What to do if the slot is not opened SIM-cards in smartphones Xiaomi Redmi

You're trying to get the tray out for SIM-The card in your Xiaomi Redmi, but it's glued to the body? Or does the key slip down the hole without catching the mechanism? This problem is familiar to many owners of the Redmi Note series of smartphones, POCO The reasons range from the banal dusting to the factory failure of the fixing mechanism, and 80 percent of the time, the trays are removed without the phone being disassembled, so you have to be careful and use the right tools.

In this article, we will look at all possible causes of slot locking, from simple moisture to deformation of the tray metal frame. You will receive step-by-step instructions for each situation, from using improvised tools to disassembling the case (if necessary), special emphasis is placed on the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4 and Redmi 9/10, where the problem occurs most often, and you will learn how to prevent re-jamming and when to contact the service center.

Why does not the slot open for SIM-Maps: 5 main reasons

Before you try to pull the tray out by force, it is important to understand what exactly blocks the mechanism. In most cases, the problem is solved in 5 minutes if you correctly identify the cause:

• 🔍 Clogging of the paper clip hole — dust, fibers from a pocket or backpack, residues of adhesive from the film can block the movement of the needle. 9A).
• 💧 Moisture or corrosion - even a minimal amount of liquid can cause oxidation of metal parts of the tray. IP53-protection POCO M4 Pro).
• 🔧 Deformation of tray or guides – if the phone fell or was subjected to pressure (for example, sitting in the back pocket of jeans), the metal frame of the tray may bend.
• 🏭 Factory marriage mechanism - in the batches of Redmi Note 11 (2022) there were cases when the spring of the fixator was installed curve.
• 🔋 Software locking is rare, but some firmware MIUI can block the slot when activating the "Flight" mode or the communication module fails.

According to service centers, 65 percent of the time, the clogging of the hole or the deformation of the tray after a fall, and only 10 percent of the problems require disassembling the phone, the rest are solved on the spot.

Preparation: What to do before trying to extract

Before you climb into the slot with a paper clip or tweezers, follow a few mandatory steps. This will save you from damage to the mechanism or accidental short circuit:

⚠️ Warning: Never use metal objects (needles, pins, knives) if the phone is on.Risk damage to the board if contacted with antenna tracks - 30%.

• 📴 Turn off your phone – even if the tray is not directly connected to the fee, it is better to be safe.
• 🔋 Remove the charger – a connected cable can create parasitic currents when manipulating the case.
• 🕯️ Light up the work area - use a flashlight or a desk lamp.The clip opening in Redmi is often located in the recess.
• 🧹 Clean the surface – wipe the area of the slot with an alcohol wipe to remove fat and dirt.

If you use a non-original staple from the kit (for example, from another phone), check its diameter. In the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ models, the hole is already standard - 0.6 mm instead of 0.7 mm. Too thick a needle can bend the retainer.

Method 1: Standard paper clip extraction - the correct technique

In 90% of cases, the tray does not open simply because users insert the paper clip incorrectly. Here is a step-by-step guide to the specifics of Xiaomi:

1. Take the original paperclip from the kit (or needle from the syringe 0.6-0.7 mm). Do not use stationery clips - they are too soft and bend.
2. Insert the paperclip into the hole at an angle of 10-15 degrees towards the screen. In the POCO X3 models, the hole is located closer to the top edge of the phone.
3. Press 1.5-2 kg (roughly like pressing the home button on an old iPhone) and it should be a slight click.
4. Do not pull the paperclip out immediately - hold the pressure for 2-3 seconds, then pull the tray over yourself.

If the paper clip slips, try:

• 🔄 Turn it 90 degrees and press it again.
• 🧲 Magnetize the tip of the paper clip to a small magnet (e.g., from a speaker) to increase grip.
• 📏 Use tweezers with thin sponges to pick up a tray over the edge.

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If the paperclip doesn't enter the hole, try to expand it slightly with a toothpick, rotating it clockwise, the main thing is not to go more than 1 mm deep, so as not to damage the antenna contacts.

Method 2: Alternative tools if there is no paper clip

Forgot a paper clip in another city or it broke? Here are 5 safe alternatives that you can find at hand:

If you use a custom tool, be sure to take a picture of the process on your phone, which will help the wizard in the service assess possible damage if something goes wrong.

Method 3: Software unlocking methods (if the mechanics are not to blame)

If the tray doesn't open, but the clip is pressed normally (you hear the click, but the tray doesn't come out), the problem may be the firmware.

1. Restart your phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume down when you turn off). Sometimes the tray unlocks after the communication module is reset.
2. Check the settings: go to Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks and disable the "Block" option SIM-cards” (if active).
3. Update the firmware: Some versions of MIUI 13-14 had a bug that blocked the slot after the OTA update. Check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.

For POCO F3/F4 models with Snapdragon 870/888 processor, there is a special ADB command that resets the slot state:

adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.SIM_STATE_CHANGED

This command must be entered via USB debugging (includes in Settings → For Developers).If you are not familiar with ADB, you should skip this step - improper use can lead to a reset.

Method 4: Disassembly of the body - when justified

If none of the previous methods worked, the last option is to disassemble the phone.

• 🔧 Models with a non-shattered tray (for example, Redmi) K50, where the slot is integrated into the middle frame).
• 💦 Phones after getting moisture when the tray boiled due to corrosion.
• 🏗️ Devices with damaged guide (for example, after falling).

You will need to understand:

• 🔨 Plastic mediator or guitar mediator.
• 🔧 The screwdriver. PH00 (Xiaomi screws).
• 🧲 Magnetic screw mat.
• 📸 Camera to capture the location of parts.

⚠️ Attention: Disassembly of Redmi phone with battery adhesive mount (as in Note 11 Pro)+) requires heating of the body to 60-70°C. Use a dryer at minimum power to avoid damage OLED-screen.

Step-by-step instructions for models with a removable back cover (for example, Redmi 9T):

1. Heat the back cover with a hair dryer around the perimeter for 2-3 minutes.
2. Insert the mediator in the gap between the cover and the case at the USB-C connector.
3. Carefully drive the mediator along the edge, snapping the clamps (usually 8-10 pieces).
4. After removing the lid, disconnect the battery plume (it is under the black tape).
5. Find the slot mechanism, which is located next to the antenna contacts, usually fixed by a single 1.2×3 mm screw.

If the tray is boiling, don't try to pull it out. Pour WD-40 or isopropyl alcohol and wait 10 minutes. 95% of the time, it helps without damage.

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If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact the service. The cost of replacing the tray in the official centers of Xiaomi is from 800 to 1500 rubles (depending on the model).

Prevention: How to avoid repeated jamming

To avoid recurring problems, follow these guidelines:

• 🧴 Regularly clean the hole for paperclip with a toothpick (1 time in 2-3 months).
• 🚫 Do not store your phone in dusty places (pockets with sand, backpack with building materials).
• 💧 Avoid moisture – even if your Redmi has protection IP53, slot SIM remains a vulnerable place.
• 📦 Use a case with a cutout under the tray - this will prevent accidental pressing.
• 🔄 Don't change. SIM-The cards are too often – the mechanism wears out every time.

For the POCO X4 Pro and newer models, Xiaomi has started using reinforced stainless steel guides. If you have an older model (before 2021), consider replacing the tray with a POCO F4 counterpart – they are size-compatible but more reliable.

It is also worth paying attention to quality. SIM-Cheap cards with thick plastic holders (like some operators) can scratch the guides, and the best option is a nano-SIM without an adapter.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the SIM slot in Xiaomi Redmi