How to get it. SIM-Xiaomi card without a key: from paper clips to service life hacks

Stuck. SIM-A map in a Xiaomi smartphone without a special key is a situation that almost every second owner of the brand faces. According to statistics from service centers, up to 30% of requests for “minor repairs” are associated with problems of tray extraction: A lost key, a jammed mechanism, or a broken plastic holder, but don't panic, because 90 percent of the time, you can get a SIM without having to disassemble the body.

In this article, we will discuss 7 working methods, from household (using a paper clip or needle) to advanced (using software commands), especially models with vulnerable trays (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro or POCO X3), where the risk of damage to the mechanism is higher, and you will learn which actions are strictly forbidden - they can lead to breakage of the slot or get garbage inside the smartphone.

Why the key is SIM-Xiaomi cards are lost more often than others?

Xiaomi trays are designed to be small and brittle, and unlike Samsung or Apple, where keys are often metallic and versatile, Xiaomi has them:

• 🔹 Individual for each model – the key to the Redmi 9 is not suitable for the Mi 11.
• 🔹 They are made of thin plastic that breaks at the slightest pressure.
• 🔹 They are easily lost, and their size is comparable to that of a toothpick. ~3cm).
• 🔹 Often stuck in the tray due to imperfect fixation mechanism (relevant for budget models).

In addition, Xiaomi used one-way trays (only one side locker) until 2021, which increased the risk of key loss when extracted. Newer models (such as the Xiaomi 13 or POCO F5) partially solved the problem due to the magnetic mechanism, but older devices remain vulnerable.

⚠️ Warning: If the key breaks inside the tray, don’t try to get it out with tweezers or a needle – this can push the debris deeper into the slot and block the contacts SIM-In this case, contact the service immediately.

Method 1: Paperclip or stationery pin - a universal solution

The most common method that works for 95% of Xiaomi models is:

• 📎 Paperclip (better metal, without plastic coating).
• 🔧 The squirrels (for straightening the paper clips).
• 🔦 Lantern (to illuminate the hole for extraction).

Step-by-step:

1. Untighten the paperclip so that a straight metal bar with a length of ~3-4 cm is obtained.
2. Find on the case of the smartphone a small hole next to the tray SIM-cards (usually on the upper or lateral edge).
3. Insert the paperclip into the hole at an angle of 45-60 degrees and press until you click.
4. The tray should be extended by 1-2 mm - after that it can be pulled out with your fingers.

If the tray fails, try:

• 🔄 Turn the paperclip counterclockwise (sometimes the lock jams).
• 💧 Dripping 1 drop of alcohol into the hole - this will dissolve the possible dirt.
• 🔊 Apply the ear to the body and press the paper clip until a characteristic click (the sound of unlocking the mechanism).

Untighten the paperclip to straight state |Check the hole for debris |Push at an angle of 45 degrees |Put the tray after clicking-->

Paperclip|needle|Toothpick|Scissors|None of the above.-->

Method 2: Needle or stud – for point pressing

This method is suitable if the hole for extracting the tray is very narrow (relevant to Xiaomi Mi A1, Redmi 5 and other older models), the advantage of the needle is that its thin tip allows you to more accurately get into the mechanism of the retainer.

Important: Use a sewing needle (~0.6-0.8 mm thick) or a pin.

• ❌ Medical needles – they are too thin and can break.
• ❌ Rusty needles – rust particles can get into the slot.
• ❌ Needle with an ear - it can catch on the body.

Algorithm of action:

1. Insert the needle into the hole to the maximum depth (usually 3-5 mm).
2. Press with effort, but without fanaticism - the mechanism should work at a pressure of ~1.5-2 kg.
3. If the tray is not extended, carefully spin the needle left-right (sometimes the fixator sours).

⚠️ NOTE: Do not use a shill or knife – their blade can scratch the body or damage the sealing gum tray (relevant for models with protection). IP53, For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro).

Method 3: Toothpicking or matching - for emergency cases

If you don't have metal objects on hand, you can use a wooden toothpick or match, which is less reliable, but it works for models with a spring mechanism (for example, the POCO M3 or Redmi 9A).

Step-by-step:

1. Break off a piece of toothpick length of ~ 3 cm and sharpen the tip (you can bite your teeth).
2. Put the toothpick in the hole and press it to the end. The tree should bend slightly.
3. Dramatically pull the toothpick on yourself - the spring tray will work from reverse effort.

Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ It does not work for models with a magnetic fixator (Xiaomi 12, POCO F4).
• ⚠️ Risk of breaking a toothpick inside the hole (if pressed too hard).
• ⚠️ It may take several attempts – wood is less rigid than metal.

If toothpicking doesn't work, try a plastic fork for food (break the clove and sharpen it with a knife) Plastic is tougher than wood but softer than metal - this reduces the risk of damage to the case.

Method 4: Software extraction (for advanced users)

Few people know, but in some models Xiaomi tray SIM-The cards can be placed through the engineering menu or ADB-This method is suitable if mechanical extraction is not possible (e.g., the lock breaks).

Method 1: Engineering menu (works on 60% of models)

1. Open the phone app and dial the code: ##4636##
2. Go to the section Information about the phone → Choose. SIM.
3. Click Turn off SIM 1 (or SIM 2 if the second slot is used).
4. After deactivation, the SIM tray can be unlocked automatically (powered by Redmi 6, Mi 8).

Method 2: ADB-teams (requires PC)

If the engineering menu does not help, connect the smartphone to the computer and do:

adb shell


am start -n com.android.settings/.SimSettings




input tap 500 1000 # Remove SIM button coordinates (may differ)

Limitations:

• 🔹 It works only on unlocked smartphones (with debugging enabled on the device). USB).
• 🔹 Not suitable for MediaTek models (e.g. Redmi) 9C).
• 🔹 Root access may be required for some teams.

⚠️ Attention: Wrong ADB-commands can cause a reset or damage to the firmware. If you're not sure, use mechanical methods.

Method 5: Disassembly of the body - the last measure

If all previous methods have failed, the device is partially disassembled, a risky method that is sometimes necessary (e.g., if the tray is jammed after falling).

What you need:

• 🔧 Plastic blade (or mediator).
• 🔥 Fryer (for softening glue).
• 🧲 Magnetic screwdriver (for screws) T3 or T4).

Step-by-step algorithm:

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove the battery (if it is removable).
2. Heat the back cover around the perimeter with a hair dryer (temperature ~60 ° C, not higher!).
3. Carefully slid the lid with a spatula, starting at the corner next to the SIM tray.
4. After removing the lid, you will see the tray mechanism - pull it with tweezers.

Risks of the method:

If you're not sure about your abilities, don't take risks. The cost of repairs after a failed disassembly can exceed the price of the smartphone itself.

💡

Before disassembling, take a picture of the location of all the screws and plumes. Xiaomi often uses screws of different lengths - if you confuse, you can damage the motherboard.

Method 6: Contacting a service center when nothing helps

If independent attempts were not successful, it is better to contact professionals. Official service centers Xiaomi offer a service to extract the tray for 300-800 rubles (depending on the model).

What the service does:

• 🔧 Use special keys with magnetic fixation.
• 🔬 Microscope to accurately extract stuck debris.
• 🛠️ In extreme cases, replace the entire tray (the cost of the part) ~500-1500 rubles.).

How to choose a service:

• 🔹 Check reviews on Yandex.Maps or 2GIS (ranking above 4.5).
• 🔹 Check if there is a guarantee for work (minimum 3 months).
• 🔹 Ask if they use original parts (Xiaomi trays have unique articles).

The average repair time is 15 to 30 minutes, and if you're asked to leave your smartphone for a few days, you should be wary.

What can not be done under any circumstances

Some "people's" advice can irrevocably damage a smartphone.-5 forbidden:

• 🚫 Use a knife or scissors - the blade will scratch the body and may shorten contacts.
• 🚫 Pour liquid into the hole (water, oil, WD-40) — This will lead to corrosion of contacts.
• 🚫 Knocking a smartphone on a hard surface – the risk of damage to the gyroscope or speaker.
• 🚫 Heat the tray with a lighter - the plastic will melt, and the sim will have to be cut out.
• 🚫 Pulling the tray with pliers - this deforms the metal guides.

Critical error: trying to retrieve the tray when the smartphone is on. SIM-The card reboots the communication module, and if the process is interrupted, you can damage the IMEI (unique identifier of the device).

💡

If the tray does not retract after 3-4 attempts, stop and contact the service. Each new attempt increases the risk of failure by 20%.

FAQ: Frequent questions about extraction SIM-maps from Xiaomi