You just bought a Xiaomi smartphone and faced the first technical challenge β installation. SIM-Are you switching from a different brand and can't find a SIM slot in a new device? This problem is familiar to many: the manufacturer regularly changes the layout of the trays, and hybrid slots (where nano-SIM and microSD are placed simultaneously) add to the confusion. In this article, we will discuss all possible accommodation options. SIM-cards in smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO β from budget models to flagships, with photos, schemes and step-by-step instructions.
We will focus on common errors that cause the tray to break or damage the SIM contacts, such as many users trying to insert a face-down card or using the wrong tool to retrieve the tray. You will also learn how to distinguish a hybrid slot from a regular one, whether you can use two. SIM-The cards are also with the memory card, and what to do if the phone does not see the SIM after installation. For convenience, we have compiled a table of compatibility of models and types of slots, which will help you quickly navigate.
If youβve never dealt with Xiaomi before, get ready: some models (like the Mi 11 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) They have a non-standard tray arrangement or require a special paper clip to extract. And in the latest flagships (for example, Xiaomi 14), the slot can be hidden under a protective cover with a sealer, which complicates the process, but protects from moisture. After reading this article, you will be able to SIM-2 minutes card without risking damage to your phone.
Types. SIM-cards supported by Xiaomi smartphones
Before you look for a SIM slot, make sure you have the right format. Xiaomi smartphones of recent years support only nano-SIM (4FF) β It's the smallest standard in size. 12.3 Γ 8.8 If you have an old micro-SIM (15 Γ 12 mm) or even full-size SIM (25 Γ 15 It will have to be cut or replaced in the cabin of the operator, POCO F5 or Redmi 12) They can work with eSIM, but this is rare for budget lines.
Here are the key points by type SIM:
- π± Nano-SIM (4FF) β The standard for all Xiaomis since 2016. If your SIM is bigger, it needs to be trimmed or replaced.
- π Hybrid slots β allow you to choose between two nano-SIMs or one nano-SIM + MicroSD is found in 70% of Redmi models and POCO.
- π eSIM β supported only in flagships (Xiaomi) 13T Pro, Mi 11) and some models for the European market.
- β οΈ Outdated formats β micro-SIM and standard SIM They can damage the slot contacts.
If you are not sure about your size SIM-Compare it to the template below (you can print it in real size):
Important: Xiaomiβs hybrid slots always prioritize the second nano-SIM over the microSD. If you insert a memory card into the slot for the second SIM, the phone wonβt see it.
Where is the slot for SIM-Xiaomi maps: all possible options
The manufacturer places a tray for SIM-And you can see the three main areas of the case, right end, upper end, or lower end, and less often, under the back cover (in very old models before 2016:
| Slot location | Examples of models | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Right end (near the power button) | Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 10T | The most common place. The tray is extracted with a paper clip. |
| Upper end (near the 3.5 mm connector) | Xiaomi 12/13/14, Mi 11 Ultra, Black Shark 5 | It's often found in flagships, can be hidden under a rubber seal. |
| Lower end (near USB-Type C) | Redmi 9A/10A, POCO M3/M4, Mi A3 | Rarely, but it's found in budget models, and the risk of dust is higher. |
| Under the back cover (without a removable tray) | Redmi 3S, Mi 4i, Mi 5 (until 2016) | It's an outdated format, requires the lid and battery to be completely removed. |
To quickly find the slot, check the phone case for a small hole (about 1 mm in diameter) β this is a socket for extracting the tray. In some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the hole can be closed with a moisture protection cover. Do not try to open it with a nail or toothpick β use only a special clip (comes with a kit) or an unbended stationery clip.
If you canβt find the slot, check out:
- π Instructions for the phone - it always has a scheme with the location of the tray.
- π¦ Delivery kit β sometimes a paper clip for extraction is attached to documents.
- π Xiaomi official website - the model specifies the type of slot.
π‘
If you have lost a paperclip to remove the tray, use an unbended stationery clip or needle from the syringe (only carefully so as not to scratch the case!).
Step-by-step instruction: how to insert SIM-map
When you find a slot, follow this algorithm. Note that the process may be slightly different for hybrid slots (where a microSD is installed along with the SIM).
- Turn off your phone (optional, but recommended for safety).
- Take a paperclip from the kit and gently insert it into the hole on the tray before you click. Don't put too much effort into it!
- When the tray is pushed out a little, pull it out with your fingers.
- Put the nano-SIM in the appropriate slot on the tray. Notice the notch, it should match the shape of the slot.
- If you have a hybrid tray, choose priority: πΆ Two. SIM-cards if two numbers are needed). πΆ + πΎ One. SIM + MicroSD (if memory is more important).
Carefully insert the tray back before you click. Make sure it sits straight.
Turn on your phone and check for the network.
If the phone can't see SIM-Map after installation, try it out:
- π Reset the device.
- πΆ Manually select the operator in the settings (Settings) β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Choice of network).
- π οΈ Check if the SIMKA is inserted correctly (contacts should be facing downwards).
Phone off (recommended)|The original paper clip is used|SIM-map is trimmed to nano-SIM|The notch on the sim coincides with the groove in the tray|The tray is inserted before clicking.-->
Attention! β οΈ Do not use sharp objects (knives, forks, toothpicks) to remove the tray, this can damage the fixing mechanism or scratch the body. If the tray is not removed, do not apply force, contact the service center.
Hybrid Slots: How to Combine the Two SIM-memory-card
Many Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro) POCO X4 Pro) are equipped with hybrid slots where you can choose only one of the two options:
- Two nano-SIMs (for two numbers).
- One nano-SIM + microSD (for memory expansion).
This means that two people are used simultaneously. SIM-If you need both numbers and additional storage, consider these alternatives:
- π± Cloud storage (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) β free up to 15 GB.
- π OTG-Adapter β allows you to connect the flash drive via USB-type C.
- π Models with a separate microSD slot (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3).
If you decide to donate the second SIM-A card for a memory card, take into account:
- πΆ Basic SIM-slot 1) usually 4G/5G, and the second (slot) 2) can only work in 2G/3G.
- π Hot replacement is impossible β to change the memory card you need to turn off the phone.
- β οΈ Formatting: Some models require microSD formatting as internal memory (data will be encrypted).
Attention! β οΈ Xiaomi's hybrid slots prioritize the second nano-SIM. If you insert a microSD into the second SIM slot, the phone won't see it. Always specify the location of the contacts in the instructions!
How to find out which slot is the main one in Xiaomi?
Frequent errors in installation SIM-maps and how to avoid them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to a broken SIM or a broken tray, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Installation SIM-face-upΒ» | The phone doesn't see the SIM, there may be scratches on the contacts. | The contact (the golden part) should be turned downwards. |
| Using inappropriate tools to remove the tray | Damage to the fixing mechanism, scratches on the body. | Use only the original paperclip or the unburdened stationery. |
| Forced insertion of micro-SIM into a nano-SIM slot | Breakdown of the slot contacts, the need for repair. | Cut the micro-SIM to nano-SIM or replace it with the operator. |
| Incomplete tray insertion | The phone can't see the SIM, the tray can fall out. | Make sure the tray sits before the click and does not protrude above the body. |
| Installation SIM-Hybrid slot cards without prioritization | The second SIM does not work or the microSD cannot be read. | Check the tray scheme in the instructions - where the slot is for the second SIM, and where for microSD. |
After installation SIM-The phone says "No network" or Β«SIM-The card is not found, follow these steps:
- Reboot the phone.
- Check if the SIM is inserted correctly (take out the tray and insert again).
- Manually select the operator in the settings (Settings) β Mobile network β Choice of network).
- Check if the βIn the planeβ mode is activated (Notification Panel) β Flight mode).
- If nothing helps, try inserting the SIM into another phone β perhaps the problem is with the card itself.
Attention! β οΈ If the tray is for SIM-The card is jammed and it is not removed by a paper clip, do not use pliers or other tools.
Features of installation SIM-Maps in popular Xiaomi models
Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique nuances when installed SIM-We've collected the most important ones for popular models:
Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra
Flagships of 2023 have a slot on the upper end, closed with a rubber seal to protect against moisture (IP68). When removing the tray, be careful - do not damage the seal, otherwise the phone will lose water resistance.
Redmi Note 12 Pro+/12 Pro
Hybrid slot on the right end. If you use two SIM-The second one will only work on the network. 4G (first-hand 5G). For microSD, the maximum supported volume is 1 TB, but it is recommended to use class cards. A2 fast-work.
POCO F5/F5 Pro
The slot is on the right end, but the tray is non-standard shape - the SIMs are installed by a "ladder". Be sure to consult the instructions so as not to confuse the slots. POCO F5 Pro is supported 5G first-hand SIM-map.
Redmi 10A/9A
Budget models with a tray on the bottom end. There is no hybrid slot - you can use two nano-SIM and separately microSD (three slots!). SIM-The card only works in 3G-network.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra
The slot is on the top end, but the tray is tightened, harder to extract than other models, and it's recommended to use the original staples from the kit, and the phone supports eSIM, but only on Android 12 and later.
For all models with moisture protection (IP53/IP68) After removing the tray, check the integrity of the rubber seal. If it's damaged, the phone loses water resistance!
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In support models 5G (For example, Xiaomi 13 or POCO F5) The first slot (Slot 1) is running on fifth generation networks. SIM-map will be limited 4G.
What to do if Xiaomi doesnβt see it SIM-map
If you put it right. SIM-The card, but the phone doesn't recognize it, and it could be the SIM or the device:
- Check the SIM on another phone β if it doesnβt work, contact the operator for a replacement.
- Clear the SIM and Slot contacts: π§Ή Gently wipe the SIMKA contacts with a wiper (to remove oxidation). π Blow the slot with compressed air (for example, a canister for cleaning equipment).
Update your phone.
Settings β About the phone β System updateReset the network settings
β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Network resetCheck the IMEI.
*#06#(Put this code in the phone app.)
If none of these methods worked, the problem may be:
- π οΈ A damaged slot (for example, after a phone crash).
- π§ Software failure (reflashing required).
- π‘ Blocking IMEI (If you bought a phone with your hands).
Attention! β οΈ If after falling or getting moisture, the phone stopped seeing SIM-Take it to the service center immediately, and doing it yourself can make the breakdown worse.