Extraction SIM-Xiaomi smartphone cards seem like a simple task — until you face a jammed tray, no paper clip or the need to urgently change the operator on the trip. From the non-standard slot arrangement to the risk of damaging contacts if sloppy extraction.This article covers all possible scenarios, from basic beginner instructions to emergency methods, when the tray is stuck or there is no special tool at hand.
We'll take a look at the design features. SIM-trays in different Xiaomi lines (from budget Redmi to flagship Mi and Xiaomi models) POCO), We'll explain why you can't use tools like needles, and we'll give you a checklist for safe extraction. SIM-card sticks to the contacts or the tray is deformed - such situations require a special approach so as not to damage the motherboard.
1. Standard method: extraction tool SIM-map
Most Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with a metal clip with a curved end - this is the key to the game. SIM-It goes into the box with the phone, but it's often lost, and if the original tool is on hand, it takes less than a minute to do the process:
- Turn off your phone (optional, but recommended for safety).
- Find the hole on the side of the case – usually it is located on the right (for models with one slot) or on the left (for hybrid trays under 2 SIM + microSD).
- Insert the key into the hole to the point and press until the tray is pushed out 1-2 mm.
- Carefully pull the tray with your fingers and pull out SIM-map.
Important: don’t apply excessive force. If the tray is not retracted, check if you have confused the hole with a microphone or an AI button (in Xiaomi 13 Pro models and later).
Check the correctness of the hole (not the microphone!)
Make sure the phone is not in the case (it can block the mechanism)
Try to push from the other angle (45°)
Use a flashlight to inspect the mechanism for dust/mud-->
2. Alternative tools: what can be used instead of a paper clip
If the original key is lost, items with the same diameter (0.8-1 mm) and stiffness will fit. Never use sharp objects (needles, pins, toothpicks) - they can scratch the tray contacts or damage the O-ring (in models with IP53/IP68 protection).
- 📎 Paperclip - unwind it so that the end is straight and blunt.
- 🔑 Key to the bicycle spoke - fit the spoke with a diameter of 0.9-1 mm.
- 🖊️ gel pen rod - take out the paste and use a plastic tube.
- 📌 Sewing pin with a ball - only if the ball is not more than 1 mm.
Warning: In Xiaomi Black Shark and POCO F-series models, the extraction hole can be deeper than the standard one. If the tool is too short, it will not reach the mechanism - use tweezers to hold the tray when pressed.
The original key from the kit
Paperclip or pin
Nail (if the tray is easily extended)
Other handy means
Never got out on their own.-->
3. Extract SIM-Cards without tools (emergency methods)
If you don't have anything on hand, you can try to push the tray manually, which is risky and only suitable for emergencies (for example, if the phone fell into the water and you need to urgently remove the card).
Method 1: Nail or credit card
Some trays (like the Redmi Note 10 or the POCO X3 Pro) have a small protrusion, and if you nail the edge of the tray and pull it out, it can move out, and the alternative is to use the edge of the plastic card, inserting it into the gap between the tray and the body.
Method 2: Turn the phone over and shake it.
Suitable for models with unfixed trays (such as the Xiaomi Mi A1 or the old Redmi 4X). Turn the phone down and shake it slightly. Sometimes the tray falls under its own weight, especially if you press it before you do so.
⚠️ Note: Do not apply this method to waterproof phones (Xiaomi) 12T Pro, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G Risk of damaging the sealing ring and depriving the protection device IP!
Method 3: Heating of the housing (only for jammed trays)
If the tray is stuck due to moisture or deformation, you can slightly heat the body with a hairdryer (temperature not higher than 50 ° C) for 10-15 seconds. The heat will expand the metal, and the tray can free up. Do not use an open fire or oven!
What if the tray fell out with the spring?
Features of hybrid trays (2 SIM + microSD)
Many Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11, POCO M4 Pro) are equipped with hybrid trays, where the second slot can be used or under the second SIM-There's a nuance in extracting these trays:
- 🔄 Installation procedure: SIM-The cards should be face down (contacts to the phone), and the microSD should be chip up.
- 📏 Nano-SIM Size: Hybrid trays only support nano-SIM (12.3 × 8.8 If you insert a micro-SIM, the tray may jam.
- 🚫 MicroSD Restriction: In some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T Pro) memory card slot is locked when two SIM.
| Model phone | Type of tray | Max, the volume of microSD | Support for two SIMs + microSDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Hybrid | 1 TB | No (either 2 SIM or 1 SIM + microSD) |
| POCO X5 Pro | Hybrid | 512GB | No. |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | Normal (2 nano-SIM) | — | No microSD slot |
| Redmi 10C | Hybrid | 512GB | Yes (but not officially recommended) |
If you use two of them SIM-cards and microSD simultaneously in a hybrid tray, the phone may not recognize one of the two devices. SIM This is due to the limitations of the Qualcomm Snapdragon communication controller in budget models.
5. What to do if SIM-card stuck in the tray
Sometimes. SIM-The card sticks to the tray contacts because of oxidation or deformation, and trying to pull it out by force can break a corner of the map or bend the contacts:
- Inspect the tray: If the card protrudes over the edge, try to pick it up with a nail or plastic card.
- Use tweezers: gently grab the edge SIM-cards and pull perpendicular to the tray (not sideways!).
- Apply alcohol: if the card does not lend itself, drip 70% isopropyl alcohol at the joint and wait 1-2 minutes.
- Check the contacts: after extraction, examine the tray for bent contacts (they should be smooth and shiny).
⚠️ Note: If the tray contacts are blackened or covered with green coating (oxidation), do not insert a new one into it. SIM-Clean contacts with a wipe or contact the service - oxidation can lead to short circuit!
In extreme cases, you can use Scotch: glue a piece to the front side SIM-This is a risky method, because the glue can stay on the contacts.
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If SIM-The card is stuck because of the tray deformation (for example, after the fall of the phone), do not try to remove it by force.
6 How to extract SIM-card if the tray is broken
If the tray mechanism is damaged (for example, a spring broke or the guides jammed), disassembly of the phone will be required. At home, this can only be done for models with a removable rear cover (for example, the Redmi 9A or POCO C31). For modern smartphones with adhesive housing (Xiaomi 12, 13 and later), disassembly without experience can damage the plumes.
Algorithm for phones with removable cover:
- Turn off the phone and remove the battery (if it is removable).
- Remove the back cover by poking it up with a plastic spatula (start at the corner next to the power button).
- Find it. SIM-tray – it is usually located next to the battery and is secured by a Phillips screw #00.
- Unscrew the screw, gently lift the tray and extract SIM-map.
For phones with a non-removable cover (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11):
- 🔥 Use a dryer to heat the adhesive around the perimeter of the case (temperature 60–70)°C).
- 🛠️ Tap the lid with a plastic spatula, starting at the bottom edge (near the connector). USB-C).
- ⚠️ Do not pull the lid by force - there are plumes of volume and power buttons underneath it.
After extraction SIM-cards are recommended to replace the tray (the cost of the part is 200-500 rubles). Dust and moisture that got inside the case during dismantling can cause corrosion.
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If you're not sure about your disassembly skills, you should contact the service. Damage to the screen plume or motherboard when you repair yourself will cost more than replacing the tray.
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when working with the Internet. SIM-Here are the most common of these and how to prevent them:
- 🔋 Extraction SIM-card on the phone → It can cause a network failure. Always turn your phone into airplane mode or turn it off.
- 💦 Moisture entering the tray → If the phone is wet, first dry it in rice or silica gel for 12-24 hours before removing it. SIM.
- 🔄 Incorrect installation SIM-map → If the card is not inserted in the guides, the tray can jam. Always check that the corner of the card matches the notch in the tray.
- 🔨 Use of metal objects → scratches on the tray contacts impair communication. Use only plastic or wood.
Another common problem is the loss of a pin code after extraction. SIM-If you forgot, PUK-- code, do not enter it at random: after 10 wrong attempts, the card will be locked forever.