Modern Xiaomi smartphones, including the popular Redmi and Poco series, are equipped with a combined slot or separate sockets for installing communication modules. The need to remove the tray arises quite often: whether it is replacing the operator, setting an additional tariff or transferring data to a new memory card. Despite the apparent simplicity of the procedure, inept actions can damage the mechanism or even the device body.
Owners often face a situation where there is no special tool at hand, coming with a kit, or the tray is banally stuck after a long time of use. It is important to understand that the force here is not the best assistant. The fixation mechanism is quite gentle, and rough intervention can already require serious repairs in the service center. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of safe extraction.
We'll look at not only standard methods, but also ways to solve problems if the slot fails. You'll learn how to replace a branded paper clip, how to determine the type of tray in your model and what you absolutely can not do to not damage the motherboard or contacts.
Workplace preparation and tool search
The first step before you start any manipulation of the hardware of a smartphone is to organize a safe space. Make sure you are at a table with good lighting. SIM-Floor maps can cause chip loss or screen damage, so a soft surface would be the perfect choice for the job.
The main tool for retrieving the tray is a special metal clip that comes in a box with a new device. It has a special shape: one end is sharpened and flattened to fit exactly into the micro-hole of the mechanism. If the original paper clip is lost, which happens very often, do not despair. You will need any thin metal object with a diameter of about 1-1.5 mm.
A regular paper clip can be a great alternative if you straighten one of the ends of it, syringe needles (used and disinfected), thin cloves earrings or even pins will also work, but be careful: a needle that is too thick can get stuck, and a needle that is too sharp can damage the internal mechanisms, and a paper clip is the safest and most affordable option at home.
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Use a paperclip with a flat, rather than sharp tip, so as not to damage the latch mechanism inside the hole.
Before inserting the tool, carefully examine the end of your smartphone. Depending on the Xiaomi model, the slot can be located on top, bottom or side. In some protected models or devices with moisture protection, the mechanism can be hidden under a rubber plug that needs to be carefully bent.
Determination of the type of tray and its location
Slot design for SIM-Xiaomi has seen changes in the way that maps are used in smartphones in recent years, and understanding what type of card you have on your device will help you avoid errors. There are three main options, and each has its own extraction features.
The first and most common option is a 2-in-1 combined tray, which allows you to install either two. SIM-card SIM-The other option is two separate slots, located next to each other. The third option, found in flagship models, is a tray for only one. SIM-cards without the possibility of expanding memory.
- 📱 Combined slot: requires care when installing, as the memory card lies over one of the sims.
- 🔓 Individual slots: each tray is taken out independently, which is more convenient for hot card swaps.
- 💾 Flagship variant: often has a moisture-protective seal and requires more careful handling.
The location of the extraction hole also varies. In most Redmi Note models, it is on the bottom end, next to the charging connector or microphone. In older or compact models, the slot can be on the top edge. Find a small circular hole next to a long narrow strip - this is the mechanism you want.
It's important to note that some ultra-budget or very old Xiaomi models have had a removable back cover where the tray didn't require a paper clip. However, for modern devices, this is no longer relevant. If you can't see the holes on the ends, maybe your phone only supports eSIM or has a custom design.
Step-by-step instructions for removing the tray
Now that you've found the hole and you've prepared the tool, you can start the process. Hold the phone tightly with one hand so it doesn't slip out when you put the effort in. Take a paper clip or a needle with the other hand.
Insert the sharp end of the tool perpendicular to the hole. The movement should be straight, without tilting left or right, so as not to scratch the body and break the mechanism inside. Feel a little resistance - this is the lock tray.
Make a confident but not overly pressing movement inwards. You should hear or feel a slight click. After that, the tray will slightly extend out of the body (about 2-3 millimeters), this distance is enough to put a nail or tweezers on it.
☑️ Extraction algorithm
If the tray is out, gently pull it over the edge with your fingers. Don't pull it out. You'll see contacts inside. Pay attention to the orientation of the cutout. SIM-maps: it should match perfectly with the shape in the tray. Incorrect installation can lead to a circuit.
⚠️ Warning: Never put the tray back into the phone empty unless it has at least one card or stub.This can cause dust to enter the case or damage contacts when re-installed.
Once removed, inspect the tray for contaminants, if the contacts are oxidized, they can be gently wiped with a dry soft cloth, and do not use alcohol or water unless you are sure of the complete safety of the procedure for a particular model.
What to do if the tray is stuck or not removed
The situation when the tray is not amenable to effort is not so rare, and there may be several reasons: from the banal sticking of the mechanism due to dust to the deformation of the tray itself after previous careless attempts to extract.
The first thing you need to do is check if you've mixed up the hole next to the slot. SIM-The cards are often microphone holes, and if you try to press a clip into the microphone, nothing happens except for possible damage to the membrane.
If the hole is correct, but the tray does not come out:
- 🛠 Try changing the angle of the paper clip by literally a millimeter to hook the lever.
- 🌬 Gently blow the end of the phone with compressed air to remove dust.
- 🔄 Try tapping your phone slightly with the edge of your hand (screen down on a soft surface) to move the mechanism.
In some cases, it helps to sway the paperclip from side to side during pressure, but be very careful. If the tray is deformed, it can jam the mechanism, in which case it is better not to continue trying on your own, so as not to damage the motherboard.
Can we use glue?
If you feel that the mechanism inside is broken or the tray is arching but not coming out, stop. Further efforts will lead to expensive repairs, in which case the only correct solution is to go to an authorized service center.
Comparison of tray designs in different Xiaomi models
Different Xiaomi smartphone lines use different tray standards, and understanding these differences will help you avoid confusing cards when you install them in a new phone or when using two devices.
| Series of devices | Type of tray | Location. | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Redmi (budget) | Combined (SIM + SIM/microSD) | Lower end | Often no waterproof, plastic tray |
| Xiaomi Mi / Number Series | Separate or combined | Lower end | Metal tray, possible moisture protection |
| Poco (mid-segment) | Combined | Lower end | Reinforced design, side arrangement in some models |
| Black Shark | A separate SIM slot | Side end | Specific form for gaming smartphones |
As you can see from the table, most of the devices are similar in design, but the nuances are important. For example, in models with moisture protection, there may be a rubber seal on the tray, and when you remove this tray, you need to make sure that the seal does not jump off or get lost, otherwise the sealing of the housing will be disturbed.
Also worth noting is the difference in materials: Cheap plastic trays are easier to bend under heavy pressure, whereas metal trays are more durable, but can scratch the case if untidy extraction. Always check the tray's condition before putting it back in.
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Knowing the type of your tray will prevent errors when installing memory cards and SIM cards of different formats.
Frequent errors and precautions
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that can cost the functionality of the device, and the most common mistake is using a tool that is too thick, which leads to widening the hole and unbundling the fixing mechanism.
Another mistake is to place the memory card on the wrong side: Contacts should look down (or up, depending on the model), but never sideways. If you insert the card with a force that does not match the shape, you can damage the contact areas inside the phone.
List of actions that are strictly prohibited:
- 🚫 Do not use scissors or knives as a paper clip - they are too wide.
- 🚫 Do not blow too much into the hole with your mouth - moisture from the breath will oxidize the contacts.
- 🚫 Do not leave the tray open for a long time without a card.
⚠️ Attention: If you drop a paper clip inside the hole and can't reach it, don't shake the phone intensely.It's best to try to remove it with a magnet or tweezer carefully so as not to push the object deeper into the board.
It is also important to turn off your phone before removing the tray if your model does not support Hot Swap. Although most modern Xiaomi allow you to change the SIM on the go, reinsurance will save you from possible resetting of network settings or damage to the memory card file system.