xiaomi more often install two separate slots for the memory card. SIM and separate for memory or use only two SIM memory-expansion.
Visually, the tray is a narrow metal or plastic frame, and there's usually a notch on one side, and there's a spring mechanism or a lock on the other, and it's important not to confuse the front and back side when you install it, because the contacts have to be pointed down to the motherboard.
For an accurate understanding of your device configuration, refer to the technical documentation below, a table describing common tray types in the Mi ecosystem:
| Type of device | Slot 1 | Slot 2 | Expansion of memory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (Redmi) | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM / microSD | Hybrid slot |
| Middle class (Mi) | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM | Separate slot |
| Flagship (Mi Pro) | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM | No (in-built-in memory) |
| The Game (Black Shark) | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM | No. |
If you plan to use a memory card, make sure it is formatted in a FAT32 or exFAT file system. Android smartphones may not see a card formatted in NTFS without using special drivers or root rights.
Finding a tray extraction hole
Finding a tray extraction hole on Xiaomi smartphones is usually easy, as manufacturers aim to make the item visible but aesthetic. In most models, the tray is located on the bottom end of the device, next to the USB Type-C or Micro-USB charging port.
However, in some models, especially the Mi Mix series or older versions of the Redmi Note, the slot can be on the upper end or even on the left side edge. Carefully examine the perimeter of the body. You are looking for a narrow elongated frame that is close to the body, and a small circular hole next to it.
Sometimes the hole can be disguised as the color of the case or have a barely noticeable stroke. Don't use force. If the clip doesn't come in smoothly, maybe you're trying to get into the microphone or the noise reduction hole, which are often located next to you. The tray hole is always located strictly in the center of the long side of the tray itself.